The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be closed for the entire month of February for maintenance, as part of a conservation and safety plan. The closure runs from January 31 to February 28, with a clear goal: to protect 15 archaeological monuments and reduce risks during the rainy season.
The trail will remain closed throughout February due to its annual conservation work, and also to keep visitors safe as rainfall increases at this time of year.
The management of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park and Cusco’s Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) confirmed that starting Saturday, January 31, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be closed to tourist access.
To carry out the plan, a technical team of 60 specialists and workers will be deployed, moving from Piscacucho (Ollantaytambo) along the route network.
According to the park director, César Medina Alpaca, the work will cover 15 archaeological monuments, including Salapunku, Qhanabamba, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. The official reopening of the Inca Trail Network is scheduled for March 1.
The scheduled work includes key actions to protect the route and reduce risks during the rainy season, such as:
- Trail surface repairs (sections of the path and walking areas)
- Maintenance of retaining walls
- Vegetation clearing in critical sections
- Repairs to essential infrastructure: bridges, ramps, and handrails
- Drainage work and restroom maintenance in camping areas
- Measures to prevent landslides and stabilize unsafe points
In addition, to further reduce these risks, and in coordination with Peru’s National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp), unstable slopes will be reinforced in certain sections using protective mesh (geomesh).
Alternative treks to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail typically welcomes about 500 people per day, so the closure directly affects travelers who planned to do the classic hike to Machu Picchu.
In response, Peru’s Minister of Culture, Alfredo Luna, said the region offers many alternatives for visitors. He also emphasized that these scheduled breaks follow international standards for heritage sites, helping protect them and keep them in good condition.
So the closure doesn’t catch you off guard, here are excellent trekking options that usually work well in February (always check the weather and availability):
- Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu: A great alternative that takes you through stunning landscapes around Nevado Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,570 ft) on a 5-day hike. You’ll reach Machu Picchu by following a section of the railway tracks that lead into the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days): A route that includes relaxing hot springs, beautiful Andean lakes, and pristine waterfalls before reaching Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days / 3 nights): Visit the impressive Socma waterfalls, a mysterious sacred site carved into rock (Ñaupa Iglesia), a beautiful Inca stone gateway dedicated to the Sun, and the Cachicata quarry. You’ll then arrive in Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, followed by your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Inca Jungle Tour to Machu Picchu (4 days): For young and adventurous travelers. This 4-day experience combines biking, rafting, trekking, and even zip-lining. It starts in Cruzpata (the Sacred Valley of the Incas) and ends in Lucmabamba, a camping area that connects to Aguas Calientes via an old Inca Trail section that is not affected by the closure rules.
If you’d like more alternative treks to Inca Trail, don't hesitate to feel contact us!
