The Inca Trail to the
will close to tourists briefly on Saturday, January 31, and reopen on March 1 for scheduled maintenance and conservation works, the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park Management has confirmed.
The works will be carried out in compliance with the Regulations for the Sustainable Tourist Use of the Inca Trail Network.
As every February, they will involve around 60 specialists and workers who will travel from Piscacucho village, in Ollantaytambo district, to the Inca llaqta of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Archaeological Park Chief Cesar Medina told Andina News Agency.
Maintenance and conservation personnel for architectural structures will begin work along the route that includes the archaeological monuments of Salapuku, Qhanabamba, Qoriwayrachina, Willkaraqay, Patallaqta, Tunasmoqo, Pawkarkancha, Patawasi, Sayacmarca, Qonchamarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipunku, Wiñaywayna, Chachabamba, and Choquesuysuy.
The Machu Picchu Archaeological Park official reported that rehabilitation works will be carried out on the Inca Trail, including maintenance of retaining walls, vegetation clearance, stone paving repairs, and upkeep of wooden structures, as well as bridges, ramps, and railings.
Medina noted that works will include maintenance of campsite areas, floor treatments, drainage systems, stabilization of retaining walls, and upkeep of sanitary facilities.
"In some sections, we will also carry out rock scaling to prevent possible rockfalls," he told Andina, recalling that the most recent emergency was reported last November near the Wiñaywayna campsite, which forced a diversion of the route to reach Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy.
"In the Wiñaywayna section, we have experienced numerous incidents due to the rainy season, which have led to landslides," he stated.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu records a daily influx of 500 people, including tourists and porters who carry visitors' supplies.
The suspension of visitor access is also due to heavy rainfall, which is expected to continue through March and could trigger emergencies.
The measure is intended to prevent incidents that could affect visitors' physical integrity and health.
(END) PHS/MAO/MVB