Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Brand Identity for UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brand Identity for UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Date
Jan-April 2026
What I made
Brand Identity Design
Course
Graphic Design Synthesis
Background
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is known for its ancient Inca architecture, mountain setting, and deep historical significance, and is one of the most recognized cultural landmarks of the world. For this project, I was challenged to design a memorable brand identity for Machu Picchu, aiming to promote the site to visitors and emphasize its cultural importance.
Background
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is known for its ancient Inca architecture, mountain setting, and deep historical significance, and is one of the most recognized cultural landmarks of the world. For this project, I was challenged to design a memorable brand identity for Machu Picchu, aiming to promote the site to visitors and emphasize its cultural importance.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is known for its ancient Inca architecture, mountain setting, and deep historical significance, and is one of the most recognized cultural landmarks of the world. For this project, I was challenged to design a memorable brand identity for Machu Picchu, aiming to promote the site to visitors and emphasize its cultural importance.

The Brand
Creation of the brand began with physical sketching and understanding what the site represents. I started by listing adjectives that could be used to describe the site. Using that list as a base, I developed a set of sketches for the logo mark and logo type. From there I narrowed down the options and eventually developed the final mark and type that aligned with my word list.
The final mark represents a llama, one of the most recognizable symbols of Machu Picchu, and the Chakana, an ancient Incan symbol for the connection between the physical, spiritual, and cosmic worlds. The mark represents both the physical aspects of the site and the ancient ideas associated with it. The logotype relies on layering and fitting together letters, just as the ancient Inca people layered and fit together the stones for structures on the site. The base typeface is Parity Sans.
The Brand
Creation of the brand began with physical sketching and understanding what the site represents. I started by listing adjectives that could be used to describe the site. Using that list as a base, I developed a set of sketches for the logo mark and logo type. From there I narrowed down the options and eventually developed the final mark and type that aligned with my word list.
Other Applications
In addition to print materials, I created a website mockup
Print Media
The first applications of the identity system are a set of three event advertisements to be put in a magazine, an informational page, and a coordinated stationery set. Each piece was designed to feel connected while serving a different purpose within the larger experience.
The Brand
Creation of the brand began with physical sketching and understanding what the site represents. I started by listing adjectives that could be used to describe the site. Using that list as a base, I developed a set of sketches for the logo mark and logo type. From there I narrowed down the options and eventually developed the final mark and type that aligned with my word list.






The final mark represents a llama, one of the most recognizable symbols of Machu Picchu, and the Chakana, an ancient Incan symbol for the connection between the physical, spiritual, and cosmic worlds. The mark represents both the physical aspects of the site and the ancient ideas associated with it. The logotype relies on layering and fitting together letters, just as the ancient Inca people layered and fit together the stones for structures on the site. The base typeface is Parity Sans.
Print Media
The first applications of the identity system are a set of three event advertisements to be put in a magazine, an informational page, and a coordinated stationery set. Each piece was designed to feel connected while serving a different purpose within the larger experience.






Other Applications
In addition to print materials, I created a website mockup

Print Media
The first applications of the identity system are a set of three event advertisements to be put in a magazine, an informational page, and a coordinated stationery set. Each piece was designed to feel connected while serving a different purpose within the larger experience.
Book and Summary
Other Applications
In addition to print materials, I created a website mockup
Book and Summary
Book and Summary
©
2026 ruby harkness
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