On July 7, 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This was done through an online vote where over 100 million people from all over the world took part. The results were announced in a random order by the New Open World Corporation (NOWC).
Along with Machu Picchu, other famous places were chosen, like the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, the old city of Petra in Jordan, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, the Colosseum in Italy, and the pyramid of Chichén Itzá in Mexico.
The Impact of Machu Picchu as a Wonder of the World
Since it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Machu Picchu has become even more popular as a top tourist spot. The number of visitors, both from Peru and other countries, has grown a lot, with over one million tourists in 2019.
After the health crisis, tourism in the Inca city started to slowly get better in 2022. Because of this growing demand, the people in charge have taken steps to make the visitor experience better, like allowing more people to enter each day, now up to 5,600.
Machu Picchu: Origins and Legacy
Machu Picchu is the current name given to an Inca “llaqta,” an old Andean settlement built in the mid-15th century. It sits on an amazing rocky point that connects the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, on the eastern side of the Central Range, in southern Peru.
According to 16th-century documents, this place was one of the resting homes of Pachacútec, the first ruler of Tahuantinsuyo. However, the sophistication of some of its buildings and the ceremonial nature of its main access road suggest that it also had an important use as a religious sanctuary.
Today, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is admired as a masterpiece of both architecture and engineering. Its unique design, its harmonious integration with the landscape, and the aura of mystery that surrounds it have made this site one of the most fascinating and visited tourist destinations in the world.
Discover the other Wonders of the Modern World
Besides Machu Picchu, there are other old buildings that earned the name Wonders of the Modern World. These are amazing monuments that show human history, culture, and cleverness. Here is a summary of each one:
Chichén Itzá | Mexico
This old Mayan city was started in 525 A.D. It is an important place to see old things in Yucatán. Its name means “mouth of the well of the Itza people,” talking about its special sinkhole. The pyramid of Kukulcán is a highlight there, and it is one of the best kept. Also, in 1988, UNESCO said it was a World Heritage Site.
The Colosseum of Rome | Italy
Built in the first century A.D., this big place for shows is the most famous thing left by the Roman Empire. It could hold 50,000 people. They watched fights between gladiators and other things there. Even though earthquakes hurt it, it is still the symbol of Rome and the only European place on the list of wonders.
The Christ the Redeemer Statue | Brazil
This huge statue, 30 meters tall, stands on top of the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Opened in 1931, it is the symbol of Brazil and a great example of Art Deco style. From the top, you can see amazing views all around.
The Great Wall | China
Built to keep the country safe from attacks, this wall is over 21,000 km long. Millions of workers died building it, making it the biggest “graveyard” in the world. It was named a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Petra | Jordan
Carved into rock, this city was an important place on the Silk Road. Started in the eighth century B.C., it was left empty until people found it again in the nineteenth century. You walk through a narrow path for 1.5 km to get to “The Treasury,” its most famous building.
The Taj Mahal | India
This beautiful building was made in the seventeenth century by Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died. It is known as one of the most romantic buildings. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1983 and is a symbol of love that lasts forever.
Ticket Prices for the Seven Wonders of the World
Here are the estimated costs to visit each of the seven Wonders of the World, shown in US dollars (USD):
- Great Wall of China – General admission: $37 USD per person.
- Petra (Jordan) – Cheapest ticket: $78 USD per person, with more complete options at a higher price.
- Roman Colosseum – General admission: $20 USD per person.
- Chichén Itzá – Entrance ticket: $37 USD per person.
- Machu Picchu – With 3 types of tickets; the average price is $73 USD per ticket.
- Taj Mahal – Approximate entrance: $17 USD per person.
- Christ the Redeemer – Estimated ticket cost: $20 USD per person.
Some Awards of Machu Picchu
- 1983: Declared a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- 2007: Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global vote organized by the New7Wonders Foundation.
- 2008: It topped the list of the 22 best-selling tourist destinations in the world.
- Machu Picchu’s beauty was recognized by the luxury travel site VeryFirstTo.com, which included it in their list of the 20 most stunning World Heritage Sites.
- National Geographic Traveler included Machu Picchu in the list of 50 destinations of a lifetime.
- Lonely Travel ranks Machu Picchu among the world’s ten most iconic human-built structures.
- Machu Picchu was named “a fantastic city above the clouds”, and mentioned among the 10 most amazing spiritual destinations in the world by the prestigious magazine “Skyroad”.
- 2016: Machu Picchu was declared the best destination in the world by the world’s largest travel community, TripAdvisor.
- 2024: Machu Picchu won its sixth recognition at the World Travel Awards for Best Leading Tourist Attraction in the World, having been awarded previously in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.