- The Peruvian wonder of the world reaffirms its global leadership in climate action in tourism, after achieving a reduction of more than 8% in its carbon footprint per tourist since 2025.
- This recognition is the result of joint work between the Municipality of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra, Grupo AJE, Tetra Pak and various organizations.
- The experience seeks to extend to other destinations in Peru through a climate-neutral tourism corridor connecting Cusco, Machu Picchu and Choquequirao.
Machu Picchu, November 2026.- Our world wonder continues to make history. Machu Picchu achieved its fourth certification as a carbon neutral destination, granted by the international organization Green Initiative, reaffirming its position as a global benchmark in sustainable tourism and climate action. This recognition reflects the progress of an environmental management model that combines emissions reduction, waste utilization and ecosystem conservation.
This initiative has been driven by the Municipal District of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra, Grupo AJE and Bosques Amazónicos (BAM). Over the years, strategic allies have joined, such as Tetra Pak, PROMPERU, SERNANP, CANATUR, InkaRail, LATAM, WorldXchange, Continental Travel, Turismo Circular Perú, with international financing from AECID, and PeruRail, consolidating a public-private collaboration model to reduce the environmental impact of the destination.
One of the main results of this effort is the reduction of more than 8% in the carbon footprint per tourist since 2025, achieved through circular economy solutions and better waste management. Among the actions carried out, notable examples include compactors for recycling PET plastic and cardboard, a biodiesel plant that transforms used oils into fuel, and a pyrolysis system that converts organic waste into biochar.
Ecological restoration holds a central place in this strategy. In 2024, these activities made it possible to capture more than 5,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent, contributing to improving the climate balance of the destination. The planting of 6,596 native trees has also been documented, aimed at recovering local ecosystems, increasing carbon capture and favoring the conservation of biodiversity in the Historic Sanctuary.
“Machupicchu is a living laboratory of climate action best practices, and its experience is being scaled up worldwide. When Machupicchu moves forward, Peru’s tourism moves forward“, said Maritza Montero, president of CANATUR.
On behalf of UN Tourism, Daniel Diniz Nepomuceno, Director of Investments and Public-Private Partnerships, highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships to drive climate action in tourism. "The experience of Machu Picchu shows how collaboration among public institutions, private companies and specialized organizations can turn climate commitments into concrete action. In line with the principles of the Glasgow Declaration, this cooperation model helps advance toward more sustainable and resilient destinations, promoting the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and generating good practices that can inspire other destinations", he said.
For its part, Grupo AJE highlighted the importance of maintaining alliances that generate sustainable environmental results over time. "Achieving a fourth certification shows that sustainability is not built with isolated actions, but with long-term commitments. Machu Picchu is an example of how innovation, circular economy and joint work can transform a tourist destination and become a benchmark for other places in the world", said Jorge López-Dóriga, Global Director of Communications and Sustainability of Grupo AJE.
From Inkaterra, an organization that has accompanied this initiative since its beginnings, the value of collaboration between institutions was highlighted. "The experience of Machu Picchu shows that conserving natural and cultural heritage requires a joint and sustained effort. This certification reflects the commitment of different organizations to promote tourism that creates opportunities for communities and helps protect our environment", stated José Koechlin, president and founder of Inkaterra.
In this regard, Elvis La Torre, mayor of Machu Picchu, highlighted the commitment of local management. "This fourth certification is the result of coordinated work between authorities, companies and our community. From the Municipality we will continue promoting actions that allow us to reduce our environmental footprint and guarantee responsible tourism development for future generations", he said.
Finally, Diego Carrillo Tudela, Commercial Director of Tetra Pak Peru, added: "No circular economy model works without the active participation of people. That is why one of Machu Picchu's main achievements has been strengthening the culture of waste segregation and recovery, showing that every properly separated material can become a resource and generate environmental value. At Tetra Pak we are proud to contribute to initiatives that turn waste management into an opportunity to advance toward more sustainable tourism".
From Machu Picchu to a carbon neutral tourism corridor
The experience developed in Machu Picchu seeks to become a replicable model for other destinations in the country. In this line, a climate-neutral tourism corridor connecting Cusco, Machu Picchu and Choquequirao is being promoted, aiming to extend emissions reduction, waste management and environmental conservation practices to a longer tourist route.
Likewise, this model, which is being scaled globally through collaboration with other iconic destinations such as Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Petra in Jordan and Tikal in Guatemala, opens opportunities to exchange experiences and good climate action practices.
The fourth certification was presented during Climate Action Day and the 4th Carbon Neutral Certification Ceremony of Machu Picchu, held on November 5, an event that brought together representatives of UN Tourism, UNCTAD, PROMPERU, MINCETUR, CANATUR, public institutions, companies and organizations committed to tourism sustainability.
With this new recognition, Machu Picchu reaffirms that collaboration between the public sector, private enterprise and communities can generate measurable and sustained environmental results over time, consolidating itself as a benchmark of responsible tourism for Peru and the world.
About Green Initiative
Green Initiative is the world's leading climate certifier for tourist destinations, with destinations such as Machupicchu, Christ the Redeemer, AngkorWat, Bonito and Petra. It is an international climate advisory and certification organization that supports public and private organizations and tourist destinations in integrating climate action into their growth strategies, measuring their environmental impact and complying with global standards such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Official headquarters: Peru. More at greeninitiative.eco.
About UN Tourism
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations specialized agency for responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Working with its 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members and more than 500 Affiliate Members, UN Tourism works to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.
The Organization promotes the inclusion of tourism in national and global programs and advocates for its potential to reduce poverty, generate employment, foster innovation and contribute to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The vision of the Leadership, backed by its Members, aims to strengthen knowledge creation, expand partnerships and add greater value for current and future members. For more information, visit www.untourism.int.
About the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is an international initiative launched under COP26 in 2021 to accelerate climate action in the tourism sector. Through this commitment, signatories pledge to halve tourism emissions by 2030 and reach net zero emissions before 2050, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The Declaration sets out five areas of action: measure, decarbonize, regenerate, collaborate and finance. Its approach recognizes that the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector requires long-term commitments, cooperation among the different actors in the tourism value chain, and concrete measures to mitigate climate change and strengthen the sector's adaptive capacity. For more information, visit www.untourism.int/the-glasgow-declaration-on-climate-action-in-tourism.
About Inkaterra
Inkaterra is a Peruvian company, a pioneer of ecotourism and sustainable development since 1975, recognized with five Michelin Keys (2025). A member of Relais & Châteaux and Virtuoso, and named the world's first Climate Positive hotel brand, Inkaterra promotes a holistic approach that produces scientific research for biodiversity conservation, education and the well-being of local communities. Its initiatives span the Amazon of Madre de Dios, the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the city of Cusco and the Tropical Pacific ecosystems of Cabo Blanco. It also celebrates the cultural and natural values of Peru through various publications, educational projects and international exhibitions. For more information, visit www.inkaterra.com.
About Grupo AJE
Grupo AJE is a Peruvian multinational with 38 years of history, with operations in more than 22 countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa. It is one of the largest beverage companies in the world, with a global portfolio that includes brands such as Amayu, Hey Fit, Dilyte, Cielo, Pulp, Free Tea, Cifrut, Sporade, Big Cola and VOLT, among others. The company has now begun a new stage of diversification into food & home care, retail and digital financial services. More information at www.ajegroup.com.
About TETRA PAK
Tetra Pak is a world-leading company in food packaging and processing solutions. Working with our customers and suppliers, we provide access to safe and nutritious food to hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries every day. With more than 24,000 employees worldwide, we are committed to making food safe and available everywhere, and we promise to protect what is good: food, people and the planet. For more information, visit www.tetrapak.com.
About Turismo Circular Perú
Turismo Circular Perú (TCP) is an initiative that drives the transformation of tourism toward a more responsible, sustainable and circular model. It promotes the efficient use of resources, the reduction of waste and carbon footprint, and the creation of opportunities for businesses and communities. Through training and the implementation of innovative practices, it seeks to strengthen the local economy and contribute to the well-being of territories. Its areas of work are focused on Piura (together with the Ente Gestor Playas del Norte), Cusco and San Martín. The project is run by the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) and financed by the European Union through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation. For more information, visit www.turismocircularperu.pe.
About Bosques Amazónicos (BAM)
Bosques Amazónicos (BAM) is a Peruvian company with 19 years of experience that develops nature-based climate solutions to protect and restore tropical forests. Through long-term management, scientific rigor and collaborative partnerships, BAM develops projects that generate high-integrity carbon credits and measurable benefits for the climate, biodiversity and local communities. For more information, visit bosques-amazonicos.com.
About WorldXchange
For 46 years, WorldXchange has worked with a clear purpose: to accompany and improve the travel experience of millions of people by providing currency exchange services at Peru's main airports. Our responsibility as a company goes beyond good service. It also involves actively contributing to the conservation and enhancement of our natural and cultural heritage. We are the first currency exchange house in the world certified as Carbon Neutral and Climate Positive, reaffirming our commitment to sustainability and contributing to the well-being of people and the planet. For more information, visit worldxchange.com.pe.
About Continental Travel
Continental Travel is a Peruvian company with more than 30 years in the market, specialized in comprehensive corporate travel management and in providing personalized solutions to companies across various sectors. Committed to sustainable development, it promotes responsible practices in its operations and, through Climate Smart Travel, enables its clients to measure and offset the carbon footprint generated by their trips. In this way, it contributes to more responsible and sustainable corporate travel management, integrating solutions that reduce environmental impact. For more information, visit www.continentaltravel.com.pe.
