In an act full of symbolism, emotion and commitment to the future, the cities of Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) and Machupicchu (Peru) signed an institutional, tourist and cultural twinning agreement, formally uniting two of the most emblematic and admired destinations in the world: the Iguazú Falls – one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and Machu Picchu – one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
With the presence of the governor of Misiones, Hugo Passalacqua, the mayors Claudio Raúl Filippa (Puerto Iguazú) and Elvis La Torre Uñacori (Machupicchu), the Minister of Tourism of Misiones José María Arrúa, the president of Iturem Leopoldo Lucas, and representatives of the private sector, business chambers and media, the event was held in a framework of deep emotion and pride for this historic step for the region.
“Strothing two cities, two towns, two cultures, two wonders of the world, is the first step of a very long road. Being a witness to the twinning of two icons of the world excites me and fills me with pride,” said Governor Passalacqua during his speech.
A meeting between two Wonders of the World
The twinning between Iguazú and Machupicchu represents much more than a symbolic agreement: it is a real commitment to international cooperation, exchange of experiences in sustainable tourism and joint promotion in global markets, highlighting common values such as biodiversity, the ancestry of the indigenous peoples and the Latin American identity.
Both destinations share the privilege of being among the most recognized on the planet: the Iguazú Falls, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu – one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. United now, they are positioned as references of tourism with purpose, where travel is also a way to honor the land and its memories.
With this action, a joint work agenda is opened that will include cultural exchanges, institutional cooperation, shared tourism projects and participation in international fairs, where Iguazú and Machupicchu will be presented as sister destinations.
“This twinning is not just an institutional act: it is a bridge between cultures, between worldviews that complement, respect and mutually strengthen each other,” said the mayor of Puerto Iguazú- Claudio Filippa, visibly moved.
During the event, the strategic value of this alliance for the strengthening of tourism as an engine of economic and social development was highlighted, not only for both cities, but for the regions they represent: the province of Misiones and the Peruvian Andean region.
The Minister of Tourism, José María Arrúa, stressed that this agreement is part of a vision of integrated, inclusive and sustainable tourism, where destinations are enriched by sharing knowledge, tools and experiences.
For his part, the mayor of Machupicchu- Elvis La Torre, celebrated the reception on missionary soil and highlighted the importance of building alliances from the peoples and not only from the institutions. “between Argentina and Peru there is a natural synergy: we are working with respect for nature. Machupicchu is a protected area on a cultural and natural level; here we share that same principle, it’s like feeling at home,” he said.
The event culminated with the signing of the twinning act and the exchange of institutional gifts, in a climate of fraternity, accompanied by cultural presentations and samples of Guarani and Andean art.
“This twinning is a tool to continue positioning Iguazú in the world. Each action of this type strengthens our international presence, opens up new opportunities for promotion and helps us attract more tourists who, upon arrival, generate movement and work for our community,” concluded the president of Iturem- Leopoldo Lucas.
In this way, from the missionary jungles to the sacred mountains of Peru, today Latin America embraces itself in an alliance that celebrates diversity, protects heritage and dreams of a shared future.