An important fact you should know before planning your trip to Cusco is that the Inca Trail closes for scheduled maintenance during the entire month of February each year. Therefore, for February 2026, this famous hiking route will not be available. However, this circumstance does not prevent you from reaching Machu Picchu, but instead opens the opportunity to explore other trekking routes and the option of visiting the citadel directly.
It is important to keep in mind that February coincides with the peak of the rainy season in the Andean highlands. This means that any outdoor activity will take place in a variable climate with a high probability of rain.
This guide focuses on the best alternatives to the Inca Trail for 2026 for those who want an adventure experience despite the closure of the Inca Trail. Below, we will break down the main alternative treks that do operate during this month, such as the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek, and we will detail the option of the train trip as the most direct alternative for visiting Machu Picchu.
It is essential to confirm that both the Classic Inca Trail Tours (4 days) and the 2 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu (Short Inca Trail) are closed during the entire month of February. This is an official provision from the Peruvian authorities that is repeated annually.
The closure is due to two main reasons: first, to carry out maintenance and conservation work on the trails, bridges, and campsites, allowing the route to recover from the high traffic of the year. Second, February is the month with the highest intensity of rain in the region, which increases the risk of landslides and dangerous conditions on the trail.
Although these high-demand routes are not operational, the visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu is not affected, as it remains open. Fortunately, there are excellent options to enjoy Cusco and reach the wonder of the world in February, which will be explained below.
The Salkantay Trail Peru passes under the magnificent Salkantay climb (6.71 / 20569ft), one of the highest and most impressive of the Peruvian Andes. Its first two days will be dominated by the impressive "Apus" of Salkantay and Humantay Lagoon, while touring the high puna landscape. The third day will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive Inca sacred city of Machupicchu is visited during the last day of the program.
READ MORE: SALKANTAY TREK
The Inka Jungle Trail combines different outdoor activities, such as biking, rafting, zip line and trekking, culminating in Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Favorite tour for young people from all over the world who come to Cusco in search of adventure. It is an alternate route to reach Machu Picchu, which includes stretches by bike and hike, crossing mountains, valleys, rivers, native villages, coca plantations, coffee and an immense variety of fruit trees through a part of the Inca Trail.
READ MORE: INCA JUNGLE TREK
Lares is the name of a small town north of Cusco, a beautiful place to make an Inca Trail. We started in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (in Huarán). The tour program, Lares 4 days trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent way to get to know the Andean landscape, with valleys, rivers, lagoons with crystal clear waters, waterfalls, Queuñas forests and know the way of life in the Andes.
READ MORE: LARES TREK
This place was dedicated to the carving and extraction of stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding areas. The visitor can observe the great work done when moving the giant stones to build the Ollantaytambo enclosures. We can find the "Tired Stones" that were left during the trip to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the town.
The Inca Quarry of Cachicata is one of the newest hiking trails offered in the Cusco region. Based in the area around Ollantaytambo, the Cachicata hike takes you through high waterfalls, Inca ruins and beautiful landscapes.
READ MORE: INCA QUARRY TREK
Tour in the city of Cusco to Machu Picchu Tours for 4 days and 3 nights with visits to: City Tour in Cusco, Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Koricancha, the Sacred Valley tour with Pisaq, Ollantaytambo and the excursion to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes and Huayna Picchu . On this tour from Cusco we will discover all its greatness.
With the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour we take you to the most important tourist attractions of the Sacred Valley of Cusco and to discover the greatness of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Start your journey in the city of Cusco (Peru) and travel (in a tourist bus) the most important and impressive archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley: the archaeological park of Pisac, the traditional market of Pisac and the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. And, at sunset of your tour of the ancient villages of the Sacred Valley, board the tourist train and continue your adventure to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Peru offers fascinating experiences that reveal natural landscapes, historical monuments, and living cultures, captivating those who seek adventure and discovery in every corner of its territory. Get to know the most outstanding tours:
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If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
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Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@incatrailmachu.com
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