Machu Picchu has once again been crowned “World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2025” by the World Travel Awards, a global recognition that puts Peru’s most iconic site back at the very top of the travel world.
On December 6, 2025, the World Travel Awards announced the new winners for 2025, often referred to as the “Oscars of Tourism.”
Machu Picchu was up against global icons like the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Grand Canyon, the Acropolis of Athens, and Niagara Falls, and it still came out on top.
This award is more than just a headline, it’s a reminder that Machu Picchu leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Here, Inca history, mountain landscapes, and Andean culture come together in a setting found nowhere else.
Machu Picchu has now won four of the last eight years: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Why do the World Travel Awards matter for travelers?
The World Travel Awards serve as a global benchmark for the top performers in tourism. These awards, divided into multiple categories, recognize the best attractions, destinations, hotels, tour operators, airlines, and tourism organizations from across the globe.
For travelers, this recognition is invaluable in helping you:
- Discover top-ranked experiences worth prioritizing during your trip
- Compare destinations and attractions with solid reputations and proven excellence
- Choose with confidence, knowing these spots are trusted by travelers worldwide
How to Experience Machu Picchu
Beyond the accolades, Machu Picchu is also recognized by UNESCO as a mixed World Heritage property for its cultural and natural significance. The sanctuary spans 32,592 hectares, rich in biodiversity, with flora and fauna in abundance.
Its monumental citadel, constructed in the 15th century, was designed with an advanced urban layout and hydraulic systems to manage water, making it both a marvel of architecture and engineering.
Reaching Machu Picchu is part of the magic: you can journey by road into the Sacred Valley, continuing by scenic panoramic train or car. For those seeking more adventure, you can hike in on the 2-day Short Inca Trail, the 4-day Classic Inca Trail, the Lares Trek or the Salkantay Trek starting from various trailheads.
Regardless of how you arrive, the journey enhances the experience, adding a sense of adventure and excitement that leaves every traveler with a deeper connection to this incredible place, truly a prize in the hearts of those who visit.
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