Machu Picchu News

Where are Most Visitors to Machu Picchu Coming From in 2023?

We found the latest report regarding Machu Picchu entry statistics from the Ministry of Tourism. Take a guiess? Which country are most visitors coming from? US? China? To read more, CLICK HERE

Are Tour Guides Required to Enter Machu Picchu?

Not at this time. But why is the Peru government recommending that visitors hire private tour guides for their trip to Machu Picchu. To read details CLICK HERE.

NEW! 6-Day Machu Picchu Multisport Adventure

For travelers age 10 and over, we have a great new itinerary designed for active people of average fitness. You don't have to be a super athlete to enjoy this trip. To read the full description, CLICK HERE.

Miraculous Availability for Inca Trail Permits in Summer of 2023

As of June, it's unbelievable that permits for the 4-day Inca Trail hike are still available for August. What's happening in Peru. To read the details, CLICK HERE.

Black Friday and Travel Tuesday Deals for 7-Day Trips to Machu Picchu in 2023

Adios Adventure Travel is happy to offer discounts on trips to Machu Picchu for all ages. Up to 20% off per person! To read the details, CLICK HERE

What are the Best Gifts for Adventure Travelers?

We have a couple of items to show off! From the best little portable water filter to the most useful "toss-in-your-suitcase-in-case-you-need-it" totey bag. We field tested this bag and discovered more uses than you can shake a trekking pole at! Did I mention there's a discount code for the water filter? 

Cost of Inca Trail Permits Increases in 2023

Peruvian ministry of tourism has increased the cost of permits beginning on November 15, 2022. That includes hikers who already had reservations for their multiday Inca Trail hikes in 2023. It's up to each tour operator to decide how they want to handle the cost increase for groups who already booked. Adios Adventure Travel will not raise the cost of hikes for people who are already confirmed. The increase does not apply to the short Inca Trail hike (1 or 2 days) Want to see the itinerary for the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail hike? CLICK HERE.

Changes to Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entry tickets creating headaches for everyone.

In 2022, Machu Picchu park officials started making changes. And some visitors came up with their own solutions to the new problems.  Read more HERE.

American Tourist Dies After Experiencing Health Problems While Climbing Wayna Picchu

On March 4, 2022, a 50 year old man is carried by stretcher from Machu Picchu. The doctor of the National Archaeological Park of Machupicchu recommends that all tourists consult their doctor before hiking the upper sections of Machu Picchu. Read more HERE

How Many People Can Enter Machu Picchu in 2022?

Numbers don't lie and they tell the story. How many visitors went to Machu Picchu in 2021? Was it busy? Was it crowded? Is it open? Is the Inca Trail hike open in 2022? Check it out HERE

Hikes in Machu Picchu Reopened. And there's a new one (just to add to the confusion)

Tickets for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are now avaialble on the official Machu Picchu website (for 2021). Tickets for 2022 are still coming out. Slowly. One day at a time. That's just how they do it. Read more. Here

Machu Picchu Certified as First Carbon-Neutral Wonder of the World

On September 2, 2021, the historic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was recognized by the Green Initiative organization as the first carbon-neutral tourist destination in the world. Read more. HERE

Machu Picchu Entry Tickets Sold Out in August 2021 - Then Peru Government announces increase to 3500 visitors

This story is no longer an issue. Most entry tickets to Machu Picchu sold out in September and October 2021. it's a crazy story! Find out more. HERE.

Inca Trail Reopens on July 15, 2021 After Covid-19

Permits for the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail can be reserved through licensed tour operators including Adios Adventure Travel, for hiking dates through the end of December 2021. Availability is reduced by 50% and permits are sold "first come, first serve." Permits for the easy 1-day Inca Trail hike are also available through the end of December 2021. If you're not sure which hike is right for you, just ask us. All of Adios Adventure Travel staff have hiked the 4-day Inca Trail and the 1-Day Inca Trail as well as other trails. We're experts on hiking in Peru. 

Can Vaccinated Americans Travel to Machu Picchu?

Yes. Vaccinated travelers do not need negative covid test to enter Peru. Unvaccinated travelers need negative covid test. Check your international airlines for details. Although Machu Picchu is reopened, what else is there to know? We've assembed a few tips about arrival protocols and how to fill out that darn Peruvian health declaration. Find out more HERE

You're Not the Only One Having Trouble Filling Out the Peru Health Declaration

Everyone who arrives in Peru must fill out an online health declaration as part of the arrival protocol. Did you know that EEUU is the abbreviation for United States? Follow this link to get more tips for filling out this form.

What Hikes are Open in Peru After Covid-19?

Can you hike the 4 Day Inca Trail? What about other hikes? We made a grocery list of the hikes that are open and those that are not. Find out more HERE

Peru is Planning to Build the First Road Directly to Machu Picchu

But it's not the first time they planned this. Will they get it right this time? Find out more HERE

Visit our Youtube Channel and subscribe to get updates about travel in South America. 

Is Machu Picchu open? See our videos for reports from Vidal in Cusco Follow this link to Adios Adventure Travel Youtube Channel

How can US-Bound Travelers Get Covid Tests After their Visit to Machu Picchu?

There's a clinic in Cusco, Peru that provides covid tests for travelers heading to the US. New rules take affect January 26, 2021. What about Lima airport?  Follow this link to get full details.

Here's A Tip for Getting Delta Airlines Benefits for your Latam Airlines Reservations

Now that Delta and Latam airlines are buddies, if you book your Latam flights through Delta your local flights in South America will come with the same rules as other Delta flights. And you don't need a Delta account. Follow this link to get more info.

International flights from Europe to Peru resume on December 15

After Lima airport reopened in November with new rules for international passengers from the US and Canada, Peru is ready to accept flights from European countries. Then in January 2021 all flights from Europe were suspended until January 31. Follow this link to read more about flights.

Chile Reopens after Covid19

International flights to Santiago resume on November 23, 2020. Follow this link to get more info

Are Kids banned from entering Machu Picchu?

No. This story was published by a foreign newspaper trying to take advantage of a temporary situation, which was not even mentioned in their published story. During the month of November children of Peruvian citizens and residents who bought tickets had those tickets invalidated. Here's why. Authorities forgot that kids under 12 and senior adults over 65 are officially supposed to be on lockdown to protect them from covid in November. (Here's a link to read the details of this story.)

Machu Picchu reopens on November 1, 2020 And Free Entry Tickets are Available Through December

With the resumption of international flights to Peru in November and December what else do you need to know? Lots!
Follow this link to our blog to find out what we know so far

International Flights from the US to Peru resume in November, 2020.

What else do you need to know? Well. There's lots of changes. Here's what we know so far. Follow this link and keep checking back!

Machu Picchu Launches New Website After Covid-19

That's the good news. Tickets went on sale and sold out for limited dates. There's more. Here's a link to read more including the health protocols for visitors. 

Free Resources for Information about Traveling to Machu Picchu After Covid-19

Packing Guidelines for Traveling After Covid-19

Travel Safely in Small Groups

New Rules at Machu Picchu After Reopening

Risk-Free Cancellation for Trips to Machu Picchu

Latam Airlines Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. 

It's not what you think. While Latam appears to be in the same situation as Avianca, they're not. Latam Airlines was profitable up to the beginning of covid-19 and the lockdowns. Follow this link to read more.

Avianca Airlines Discontinues Flights to Peru

On May 11, 2020 Avianca Airlines files for bankruptcy in the US and restructures their core market. Peru didn't make the cut. Follow this link to see more details. 

How to Reschedule your Machu Picchu Tickets and Inca Trail Permits During the Coronavirus Pandemic

We've never seen this before. Travelers to Peru who are forced to cancel due to Coronavirus can change their entry date for tickets to Machu Picchu, and Tour Operators can change the dates on Inca Trail permits. Follow this link to find out how to do it,

What's Happening with Corona Virus in Latin America?

Here's a link to a report with data and updates listed country by country. Posted March 14, 2020. 
Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra announced on Sunday, March 15, that Peru would close its borders, suspending air and sea transport. He called on citizens to self-quarantine for 15 days to help slow the infection. The Peru border is closed until March 31. (now extended to June 30) Perurail and Incarail have halted all train service. (Keep in mind that information is changing daily and even hourly. We're updating frequently. Thanks for your patience)

In 2020, Access to 3 Historical Landmarks in Machu Picchu Will Be Restricted

The Sundial, the Temple of the Condor and the Temple of the Sun have restricted visitiing hours which make it impossible to see all 3 places using 1 entry ticket. We have set up strategies to make it possible to see all these monuments on your visit. Follow this link to get more details.

Rainy Season and Glacier Collapse Temporarily Closes Salkantay Trek, Hydroelectric Train and Inca Trail March 2020

Inca Trail Temporarily closed until March 16, 2020. Authorities at Machu Picchu closed the trail network following mud and rock slides caused by heavy rainfall at different sections of the trail. Salkantay treks are cancelled indefinitely. Machu Picchu ruins are accessible by train and remains open from 6am-5:30pm daily. Follow this link to get more details.

US Citizens No Longer Need a Tourist Visa to Enter Bolivia

Travelers exploring the highlands of Peru including Lake Titicaca region can cross the border now without a visa. For full details follow this link.

6 Tourists Arrested at Machu Picchu. 5 were deported and dropped off at the Bolivian border.

Fortunately these stories are few and far between. Follow this link to see more details about this story.

New 3-in1 Machu Picchu Itinerary Offers Choice of Activities For Each Member of Your Group 

How do you organize your trip to Peru when traveling with people who have different abilities and interests? This new itinerary allows each member of your group to choose from 3 levels of strenuous or easy activities. Click here to see full details.

Changes That Affect Travelers to Galapagos Islands in 2020

There's good news and not so good news. Follow this link to see the details

Maras Terraced Salt Ponds Closed to Pedestrians

Due to unsanitary behavior, visitors are no longer allowed to walk among the terraced salt ponds in the Sacred Valley. Get the full details here.

Are Changes coming to Machu Picchu Entry Tickets in 2020?

What's happening with general entry tickets in 2020? Will the cost go up? Will there be changes to the entry times? Get the full details here.

New Shorter Route opened from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

Starting in January 2019, a new road has opened which will cut the driving time from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by 30 minutes. OK, 20 minutes. See the map & Get the full details here.

Are Plastic Water Bottles Banned in Machu Picchu in 2019?

In January it was announced that single use plastic bottles and other non-recyclable waste will be banned from Machu Picchu in 2019. What is the status of the new standards?  Get the full details here.

Peru Government launches new website and changes Machu Picchu entry tickets in 2019.

Get ready folks. There's an entirely new website and new choices for buying Machu Picchu entry tickets in 2019. Gone are the morning and afternoon entry tickets. Choose tickets by the hour of entry.  Click here to see the full story.

Machu Picchu Overtourism - Is it as bad as they say?

Hordes! What hordes? If you are to believe the reports released from major media outlets, it seems that Machu Picchu and other popular high profile destinations are doomed to overcrowding and negative ecological impacts. We're here to tell you that it's not as bad as you think. Follow this link to the full story.

Rainbow Mountain Hikes Restored

On September 16, 2018, Cusco authorities announced that all tour operators should temporarily cease organizing trips to hike Rainbow Mountain due to conflict from 2 communities in the region. As of Sept 26, hikes to the Rainbow Mountain area have been restored. Now there are 3 routes to choose from. Follow this link to the full story.

What You Need to Know About Traveling to Machu Picchu During The Pan American Games 2019

Lima, Peru is host to the XVIV Pan Am Games from July 26 - August 11, 2019.  In addition to that the 23-day Torch Relay will begin in Machu Picchu and travel to Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Ica, Nazca, Trujillo, Cajamarca, and many other towns, before it finally reaches Lima by July 26. How will this affect your travel?  Follow this link to the full story.

Latest Changes at Machu Picchu

Beginning July 1, 2018, all Machu Picchu entry tickets will be valid for one entry only. Applies to morning or afternoon visits.  For more details, click here to see the full story. 

Peru Cuisine Voted Best in the World

With 3 of the top 50 restaurants in the world located in Lima, Peru, foodie travelers (and anyone who eats!) can sample some of the planet's best cuisine on the way to Machu Picchu. Follow this link to see our 6-Day Machu Picchu Culinary Vacation (available year round)

Earthquake Hits Peru January 2018

On January 12, a 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck 17 miles south of Chivay in the Arequipa district.  On January 14, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake rattled the coast of southern Peru, 25 miles south of Acari. Travelers going through Lima to and from Cusco and Machu Picchu were not affected.  Damage occurred to local adobe structures and 1 local man was killed. Tourists traveling in the far southern coastal region should confirm their travel arrangements before moving around.

Permits for 2018 Inca Trail Hikes go on sale early

Beginning the week of October 2, 2017, permits will be released by month for Inca Trail hikes in 2018.  Choose from Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, or Luxury hikes, and even speedy 3-day Inca Trail.  For more details follow this link.  

Teacher Strike July 2017

Beginning around the middle of June, public school teachers staged protests, marches and strikes that impeded traffic around Cusco and other small towns in Peru. As of August 15, students and teachers returned to classes and the strike has been settled. For full details about the strike and updated information about affects on travel to Machu Picchu, visit Adios blog. 

Peru Government Changes all Machu Picchu Entry Tickets to Half Day

On 27 April, 2017, it was announced that effective July 1, 2017, all entry tickets to Machu Picchu will be for half day. The new tickets are now on sale and visitors can choose morning shift from 6 am - 12 noon.  Or afternoon shift, from 12 noon to 5:30 pm.  For full details visit Adios blog.

Mudslide closes section of 1-day Inca Trail

March 24, 2017. A portion of the 1-day Inca Trail is temporarily closed. The 4-day Inca Trail and Machu Picchu were not affected.  Hikers will be rerouted to KM 106 where they can access a trail used by porters.
June 17, 2017. Update:  the 1 Day Inca Trail is now open at KM 104. For full details visit Adios blog.

Peru Flooding and Travel to Machu Picchu

March 2017. Severe rains in Peru resulted in deadly flooding along the coastal regions of Peru north and south of Lima. Flights in and out of Lima, transportation to and from Lima city center, and hotel accommodations in the city center were not affected.  Travel to Cusco, Machu Picchu and Puerto Maldonado are unimpaired by these conditions.  For full details visit Adios blog.

Inti Raymi Festival Tickets 2017

June 24 is the official day of celebration in Cusco, Peru. But the last 2 weeks of June are jammed with performances, parades and the vibration of 100,000 people descending on one of the most impressive festivals in South America. Apparently, the Inca Sun God is one popular dude! Book your hotels early and get your train tickets and Machu Picchu entry tickets ASAP. For more information read Adios blog. 

2017 Rate Increases for Machu Picchu and Inca Trail Hikes

Effective January 1, 2017, all parks in Peru, and historical sights including Machu Picchu, and Inca Trail hikes, will see an increase in the cost of entry tickets and permits.  Visitors of all ages to Machu Picchu will be affected by the change.  In addition to the increase in the cost of permits for the Inca Trail hikers, there will be an increase in the cost of permits for each porter who accompanies the hikes. For the first time in the history of Machu Picchu, senior citizens age 61 and over will be entitled to a 50% savings off the cost of an adult ticket. To see the full story and view the official government document, (in Spanish) click here to visit our blog.

Visitors to Machu Picchu Must Follow 1-Way Routes Through the Ruins

As of September 1, 2016 all visitors to Machu Picchu must follow one-way marked paths through the ruins.  It is not possible to go back and forth between the sites inside the ancient city.  The main gate to Machu Picchu is only used for entry. A new exit gate has opened adjacent to the restrooms.  Entry tickets are valid for two entries per day.  For full details on this story, visit Adios blog.

Pisac Archaeological Ruins Now Open as of September 2016

Due to an unfortunate rockfall accident in February that resulted in the death of a 10 year old visitor to the park, Pisac ruins were temporarily closed in April 2016. Maintenance projects were expected to be completed by the end of April 2016, but opening date was extended an additional 3 months.  As of September 1, 2016, Pisac archaeological ruins is open and visitors can hike to the archaeological complex on foot from the upper parking lot. Entry tickets are required and can be found in the "Turistico Boleto" (tourist ticket book)

Is Machu Picchu closing in April 2016?

No, absolutely not.  That story was the result of mistranslation by a blogger who did not understand the difference between Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.  Machu Picchu Mountain is a ticketed hike similar to the popular ticketed hike to Huayna Picchu.  Both hikes are accessed from a controlled entry point inside the Machu Picchu National Park. The Peruvian government is taking turns closing each of the hikes for maintenance in April 2016.  For exact dates and more info, here's the link to the full story.

Is Peru Launching a new Hike to Machu Picchu in 2016?

No.  What they are doing is renaming and restructuring the permits for the same easy 1-day hike on the Inca Trail.  Beginning in 2016, permits for the 2-day hike and the 4-day hike will be separated.  For full details about the number and availability of permits, please follow this link to our blog.

Changes to Perurail Tickets to Machu Picchu

Perurail is no longer including ground transfers between Cusco and the Perurail stations in the Sacred Valley, whether you go to Pachar or Ollantaytambo.  This affects anyone who is taking the train to Machu Picchu on their own.  If you have booked a tour with an operator or private guide, they should be handling the transfers both ways.  For more details, please follow this link to our blog.

Is Machu Picchu Open in the Evening?

No.  You will notice on the government booking site there are tickets available for entry 11AM HORARIO VESPERTINO.  The translation in English literally means "evening hours." However, the ruins are open daily, year round 6 am - 5 pm, and no one is allowed to be inside after 5 pm.  There's no way this could change anytime in the future because one thing about the Machu Picchu ruins is the authenticity.  There are drop-offs, landings, terraces without any guard rails, gates, handrails or signage.  Not to mention that there is no electricity.  The risk of falling would be high.

Machu Picchu visitors limited to 2500 per day (as off July 1, 2017, this number will increase)

The Peruvian government limits the number of visitors to the ruins and tickets are not available at the entry.  All tickets must be purchased in advance online or through your guide or operator.  If available, tickets can still be purchased in person at the office in Cusco or the office in the village square at Aguas Calientes.  The ticket reservation system does not affect our groups because we will continue to pre-purchase tickets and our guides always accompany our groups through the entry.  Both the 2-day and 4-day hikes on the Inca Trail include permits with entry to Machu Picchu.

To stay up to date on news and stories about Machu Picchu and other places in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, follow us on social media links found at the top of this page.