No, Machu Picchu will remain open throughout 2027. According to the updates from the Ministry of Culture, the DDC (Decentralized Directorate of Culture Cusco) and SERNANP, Machu Picchu operates normally, including all its designated visiting circuits.
The main limit is not the closing of the site, but ticket availability. The most requested circuits usually sell out several months in advance, so, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu in 2027, we recommend checking availability as soon as possible.
Circuit 2 (the most popular) is usually the first to sell out, leaving few spots in the other circuits. Do not wait too long: Machu Picchu might be open, but you will not be able to enter the citadel without a valid ticket. It would be like finding Machu Picchu " closed ".
Machu Picchu is considered the most important tourist attraction in Peru, along with Kuelap and Choquequirao.
Each year more than 6,000 travelers arrive in Peru with the dream of visiting Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, many are surprised to discover that there are no tickets available and they miss the opportunity to see this wonder of the world. It's also worth noting that the Inca Trail undergoes maintenance every February. However, this does not affect access to the citadel of Machu Picchu itself.
In this blog, we'll explain the reasons behind the rumors of Machu Picchu's closure in 2027 - and what you need to know to plan a successful visit.
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Machu Picchu Peru |
There are several reasons why Machu Picchu may be temporarily closed during your visit. In this article, we’ll highlight the most important ones. But first, it’s essential to understand where Machu Picchu is located and how to get there. With this basic knowledge, the reasons for potential closures will make more sense.
Here are the main reasons Machu Picchu may be inaccessible to travelers:
Every year, Machu Picchu is affected by climate change, which impacts the access routes. While there are multiple ways to reach Machu Picchu, the main ones are the Inca Trail, the Amazon Route, and the train. The train is the only motorized transport that gets you directly to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu — all other routes involve hiking.
During the rainy season, the Vilcanota River can overflow, and landslides or collapsed railway tracks can block access. These weather-related disruptions can severely impact train services, making it impossible to reach Machu Picchu by rail.
Heavy rainfall typically occurs from December to April, especially in January, February, and March, leading to travel delays and route closures. In extreme cases, both entry and exit from Machu Picchu can be completely cut off due to unsafe conditions on alternative trails.
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Machu Picchu closed: Weather |
Peru is generally a safe and stable country for tourists. However, political instability or economic dissatisfaction can lead to strikes that severely affect tourism — especially access to Machu Picchu.
In Cusco, common causes for strikes include rising fuel prices, agricultural issues, government privatization efforts (including proposals related to Machu Picchu), and general dissatisfaction with the national administration. When protests occur, locals often block roads and railway lines that connect Cusco to Machu Picchu. These strikes can last 12 to 24 hours, or sometimes even several days, depending on the situation.
Strikes often happen without prior notice and can become tense or even violent. If you're traveling with a reputable tour operator, your guide can assist in navigating the situation — sometimes even negotiating safe passage.
One of the most common, and easily avoidable, reasons travelers are unable to visit Machu Picchu is ticket unavailability. Entry is now regulated through three official circuits, with Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu Route) being the most in-demand. This circuit includes key spots such as the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, and the Sacred Rock.
To secure a spot on Circuit 2, it’s recommended to book at least 6 to 7 months in advance. Circuits 1 and 3 are also available but offer shorter or more panoramic visits.
If you wait until arriving in Aguas Calientes to buy a ticket, you risk being disappointed. Lines can exceed 2,000 people daily, and availability is never guaranteed.
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Machu Picchu to Close |
On March 16, 2020, the Peruvian government closed all borders and suspended access to major tourist destinations — including Machu Picchu — in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The iconic site remained closed for nearly a year.
Since then, the way visitors experience Machu Picchu has changed. To avoid overcrowding, the government implemented strict circuit systems and health safety measures, including timed entry and limited group sizes.
Although Machu Picchu is now open, future global health emergencies could once again lead to temporary closures or travel restrictions.
While Machu Picchu is not permanently closed, temporary closures and access issues can occur due to weather, strikes, sold-out tickets, or global events. To ensure a smooth experience, plan ahead, book early, and stay informed. Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime destination — don’t let poor planning or unforeseen events keep you from experiencing this Wonder of the World.
February is one of the months of the low season in Machu Picchu. One of the reasons for the low influx of visitors is the rainy season from December to March. These rains can make the stone roads a bit slippery and the fog is constant. On the other hand, during the days of light rain you can see a landscape of Machu Picchu with few clouds and probability of rainbows. An unforgettable scene!. Remember that the famous Inca Trail Close during this month because of the climate and to maintenance the route, but Machu Picchu NEVER CLOSE.
One more reason to restrict entry in February, is given precisely this month in which we have the strongest rains of the season in this region. So with the purpose of taking care of the integrity of the visiting travelers, as well as that of the guides and companions, is that the Inca Trail remains closed during the entire month of February of each year.
Every year, between mid-January and March, the Salkantay route faces serious challenges due to extreme weather conditions. This trail, known for its amazing views and its connection to Machu Picchu, and a popular alternative to the Inca Trail in Peru, is usually affected by heavy rains and changes in weather patterns. A few years ago, the situation got worse: the Salkantay route remained closed for two full months to protect travelers and workers along the trip.
During the rainy season, landslides, falling rocks, and blocked trails are common. These dangers interrupt the progress of the hike and create dangerous conditions, which sometimes require emergency evacuations.
Unlike the Inca Trail, which always closes in February for planned maintenance with a set reopening date in March, the closing of the Salkantay Trail does not follow a fixed schedule: it depends on the weather conditions of each rainy season (January-March) and can vary in length from one year to another. That is why, if your travel plan includes Salkantay during these months, it is more important to check the state of the route close to your travel date than to guide yourself by the closing of the past year.
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Is Machu Picchu Open?: During the rainy season, it is possible that Machu Picchu may be closed. |
It occurs between April and October and for many, although not for all, it is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu; The sun shines all day and there is almost no rain, allowing you to perform, without much care, the treks to the mountains of Machu Picchu, to obtain the best aerial views of the Inca city with the blue sky in the background.
However, you will have to take turns in the places, with many other people who chose this time to visit Machu Picchu; and in case you did not know, during the dry season, there is also the "high season of tourism", so you will have a lot of company. This season makes entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, train tickets and hotels, must be booked at least 3 months in advance. If you want experiences like the Inca Trail or the Huayna Picchu Mountain, you will have to book your deposit 6 months before.
As you can see, entering Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail in February is impossible. If you only have free time to visit Machu Picchu in February, you will have to arrive by train through a 2 hour trip through the Sacred Valley. Another option is to get to Machu Picchu through the alternative route of Hydroelectric. This form is longer (lasts 7 hours approximately) but more full of adventure.
If you want to get to Machu Picchu walking in February, you can choose other incredible routes.
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During the days of February, the most traditional neighborhoods of Cusco and the entire Andean region dress up as part of the carnival. This month is perfect for travelers who want to experience Peruvian culture to the fullest. Do not miss a fun trip in Peru enjoying these destinations:
Machu Picchu is now open as well as the 4 Day Inca Trail, and Short Inca Trail. make your bookings now!!
Once opened the Machu Picchu, it is possible to do the Salkantay Trek and other alternative trek to Machu Picchu.
+51 84 226 547
+51 912 891 560
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
www.salkantaytrekmachu.com
