09:48 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jan. 19.
At a multisectoral meeting led by the
Ministry of Culture, through the
Decentralized Directorate of Culture in Cusco (DDC Cusco), authorities agreed to temporarily suspend access to the
Choquequirao Archaeological Park starting February 1.
The decision was adopted as a preventive measure during the rainy season, aimed at safeguarding the safety and integrity of visitors, tourism operators, and the local communities linked to this national cultural heritage site.
A prior 15-day period has been established for the dissemination and preventive communication of this measure to the citizens and tourism sector's stakeholders.
The decision is based on technical reports issued by local authorities and competent risk management agencies, and covers all access routes to the park.
During the multisectoral meeting convened by the DDC Cusco, participants not only assessed the safety conditions of the access route to Choquequirao, but also agreed on joint actions to address the identified risks.
Assessment
The meeting brought together representatives from Cusco Region's Government (Gore Cusco), the Regional Office for Disaster Risk Management and Security, Cusco's Regional Management of Foreign Trade, Tourism, and Handicrafts (Gercetur), the district municipalities of Mollepata and San Pedro de Cachora, as well as the Cachora Muleteers Board.
Their technical presentations made it possible to develop a comprehensive assessment of the tourist route's current condition.
DDC Cusco Executive Director Diego Pajares stated that the decision "responds to a technical and preventive criterion, based on the impact of adverse climatic factors typical of the rainy season, which have increased the vulnerability of certain access sections and the current conditions of the route, potentially putting visitor safety at risk."
He also emphasized that the suspension forms part of a coordinated and responsible effort among the different levels of government and local stakeholders.
On-site inspection
As part of the actions preceding the suspension, a joint multisectoral on-site inspection will be carried out between January 23 and 27.
It will include the DDC Cusco, Gore Cusco, Gercetur, local governments, and other competent authorities.
The inspection aims to assess safety conditions on site, as well as define the necessary maintenance measures and risk mitigation actions.
The suspension of access to Choquequirao will have an initial duration of thirty (30) calendar days, during which technical assessments, preventive maintenance work, and continuous monitoring of the route will be carried out.
A multisectoral roadmap will be developed, setting out specific actions, responsible parties, and timelines aimed at strengthening safety conditions and ensuring a potential reopening under appropriate conditions.
(END) NDP/JOT/MVB
Published: 1/19/2026