09:04 | Ollantaytambo (Cusco region), Jan. 27.
Throughout February, the Inca Trail to
Machu Picchu—located in Cusco region and considered one of the world's premier trekking routes—will be closed to tourism as part of comprehensive maintenance work being carried out along the route, the
National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp) has confirmed.
He said the operations will be carried out by 60 specialists and workers, who will set out from the Piscacucho village, in Ollantaytambo district, and proceed along the route to the Inca llaqta of Machu Picchu.
These activities are being carried out in compliance with the Regulations on Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network.
Which sections will be closed and why?
In its statement, Sernanp specifies that Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the Inca Trail Network to Machu Picchu will not be available for tourist visits through February 28.
The organization stressed that this measure aims to allow the natural recovery of ecosystems, while also ensuring the maintenance of tourist infrastructure and visitors' safety.
It said these activities include improvements to visitor service infrastructure, the implementation of measures to foster sustainable and safe tourism, as well as biological monitoring of flora and fauna species within the protected natural area.
At another point, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Management Department urged tour operators, guides, and visitors to promptly inform users and adopt the necessary steps to ensure service quality, in accordance with the Regulations on Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network by the SHM/PANM.
Authorities clarified that tourism operations and access to the network will fully resume as normal starting March 1, 2026.
In 2025, the closure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was extended until late March due to tourist safety measures following heavy rainfall along the route, which triggered several natural events.
Published: 1/27/2026