Tag: Machu

This Is What It’s Like To Visit Machu Picchu Right Now

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Last Updated 39 mins ago

Visiting Machu Picchu is a bucket list experience for many travelers.

This ancient Incan citadel built in the 15th century is the most-visited destination in Peru, and for good reasons. It’s incredibly well-preserved, and its dramatic location surrounded by mist-shrouded mountains makes for an unforgettable experience.

But Machu Picchu made headlines earlier this year after the famous site was closed indefinitely due to ongoing protests and civil unrest in the region.

After closing on January 21, Machu Picchu reopened on February 15 – a closure of just over three weeks.

However, understandably, many travelers were apprehensive about visiting shortly after Machu Picchu’s reopening, concerned about lingering unrest that may impact their trips.

I just visited Machu Picchu in mid-March, just one month after the site reopened.

Here’s what travelers need to know about visiting Machu Picchu right now:

Tourism In Cusco Is Back To Normal

If you are worried about visiting Machu Picchu right now, there’s no need to be concerned. As of mid-March, tourism operations are entirely back to normal.

Cusco, the tourism epicenter of the Sacred Valley and the jumping-off point for visiting Machu Picchu, is fully back to normal, with hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies open and operating as usual.

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If you wish to complete the Inca Trail trek or another trek to reach Machu Picchu, tour companies are running treks as usual, but you may encounter smaller group sizes if you travel within the next couple of months since many people have canceled or postponed their trips.

If you’re like me and prefer to take the train to Machu Picchu, it is also running as usual again. The train to Aguas Calientes (the town just outside Machu Picchu) was closed by the Peruvian government due to damage on the tracks caused by protestors in December.

However, service has now been restored on this route. Just note that the full route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes is not running – only the service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

What Is It Like At Machu Picchu Right Now?

In mid-March, when I visited, Machu Picchu was not too crowded.

This could be due to both the lower crowds caused by many people canceling and rescheduling their trips and the fact that March is always the off-season for Machu Picchu.

During the high season for Machu Picchu, which occurs from June until September, crowds can be very heavy, and that is likely to hold true for 2023 as people who may have postponed their trips earlier in the year reschedule for later in the year.

When I visited Machu Picchu this month, it was also very rainy, cloudy, and misty. This is typical because March is still part of the rainy season in Peru.

If you want a better chance of clear weather, it’s a good idea to visit Machu Picchu in the dry season from May until September.

What About The Rest Of Peru?

In addition to visiting Machu Picchu, I spent several weeks traveling through Peru in March. The northern part of the country (where the capital Lima is located) is completely safe, and most of the protests and civil unrest of the past few months were limited to the southern part of the country.

In the south, Cusco is completely back to normal. However, I would not recommend traveling the route from Cusco to Puno, a southern Peruvian city on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

I experienced a blockade in the middle of the night traveling this route by bus, so if you are visiting Peru soon, I would not plan on making Puno or Lake Titicaca part of your itinerary just yet.

However, the rest of the country is perfectly fine.

If you were on the fence about planning a trip to Peru this year due to the current situation, you can rest assured knowing that travel in Peru is mostly back to normal, and this beautiful country is waiting for you.

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March 23, 2023
Machu Picchu Reopens To Travelers, But Should You Wait To Visit?

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The news coming out of Peru has not been very promising in recent months, with protests gripping the country, forcing the closure of the country’s most famous site, Machu Picchu, and bringing tourism to a halt. However, the recent announcement that the famed archeological site will reopen to tourists Wednesday, February 15th is a long overdue piece of good news to both Peruvians and tourists alike.

After the political upheaval of president Pedro Castillo and the following protests and riots that gripped the country, the situation in Peru seemed dire. The following days brought riots and dangerous attacks widespread around the country, including at the airport serving the popular tourist town of Cusco, as well as the suspension of the train connecting travelers to the Machu Picchu gateway town of Aguas Calientes. All of these factors combined led to the decision to close the ancient UNESCO world heritage site of Machu Picchu indefinitely from January 20th.

Background

The protests stem from a longstanding divide over social inequality and discrimination amongst the 34 million Peruvians, most notably those who live in poorer rural areas and in the Amazon. In addition, the deep mistrust of the country’s politicians is a result of years of mismanagement and corruption. The combined factors resulted in civil unrest that gripped the country.

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When the civil unrest started, many heading to Peru watched the news and monitored social media only to hear stories of stranded tourists, and volatile situations. This and the closure of Machu Picchu (arguably the country’s biggest draw) led to most travelers canceling their trips. The loss of tourism revenue has sent many in the country struggling to stay afloat, having only just gotten back on their feet after the crippling effects of the pandemic. Tourist hotspot Cusco has been especially hurt, with travel guides, shop owners, and guest houses feeling the effect almost immediately.

What’s worse is that this closure and unrest have coincided with what is known to be the area’s peak tourism season. Financial hits aside, the greatest loss is arguably the estimated 60 who have perished in the violence. Having hosted 1.4 million tourists in 2022, the country was forecasted to receive about 3.5 million visitors in 2023. With the essential closure of the tourism sector so far this year, it will be hard to catch up to the projected number.

What’s Changed?

After the evacuation of tourists, a massive drop in bookings and incoming travel followed. Recently an agreement was reached between authorities, the local tourism industry, and social groups to help ensure the security of the infamous site and its connecting transportation services.

However, while Machu Picchu has reopened, there are still factors to consider when deciding if it’s time to book (or rebook) that trip to Peru anytime soon. While most of Peru’s beloved tourist attractions are open for visitors, other sites, such as Lake Titicaca, are not currently assessable via Peru (travelers must currently enter from La Paz, Bolivia if planning a visit). While protesters may have agreed to stay away from the tourist sites, protests continue in the south of the country, including in the capital of Lima.

Is it safe?

The U.S. State department’s last advisory for Peru was issued on December 22, 2022. The country was given an orange Level 3 warning, urging citizens to reconsider travel to Peru due to crime/ While the UK is advising its citizens who travel to Peru to avoid protests, monitor local media, and stay away from any of the unpredictable and violent protests in many areas of the country.

The bottom line is that travel remains a very personal choice, and at any given time, there are multiple situations occurring across the world that could be unpredictable. The most important thing to remember when considering a trip to any location that might be considered unsafe is to keep an eye on the official sources and the State Department’s official website for any latest travel advisories and remain on top of all reputable news channels.

The situation in Peru is very fluid and changing day by day. While Machu Picchu might be open today, it is impossible to determine if it will remain open in a week’s time. If you are contemplating booking a trip to Peru, consider spending the extra money for a refundable ticket or travel insurance to cover any cancelations. While operations are starting to resume, fewer air services, reduced timetables, and possible roadblocks might lead to a need to change your plans at the last minute. In addition, building some flexibility into your travel itinerates is crucial if you plan to visit Peru in the upcoming months.

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February 18, 2023
Tickets Continue To Sell Out To World Famous Machu Picchu
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Last Updated 5 mins ago

Machu Picchu, the fascinating structure created by the Inca Empire in Peru, South America, attracts travelers from all over the world.

This Inca citadel was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in South America. Still, travelers must carefully study local rules before visiting.

A few months ago, Peruvian authorities reopened access for tourists without any COVID-19-related restrictions, but with a daily limit number of tourists still in place since 2019.

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture just announced the expansion of the number of visitors per day because tickets until mid-august were already sold-out. The number changed from 4,044 visitors per day to 5,044.

The visitors limit had already been increased just a few days ago, on July 17, from 3,044 to 4,044. But it wasn’t enough for the current demand. The decision for a second expansion this month was taken after over 800 tourists were denied access to Machu Picchu and around 1,000 tourists and locals protested.

According to local authorities, this expansion shouldn’t affect the preservation of the Peruvian Historic Sanctuary and they shared a statement on Facebook: “This decision took into consideration the conservation of the property to avoid irreparable damage that compromises its outstanding universal value, following the recommendations that UNESCO issues to the Peruvian State.”

Machu Picchu Entry Limit

The decision to adopt an admission capacity has been taken to protect the environment and the historic structures.

The “Lost City of the Incas”, as Machu Picchu is also known, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and its popularity has only increased during the past few years. Local authorities worry about damage caused by visitors and over-tourism.

In 2019, when the new entry limit measure began, the daily limit was 2,500 tourists. The number has been constantly increasing ever since to adapt to visitors’ needs.

Still, tourists have sneaked past security or damaged structures—like a few tourists from Argentina, Brasil, Chile, and France did in 2020— and have even been deported from Peru.

During the pandemic, fewer travelers visited Machu Picchu, but now that travel is going back to pre-pandemic levels, Peruvian authorities must negotiate and satisfy demand while also protecting their sanctuary.

Concerns about overtourism have been reported all over the world. Other destinations like Venice in Italy and natural monuments like the Diamond Head State Monument in Hawaii are also restricting tourist entry.

What Travelers Should Know

Those interested in visiting Machu Picchu must take precautions and consider local rules and conditions. Here are a few recommendations and relevant information for travelers:
- Book your ticket online as soon as possible. Be careful, there are scam pages, opt for the official site.
- Each basic adult ticket cost 152 soles, around 38 US dollars (prices change depending on tour options selected and currency fluctuation). Children and students pay less.
- Beware of altitude illness. Machu Picchu is located at 7,970 ft, on a high mountain. Travelers can get sick if they don’t climb gradually. The CDC has relevant official information travelers can read.
- Prepare your route. Transportation is limited, there are three main ways to access the Inca citadel: the Inca Trail, by train, and through Hydroelectric. Travelers must consider their physical conditions, especially for the Inca Trail and the Hydroelectric alternative, and also prepare baggage accordingly.
- Consider the best times to travel. According to travelers’ recommendations, the best period to visit Machu Picchu is from April to October when it is usually dry and clear —although crowded in July and August. During January and February is usually rainy and travelers might not be allowed to visit the sanctuary.
- Bring proper clothing and water. The best strategy is to bring lightweight layers and also a rain jacket, even if it looks sunny, the weather frequently changes. Sun protection is highly recommended as well.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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July 31, 2022