Machu Picchu is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and due to the physical burden that tourists are putting on the ruins of Machu Picchu UNESCO is considering classing it as ‘in danger’. Machu Picchu was only actually discoverd in 1911 but since then it has become the most visited tourist attraction in Peru and generates a massive amount of revenue.
A rock from the central plaza of Matsu Picchu was moved to a different location so that a landing platform for helicopters could be created back in the 1980′s and in the 90′s the governmnet of Peru granted permission for a cable car plus a tourist complex with a hotel, shops and restaurants to be developed. Due to the protests of scientists and the Peruvian public as well as UNESCO the Peruvian Government overturned their decison.
From the late 90′s there is now a no fly zone over Machu Picchu in order to try and preserve this unique piece of Peruvian History!