and the Tourist Protection Network are on alert due to intense rainfall and possible emergencies that could occur along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu following its reopening on March 1.
"We are in a permanent security session. The rains have not yet ended in the Cusco region, and we have an alert that they will continue in March. We will remain vigilant," Gercetur Cusco Chief Rosendo Baca emphasized.
The official highlighted the reopening of the Inca Trail Network to Machu Picchu, which is carried out annually in February for maintenance and conservation of the ancestral route by workers from the Directorate of Culture.
However, he stated that if any situation arises that could affect visitors’ safety, the appropriate decision will be taken.
Baca urged vigilance along this route, which last Sunday received more than 200 visitors from the United States, France, Italy, China, Japan, and Brazil, along with porters, for a four-day trek.
"While it is true that the Inca Trail is currently open and meets all required conditions, we must not neglect the ongoing risk posed by the rains. We need to remain vigilant in the face of any incident," he said.
Two tourist destinations to remain closed
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in February forced the closure of the Choquequirao Archaeological Park, as access routes are vulnerable to landslides that could endanger visitors.
Laguna de Humantay (Lake Humantay) will remain closed as well due to a geological fault in the Balconpata sector.
Both tourist destinations will remain closed to visitors, pending assessments to be conducted this week.
"We will conduct a field inspection on Wednesday, together with various institutions. The priority is safety, to carry out the corresponding assessment, if necessary, in order to decide on reopening or maintaining the closure," Baca concluded.
(END) PHS/TMC/MVB