The question hanging over all tourists is Machu Picchu is going to be closed to the public?
The answer is NO.
Only the Inca Trail is closed every year for the month of February for rainy season, conservation work etc, sometimes people turned this from a rumour to Machu Picchu is closing!!!
Dont fear, Im sure it will there for many years to come!
Information January 05,2025
The Dirección Desconccentrada de Cultura de Cusco (DDCC) and the Jefatura del Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu – Sernanp announced the closure of the network of Inca Trails of Machu Picchu, from 1 to 29 February 2025, due to the maintenance work that is performed annually on the ancestral Inca Trail and its infrastructure of basic services.
Archaeological sites along the route, including Salapuku, Qhanabamba, Qoriwayrachina, Willkaraqay, Patallaqta, Tunasmoqo, Pawkarkancha, Patawasi, Sayacmarca, Qonchamarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipunku, Wiñaywayna, Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, will receive special attention to ensure their preservation.
Therefore, both entities inform tour operators, travel agencies and tourist guides that, in application of the Sustainable Tourism Use Regulations of the Inca Trail route, all tourist activity in the area is suspended to facilitate rehabilitation work.
The entrance of visitors to the Inca Trail route will be resumed as of March 1 of this year.
Machu Picchu will remain open
It is important to mention that, although the Inca Trail will be closed during February, the citadel of Machu Picchu will remain open to the public. However, the authorities established a limit of 5,600 visitors per day during the 2025 high season, which includes high-demand dates such as January 1, April 17-20, June 19-November 2, and December 30 and 31. This measure seeks to control the flow of tourists and minimize the impact on the archaeological site.
For those planning to visit Machu Picchu during the closure of the Inca Trail, there are alternatives such as access by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride to the entrance of the citadel. This route allows tourists to enjoy the majesty of Machu Picchu without affecting the ongoing maintenance work.
Authorities recommend that visitors and tour operators plan their trips with these arrangements in mind, and keep informed through official channels of any changes or updates to the archeological site access policies. Everyone’s collaboration is essential for the conservation of this cultural heritage of humanity and to ensure a safe and enriching experience for the millions of tourists who arrive each year to visit the Inca wonder.
