This time 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.

When Will Machu Picchu Reopen?

Machu Picchu official website is now open for buying tickets online as of Feb 11, 2023. The soonest date of entry appears to be Feb 12. (CLICK HERE FOR LINK). Inca Rail and Perurail train service can now be booked online. On a positive note, Cusco residents celebrated annual Carnivale in the streets with music and food on Sunday February 19. 

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

On Feburary 8, a meeting with regional tourism management, Cusco mayors, Perurail, and representatives from Ollantaytambo and MachuPicchu Pueblo, reached an agreement to reopen Machu Picchu. Several attempts to organize national strikes have been ignored by the majority of workers in Cusco, Lima and other regions. Even the organizers of the protests have admitted publicly that they seem to have worn out their welcome and local citizens are just ignoring them. They say when you realize you're in a hole, you should stop digging. It looks like the protestors threw down their shovels. Vidal sees this as a good trend towards restoration of tourism services in Peru.

What Do You Need to Know about Organizing Your Trip to Machu Picchu After the Protests?

The first thing to understand is that no one can ever guarantee there won't be interruptions to trips to Peru, whether you plan it next week or next year. Is there an advantage to planning your trip to Machu Picchu at the last minute? Yes if you have the flexibility to do that. No doubt some savvy travelers might find some deals on flights. It will take some time for hotels to reopen and February is typically the peak of the low travel season. The month of March is normally when tourist services start reopening for the upcoming new travel season. Keep in mind that with the recent interruptions in the supply chain there could be some delays in resuming full service. Our manager, Vidal Jaquehua, in Cusco, has the ability to work around interruptions in logistics and has pulled off some amazing stunts over the last year. (I have to share this one. Last April trains were suspended one day, although the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu were open. With the permission of the hikers, Vidal arranged for motorized dirt bikes from the village of Ollantaytambo to take the hikers to the trail head to begin the easy 1-day Inca Trail hike. The rest of the trip went as scheduled and I'm pretty sure that group has one of the most unique and truly memorable travel stories!). 

We created a list of several steps for planning trips to Peru, and strategies to reduce your risk and retain sanity and peace of mind in the process. Travel planning should be fun and filled with hope and the promise of amazing adventures balanced with reasonable expectations. It's my intention to shed light on what you need to know. After consulting with Vidal, in Cusco, CLICK HERE to read more.

Is Machu Picchu providing refunds for people who had tickets when the national park was closed during the protests?

The announcement on the front page of the official Machu Picchu website provided these instructions for ticket refunds: (translated from Spanish)

national and foreign tourists who are affected for the use of tickets from January 21 to one month after the conclusion of the social mobilizations, or request the refund of the amount of the ticket. More information through the email: callcenter@culturacusco.gob.pe

The news of the closure of Machu Picchu in January 2023, and the clashes between protestors, police, and opposition forces rocketed around the world. In 15 years, the only time I saw Machu Picchu closed was during the pandemic. It's open every day of the year, rain or shine. Vidal Jaquehua, our manager in Cusco, wrote his own report about the protests. That's a separate story, worthy of its own page. CLICK HERE.

Note. the Inca Trail is always closed in February. The earliest it will open is March 1.  Check back, I'll keep this information updated as it comes in.

We can't wait to see who will be the first lucky person to enter the Inka ruins!