Macchu Picchu could lose its status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World after protests left tourists trapped at the popular Peruvian destination.
The Inca historical site could be stripped of the accolade because of failures in managing tourism, high costs and the negative impact on cultural and natural heritage, the New7Wonders organization warned.
It comes after the stranding of hundreds of tourists near the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu on Tuesday after a passenger train service was abandoned when locals dug up the tracks and blocked them with boulders.
Residents are angry about the renewal of tourism bus contracts and allege they have been distributed in a way that is not benefitting the community surrounding the monument.
New7Wonders said at the weekend that it had sent a letter to Peru's government warning that if the conflict escalates, Machu Picchu's credibility as one of the new Wonders of the World could be affected.
