01:00 | Cusco (Cusco region), Aug. 19.
The
Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) in Cusco has ordered the temporary suspension of tourist access to
Machu Picchu Inca Trail due to landslides and damage reported in various areas as a result of heavy rains.
The measure will take effect today, Wednesday, August 19.
It will remain in force until further notice, in order to protect tourists’ physical safety and ensure suitable conditions throughout their journey.
Since Monday night, August 17, heavy rainfall has been occurring in various areas of the Inca Trail network leading to the Machu Picchu Citadel, DDC Cusco Director Maritza Rosa Candia reported.
In some sections, landslides, swollen streams, flooding of camping areas, collapsed restroom facilities, damage to footbridges, and soil erosion have been reported, among other incidents that pose a risk to visitors.
Emergencies have been reported in the areas of Llulluchapampa, Ayapata, Paqaymayu Alto, Soqtacocha, Yuncachimpa, Qonchamarka, Wayllabamba, Pawkarcancha, Cusichaka, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñaywayna.
Meanwhile, Francisco Huarcaya, who is in charge of conservation for the Inca Trail Network, said surveillance personnel continuously monitor these areas to promptly identify any potential risks and take the necessary measures.
One of the urgent measures was also to have visitors who entered the trail on Tuesday return, although the number of visitors was not determined.
The measure was adopted in consideration of the adverse weather conditions forecast by the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi), associated with the presence of a High-Altitude Isolated Depression (DANA).
For visitors returning from the Inca Trail, alternative routes are being evaluated via kilometer 104 in Chachabamba and kilometer 106 in Choquesuysuy.
The opening of these routes will be subject to an assessment of weather and safety conditions through August 22.
If adverse conditions persist, the corresponding procedures will be initiated to reschedule visits and/or refund admission fees, as applicable.
Moreover, the cultural authority has ordered personnel at the Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park to remain on permanent alert in order to strengthen surveillance, monitoring, and immediate response measures in the event of any emergency.
Finally, it urges tour operators and users of the Inca Trail Network to comply with safety provisions and remain attentive to official communications that will be disseminated through the DDC’s institutional channels.
(END) PHS/TMC/MVB
Published: 8/19/2026