Since March, the main "Cusco to Machu Picchu Travel Corridor" is wide open and fully operational. "Come on down y'all! We're sorry we scared you!" Everything is back to normal. Visitors resumed travels to Peru and in July, August, September and October (2023) tickets to enter Machu Picchu sold out. Even most of the permits for the easy 1-day Inca Trail hike are selling out.

September 26, 2023  Peru State of Emergency. Two districts mayors' in Lima requested a state of emergency due to the increase in crime. Keep in mind that over half of the populatoin of Peru is located in Lima with 43 districts. and one of the two districts coping with the crime wave, has over 1 million inhabitants. This includes immigrants from other countries who came to Lima to escape issues in their own nations. All these factors play a part in the recent increase in crime, which at this time is primariliy in two difistricts in Lima and one district near the border of Ecuador, in the north. These districts are not typical tourist destinations. The region of Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are not part of the state of emergency and there are no indications of any increase in risks for travelers going to Machu Picchu. The city of Cusco should not be confused with the province of Cusco where unlawful behavior continues due to narco-traffickers in the region of Apurimac. (sometimes referred to a VRAEM). Perhaps one of the biggest issues that we have seen affecting travelers coming to Peru, is the lack of entry tickets to Machu Picchu. (see the next topic below)

Peru remains at LEVEL 2 Travel Advisory according to the US State Department. Which is the same as Spain, Sweden, Denmark, France, Italy and the Netherlands. "Exercise Increased Caution." 

September 27, 2023. Will Machu Picchu Capacity be increased?  DDC Director Rosa Candia publicly commented that they are discussing expanding Machupicchu's capacity.

When is the next protest planned in Peru?

A spokesperson publcly announced that social organizations are calling for protests on October 12, demanding the resignation of current President Dina Boluarte. There are no scheduled demonstrations or strikes at this time. The last protests on July 19, turned out to be a "nothing burger." Farmers planned a demonstration in Lima. Smaller communities were invited to have their own demonstrations to show solidarity for farmers and the Puno region tends to support workers' strikes and demonstrations. However, there was minimal participation since individuals can decide to what extent they want to participate. Vidal believes that everyone learned a lesson last January with the protests, and do not want to go through anything like that again. Participation was below expectations and there were no significant events. In Lima, 4 police officers and 4 citizens were injured. In Arequipa and Puno, some roads were blocked for the day around the border to Bolivia. 

When Was Machu Picchu Closed?

Machu Picchu was closed on January 21, 2023, due to the actions of protestors, and also affected by an especially slow, low tourism season. Roads were blocked, supply chains were shut off, sides were taken and it was more than any world-renowned travel destination could endure. The Ministry of Culture and the Headquarters of the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu of the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SEMANP) shut it down. All of it. The Inca Trail network, the ancient Inca city and tourism itself went to sleep while the country tried to work out her problems. 

Nearly 100% of the Peruvian population was negatively impacted by the actions of protestors. Not from the violence, but from the supply chain blockage. Most people use propane to cook food and residents of Cusco were left high and dry when roads blocked delivery trucks. When leaders called for workers to go on strike in February, they were ignored and everyone continued to work. And now? They want you back! Bring your adventure-loving selves on down to Peru and indulge once again in the transcendent Peruvian hospitality of the Andes Mountains. 

Is Cusco safe? What is the state of things? I just spent 40 days in Peru from late March until early May. I not only walked around Cusco historical center, I hiked alone around the outskirts of Cusco, I visited the jungle communities behind Machu Picchu, and I spent a couple of days with a Qechua family in the Sacred Valley. It was one of the best trips ever! I've been to Peru many times and this trip was no different as far as being able to get around and explore. I hiked the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain too. 

Not once did I see anything that caused me to be concerned in any way with traveling to Peru. Even Lake Titicaca, the very epicenter for the recent protests, has reopened and is welcoming tourism back to the region. 

Is Machu Picchu Open After the Protests?

Machu Picchu tourism corridor is hopping right now with travelers. I call the region from Cusco to Machu Picchu, which goes through the Sacred Valley, the "tourism corridor." The Machu Picchu official website is open and tickets are selling like hotcakes. Tickets sold out July, August, September and most of October. Don't buy your flights to Peru until you confirm that entry tickets are avaialble to Machu Picchu!. (CLICK HERE FOR MACHU PICCHU TICKETS LINK). Inca Rail and Perurail train service can be booked online. The issue now is how to gain entry to Machu Picchu when tickets are sold out! CLICK HERE to read my post about what to do when tickets to Machu PIcchu are sold out.

We are taking reservations for trips to Machu Picchu by train, and permits for Inca Trail hikes. Contact our office in Virginia. 757-714-6649 / Text - Voice call - What'sApp / Jacquie@adiosadventuretravel.com