Why is Waynapicchu Hike at Machu Picchu Closed in June 2026?

it's not what you think. In case you're wondering. Machu Picchu National Park is not closing. The reason for closing Huayna Picchu (AKA Waynapicchu) in June is to overhaul the trail. Why they would select the beginning of the high season to undertake this project is the question. It's their national park and they can do whatever they want with it whenever they choose! The Peruvian Ministry of Tourism has been known to make some pretty drastic changes to Machu Picchu processes without much advance notice. So. Welcome to Peru folks! 

I have to say, I'm not surprised. The Waynapicchu trail has needed some attention. I've hiked all the trails in Machu Picchu including Huayna Picchu. A couple of years ago they opened Gran Caverna trail, I was surprised that the entry to the cavern trail was the same entry as Huayna Picchu. Hikers for both trails and a 3rd baby sister trail called Huchuy Picchu, check in at the same desk. You can maybe see where I'm going here. What's the point of having separate tickets for the hike if there's no way to direct the ticket holders to the correct trail? I think hikers for Huayna Picchu and Gran Caverna might have been sneaking into the other trail. 

Are all the trails on Circuit #3 at Machu Picchu closing in June 2026?

Yes. There are 3 trails on Circuit 3 and they will all be shut down at the same time from June 1-30, 2026. The reason for this is because at one time Huayna Picchu hike was a lsingle trail all on it's own over there. Now it has Huchuy Picchu and Gran Caverna hikes nudged up next to it. Both hikes share the entrance and trail head with Huayna Picchu. Although no one has made any announcements regarding the plans for the trails, we're guessing they plan to reorganize the entrance.to separate the entry gate for the 3 different hikes. 

Will Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu be open while they work on the Huayna Picchu trail?

Yes. Circuit 3B  is open all year including the entire month of June. When circuits 2A and B are sold out, circuit 3B is next on the list for visitors who want to explore the actual ancient Inca city. Entry to circuit 3 at Machu Picchu is from the lower main entry gate. The route begins in the agricultural terraces. Here's the description of circuit #3 from the official Peru government website:

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, where you can admire the terraces. It offers a great opportunity to take a classic photo from quite close to the urban area. The tour continues past the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Three Portals sector, and the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is approximately 1.3 km and requires moderate effort. A section of the circuit is accessible to people in wheelchairs or those requiring assistance with mobility.

Are any other circuits closing at Machu Picchu in June 2026?

Not at this time. But we will keep our blog updated. June 19 starts the high season when all the "seasonal" hikes are supposed to open at Machu Picchu for the 2026 season. Circuit 1 is the only other route with extra seasonal hikes. Check out the Sungate and Inka Bridges hikes starting June 19. Machu Picchu Mountain hike is open year round.

The downside to this situation is that there will be fewer tickets for entry into Machu Picchu from June 1-30, 2026 with Huayna Picchu hike closed for the entire month. And fewer tickets because of the delay in opening the two seasonal hikes on Circuit 3.

Is there any way to be notified about changes to hiking permits and Machu Picchu tickets?

Yes. We offer Pre-Registration for any group who is planning to travel to Peru. The service is free and there's no obligation to book anything. We will keep you updated and help you with planning if needed. CLICK HERE to read more about free pre-registration. (we don't share or sell your contact info, and we don't advertise to you)

For travelers who are interested in hiking in to Machu Picchu but don't have the time or the ability to hike the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, we recommend hiking in on the short 1-Day Inca Trail. These two trails are the only trails that literally take you on foot into the national park without going through the Machu Picchu main entry gate.