Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The New7Wonders Foundation warned that Machu Picchu, South America's most iconic tourist site, could be removed from the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World because of alleged poor management and a lack of sustainable planning.
At the same time, local protests blocked rail access to the 15th-century Inca sanctuary in the Andes Mountains, forcing the Peruvian government to evacuate more than 1,400 tourists.
In a statement, New7Wonders director Jean-Paul de la Fuente said unplanned tourist overcrowding, high costs, irregular ticket sales and social conflicts have worsened the visitor experience and damaged Peru's image.
"The justifiable and credible permanence of Machu Picchu as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World depends on urgent action by the Peruvian state," he said.
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