The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu remains closed to tourism on Routes 1, 2, and 3. The originally announced reopening has been postponed again.
Technical Inspection until August 30
The responsible authorities are conducting further technical inspections to assess the safety and accessibility of the affected sections. The inspections are expected to last until Sunday, August 30, 2026. Only then will a new date for the reopening be decided.
Heavy Rains Damaged the Route
Routes 1, 2, and 3 of the Inca Trail Network have been closed since August 18, 2026. Heavy rainfall, unusual for this time of year, caused landslides, swollen streams, and other damage.
Since then, employees of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco and the National Service of Protected Natural Areas have been working on assessing, cleaning, and restoring the tourist infrastructure.
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is part of the historic road network of the Incas and today one of Peru's most famous trekking routes. The tourist trails in the Machu Picchu sanctuary lead over ancient Inca paths through the Andes, past archaeological sites to Machu Picchu. The classic Inca Trail begins at Kilometer 82 near Piskacucho and is usually completed in four days. There are also other routes with different starting points and lengths. Access is limited and managed by authorized tour operators.
Reopening Postponed Multiple Times
Initially, it was planned to reopen the affected routes on August 22. Subsequently, the date was postponed to August 26. This date also could not be met.
After the current inspection, experts will decide when visitors can use the routes again, based on the actual safety situation.
Route 5 Remains Open as an Alternative
While Routes 1, 2, and 3 remain closed, Route 5 via Chachabamba continues to be available as an alternative. Access is via Kilometers 104 and 106 of the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu railway line.
What Travelers Should Consider Now
Travelers with a planned hike on the classic Inca Trail should immediately check with their tour operator whether their tour is affected. The situation may change again after the technical inspections are completed.
Even with confirmed bookings, visitors should not automatically assume that the route is open. The current approvals from the responsible Peruvian authorities are decisive.
Sources
News and Image Source: Agencia Andina / ANDINA-Difusión, report from August 26, 2026: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: access to tourism on routes 1, 2, and 3 remains restricted.
Image: ANDINA/Difusión – Work to restore the Inca Trail after the rains in August 2026.
