Is Machu Picchu Closing? Here’s All You Need to Know
Maybe you’re here because you heard the rumors. Maybe, after hearing them, you thought gee, it couldn’t be true! Machu Picchu can’t be closing permanently, can it?
As it turns out, your intuition is definitely right. Like it has been for years, Machu Picchu is and will remain open to the public. Still, for a successful vacation to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, there are details you ought to know about trail closings and more. Lucky for you, we’ve got the scoop.
How Did the Machu Picchu Closing Rumor Begin?
Like all rumors, the tall tale that Machu Picchu is closing for good began in a completely different light. In the world we live in—a world where we have the news at our fingertips and social media at our beck and call—once-factual stories can get easily construed.
Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since millions of people visit the ruins each year, UNESCO placed it on the endangered list to protect it from archaeological erosion. This is why only a certain number of people can visit the ancient civilization or trek through the trails every day.
Almost a decade ago, the town of Aguas Calientes suffered severe flooding. As a result of the unfortunate weather, the railway connecting Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo closed for two months. Considering this is one of the only ways to get to Machu Picchu, the tourist destination also closed during that time. The Inca Trail also fell victim to flooding and landslides a couple of years ago, as did many other parts of Peru.
The nearby Machu Picchu Mountain as well as Huayna Picchu Mountain closed for maintenance a few years back. Some people thought that this meant the citadel also closed, but that wasn’t the case.
Clearly, a lot of factors went into the gossip of Machu Picchu closing, but none of them amounted to anything. In reality, the ruins are thriving under their current regulations, and will continue to do so for the future to come.
Trail Closing Information for Machu Picchu
To many, the Inca Trail is a sacred journey, one that unites the past and the present in a unique way. It’s a route that people have trekked for centuries, all to reach the ultimate destination of Machu Picchu. It only makes sense that Peru work tirelessly to protect such a worldly wonder, for cultural, environmental and financial preservation.
Every February, the Peruvian government closes the Inca Trail. The purpose of this is to clean up the trail and make repairs along the way. Both the country’s authorities and the tourist agencies who make use of the trail work hard in their efforts.
Sectioning off a period of time each year to rejuvenate the Inca Trail helps to assure its wellbeing the rest of the year. Not only that, but it keeps its nature intact for years to come. That way, future generations can enjoy what today’s travelers revel in.
Peru did not choose the month of February to close the Inca Trail on a mere whim. February is the rainiest time of the year in the Cusco region, and it makes for a seriously slippery slope. Not only is the trail generally unwelcoming to trekkers at this time, it also provides a rather risky landscape. Downpours and landslides can occur at a moment’s notice, so you wouldn’t want to be on the Inca Trail anyway.
How to Get to Machu Picchu When the Inca Trail is Closed
Just because the Inca Trail closes in February doesn’t mean that Machu Picchu itself is off duty. In fact, Machu Picchu is open throughout the year, even when the Inca Trail is closed. In February, you just have to take an alternative route.
Many people get to Machu Picchu by train or bus throughout the year, and February is no different. You can catch a flight from Lima to Cusco and a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. You can also ride on a bus from Lima or Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu itself; the bus just takes a bit longer than the train, but it’s a totally viable route.
There are also other trails that lead to the Machu Picchu region, not the least of which are Salkantay and Lares. However, many tour agencies do not leads treks during the rainiest month for safety reasons. Explore your options and decide which one is right for you and your traveling band.
While it’ll definitely be rainy in February, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting Machu Picchu. Hop on a train or bus and begin the journey to a civilization of yore in all its splendor.
When to Book a Hike to Machu Picchu
Considering the Inca Trail in Peru’s Machu Picchu closes for the month of February—which overlaps with the rainiest time of the year—you’re looking at the rest of the calendar for a hike. When booking a trek, there are two things you want to take into consideration: peak season and rainy season.
Peru’s weather varies throughout the nation. Within the Cusco region, dry season weans in during March and lasts until about October. For hiking and camping, dry season is your best bet. The rainier the weather, the more trouble you’ll have along the trail.
On that note, peak season at Machu Picchu happens from June to August. Should you be averse to massive crowds, you may want to stick to March, April, May, September or October. Of course, if you’re hoping to hike the Inca Trail, the route’s available permits (that’s 500 per day) book up almost every day of the year. As such, you’re going to see others at some point or another, even if you avoid the highest visitor season.
Whatever time of year you plan on booking your hike, one thing is worth noting. Schedule it months in advance, because there are plenty of other people willing and eager to take your spot on the trail to Machu Picchu!
Things to Know Before Trekking to Machu Picchu
Peru Inca Trail Machu Picchu
Inca Trail and Machu Picchu closing is just one piece of the puzzle when planning a getaway to the ancient city. Here are a few things you ought to know before making the trek:
- We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: book your tickets in advance!
- Try to get used to altitude before you go. It’ll make your life a bit easier on the trail.
- Don’t over pack—when trekking, light luggage is essential.
- Travel in good company, like friends and family who you know are down for a good (albeit challenging) time.
- Choose a tour business you can trust (more on that in the next section).
The Right Tour Company Will Keep You In the Know
The easiest way to maneuver through the nuances of a visit to Machu Picchu is by selecting a reputable and knowledgeable tour company. Whether it be for Machu Picchu closing information, tips on traveling from town to town or simply to act as a helping hand along the way, there’s nothing quite like a well-versed guide.
Discover Inca Planet genuinely knows the ways of Peru. Rather than relying on a large tour company who spews off information they read online, we’re here to spill secrets and intricacies of the Peruvian way.
The Future of Machu Picchu Closing
The Peru government and the authorities who control Machu Picchu tourism are in firm agreement that there are no plans to close Machu Picchu for good. This is bound to remain the case for the foreseeable future. (Yes, you may make a sigh of relief.)
However, in order to keep Machu Picchu from closing, there will likely be new regulations put in place regarding the number and frequency of tourists allowed at a time. There are already regulations to maintain the well-being of the ancient ruins, which helps keep the tourist destination sound for a long time coming.
In 2017, the Peruvian government decided to cap entrance to Machu Picchu at 2,500 people per day. Moreover, each tourist must accompany an official guide. Groups can enter in the morning and afternoon, and follow the marked path to make their way through the ruins.
These rules help maintain the decency of the historical archaeological site, preserving the past for the future to come.
Be Open to a Peru Vacation
Trail closures and maintenance are what keeps Machu Picchu running smoothly. It helps preserve the historical and natural environment alike, allowing tourists like you to make their way to the ruins and its surrounding areas for the future to come.
All you have to do is a little planning and a Peruvian holiday is on your horizon. So long as you’ve done your research, no Machu Picchu closing can keep you from making memories for life.
You can also read: Inca History
