The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be closed from February 1 to February 28 for maintenance and conservation work on cultural heritage and the ecosystem. The Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco announced that the closure is part of a comprehensive conservation plan to ensure the safety of tourists and preserve the archaeological heritage of the region.
"According to the norm, the Inca Trail has to be closed throughout February, as there are rainfalls that make it inaccessible and dangerous," said Jorge Luis Moya Cohaguila, emphasizing the importance of these works for visitor safety, according to Gestin.
During the closure, approximately 30 workers will carry out maintenance and conservation tasks on critical sections of the Inca Trail, including Patallaqta, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku. Their efforts will focus on cleaning and removal of vegetation, structural consolidation of paths and staircases, and maintenance of wooden structures such as bridges and railings, as reported by Panamericana TV.
The archaeological sites that will receive maintenance include Patallaqta, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, Intipunku, and others such as Salapuku, Qhanabamba, Qoriwayrachina, Willkaraqay, Tunasmoqo, Pawkarkancha, Patawasi, Qonchamarca, Chachabamba, and Choquesuysuy. The work will cover walls, enclosures, staircases, channels, fountains, and other spaces, detailed Perú21.
Cleaning work will also be carried out on cobbled paths, ditches, handrails, stone and wooden bridges, rest areas, and sanitary services in vulnerable sectors. This includes the camps of Huayllabamba, Pacaymayo Alto, and Wiñay Wayna, as well as septic tanks and sanitary services in sectors such as Paqaymayu Alto and Chaquicocha. Gestin reports that these camps, which usually accommodate hikers, will receive special attention to improve rest areas, sanitary services, and signage.
The signage system along the Inca Trail will be improved to provide a safer and more accessible experience for visitors, according to La República. "The measure of closing the Inca Trail Network is adopted in compliance with the Sustainable Tourist Use Regulation," according to Panamericana TV. The closure aims to facilitate maintenance and conservation work on cultural heritage, service infrastructure, and natural ecosystem recovery.
Francisco Huarcaya, the archaeologist responsible for the Inca Trail Network, stated that the work groups are made up of professionals and qualified personnel with extensive experience in this type of work. The objective is to reinforce the structure of the sections that make up the network of paths leading to Machu Picchu, according to Gestin.
The reopening of the Inca Trail is scheduled for March 1, when weather conditions are favorable for those interested in trekking the route, ensuring that the infrastructure is in optimal condition for visitors. Moya Cohaguila emphasized that security must be provided to tourists who will return to use the trail from March.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a challenging route ideal for tourists seeking to experience nature, enjoy the landscape of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and appreciate the cultural heritage of the ancient Inca Empire. The trail spans 43 kilometers and is traversed in four days and three nights, mainly attracting young adventurers. It crosses the Sacred Valley and borders the Vilcanota or Urubamba River, offering visitors a unique experience that immerses them in the legacy of the ancient Inca Empire.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq