Machu Picchu, built in the clouds of the Andes Mountains of Peru, has bagged the title of travellers, favourite landmark in a new Trip Advisor ranking.

The Incan citadel has won the best-rated landmark in the world by Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2016.

Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, has become one of the most recognizable tourist attractions on the planet. Machu Picchu is an Incan city surrounded by temples, terraces and water channels, built on a mountaintop. It was built with huge blocks of stone joined to each other without any mortar. It has also been designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its political, religious and administrative importance during the age of the Incas.

While Machu Picchu took the top spot for the international ranking, Taj Mahal, Agra, India won the fifth position in the top 10 Landmarks in the World,  while the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC emerged the top landmark in the US list.

Here are the top 10 Landmarks in the World according to TripAdvisor members:

1. Machu Picchu, Peru
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
4. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
5. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
6. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
7. Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
8. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain
9. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington DC
10. Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy ― AFP-Relaxnews

Peruvian Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Magali Silva, commented that Peru is really proud of its award since it means a worldwide exposition. “Hopefully the recognition of Trip Advisor, probably the most consulted website in the world when it comes to plan a trip, will help to encourage tourism to our country”, she said.

On the other hand, Mr Sanjay Sondhi, CEO, OM Tourism, PR Representative in India, was overwhelmed and said “Peru is a land of fascinating contrasts of beautiful landscapes of desert dunes, snow capped mountains, wildlife, beaches offering thrilling outdoor adventure, Pre-Columbian heritage to vibrant traditional festivals. We are targeting the Indian travelers looking for luxury experience who can also explore and indulge in its rich gastronomy, rejuvenating spas and river cruises.”

OM Tourism was set up to handle outsourced sales, marketing and Media Relations for Luxury hotels chains and National Tourism Boards. Amongst OM Tourism’s clients are Visit Indonesia Tourism Office and Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

For any queries please contact Chandrani Chakraborty at pr@omtourism.com