Why is inca trail closed in february

This is a rumor that has been strangely persistent lately. The short answer to all of these questions is NO. Machu Picchu is currently open to the public, and it will remain open throughout the year.

The closure of Machu Picchu reflects only the fact that at some point a natural event occurs that threatens its infrastructure. It is only the Inca Trail that will be temporarily closed in February. Nevertheless, Machu Picchu is going through a lot of changes. For example, do you know that the schedules to visit this beautiful citadel has changed from ? In total, 3, people will be able to purchase Machu Picchu tickets every day divided into 3 time slots from 6 am to 9 am, from 9 am to 12 pm and from 12 pm to 2 pm.

These New Machu Picchu Restrictions have changed the way people get to visit Machu Picchu forcing tour operators to change the way they used to operate tours.

Is it safe to travel to Peru? Machu Picchu Travel Advisory. Inca Trail was opened, all tour operators and Inca Trail Machu can book it. We recommend booking in advance, there are only spaces available everyday for , in these spaces divided between the trekkers, professional guide, chef and porters. The short Inca Trail have spaces available and it is separately system booking of the classic trail.

Some people have misunderstood these changes which have led to a bunch of misleading information on the Internet. That is why, it is essential to understand why this happened and what to do about it. Since , The Machu Picchu restrictions regarding the management and preservation of the Inca Trail demand its temporary closure for the whole month of February due to safety matters and harsh weather conditions.

Heavy rains and landslides occur during this time while the sanctuary officials carry out works of maintenance of trails, renovation of bridges and improvement of toilets and campsites.

However, the closure of the Inca Trail on February does not mean that Machu Picchu will be closed too! Machu Picchu has its own schedule which is available from Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 5 pm, including holidays. Only the Inca Trail closes temporarily while Machu Picchu remains open all year round. We do not recommend anyone to hike to Machu Picchu by any else alternative trek due to safety issues. Sometimes, unexpected changes can occur, but this do not mean that Machu Picchu closing is for forever.

The last extended closure occurred in the end of January when landslides damaged the railway connecting Aguas Calientes the town below Machu Picchu with the rest of the country, being the only access road. Without trains to Machu Picchu, one is not able to access the Inca city. If you like to book the Inca Trail in , you should obviously avoid February or choose an alternative route of climbing Machu Picchu. On the other hand, if you like to go directly to Machu Picchu, February is still a viable month to visit it as long as you are not bothered by rain.

Remember that, February is one of the months of the low season in Machu Picchu. One of the reasons for the low number of visitors is the rainy season from December to March. Rain can make the stone paths becoming a bit slippery and fog is a constant problem.

On the other hand, you could see the Machu Picchu landscape with only few clouds and most likely with a rainbow during days with only light rain which make it an unforgettable scene! While the Inca Trail is closed, the archaeological site of Machu Picchu and alternative hiking routes such as the the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek, both still off the beaten tourist tracks leading to Machu Picchu and both offering impressive, authentic experiences and adventures, spectacular landscapes and breathtaking views, are still open.

And as usual you can reach Machu Picchu as well by train. Peru Travel News. Inca Trail closed in February Machu Picchu and alternative hiking routes remain open.

The general wet season pattern is that the bad weather comes in the afternoon, so get a morning flight to avoid cancellations. Crowds are at their lowest levels at Machu Picchu this month because of the Inca Trail being closed, and still fairly low on many of the alternative treks in the Sacred Valley, like the Salkantay and Lares treks. Although these two will benefit from tourists that would otherwise have done the Inca Trail, muddy conditions prevent them from becoming too popular in February.

This may be the best time to counteract that wet weather gloom and visit the hot springs at Salinas, near Urubamba, or spend the time exploring Cusco's fascinating indoor attractions, such as its Inca ruins and museums, not to mention its fabulous restaurants.

See here for the best places to eat in Cusco. Lovers of flora will relish a trip to the Machu Picchu area in February because of the thriving flower and plant life.

Despite the Inca Trail being closed, the ruins are still a must, of course—though all this wet weather means you should be very careful when climbing on them and on rocks of any sort and while hiking on the trail up to Wayna Picchu. Trekkers should note that while on paper it does not seem good for hikes this month because of wet conditions and the closure of the Inca Trail, this can be an opportunity to try a route you would otherwise disregard, such as the Salkantay trek.

Rain also means rafting is great: many rivers swell into Class IV rapids in February.