In 1911 the archeologist Hiram Bingham discovered the Inca ruins Machu Picchu and in 1983 they became recognized as UNESCO-world cultural heritage. The ancient city is without doubt impressive and for most Peru travelers an absolute must. Meanwhile nearly 6,000 people visit the site daily – too many, because the impact of mass tourism on the site is disastrous. In 2016 UNESCO had threatened to withdraw the world cultural heritage status, if nothing changes. Hence, in January the Peruvian government issued a new regulation controlling the streams of visitors. At the moment a test phase was implemented where tourists are allowed only three hours to discover three special areas: the solar temple, the temple of the condor and the Intihuatana stone.

However, beside the government also further organizations and people work on site keeping Machu Picchu and the associated village Aguas Calientes (also known as a Machu Picchu Pueblo) living off tourism, clean, by minimizing the effects of tourism on nature and the cultural heritage. These include Inkaterra, a group running small eco hotels in Peru and also onsite. Since a long time, they are involved in sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism and the conservation of culture at the Machu Picchu. For this Inkaterra and the Inkaterra Asociación (ITA) work together with the AJE Group (a multinational beverage company in Peruvian family ownership). We show you three special initiatives benefiting the whole area.

1. Biodiesel Plant

The plant was put into operation in the middle of 2017 and since then processes burnt vegetable oil to biodiesel. One aim is to prevent the soiling of the Vilcanota river running through the village. According to studies 1 liter of burnt oil contaminates 1,000 liters of water – however, for a long time 90% of the local residents and companies poured unfiltered oil in the river. In a time-consuming process the oil is separated from water and sediments and afterwards filled in the plant where it is mixed with two chemicals and heated, the result is biodiesel and glycerin: the glycerin is used for washing and cleaning, the biodiesel, for example, for cars. Inkaterra encourages all local residents to donate their used oil to hotels and restaurants. However, this is anything but easy as the delivery is of course voluntary. When staying at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel of Inkaterra you can visit the Biodiesel Plant onsite.

2. PET Waste Compacting Plant

Many tourists visiting the Machu Picchu daily, unfortunately leave a lot of plastic garbage behind. The waste compacting plant was the first joint project of the ITA and AJE end of 2016. The plant can process daily up to 14 tons of rubbish which is then transported by rail to the recycling plants. A great initiative, but in the future, it is essential that plastic garbage is drastically reduced. Till then this initiative is of great importance for the waste management of the world heritage site and to maintain the UNESCO-Status.

3. Organic Waste Processing Plant

This is the newest initiative of Inkaterra, AJE and the municipality of Machu Picchu Pueblo: the organic waste processing plant can convert daily seven tons of waste with the help of pyrolysis (chemical decay at high temperatures in absence of oxygen) to bio-coal. Thus, originates a natural fertilizer which can be used for the reforestation of the Andinen “Cloud Forest” around Machu Picchu as well as for the support of the local agriculture. Among the rest, the bio-coal is used by the Nationwide Service of Natural areas protected by the State (SERNANP) for the plantation of a million trees in the area surrounding the Machu Picchu.  

We are proud our partner Inkaterra lead the way with these initiatives and exerts itself for the protection and preservation of the World wonders. Tourists have to develop a stronger conscience and interest and contribute their part – whether by renunciation of plastic bottles, abide by the rules for visitors (e.g., do not climb the stones, observe the markings) or by the support of sustainable initiatives, shops and hotels on site.

Searching for tips to travel sustainable? We have put together 10 tips for you:

Responsible traveling: 10 eco-friendly tips – part 1

Responsible traveling: 10 eco-friendly tips – part 2

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