Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

Machu Picchu is open again!

Machu Picchu is open again!

3MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2023-02-15

Machu Picchu was closed on January 21, 2023, due to the actions of protestors, resulting in the archaeological site being affected by an especially slow tourism season. Roads were blocked, supply chains were shut off, sides were taken and it was more than any world-renowned travel destination could endure. The Ministry of Culture and the Headquarters of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu of the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SEMANP) shut down The Inca Trail network, and Machu Picchu and tourism went into hibernation once more, while the country tried to work out its political problems. The archaeological site was closed “indefinitely” on January 20, following attacks on Cusco airport and suspension of the rail service between Cusco and the town of Aguas Calientes, close to the Inca citadel.

 

Visitors to The Museum of AnthropoIn January 2023, Peru closed its famous signature site of Machu Picchu. This was because of the ongoing protests against the country's new president. The Peruvian government said it closed the site, and Inca trail trips to protect tourists and locals. These protests began when Peru's previous leader was ousted on corruption charges.

Machu Picchu

 

Machu Picchu is open again!

On the 8th of February, a meeting with the regional tourism board, Cusco mayors, Peru Rail, and representatives from Ollantaytambo, Poroy, Urubamba, and Machu Picchu Pueblo, as well as the Presidents of the Indigenous Communities, reached an agreement to reopen Machu Picchu. The agreed date is the 15th of February, 2023. This agreement has been signed by each member with the aim to reactivate tourism in the region of Cusco, which has been seriously affected due to the protests.

 

The Machu Picchu website.

It is now fully operative with entrance tickets available for all daily schedules and the Inca Trail remains closed during February as it is every year, being the wettest month of the rainy season. So the probable opening date for the Inca trail is likely to be the 1st of March   2023.Luckily the protests disappeared as quickly as they started at the beginning of 2023. Peru´s major attractions are once more open to visitors and Peru vacation packages are resuming once more. Machu Picchu tour packages and thriving once more after a tiny upset.

Machu Picchu

 

Trains are now operating

On a slightly reduced schedule from Poroy and Ollantaytambo to the Inca citadel, by both Inca Rail and Peru Rail.

Rail services to Machu Picchu were suspended after some train tracks were damaged, allegedly by protesters. These train services by PeruRail and Inka Rail have now been resumed and are running smoothly, according to the schedules. Machu Picchu can only be reached by train or by hiking as there are no roads to the ancient Inca citadel. You can once more book Machu Picchu tours without any issues.

Peru Rail Expedition Service

 

We are delighted that Machu Picchu has once again re-opened its doors to visitors from all over the world. It is amazing to see things getting back to normal and the protests calming down across the country and we can plan ahead for any scheduled protests in advance to have minimum impact on your Peru trip. Valencia Travel will make every effort to arrange a trouble-free trip for you!

The archaeological site known as Machu Picchu, dates back to the 15th century. The site is located in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Mountains were sacred to the Incas, so this particularly high mountaintop dwelling would have had a special, spiritual significance. Because the site was so sacred, only priests and high-ranking Incas could enter the temple, oh, and llamas! See loads´a llamas on a Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco!

Happy Llama

 

If you need any more information or help with booking your tour to Peru or the most up-to-date information about the current situation in Peru, and how it impacts your visit, please contact us here.
 

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