Is Machu Picchu closed?
This is the second time that Machu Picchu was closed, the first time was during the covid pandemic and the second is now because of the current political and social situation in Peru.
Update: 12 February 2023
Peru Ministry of Culture announced that Machu Picchu reopened on 12 February 2023, please make your bookings and obtain your Machupichu pass
On 1st March, the Inca Trail will reopen. make your bookings ASAP in order to avoid inconveniences.
Update: 10th February 2023
The world heritage of Machupicchu, the highlight of the Andean region in South America is a must-see cultural attraction when tourists come to South America due to historic and archaeological facts. The Inca site has been closed for the moment due to the current political and social situation in order to protect the safety of International and local tourists.
Machu Picchu and the Inca trail will reopen on 15 February 2023. We recommend that you can start making your bookings so as to secure your spots.
Machu Picchu Official Statement
Cusco Ministry of culture agency and the Headquarters of the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu also in coordination with the Protected Natural Areas agency (Sernamp) announce that due to the current social situation in which our region and the country have been experienced, the imminent close of the Inka Road Network and the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu has been ordered, from January 21, 2023, until further notice, to safeguard the safety of tourists and the general population.
Likewise, it is communicated that all the facilities will be provided to national and foreign tourists who are affected for the use of the tickets, from January 21, 2023, until one month after the conclusion of the social mobilizations or request the return of the amount of the ticket
May information through the email info@incatrailmachu.com
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If you like to know more about Machu Picchu New Schedules, visit this site → MACHU PICCHU RULES 2023 |
The short answer to all of these questions is NO. Machu Picchu is currently open to the public, and it will remain open throughout the year. The closure of Machu Picchu reflects only the fact that at some point a natural event occurs that threatens its infrastructure. It is only the Inca Trail that will be temporarily closed in February
Nevertheless, Machu Picchu is going through a lot of changes. For example, do you know that the schedules to visit this beautiful citadel has changed from 2021 2023? In total, 3,400 people will be able to purchase Machu Picchu tickets every day divided into 3 time slots and 4 circuits (from 6 am to 9 am, from 9 am to 12 pm and from 12 pm to 2 pm). These New Machu Picchu Restrictions 2023 have changed the way people get to visit Machu Picchu forcing tour operators to change the way they used to operate tours.
On October 15th, 2022: Inca Trail 2023 was reopened, all tour operators and Inca Trail Machu operators can book it. We recommend booking in advance, there are only 500 spaces available everyday for 2023, in these spaces divided between the trekkers, professional guide, chef and porters. Also the 500 spots available will be divided on the Inca Trail Tours such as 3 day Inca Trail, 4 day Inca Trail, 5 day Inca Trail and Salkantay trek to Inca Trail. The short Inca Trail have 250 spaces available and it is separately system booking of the classic trail.
Some people have misunderstood these changes which have led to a bunch of misleading information on the Internet. That is why, it is essential to understand why this happened and what to do about it.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed during February. Since 2001, The Machu Picchu restrictions regarding the management and preservation of the Inca Trail demand its temporary closure for the whole month of February due to safety matters and harsh weather conditions. Heavy rains and landslides occur during this time while the sanctuary officials carry out works of maintenance of trails, renovation of bridges and improvement of toilets and campsites.
Here are a few examples:
If you like to book the Inca Trail in 2023, you should obviously avoid February or choose an alternative route of climbing Machu Picchu. On the other hand, if you like to go directly to Machu Picchu, February is still a viable month to visit it as long as you are not bothered by rain.
Remember that, February is one of the months of the low season in Machu Picchu. One of the reasons for the low number of visitors is the rainy season from December to March. Rain can make the stone paths becoming a bit slippery and fog is a constant problem. On the other hand, you could see the Machu Picchu landscape with only few clouds and most likely with a rainbow during days with only light rain which make it an unforgettable scene!
If you only have 1 spare day to visit Machu Picchu, you might get there by train - a 2-hour trip taking you through the breathtaking Sacred Valley.
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Travel by train through the Sacred Valley to the city of Aguas Calientes. Then, take a bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour and then spare time to take pictures and tour the ancient city on your own. In the afternoon, board a train back to the Cusco City. Another option is to reach Machu Picchu via an alternative route around the Hydroelectric Plant. This way is longer (it takes about 7 hours in total), but it offers more adventures. |
SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR
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Also, you can choose one of the train trips to Machu Picchu and enjoy the New Wonder of the Modern World in a different way. The options are: a trip to Machu Picchu in a full day or the Sacred Valley 2 Day Tour to Machu Picchu with overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes. The latter takes you through impressive landscapes of the Sacred Valley marked by small adobe villages with traditionally dressed native Quechua inhabitants, small farms and agricultural terraces. |
Even if the Inca Trail is closed in February, there are other incredible routes for climbing Machu Picchu:
INCA JUNGLE TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
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The Inca Jungle offers one of the most adventurous route of climbing Machu Picchu. It combines downhill cycling, rafting, zip-line and hiking. |
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
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This alternative trek lasts 5 days. Cross the imposing snowy Salkantay at 4,650 metres until you reach Machu Picchu passing through Aguas Calientes. |
LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
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This trek has many variations. Its starting point is situated in the village of Lares. After 4 days of walking, you arrive at Machu Picchu. |
You can expect more drastic changes in the future. Plans to further limit the freedom of visitors at the site have already been drawn up. This will confine a visit to a more controlled route throughout the site, as opposed to the free-roaming exploration we are currently allowed.
If such plans are implemented, there will undoubtedly be pros and cons for all visitors to Machu Picchu. But for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, it means a crucial step in ensuring the future preservation of the site. Which, in the long run, protects against the real threat of Machu Picchu closing for a longer period of time.
Machu Picchu and Inca Trail were close during the Coronavirus (COVID 19). Martin Vizcarra, the Peruvian president, declared a state of emergency and all main tourist sites were closed including Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
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Mincetur has been working on a tourist seal, which seeks to certify Peru as a safe area - Protocols & Biosafety Measures 2021 |
During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Peruvian government decreed new safety protocols for all visitors. If you want to visit Machu Picchu, it is very important to read the protocols!
Machu Picchu and Inca Trail reopened on June 4 2021 with new safety protocols, we recommend booking your Machu Picchu ticket in advance.
Machu Picchu and Inca Trail are closed on 16th March 2020.
During this season, the Ministry of Culture of Peru just refunded the money for Machu Picchu and Inca Trail March tickets. However, travellers and tour operators have been waiting for Machu Picchu and Inca Trail ticket refund of April, May, June, July and August. It is not an easy to work in Peru because the Peruvian government forgot about tour operators, travel agencies, Tour Guides, Porters and Cooks. For that reson, when travellers ask for refund, tourist companies need to refund from their own. Although, they do not have funds. It is difficult to survive the pandemic.
In June, the Peruvian government declared Machu Picchu and Inca Trail reopen on 15th of July, but only for Peruvian tourists. Tickets are free of charge for children and elderly people (65+ years old).
In October 2020, all borders of Peru will reopen. Machu Picchu and all the Peruvian tourist attractions will open again. So, foreign travellers can enter without any problems. Nevertheless, the Peruvian goverment recommends taking preventive actions during trips due to the pandemic.
Machu Picchu tickets will be for free for foreign children and senior travellers (65+ years old) until December 31st 2020!
The Inca Trail will be free until December 31st 2020! However, all participants are required to travel using a tour operator. Today, the 2-Day Inca Trail is available only for November and December! If you like to hike it, we recommend you to book ASAP! In case of being sold out. You do the alternative trek to the Machu Picchu. Inca Trail Machu is a 100% local tour operator and we can help you to solve your trip to Peru.
On January 2021, you will need to pay the entrance fee to the Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets.
