Machu Picchu Travel Alerts and Restrictions
What can affect a Machu Picchu trip: strikes, train disruptions, rainy-season landslides, ticket limits and rule changes, and where to check.
Machu Picchu is open every day, and regular rail services are operating. PeruRail has temporary station changes for certain services from October 8 through December 31, 2026; check the station printed on your ticket before traveling.
Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, but a few things can affect your plans: local strikes that block roads or trains, landslides on the railway in the rainy season, sold-out tickets and changes to the visiting rules. Most are announced in advance, and a local operator can usually work around them.
What can affect your trip
- Strikes and protests: local strikes can block roads or stop trains for a day or more. They are usually announced a few days ahead.
- Rainy season (November to March): heavy rain can cause landslides on the railway or trails, especially in January and February, leading to delays or alternative transport.
- In the rainy season, an overnight trip such as the Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour leaves more margin if a train is delayed.
- Sold-out tickets: daily visitor limits mean popular dates and routes sell out, especially from June to October.
- Rule changes: circuits, entry times, prices and capacity are set by ministerial resolution and can change with little notice.
- The Inca Trail closure: the trail closes every February for maintenance; Machu Picchu stays open.
- In February, the Salkantay Trek and Lares Trek still reach Machu Picchu on foot.
- Health: altitude sickness in Cusco, and vaccinations if you add the Amazon.
Where to check official information
- The Ministry of Culture’s official Machu Picchu ticket site, for tickets, circuits and rules.
- The train companies’ websites, for timetable changes and service alerts.
- Your government’s travel advice for Peru.
- Your tour operator, who follows the situation on the ground.
How we handle disruptions
- We monitor roads, trains and official announcements every day.
- If a strike or landslide affects your dates, we tell you at once and propose the best option: a new date, a different route or an alternative tour.
- If a train is cancelled, we look for the next available train or an alternative route through Hidroeléctrica. Government tickets cannot be refunded, so our priority is always to use your ticket on the same day or move your visit to the closest possible date.
- Our team in Cusco is on WhatsApp 24/7 during your trip.
Read more about Machu Picchu tickets and the best time to visit.
Latest updates
- October 13, 2026 · Machu Picchu is open and regular rail services are operating. PeruRail has temporary station changes for certain services through December 31, 2026.
When disruptions are most likely
| Months | What can happen | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Heaviest rain; landslides can delay trains or close trails for a day | Keep a flexible day; prefer an overnight trip |
| February | Inca Trail closed all month for maintenance (Machu Picchu stays open) | Choose Salkantay, Lares or a train tour |
| June–October | Highest demand; tickets and popular circuits sell out | Book 2–3 months ahead (6–8 months for the Inca Trail) |
| Any time | Local strikes, usually announced a few days ahead | Travel with a local operator who can reroute you |
| Any time | Rule changes to circuits, entry times, prices or capacity | Check your confirmed ticket details before you travel |
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, subject to availability ticket and guide included. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Inca Trail · permit required
Classic Inca Trail
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a local Cusco operator. Permit, Machu Picchu ticket, porters, meals and Vistadome return included.
Designed around you
Custom Peru Trip
Design your own Machu Picchu trip with a Cusco-based operator: dates, hotels, pace and treks your way. Free quote with checked tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is Machu Picchu open every day?
Yes, every day of the year. The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.
Can rain affect the trains?
Yes. In the rainy season, especially January and February, landslides can delay trains or close trails for a day.
Where can I check official information?
The Ministry of Culture's official Machu Picchu ticket site, the train companies' websites, your government's travel advice and your tour operator.
Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu?
Yes. Millions of travelers visit every year. Disruptions such as strikes are usually announced in advance and affect transport rather than safety at the site.
What happens to my tour if there is a strike?
We move your visit to the closest possible date or arrange an alternative route. Government tickets cannot be refunded, so we always look for a way to use them.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend it, with cover for medical care, evacuation and cancellation.