The Ministry of Culture has confirmed that the Inca Trail Network will officially reopen on Sunday, March 1, 2026, after a temporary closure in February for major conservation and safety work. The project was managed and supervised by the Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) of Cusco.
These interventions were designed to protect both hikers and the trail itself. Teams completed comprehensive conservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation that included:
- Consolidation of architectural structures
- Optimization of drainage systems
- Rehabilitation of strategic access sections
On the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Road Network, crews improved routes 1, 2, 3, and 5 with critical upgrades such as:
- Road surface consolidation
- Maintenance of retaining walls
- Drainage improvements to better handle rainfall and runoff
In the Intipunku sector, bridges and railings were renovated (including upgrades to bridges, culverts/pontones, railings, and handrails), and campsites and sanitary facilities were refurbished to improve comfort and safety for trekkers. Work also included improvements at camps and services in places such as Paqaymayu Alto, Chaquicocha, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñay Wayna, plus maintenance at control and monitoring posts.
As an added preventive step against natural hazards, teams also began desquinche (risk-reduction work for loose material) in the Catarata sector, in the Wiñay Wayna ravine, using strict safety measures to protect both staff and the surrounding archaeological structures.
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>>Note: If you want to enjoy the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this year, we invite you to check availability and book your Inca Trail permits 2026 as soon as possible.
Francisco Huarcaya, head of the Inca Road Network coordination, emphasized that the maintenance work ensures the route is ready for visitors again, stating: “Today we can affirm that the archaeological monuments and the road network are in good condition and ready to receive national and international visitors.”
With this reopening, the Ministry of Culture once again underscores its commitment to the sustainable preservation of heritage, protecting these irreplaceable sites while keeping them accessible for responsible tourism.
Inca Trail 2026 closed in February: Conservation works
During the temporary closure, specialized crews worked across multiple monuments and sectors, including Willkaraqay, Runcuraqay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, Wiñay Wayna, and Chachabamba, among others (with additional work also reported in areas such as Patawasi, Qoriwayrachina, Qonchamarka, Intipata, and Choquesuysuy).
To preserve structural integrity, the work included:
- Vegetation control (removing invasive growth that can damage stonework)
- Cleaning of canals and water channels
- Consolidation of staircases (especially stone steps in high-wear areas)
- Underpinning of walls to reinforce stability and prevent shifting
What this reopening means for travelers
If you’re planning to hike soon, here’s what this reopening brings, and what you should do next:
- A safer, more stable trail experience thanks to improved drainage, restored steps, and reinforced structures.
- Better comfort on the route, with upgraded campsites and improved sanitary facilities.
- Plan ahead: Access is strictly regulated. This route is typically closed in February for maintenance, and Inca Trail permits 2026 are limited to up to 500 people per day (including tourists and authorized support staff). Reservations are required, and access is generally only possible through authorized agencies with official guides.
- Know the route basics: The classic Inca Trail 4 Days Group Tour from Km 82 (Piskacucho) to Intipunku is around 42 km and is commonly done over several days before entering Machu Picchu.
