Traveling to Cusco in February? Tourists can visit Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Moray

00:30 | Cusco (Cusco region), Feb. 11.

Cusco's Regional Management of Foreign Trade, Tourism, and Handicrafts (Gercetur) is promoting attractions in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the archaeological parks of Maras, Moray, and Pisac, along with the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, as alternative destinations during the closure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, and Lake Humantay.

Heavy rains have forced multisector authorities to suspend tourist access to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, and Lake Humantay throughout February due to the vulnerability of access routes.

However, this does not prevent visitors from exploring and discovering other sites that form part of established tourism circuits.

To reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas from the city of Cusco, travelers pass through the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park; along the same paved route are the archaeological complexes of Q'enqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.

Upon arriving in the town of Pisac—a key gateway for beginning a journey through the lush Sacred Valley—visitors can enjoy a great handicrafts market showcasing diverse artistic traditions, the Colonial Temple of Pisac, and a paved road that climbs to the archaeological park under the same name.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is made up of Calca and Urubamba provinces. In Calca are the Unu Urco Archaeological Park—featuring extensive Inca terraces that are still used by local farmers—the Machakancha Hot Springs, and the city of Calca itself, which enjoys a pleasant climate.

In Urubamba province are the archaeological parks of Chinchero, located in the district under the same name, and Moray—the Inca agricultural laboratory—situated in Maras district, which is also known for the Maras Salt Mines.

Lastly, the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu—a New Seven Wonder of the World—is located in the district of the same name. It is reached by train from the Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu Pueblo, then by a bus ride to the site.

For safety reasons

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed every February for maintenance and conservation works by workers and specialists from the Directorate of Culture. The closure may be extended if heavy rains persist.

Access to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park has likewise been suspended for safety reasons due to landslides and rockfalls caused by heavy rains along the Apurimac routes via Cachora–Maranpata (Cusco) and the new Santa Teresa–Choquequirao route.

Visits to Lake Humantay have been suspended for tourists since February 6 due to geological instability made vulnerable by heavy rains in the Balconpata area.

This route also leads to the snow-capped Salkantay and to Machu Picchu via a mule trail. The closure remains in effect until further notice from the Municipality of Mollepata Anta.