Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 15-02-2023
Machu Picchu was closed on January 21, 2023, due to the actions of protestors, resulting in the archaeological site being affected by an especially slow tourism season. Roads were blocked, supply chains were shut off, sides were taken and it was more than any world-renowned travel destination could endure. The Ministry of Culture and the Headquarters of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu of the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SEMANP) shut down The Inca Trail network, and Machu Picchu and tourism went into hibernation once more, while the country tried to work out its political problems. The archaeological site was closed “indefinitely” on January 20, following attacks on Cusco airport and suspension of the rail service between Cusco and the town of Aguas Calientes, close to the Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu
On the 8th of February, a meeting with the regional tourism board, Cusco mayors, Peru Rail, and representatives from Ollantaytambo, Poroy, Urubamba, and Machu Picchu Pueblo, as well as the Presidents of the Indigenous Communities, reached an agreement to reopen Machu Picchu. The agreed date is the 15th of February, 2023. This agreement has been signed by each member with the aim to reactivate tourism in the region of Cusco, which has been seriously affected due to the protests.
The Machu Picchu website is now fully operative with entrance tickets available for all daily schedules and the Inca Trail remains closed during February as it is every year, being the wettest month of the rainy season. So the probable opening date for the Inca trail is likely to be the 1st of March 2023.
Machu Picchu
Trains are now operating on a slightly reduced schedule from Poroy and Ollantaytambo to the Inca citadel, by both Inca Rail and Peru Rail.
Peru Rail Expedition Service
We are delighted that Machu Picchu has once again re-opened its doors to visitors from all over the world. It is amazing to see things getting back to normal and the protests calming down across the country and we can plan ahead for any scheduled protests in advance to have minimum impact on your Peru trip. Valencia Travel will make every effort to arrange a trouble-free trip for you!
Happy Llama
If you need any more information or help with booking your tour to Peru or the most up-to-date information about the current situation in Peru, and how it impacts your visit, please contact us here.
