Machu Picchu’s Third Consecutive Carbon Neutral Certification

Published on December 11, 2025

Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic and visited cultural heritage sites, has successfully renewed its Carbon Neutral Certification for the third consecutive year. The certification is awarded by Green Initiative International and highlights the site’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact. The initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to make tourism more sustainable and to combat the effects of climate change.

A Remarkable Achievement in Carbon Reduction

In 2024, Machu Picchu achieved an impressive 7.26 percent reduction in carbon emissions per tourist, contributing to a more sustainable tourism model. This reduction was the result of significant efforts in both operational practices and ecological restoration programs. Additionally, the site has increased its carbon capture through these efforts, further offsetting its carbon footprint. The environmental strategies put in place, such as biochar production, biodiesel creation from used oils, and recycling PET and packaging materials, have all contributed to this milestone.

The certification process is monitored based on the standards set by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the guidelines from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This ensures that the metrics used to assess the site’s carbon emissions are in line with international climate standards. Through these practices, Machu Picchu is positioning itself as a model destination for sustainable tourism.

Collaborative Efforts for a Greener Future

Machu Picchu’s success in achieving Carbon Neutral status is not a solitary effort. The Municipality of Machu Picchu, along with several key partners including Inkaterra, AJE Group, and SERNANP, has worked tirelessly to implement and improve sustainable practices across the site. The collaboration extends to other tourism-related entities such as PROMPERU, Inka Rail, Peru Rail, and LATAM Airlines, with support from prominent international bodies like UN Tourism and UN Climate Change (UNFCCC).

These collective efforts have been instrumental in establishing Machu Picchu not only as a top tourist destination but also as a global leader in sustainable tourism practices. In 2024, the ecological restoration projects implemented by local stakeholders captured over 5,000 tons of CO₂e, further enhancing the climate balance of the region. The ongoing restoration initiatives include reforestation and biodiversity programs designed to protect and restore the natural environment around the heritage site.

Setting a Global Standard for Tourism and Climate Action

The impact of Machu Picchu’s carbon neutral efforts extends beyond the boundaries of Peru. The site is now part of a broader initiative to create the World’s First Carbon Neutral Tourism Corridor, which will link Machu Picchu with the city of Cusco. This corridor is expected to connect municipalities along the way, providing an example of how tourism-related infrastructure can integrate circular economy solutions and foster sustainable practices across regions.

In addition, Machu Picchu is actively engaging in international partnerships with other cultural heritage sites, including Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Petra in Jordan, to exchange knowledge and work together on implementing the Glasgow Declaration and the Paris Agreement’s climate goals. These international exchanges reflect the growing recognition that global tourism can play a crucial role in addressing climate change.

The Road Ahead: Expanding Sustainability Efforts

Machu Picchu’s commitment to sustainability is part of a larger vision for decarbonizing tourism in Peru and around the world. By continuing to reduce carbon emissions, implement circular-economy solutions, and promote eco-friendly practices, the site sets a powerful example of how the tourism industry can align with global climate goals.

Looking ahead, the authorities behind Machu Picchu’s carbon neutral certification aim to scale this model to other key tourist destinations across the Americas and beyond. This approach demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships and multilateral collaboration in tackling the urgent issue of climate change while maintaining the integrity and appeal of cultural and natural heritage sites.

Through its carbon neutral efforts, Machu Picchu not only leads by example in sustainable tourism but also sends a strong message to the global tourism industry about the importance of incorporating climate action into every aspect of operations. This milestone is a clear indication that tourism and climate action can go hand in hand, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future for global travel.