Machu Picchu Reinforces its Global Reputation as a Sustainable Tourism Leader with Third-Year Carbon Neutral Certification and a 7.26% Decrease in Visitor Carbon Emissions

Published on December 11, 2025

Machu Picchu continues to set the global standard for sustainable tourism as it proudly renews its Carbon Neutral Certification for the third consecutive year. This remarkable achievement underscores the iconic Peruvian destination’s unwavering commitment to reducing its environmental impact. In addition to maintaining its carbon-neutral status, Machu Picchu has achieved a significant 7.26% decrease in carbon emissions per visitor, reinforcing its role as a leader in eco-friendly tourism. The certification highlights the collective efforts of local authorities, tourism organizations, and international partners, all working together to ensure that this UNESCO World Heritage site remains a model of responsible tourism for future generations.

Green Initiative International proudly announces that Machu Picchu has successfully renewed its Carbon Neutral Certification for the third consecutive year, showcasing a 7.26% reduction in carbon emissions per visitor. This milestone also includes a significant increase in carbon capture through ecological restoration efforts, further solidifying Machu Picchu’s position as a global leader in science-based climate governance.

This accomplishment is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Municipality of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra, AJE Group, SERNANP, PROMPERÚ, Tetra Pak, CANATUR, Inka Rail, Peru Rail, Belmond, LATAM Airlines, and WorldXchange, with support from the UN Tourism, UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), UNCTAD, AECID, and the Peru Circular Tourism Initiative. Prominent global destinations such as Tikal, the Galápagos Islands, Foz do Iguaçu, Bonito, the Pantanal, and Christ the Redeemer also took part in the certification ceremony.

A Sustainable Blueprint for Tourism Decarbonization
Machu Picchu’s strategy for combating climate change employs circular economy solutions, including biochar production through pyrolysis, biodiesel made from used cooking oils, PET recycling, and enhancements in sustainable transport with electric vehicles. To offset residual emissions, high-integrity carbon credits are utilized. Additionally, 2024’s ecological restoration efforts led to the capture of 5,057 tons of CO₂e, improving the destination’s overall climate footprint. All monitoring is conducted in alignment with the GHG Protocol and IPCC Guidelines.

Expanding Innovation Within Peru and Globally
The destination is now broadening its model by establishing the World’s First Carbon Neutral Tourism Corridor, connecting the municipalities of Machu Picchu and Cusco. It is also fostering international partnerships, including collaborations with Angkor Wat and Petra, to further the objectives of the Glasgow Declaration and Paris Agreement.

A Global Example for Climate Action
Machu Picchu demonstrates that tourism can drive regeneration and hope. When destinations adopt comprehensive measurement, reduction, and restoration strategies, they inspire progress worldwide. From the majestic Andes, Peru proves that climate action is not merely a statement—it’s a process that’s being built, monitored, and shared.

Voices of Climate Action and Sustainable Tourism
“From the District Municipality of Machu Picchu, we remain committed to continuously monitoring our carbon footprint and promoting policies that foster a circular and regenerative economy in harmony with nature.” — Elvis La Torre, Mayor of Machu Picchu

“This achievement demonstrates that through public–private and multilateral collaboration we can achieve remarkable results in decarbonizing the economy, moving closer to the climate goals humanity must reach. The certification experience accumulated here—and which we seek to scale across the Americas and worldwide—shows that tourism and climate action can and must go hand in hand.”
— Gustavo Santos, Regional Director for the Americas, UN Tourism

“Machu Picchu’s Carbon Neutral Certification reflects years of scientific data and standardized processes that accelerate society’s adoption of climate action,” said Daniel Galván Pérez, UN Climate Change.

“Machu Picchu not only represents the greatness of our history and culture, but also Peru’s commitment to a sustainable future. Being the first World Cultural Heritage Site to achieve carbon neutrality is a milestone that reflects how tourism can be a positive force for conservation and development. Today, travelers around the world seek experiences that connect with nature and respect the environment; Machu Picchu demonstrates that it is possible to experience cultural heritage in harmony with the planet. This achievement inspires us to continue promoting tourism that protects, values, and transforms.” — María del Sol Velásquez, Director of Tourism Promotion, PROMPERÚ

“The certification of Machu Picchu as a carbon-neutral destination marked a milestone in the environmental management of Peruvian tourism. This achievement opens the opportunity to move toward a more ambitious model, where tourist destinations strengthen their resource efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint, foster innovation, and consolidate the participation of local communities. At MINCETUR, we work to ensure that this example inspires other destinations to advance on the path toward sustainability and resilience, in alignment with the country’s climate commitments.” — Sophia Dávila, Director of the Directorate of Environmental Tourism Affairs, MINCETUR.

“Tourism drives growth in many developing countries, but its future must be sustainable. Machu Picchu’s Carbon Neutral Certification is an example that it is possible to align decarbonization goals with economic development, making the sector a true ally of climate action.” — Claudia Contreras, Economic Affairs Officer, UNCTAD

“For over 45 years, Inkaterra and the Municipality of Machu Picchu have collaborated. This achievement reflects the joint efforts of private organizations, public institutions, and the international community to make tourism a tool for prosperity and sustainability.” — José Koechlin, President and Founder, Inkaterra

“The Carbon Neutral Certification of Machu Picchu, granted by Green Initiative, symbolizes what happens when companies act with purpose. At AJE Group, we reaffirm our commitment to solutions that combine innovation, sustainability, and social well-being.” — Jorge Lopes-Dóriga, Director of Communication and Sustainability, AJE Group

“The third Carbon Neutral recertification of Machu Picchu is living proof that sustainability is a journey—one that advances only when we create value for all. When the right allies come together and the community leads with purpose, everything becomes possible..”— Mónica Yuliana Montes Castaño, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak Andina

“Every ecosystem protected and restored in Machu Picchu is a seed of hope in the face of climate change. We reaffirm our commitment to integrating conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.” — José Carlos Nieto Navarrete, Executive President, SERNANP

“For BAM, it is an honor to have contributed for the third consecutive year to the certification of Machu Picchu as a carbon-neutral destination, through the emission reductions generated by our REDD+ Castañeros project. This project protects more than 600,000 hectares of unique forests and directly benefits more than 800 families dedicated to conservation. Machu Picchu once again demonstrates its leadership by taking the climate challenge seriously and becoming a tangible example of how Peru can move toward a decarbonized future. We hope that more organizations in our country take this decisive step toward responsible management models, in harmony with our ecosystems and with the urgency that the planet demands.” — Jorge Cantuarias, Founder of BAM

Machu Picchu has successfully renewed its Carbon Neutral Certification for the third consecutive year, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable tourism. With a 7.26% reduction in carbon emissions per visitor, this milestone highlights the destination’s commitment to environmental preservation. The certification reflects a collective effort from local and international stakeholders to maintain the site’s ecological integrity for future generations.

Green Initiative International strengthens its dedication to promoting trustworthy climate solutions, aiding destinations in lowering emissions, rejuvenating ecosystems, and fostering a climate-positive future for worldwide tourism.