Routes 1, 2, and 3 of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will remain closed from Tuesday, August 18, to Saturday, August 22, due to heavy rainfall recorded in recent days. This is in order to safeguard the integrity of passengers and guides.
The Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with the National Service for State Protected Natural Areas (SERNANP), and the Ministry of Culture, through the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco (DDCC), have announced the closure of Routes 1, 2, and 3 of the Inca Trail network. These routes will be closed from Tuesday, August 18, to Saturday, August 22.
The measure aims to protect visitors, tourists, administrative staff, and tourism workers in the area, ensuring safe conditions across different sections of the trail network.
The decision comes in response to the heavy rainfall that has been affecting the area since the night of Monday, August 17. This severe weather has resulted in extensive damage, including collapsed restroom facilities, rising streams, damaged footbridges, soil erosion, and landslides along several sections of the trails. Additionally, flooding has occurred at various campsites, such as Llulluchapampa, Ayapata, Paqaymayu Alto, Soqtacocha, Yuncachimpa, Qonchamarka, Wayllabamba, Pawkarcancha, Cusichaka, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñaywayna.
The announcement was made by Maritza Rosa Candia, the Director of Culture. She also ordered the return of tourists who had entered the Inca Trail early on the morning of Tuesday, August 18. Additionally, she stated that staff from SERNANP and the DDCC are continuously monitoring the routes affected by the rain. Their goal is to assess the safety and conditions of the trails before reopening them.
DANA and Heavy Rain in August
An Isolated High Level Depression, commonly referred to by its Spanish acronym DANA, is an unusual cold atmospheric system that forms at altitudes between 5 and 10 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. It typically moves in from the Southern Hemisphere, particularly from Antarctica.
When this cold system interacts with warmer clouds over the Amazon, southern Peru, and northern Chile, it transports moisture from the Amazon toward the Andes. This leads to cloudy skies, heavy rainfall, and even snowfall during a time of year that is not usually associated with these weather conditions.
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Travel agencies will arrange alternative trekking routes
Inca Trail permits can only be obtained through authorized travel agencies. These tour operators assist travelers in planning alternative trekking experiences on dates affected by the Inca Trail route restrictions.
The diverse geography of the Peruvian Andes offers several interesting trekking routes, all of which connect to Machu Picchu. Among the most popular options are the Salkantay trek 4 days and the Lares trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, among others.
Take Note: Interesting Trekking Alternatives to Machu Picchu
Travel agencies authorized by the Peruvian government are now offering alternative trekking routes to Machu Picchu, which are just as popular as the Inca Trail.
One option is the Salkantay Trek 4 days, which takes hikers through stunning high Andean areas above 4,000 meters. Travelers can explore glacial lakes, surround the majestic snow-capped Salkantay Mountain, and descend into tropical forests where coffee is cultivated. This trek showcases an impressive contrast of climates before arriving at the famous Machu Picchu.
Another choice is the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, which allows hikers to enjoy the nearby hot springs. Along the way, participants will admire beautiful high Andean lakes and local communities, interact with residents, appreciate the breathtaking Quiswarani Falls at over 3,800 meters, and explore the Inca salt mines of Maras. The trek concludes with a train ride to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
With these options available, all you need to do is choose your adventure!
Inca Trail Route 5 – Chachabamba will remain open
Route 5 – Chachabamba will remain open for hikers starting from Km 104 and Km 106. This route is frequently used for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 days.
When will the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu reopen?
The official reopening of the Inca Trail has been announced for September 5, 2026, following its sudden closure due to heavy rainfall in August. The date was set after accessibility assessments and cleanup efforts were conducted to ensure the trail is safe for hikers once again.
