Cusco tourism faces disruptions from traffic and trail closures

Tourism in the Cusco region of Peru is facing significant disruptions due to infrastructure and safety issues. In Ollantaytambo, Mayor Paul Palma Herrera has requested intervention from the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) to address severe traffic congestion. The congestion, which affects routes to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, has been exacerbated by heavy vehicles getting stuck in narrow road sections. The mayor has proposed a temporary nighttime schedule for high-tonnage vehicles traveling to Quillabamba to mitigate the impact on tourists.

Simultaneously, access to routes 1, 2, and 3 of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu remains restricted. The Cusco Culture Directorate and Sernanp are conducting technical inspections to evaluate safety and transitability following landslides caused by atypical heavy rains and mudslides. These inspections are expected to continue through August 30, after which authorities will determine when the routes can safely reopen to visitors.