Machu Picchu News Nov 2011

"Best Ecological Destination in South America" was awarded to Machu Picchu on Thursday, Nov 10, 2011, by The World Travel Awards in London.  Supervised by the Wall Street Journal, the award was based on recognition of the biodiversity of 9 variations of climactic zones in and around the Machu Picchu ruins.  Each zone, the lowest starting at 1800 m and the highest reaching 4600 m, has charactistics including plants and wildlife that vary due to fluctations in weather and environmental conditions. 

The stone terraces and structures provide a cultural backdrop to a complex eco-system that is not only attractive to travelers interested in the cultural heritage of the Inca civilization, but offers an exciting opportunity for botanists and others interested in flora & fauna.

The same week the ecological award was bestowed, Machu Picchu was voted off the list of New7Wonders of the world, which ended at 11 am on 11/11/11.  The new wonders on the block, include the Amazon & Iguazu Falls, both located in South America.  The campaign was criticized because organizers tried to shake-down countries who paid a $199 fee per entry, for addtional funds ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, to cover the marketing costs.  Indonesia and Maldives both withdrew from the campaign but stayed in the competition.

Will the fact that Machu Picchu tumbled off the New7Wonders list affect it's reputation as being one of the top travel destinations in the world?  Probably not.  Now travelers can include the Amazon, Iguazu Falls and the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu in their next trip to South America.