Question: Is Machu Picchu Closed?

Is Machu Picchu currently closed (or likely to close in the future)?

Answer:

Machu Picchu is currently open to the public. In fact, the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is normally open 365 days a year from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Important: There will be a temporary closure of both the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains in April 2016.

Previous Closures:

Peruvian authorities have closed Machu Picchu in recent years, but only due to natural hazards such as mudslides and flooding.

The most recent prolonged closure came in late-January 2010. Mudslides damaged the railway connecting Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) with the rest of the country.

With no trains to Machu Picchu, visitors could not reach the Inca citadel. Official visitor statistics show no visitors for February or March 2010; Machu Picchu was reopened in April. At the time, Peru's Tourism Minister, Martin Perez, told the BBC that the loss of revenue amounted to about US$185 million for the two-month closure. Understandably, Peruvian authorities are always keen to have Machu Picchu reopened as soon as possible following any type of forced closure.

Confusion Over Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Closures

Each year, some potential visitors become confused due to conflicting Inca Trail and Machu Picchu opening times. Unlike Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail does close for one month each year. The Inca Trail closes for maintenance during the whole of February (typically the wettest and therefore least popular month of the year) and reopens on March 1.

If you want to hike the Inca Trail, you’ll obviously have to avoid February (or choose an alternative route). If, on the other hand, you want to go to straight to Machu Picchu, February remains a viable month to visit -- as long as you don’t mind the rain...

Note: the information in this article will be updated in the event of a Machu Picchu closure. Last updated August 13, 2015.