Written by:
peru.travel
Thursday, September 9, 2021
The Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu became the first wonder of the world and the first international tourist destination to obtain the Carbon Neutral certificate, positioning itself as a global reference in terms of sustainability. The certification was awarded by the Green Initiative, an institution that seeks to promote green and environmentally friendly tourism. This certification seeks to drastically reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the Inca citadel with the intention of reducing 45% of CO2 emissions in 2030 and reaching neutrality in 2050.
Among the actions that were carried out to obtain this certification, the installation of the only organic waste treatment plant that exists in Peru, known as a pyrolysis plant, which transforms garbage into natural coal (biochar) and the transformation plant of oil that produces biodiesel and glycerin from vegetable oils discarded from homes and restaurants in the area.
Additionally, the reforestation process, led by the National Service of Protected Natural Areas (SERNANP), of one million trees in the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu began, which will mitigate climate change. This is how Machupicchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is positioned now as a main reference for sustainable tourism.
Wonder of the World
Full of a unique nature and surrounded by mystery and culture, Machupicchu is one of the wonders of the world that must be visited at least once in a lifetime. Located in the Cusco´s province of Urubamba, this sanctuary was built -approximately- during the middle of the 15th century. Its location, in a remote area of the Peruvian Andes, and the effort of the Incas to hide their roads, made it go unnoticed for almost 400 years.
All this changed in 1911, when the American explorer, Hiram Bingham - guided by local shepherds - arrived at Machupicchu and later made it known to the world thanks to a publication in the renowned National Geographic magazine.
To get to this enigmatic place, you must first travel to the city of Cusco. From Lima, by plane, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes; while, by bus, the trip is 17-22 hours. Once you are at the ‘navel of the world’, the fastest way to get to this World Heritage Site is by train. The trip takes about 3 hours. Other routes depart from Ollantaytambo every morning to Aguas Calientes (the town closest to the citadel).
Another alternative is to go by foot through the Inca trail. If you are a lover of trekking and adventure, this experience will undoubtedly leave you thrilled. It is an excursion that lasts from three to five days, in which you will enjoy beautiful landscapes. Machupicchu can be visited throughout the year; however, between the months of May to October we can find fewer rainy days.
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The Green Initiative is the main institution responsible for granting the Carbon Neutral global recognition –certification of climate responsibility that recognizes the achievement of neutralization of greenhouse gas emissions.
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