The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is considered the "Mecca" of tourism in Peru, attracting more than 5,000 visitors every day. Today, many travelers are concerned about the possibility of Machu Picchu closing, which could disrupt countless itineraries and plans for those who wish to visit this iconic site. Staying informed about potential closures is crucial to ensuring a smooth and well-prepared trip.
Yes, according to the official website of the Ministry of Culture, Machu Picchu will be open and operating at 100% capacity throughout 2025. However, we strongly recommend that you book your tickets well in advance due to the high demand.
Machu Picchu is located in the subtropical zone of the Cusco region, where rainfall varies throughout the year and can affect visits to the site. Over the years, Machu Picchu has experienced unusual weather patterns, with prolonged rainfall, high humidity, and persistent cloud cover during the day.
How does the weather affect Machu Picchu?
Variations in weather throughout the year can cause river levels to rise, resulting in landslides and mudslides in the access areas to the citadel. During periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, rivers can overflow and damage railroads or roads that are the only access routes to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This can cause disruptions, cancellations, and delays to trains and other modes of transportation, significantly impacting visitors' plans. As a result, Machu Picchu may be temporarily closed to visitors.
Peru is a safe country to visit and Cusco is considered one of the safest places in the country according to the government and Mincetur. However, internal problems within the country, whether caused by the current government or specific local problems in Cusco, can lead to unplanned strikes and protests.
How do protests affect Machu Picchu?
These protests can disrupt access to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, as local residents sometimes block roads and railways, temporarily halting travel. As a result, many travelers may have difficulty completing their planned itineraries.
In 2020, Machu Picchu was closed for approximately two years. When it reopened, the Peruvian government implemented strict health and safety protocols for exploring the citadel, including the creation of new visitor circuits. Travelers were required to wear masks and face shields as a mandatory measure. This marked the first time Machu Picchu had been closed for such an extended period, significantly affecting tour operators and travel agencies.
How Did the Pandemic Affect Machu Picchu?
During the pandemic, most tour operators and travel agencies were forced to close for an entire year, and many travelers canceled their trips to Machu Picchu. Visits to the site, which is a major draw for tourists to Cusco and Peru as a whole, dropped by 72% in the first half of the year. By December, Machu Picchu was receiving about 500 visitors daily, compared to 2,500 per day during normal times. Most visitors during this period were Peruvian tourists, as international travel was severely restricted. To boost domestic tourism, the government temporarily waived entrance fees for Peruvian citizens. In comparison, the site had received 1.6 million tourists in 2019.
The short answer to all of these questions is NO. Machu Picchu is currently open to the public, and it will remain open throughout the year. The closure of Machu Picchu reflects only the fact that at some point a natural event occurs that threatens its infrastructure. It is only the Inca Trail that will be temporarily closed in February
Nevertheless, Machu Picchu is going through a lot of changes. For example, do you know that the schedules to visit this beautiful citadel has changed from 2021 2025? In total, 4,500 people will be able to purchase Machu Picchu tickets every day divided into 3 time slots and 3 circuits. These New Machu Picchu Restrictions 2025 have changed the way people get to visit Machu Picchu forcing tour operators to change the way they used to operate tours.
Inca Trail 2025 was reopened, all tour operators and Inca Trail Machu operators can book it. We recommend booking in advance, there are only 500 spaces available everyday for 2025, in these spaces divided between the trekkers, professional guide, chef and porters. Also the 500 spots available will be divided on the Inca Trail Tours such as 3 day Inca Trail, 4 day Inca Trail, 5 day Inca Trail and Salkantay trek to Inca Trail. The short Inca Trail have 250 spaces available and it is separately system booking of the classic trail.
Some people have misunderstood these changes which have led to a bunch of misleading information on the Internet. That is why, it is essential to understand why this happened and what to do about it.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed during February. Since 2001, The Machu Picchu restrictions regarding the management and preservation of the Inca Trail demand its temporary closure for the whole month of February due to safety matters and harsh weather conditions. Heavy rains and landslides occur during this time while the sanctuary officials carry out works of maintenance of trails, renovation of bridges and improvement of toilets and campsites.
Here are a few examples:
If you like to book the Inca Trail in 2025, you should obviously avoid February or choose an alternative route of climbing Machu Picchu. On the other hand, if you like to go directly to Machu Picchu, February is still a viable month to visit it as long as you are not bothered by rain.
Remember that, February is one of the months of the low season in Machu Picchu. One of the reasons for the low number of visitors is the rainy season from December to March. Rain can make the stone paths becoming a bit slippery and fog is a constant problem. On the other hand, you could see the Machu Picchu landscape with only few clouds and most likely with a rainbow during days with only light rain which make it an unforgettable scene!
If you only have 1 spare day to visit Machu Picchu, you might get there by train a 2-hour trip taking you through the breathtaking Sacred Valley.
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Travel by train through the Sacred Valley to the city of Aguas Calientes. Then, take a bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour and then spare time to take pictures and tour the ancient city on your own. In the afternoon, board a train back to the Cusco City. Another option is to reach Machu Picchu via an alternative route around the Hydroelectric Plant. This way is longer (it takes about 7 hours in total), but it offers more adventures.
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SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR
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Also, you can choose one of the train trips to Machu Picchu and enjoy the New Wonder of the Modern World in a different way. The options are: a trip to Machu Picchu in a full day or the Sacred Valley 2 Day Tour to Machu Picchu with overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes. The latter takes you through impressive landscapes of the Sacred Valley marked by small adobe villages with traditionally dressed native Quechua inhabitants, small farms and agricultural terraces. |
Even if the Inca Trail is closed in February, there are other incredible routes for climbing Machu Picchu:
INCA JUNGLE TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
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The Inca Jungle offers one of the most adventurous route of climbing Machu Picchu. It combines downhill cycling, rafting, zip-line and hiking.
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SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
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This alternative trek lasts 5 days. Cross the imposing snowy Salkantay at 4,650 metres until you reach Machu Picchu passing through Aguas Calientes. |
LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
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This trek has many variations. Its starting point is situated in the village of Lares. After 4 days of walking, you arrive at Machu Picchu. |
You can expect more drastic changes in the future. Plans to further limit the freedom of visitors at the site have already been drawn up. This will confine a visit to a more controlled route throughout the site, as opposed to the free-roaming exploration we are currently allowed.
If such plans are implemented, there will undoubtedly be pros and cons for all visitors to Machu Picchu. But for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, it means a crucial step in ensuring the future preservation of the site. Which, in the long run, protects against the real threat of Machu Picchu closing for a longer period of time.
It's normal to have questions about safety when planning a trip to somewhere as amazing as Machu Picchu. You can feel safe visiting the inca citadel, it's a really peaceful place for tourists. The local authorities and the Peruvian government do a great job of keeping everyone safe and protecting this special place. Just like anywhere else, it's a good idea to be smart and know what's going on.
Safety Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu:
