With the Inca Trail closing in February 2025 for maintenance and the heavy rain season, travelers heading to Machu Picchu can explore alternative trekking routes like the Salkantay Trek, Inca Jungle Trek, and Lares Trek, or opt for a train ride or the Hidroeléctrica route.
The Inca Trail, one of the world’s most famous hiking routes, will remain closed throughout February 2025 due to the peak rainy season and scheduled maintenance. The Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura de Cusco (DDC Cusco) confirmed the closure as part of an annual conservation plan to protect the trail’s archaeological integrity.
According to Jorge Luis Moya Cohaguila, director of DDC Cusco, a team of over 30 specialists will work on key restoration and maintenance tasks, including:
- Repairing stone walls and stairways damaged by erosion.
- Maintaining water channels and fountains affected by heavy rains.
- Preserving key archaeological sites along the Inca Trail.
Best alternative routes to Machu Picchu in February
Even though the Inca Trail will be closed, there are still plenty of ways to reach Machu Picchu:
- Train from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes – The fastest and most comfortable option.
- Hidroeléctrica Route – A budget-friendly alternative that includes a three-hour hike.
Trekking Alternatives:
- Salkantay Trek – A challenging five-day hike through high-altitude landscapes.
- Inca Jungle – A unique adventure combining hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
- Lares Trek – A less crowded route offering an immersive cultural experience with Andean communities.
The temporary closure of the Inca Trail ensures its preservation and keeps the experience safe for future travelers. Every year, thousands of visitors marvel at this legendary route, and protecting it remains a top priority.
