Weather Alert: U.S. Embassy (Lima, Peru) (March 14, 2025)
Location: Cusco / Urubamba / Machu Picchu
Event: Extended closure of Inca Trail to March 31
The Government of Peru announced that the Inca Trail will be closed from March 16 to March 31, 2025. The closure is due to heightened dangers to Inca Trail visitors relating to heavy seasonal rainfall, which has caused landslides and instable terrain throughout the region.
Nearby tourist attractions Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Trek have also been affected by landslides, in some cases stranding hikers for extended periods of time. The regional government advised that the Salkantay trek is also closed until further notice. The U.S. Embassy recommends that individuals in or traveling through affected areas reconsider their plans and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Travelers may still access Machu Picchu through alternative routes, and the historical site itself remains open. The panoramic trail within Machu Picchu (Route 1A) is also closed due to landslides until further notice.
For more information, visitors are encouraged to contact their respective tour company operators. Tourists can also reach out directly to the Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco by email at tuboleto@cultura.gob.pe, or by telephone at +51 84 255805 and +51 84 582030 (ext. 2000), to receive additional information.
Prior to traveling to tourist destinations in remote regions of Peru, travelers are advised to review updates shared by iPeru, which is a Peruvian governmental service aimed to support travelers and tourists visiting the country. (https://www.peru.travel/en/useful-data/iperu). Monitor information from local media and government agencies, including GERCETUR, iPeru, PROMPERU, COEN, and SENAMHI. Confer with tour companies, local authorities, and hotels whether planned hikes or travel itineraries are open and safe due to the inclement weather.
Actions to Take:
· Avoid areas and routes affected by heavy rains or flooding. Find alternative routes to your destination.
· Monitor local media and Peruvian government agencies for updates.
· Be aware of your surroundings. Flash floods and mudslides can occur without warning.
· Pack accordingly, and ensure that you have appropriate first aid, food and water supplies, and emergency kits for any hike or trek.
· Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive alerts and messaging from the U.S. Embassy in Lima.
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Santiago de Surco 15023, Lima
+51-1-618-2000
LimaACS@state.gov
https://pe.usembassy.gov
U.S. Consular Agency Cusco
Avenida El Sol 449
Cusco, Peru
+51 84 231-474
CuscoACS@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Peru Country Information: https://travel.state.gov/
