Peru’s Ministry of Culture confirmed in late August that the safety review of Inca Trail routes 1, 2, and 3 has not concluded by its original August target date. All three routes remain closed to trekking groups until further notice. Route 4 — the most-used path leading to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate — continues to operate with its standard daily permit quota in place.
Which Routes Are Affected
The Inca Trail network has four designated routes. The closures affect:
- Route 1: The full Classic Inca Trail (approximately 43 km over four days)
- Route 2: The two-day variant terminating at Machu Picchu
- Route 3: The Camino Salkantay crossing, which joins the Classic trail at Huayllabamba
Route 4, which runs from Km 104 of the train line through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), is open and operational. This route takes a single day and requires a separate permit, which must be booked through a licensed operator.
The safety review was triggered by concerns about trail infrastructure at several points on routes 1–3, including sections of original Inca stonework and suspension crossings that showed wear consistent with higher-than-expected post-pandemic foot traffic.
Options for Travellers Heading to Machu Picchu
Travellers who had planned to walk the Classic Inca Trail before year-end should assume the closure will extend into at least October and plan alternatives now. Options include:
- Route 4 (Km 104 to Sun Gate): Confirmed open. Book through a licensed tour operator in Cusco. Permits sell out weeks in advance.
- Salkantay Trek (non-Inca Trail section): Portions of this multi-day route not on the regulated Inca Trail network remain accessible through licensed operators.
- Train + bus to Machu Picchu: The most reliable option. Trains from Cusco (Poroy station) and Ollantaytambo reach Aguas Calientes, with bus services to the site entrance.
Entry permits to the Machu Picchu citadel itself are not affected by the trail closures. The site remains open on its normal schedule with visitor circuit management in place.
Planning from Cusco
Cusco is the hub for all Inca Trail operators and the main staging point for Machu Picchu trips. Licensed agencies are the only legal way to book Inca Trail permits — browse Inca Trail tours from Cusco to find verified operators with current availability on Route 4. Independent access is not permitted. Our guide to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers permit booking, what to carry, acclimatisation, and how the route-4 day hike compares to the full Classic trail.
The Ministry of Culture has not published an updated reopening timeline for routes 1–3. We recommend checking official Peru government channels or your licensed operator for the latest status before finalising travel plans.