The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is open again. After heavy rainfall, landslides, and damage to several sections, hikers can once again use routes 1, 2, and 3. Visitors have been back on the trails since September 5, 2026.
The temporary closure became necessary after heavy rainfall on August 17 and 18. In the following weeks, paths, walls, drainage systems, and resting places were inspected and repaired.
More than 400 people on the trail for the reopening
For the reopening, 25 organized groups set off. Among them were 136 foreign tourists and three foreign children. They were accompanied by 25 official guides and 240 staff members, including numerous porters. The international visitors came from countries including the USA, France, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Colombia, Australia, Mexico, and Germany. Additionally, there were Peruvian hikers.
The starting point was Piscacucho in the Ollantaytambo district. The village is located at kilometer 82 of the railway line and is one of the classic starting points for the multi-day trek to Machu Picchu.
Heavy rain damaged several sections
The closure was triggered by unusually heavy rainfall in August. The water masses caused landslides and damaged parts of routes 1, 2, and 3 in the Machupicchu Historical Sanctuary. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture and the Sernanp nature conservation agency had the affected areas investigated. Before a reopening, paths and other infrastructure had to be secured.
The work included retaining walls, path platforms, and water drainage systems. Accumulated material was removed from the Llulluchapampa stream. In the Unkawayqo and Falsopaso areas, loose rocks also had to be secured or removed. Camping areas in Llulluchapampa and Paqaymayo Alto were also affected by the work.
Warmiwañusqa remains the greatest challenge
An important section of the classic route leads over Warmiwañusqa. The pass is located at an altitude of around 4,200 meters and is the highest point of the multi-day trek. For hikers, the long ascent is one of the most physically demanding stages.
The path then leads back to lower and increasingly humid regions of the Andes. The different altitudes are among the special features of the Inca Trail. Dry valleys, high mountain landscapes, and humid mountain forests lie along the same route.
The Inca Trail is part of the Qhapaq Ñan
The Inca Trail is not just a trekking route to Machu Picchu. It is part of the historical road network of the Andes, which is now known as the Qhapaq Ñan. During the Inca period, this road system connected different regions of the empire. Messengers, officials, soldiers, and goods traveled along these paths.
The entire network stretched for thousands of kilometers through several present-day South American states. Parts of the Qhapaq Ñan have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.
Several Inca sites are directly on the path
Hikers pass several archaeological sites on the classic route. These include Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. Wiñay Wayna, shortly before Machu Picchu, is particularly impressive. Terraces stretch over a steep mountainside there. The complex also includes buildings and water channels.
Hikers finally reach Machu Picchu via Intipunku, the Sun Gate. From there, the famous view of the Inca city and the surrounding mountains opens up.
Visitor numbers are limited
Access to the Inca Trail is regulated. A total of up to 500 people per day are allowed on the classic route. However, this number does not only include tourists. Guides, cooks, porters, and other accompanying staff are also counted. The actual available spots for hikers are therefore significantly fewer than 500.
Especially during peak season, spots should be reserved early. The classic Inca Trail cannot be spontaneously hiked without proper authorization.
The Inca Trail remains closed in February
Regardless of weather-related closures, there is a scheduled closure every year. In February, the Inca Trail remains closed for maintenance and conservation work. The closure in August 2026, however, was an additional safety measure due to the heavy rainfall and the damage caused.
Route 5 remained open as an alternative
During the work on routes 1, 2, and 3, Route 5 remained available as an alternative. It leads from Chachabamba towards Wiñay Wayna. Access is via kilometer 104 or 106 of the railway line.
Route 5 had already been reopened at the beginning of August after conservation work. For travelers affected by the temporary closure of the other routes, rebooking options were available.
Weather situation continues to be monitored
Even after the reopening, the Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura de Cusco and Sernanp monitor the weather conditions and the condition of the paths. Heavy rain can cause landslides and so-called huaicos in the steep landscape on short notice. Travelers should therefore check current advisories from authorities and their tour operator before starting the hike.
The historic path to Machu Picchu is clear again
With the reopening, hikers can once again reach Machu Picchu via the classic routes of the Inca Trail. At the same time, the repairs show how complex the preservation of the historical road network is.
Those who hike the Inca Trail pass through different landscapes of the Andes and important archaeological sites. Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku make the route itself an important part of the journey to Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail
Is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu open again?
Yes. Routes 1, 2, and 3, which were affected by the August rains, have been open to visitors again since September 5, 2026.
Why was the Inca Trail closed?
Heavy rainfall on August 17 and 18 led to landslides and damage to paths and infrastructure. Inspections and repairs were necessary before reopening.
Where does the classic Inca Trail begin?
An important starting point is Piscacucho at kilometer 82 of the railway line in the Ollantaytambo district.
How many people are allowed on the Inca Trail each day?
For the classic route, there is an upper limit of 500 people per day. This includes tourists, guides, porters, and other accompanying staff.
When is the Inca Trail regularly closed?
The Inca Trail is closed every year in February for maintenance and conservation work.
Which Inca sites are along the route?
Important stations include Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. Machu Picchu is finally reached via Intipunku, the Sun Gate.
Sources
Agencia Peruana de Noticias Andina: "Camino Inca a Machu Picchu fue reabierto con más de 400 turistas, guías y portadores", September 6, 2026.
Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura de Cusco / Ministerio de Cultura: Information on the resumption of access to routes 1, 2, and 3, as well as on repair and safety work, August and September 2026.
Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado (Sernanp): Information on safety and tourist use of the Red de Caminos Inka in the Santuario Histórico de Machupicchu.
MINCETUR – Inventario Nacional de Recursos Turísticos: Camino Inka Qorywayrachina (Km 88), details on route, visitor regulations, and archaeological sites.
Hero image: Agencia Peruana de Noticias Andina / Difusión, "Camino Inca a Machu Picchu fue reabierto con más de 400 turistas, guías y portadores", September 6, 2026.
