Machu Picchu Travel Situation & Restrictions during Coronavirus covid-19

Dear Travelers: From your Local Friends in Cusco, Peru, please receive our warmest and most sincere greetings in such hard times, but with much hope for the future, we send you all our positive energies in order to overcome this world pandemic that has separated us from all our loved ones and friends around the world.

Like every storm that comes to an end, this pandemic will be temporary. There will be moments in the near future when we can be together again, enjoying the beauty of our planet and all the wonders that await us.

We are here to help you and happy to answer any questions and give you peace of mind. Please check out this article with regular updates on what’s going on in Cusco Region and Machupicchu during these times. Have specific questions? please contact us at info@cuscolocalfriend.com

MACHUPICCHU TRAVEL UPDATES

Update on August 18th, 2021:

• Quarantine is no longer required upon entry to Peru
• Travelers entering the country are required to present a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before departure, or a negative antigen test, taken up to 24 hours before departure. 
• If you have had COVID 19 in the past 3 months you no longer need to present a negative test. Instead, you will be asked to present a certificate of good health or a medical discharge document. 
• The sworn health affidavit is still required before entering the country.
• Masks remain compulsory throughout the country. Double masks are required in closed areas such as shopping centers, airports, and public transport. 
• Curfew and restricted movement will be in place between the hours of: Midnight to 4am.

Update on March 5th, 2021:

• Machu Picchu was reopened for the second time on March 1st, 2021. For the moment, it will operate at 40% of its regular capacity which means that it only allows a maximum of 897 visitors per day, in comparison to as many as 3500 daily visitors previously. If you schedule your visit well, there is a good chance that you can have the whole amazing Incan citadel all to yourself! 
• Tickets are only available for Machu Picchu main city. There is no availability to explore Huayna Picchu nor Machu Picchu mountains. 
• The 2-day Inca Trail also reopened on March 1st. However, the classic 4-day Inca Trail remains closed until further notice. 
• Machu Picchu has got the “Safe Travels” stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC, which means that sufficient protocols will be taken to ensure your safety when traveling to Machu Picchu during Covid-19 times.
• Night curfew in Cusco and Machupicchu is from 9 pm to 4 am

 

MACHUPICCHU FAQs

Is Machu Picchu open ?

Yes, Machu Picchu was reopened on November 1, 2020 and re-opened again on March 1st, 2021. All visitors and staff must follow these guidelines:

• Visitors, guides and park workers must always maintain a distance of 6 feet.
• The tour group must maintain a distance of 65 feet at all times
• The tour group including the guide is limited to 8 people.
• The temperature will be checked before entering. Anyone whose temperature is higher than 100 cannot enter.
• There will be four one-way circuits and a stop-and-go system, so groups will not be mixed together.
• Masks must be used at all times except for pictures. 
• No food is allowed inside the park.
• Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Inca Bridge and Sun Gate are closed until further notice.

Is Huayna Picchu open ?

NO, the Huaynapicchu Moutain is still closed to the public and there is no news as to when it will re-open again. 

What about the Inca Trail, is it open?

YES! The 2-day  and the classic 4-day Inca Trails are officially open. The Inca Trail has the following protocols:

• Need a temperature check. No one with a temperature of 100 or higher can enter the trail.
• The team will enter with a time difference of 5 minutes.
• Hikers must maintain a distance of 13 feet when hiking
• Hikers must maintain a distance of 6 feet in the eating area and other rest areas.
• There must be a distance of 65 feet between groups

What about the Train and Shuttle Bus to Machu Picchu ?

Trains and Shuttle buses to Machupicchu Park are operating normally, the use of face masks and face shields are mandatory while you are on board. Tickets can be booked online or via Tour Guide or Tour Company

Are the Sacred Valley sites open ?

Yes, all the sites in the Sacred Valley area are open, they are operating from 9 am to 3 pm. These are the sites open in the Sacred Valley:

• Pisac Ruins and the Market
• Ollantaytambo
• Chinchero
• Moray Terraces 
• Maras Salt Ponds

What about the Rainbow Mountain ?

Yes, the colored mountain is open to visitors. The best way to plan this day trip to Rainbow Mountain is to allow more time in your schedule, but be flexible. You need to start at 5 am in Cusco for a full day and return until 6 pm.

We recommend that after traveling to Machu Picchu, you should rest in Cusco for at least a full day before heading to Rainbow Mountain. In order to adapt to the high altitude (16,500 feet) as much as possible, it is best to plan a visit to Rainbow Mountain at the end of your Peru trip. 

Are the other sites open ?

Yes, the major sites around the Cusco region are currently open for visitors. The Ministry asks that all visitors adhere to the COVID security protocols as released by the state. Basically, maintain a distance of 1.5 meters, wear a mask, and sanitize your hands frequently. 

• Sacsayhuaman
• Qenqo
• Tambomachay
• Pukapukara
• Tipon 
• Pikillaqta 
• The Cathedral in Cusco 
• Qoricancha, the Sun Temple