Peru’s Ministry of Culture, through Cusco’s Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC), officially reopened visitor access to the Inca Trail network leading to the Machu Picchu citadel on Sunday, March 1. This Inca Trail reopening marked the start of the season on this iconic route.
The ceremony took place in Piscacucho (Km 82), the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail 4 days trek. It began with a traditional dance called Hatun Pukllay, performed by TreXperience, one of Peru’s leading Inca Trail trekking operators. Next, DDC Cusco director Diego Pajares welcomed visitors and officially opened access to the Inca Trail network. In turn, Inca Trail network coordinator and archaeologist Francisco Huarcaya asked everyone to travel responsibly, follow the tourism rules and help protect both the natural surroundings and the cultural heritage.
TreXperience then performed another traditional dance, this time called Huallatas, for the enjoyment of more than 200 of the season’s first international visitors from the United States, France, Italy, China, Japan, and Brazil, many of whom secured their Inca Trail 2026 permits months in advance. Peruvian travelers were also present, along with tour guides, trail cooks, and porters.
To close the reopening ceremony, DDC Cusco led a traditional offering to Pachamama, an Andean ritual of gratitude and good wishes for the year’s activities on the Inca Trail network.
Inca Trail 2026: The trail was closed all February
The route reopened after full conservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation work carried out in February. This Inca Trail reopening helps ensure safer, better trail conditions for hikers and supports the protection of the cultural and natural heritage preserved along this pre-Hispanic road system.
If you’d like to experience this amazing route, we invite you to explore our different Inca Trail tour options!
