Machu Picchu to reopen to tourists

UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu in Peru is set to reopen after two months of disruption due to political instability.

It was abruptly closed on 21 January, but will reopen to travellers fully on 15 February, after limited train services restarted last week.

The closure had meant travellers to the Inca city faced a period of uncertainty, not knowing when the site would reopen. But now a date has been set, demand for permits is expected to rise again. No more than 2,500 people can visit Machu Picchu every day.

Danny Callaghan, CEO of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA), said: “We are delighted to hear from our LATA member, Amazonas Explorer, that ahead of the official reopening of Machu Picchu on Wednesday, 15 February, some tourists have already made their way to this amazing location.

“Cusco and the Sacred Valley are now fully open, as is Lima, the coastal regions, Northern Peru, Arequipa, and the Colca Canyon. Inca Rail has announced that their Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu – Hidro-Electrica services have resumed, currently at reduced frequency, but with Perurail expected to be running all services normally by Monday, 20 February.”

He also explained that not everything would be completely back to normal immediately though: “While there are still some sporadic roadblocks and reduced air services this is a big step forward towards a return to normal tourism services.”

Callaghan concluded: “We would suggest that tour operators build a little flexibility into itineraries for now, but if clients are travelling with a decent destination management company (DMC) in Peru, they will have a great holiday, and see the key sights with no problems.”