Is Machu Picchu Closing? Is Overtourism Ruining Its Credibility As The Wonder Of The World? 

May 23, 2023

Last Updated on: Apr 7, 2026

Travel Blog

No, Machu Picchu is not closing in 2026. However, the Inca Trail leading to the Machu Picchu citadel was closed from the 31st January to 1st March 2026. 

The Machu Picchu Archaeological Park Management confirmed that the scheduled maintenance is due to conservation and maintenance work. 

It’s great to know that the Park Management is doing the maintenance and conservation work in compliance with regulations of the “Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network.” 

However, overtourism remains a concern, and that has impacted Machu Picchu’s credibility as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, big time! 

Social conflicts and limited conservation initiatives have been the other two reasons that have affected Machu Picchu’s position as a Wonder of the World. 

The New7Wonders project organized the event of announcing the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2027. 

The same organization shared a Facebook post on 15th September 2025, and the post said, 

The designation implies a shared commitment to the conservation and responsible management of the site, as well as the implementation of international preservation and management standards.” 

So, the onus is on the important decision makers of the country to maintain or ruin its reputation as the wonder of the world. 

Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about why there is so much buzz about “Is Machu Pichu is closing?” I will also give you an idea about why Machu Picchu is struggling to maintain its status. 

Why Is Machu Picchu Closing? The Official Statement Of Machu Picchu On The Temporary Closure 

The official statement from the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park mentioned that the temporary closure of Machu Picchu from the 31st January to 1st March happened because of the maintenance of the walls. 

Furthermore, other activities included in the conservation work were:

  • Vegetation Clearance
  • Repairing the Stone Paving
  • Maintenance of the Retaining Walls
  • Maintenance of Ramps, Bridges, and Railings. 

Also, maintenance and repair work will go on in the drainage system, floor treatments, and campsite areas. 

Cesar Medina, the Chief of Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, also said in an interview with Andina, “In some sections, we will also carry out rock scaling to prevent possible rockfalls.

The National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP) will use geomesh or stabilize the slopes to prevent rockfall and landslides, especially in the monsoon season. 

Why Is The World Wonder Status At Stake For Machu Picchu? 

Why Is The World Wonder Status At Stake For Machu Picchu

While New7Wonders shared its concern and demanded an active endeavor and strategic transformation from the decision makers, the ministers, and authorities said that there has been no change in the status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

However, as of 2026, Machu Picchu is facing massive challenges with tourism bottlenecks. The locals have blocked the railway lines, and they demand changes in the monopoly of function by the bus operator, Consettur. 

Furthermore, the protests in late 2025 showed how the evacuation of 1,400 tourists happened. 

Despite the attempts of Peru’s Ministry of Commerce and Tourism and tourism associations, and occasional withdrawal of protests, disruptions still continue. 

In fact, as recently as 28th January 2026, Lima, Peru, saw Gen Z protestors demanding the closure of many tourist attractions, including the Government Palace, Plaza de Armas, and the historic center. 

All the unrest now reminds us of the political upheaval where more than 60 protestors died. 

Now, these protests look like recent developments. However, it is a cumulative outburst of years of overtourism, irregular practices of ticket selling, and complacency about the preservation of the heritage site. 

Things To Remember Before Visiting Machu Picchu 

Things To Remember Before Visiting Machu Picchu

So, is Machu Picchu closing? No.

Do we need to be more careful when going to Machu Picchu now? Yes. 

So, here are a few things to remember before visiting Machu Picchu:

1. Select The Best Train Option

When you are heading towards Aguas Calientes, you can choose from three trains – Vistadome, Expedition, and the Belmond  Hiram Bingham train.

The Expedition train is a standard type of train that features large windows.

The Vistadome train is a more refined version, and it has large panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the scenic landscapes.

The Bingham train is the most luxurious and has facilities like brunch and lunch. They also have an open-air roof in their wagon.

2. Use Restrooms Before You Enter

One thing to know before visiting Machu Picchu is that there are actually no restrooms inside. 

This is why you should use the restrooms before entering the premises of Machu Picchu. 

After you have passed the entrance of the premises, you can no longer leave the premises and then re-enter.

3. There’s A Fixed Route

When on the guided route of the ruins of Machu Picchu, you will, by default, have to follow a fixed route. 

Which means that you can only walk in a single direction. 

It is certainly not possible to go back and visit one of the previously-visited spots. 

This regulation was actually introduced to bring more order to the Machu Picchu tours.

4. Remember To Carry The Correct Equipment

If you visit Machu Picchu, you need to make sure that you consider your backpack.

It should be of regular size. 

You have to adhere to certain parameters of a backpack to get entrance to the premises of Machu Picchu.

Exciting Facts About Machu Picchu

Exciting Facts About Machu Picchu

Here is a list of some of the exciting facts about Machu Picchu:

1. It Is One Of The Best Conserved Inca Cities 

Most of the cities built by the Inca civilization were also destroyed during the Spanish conquest. 

Machu Picchu is one such attraction that was in a hidden location. 

The Spanish explorers did not find it at that time. This makes it one of the best conserved Inca cities and a true archaeological gem.

2. It Was Originally An Astronomical Observatory

Machu Picchu was originally an astronomical observatory. 

It has a sacred Intihuatana stone known to indicate the two equinoxes accurately. 

Twice a year, the Sun hits the rock directly and casts no shadow.

3. Hiram Bingham Discovered The Site In 1911

Machu Picchu was only known in a local manner until the professor of Yale, Hiram Bingham, again discovered the site in the year 1911. 

His book “The Lost City Of Incas” was actually based on his findings.

4. A UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Situated more than 7000 ft. above sea level in the Andes. 

It also symbolizes the Incan Empire, which goes back to 1450 AD. 

The site was actually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. 

It was also named one of the Modern 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE how to manage motion sickness

Road Trip Ready: How To Manage Motion Sickness And Still Enjoy The Ride

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2025

I just planned a road trip last month. It was a pretty bold step, and my daughter kept reminding me, “Mama, you will throw up again.” She was referring to an earlier road trip last year.  It’s hard to miss the allure of a long-planned road trip, especially when it’s about celebrating the post-exam fun with my daughter. But I do have motion sickness and nausea, giddiness, and throwing up are the common problems I face.  Thankfully, with time, I have learned how to manage motion sickness and still enjoy the ride.  So, in this article, I will break down how you can take control of your symptoms and get the most out of your trip. It begins with talking to your doctor and sharing your symptoms of motion sickness. Sometimes, these medications help to alleviate your discomfort.  Common medications include: Dramamine Meclizine Scopolamine Patches. For more details on how to manage motion sickness during traveling, continue reading below. Understanding Motion Sickness And How Treatment Works. Any treatment for motion sickness blocks the neurotransmitter associated with motion sickness. Here are some signs of motion sickness you must pay attention to.  Nausea Feeling Warm Sweating Vomiting Feeling Drowsy Stomach Unrest Salivating More Than Usual You can talk to your doctor and look out for more indications that it may be at work. How To Manage Motion Sickness When You Are On A Road Trip?  So, you are all set for the road trip. I usually start my trips in the morning, but you can start them at any time of the day.  Now, whenever I go out on a trip, I eat light. However, it does not mean that you have to start the trip with an empty stomach. Just have your usual staples and preferably something with a high carb quotient, low fat, and spices.  Then, drink enough water and take the medications. Now, I have my BP problems. So, I cannot start a day without it.  It’s time to start the car. However, there are some other important aspects of how to manage your motion sickness on a road trip.  So, here are the details.  1. Strategically Plan For Prevention Dress in lightweight clothing to offset feelings of warmth and overheating if you do experience symptoms.  Take a sweater with you if you do get cold, but stick to breathable, lightweight fabrics and footwear while you're traveling.. Sitting on the passenger side may make it more challenging to avoid seeing visual movement because of the wider windowscape you have access to from that seat. 2. Avoid Activities That May Exacerbate Symptoms Additionally, avoid activities that may aggravate your symptoms. Activities to avoid include reading, using your phone or other devices to watch videos, or scrolling. Do not engage in drinking or late-night eating the day before traveling to ensure you’ll feel healthy for your trip. Experiencing a hangover or poor digestion can easily exacerbate motion sickness symptoms. However, to keep your mind relaxed, you can always listen to your favorite road trip songs.  3. Get Good Sleep The Night Before When we don’t sleep well, it is harder for the body to regulate body temperature.  You may find yourself feeling overheated after a night of poor rest. Since feeling warm is already a symptom of motion sickness, make sure you get good rest the night before traveling to avoid worsening these symptoms.  Get to bed early and block out any lights that may interrupt your sleep cycle. Further, to calm your nerves and get a sound sleep on the day before your road trip, you can drink chamomile tea. It works for me!  4. Take Your Medications On Time Take the motion sickness medications recommended to you by your doctor to prevent the onset of symptoms as best as possible.  Follow the timing directions for your medications to get the most benefit before heading out on your road trip.  For example, prescription Scopolamine patches might be applied 30-60 minutes prior to traveling in order to work.  Talk to your doctor to determine when it's the best time to take your medications in order to manage your motion sickness. 5. Look For Balancing Visual Cues Looking at a stationary object as you travel can help your brain and inner ear find a constant understanding of motion, making you less susceptible to motion sickness symptoms.  If you do find yourself feeling woozy, rest your head on the back of the seat to promote physical stability.  You can help establish a greater balance by keeping yourself grounded in your seat. Close your eyes to reduce visual exposure to any changing movement in front of or to the side of you while in the car. 6. Take Short Breaks, Use Soothing Herbs, And Avoid Triggers I take short breaks throughout the trip to get fresh air. Furthermore, ginger and peppermints are my best friends to keep my stomach settled.  Caffeine is a big NO for me when I am traveling. Also, it’s better to avoid smoking and using devices on the go.  Moreover, I avoid wearing strong perfumes or using any strong odor in my car when I am on a road trip. This is my little secret on how to manage motion sickness on a road trip.  7. Take A Nap If You’re The Passenger. When I am not driving the car, I prefer to take a short nap. It may sound boring, but it works! If you can’t sleep, at least get some shut-eye by using an eye mask. Thus, your brain will get the signal of a consistent reality, and it will be easier for you to offset symptoms.  Get Road Trip Ready Medication Use of Peppermint, Ginger, and Lemon Eating Right Taking Short Breaks All these help to manage motion sickness on the go. However, your symptoms can be different from mine or vice versa. So, for medications and tips to alleviate the symptoms, you need a prior medical consultation.  Get road trip ready by doing all you can ahead of time to manage your symptoms. Read Also: Atlanta to Savannah: A Scenic Road Trip Adventure That You Can’t Miss! Thanksgiving Road Trips With Kids: Tips For A Fun And Safe Journey Essential Car Checks Before a Long Journey: Road Trip Ready

READ MORE worldpackers

I Joined Worldpackers And This Is What I Feel About It As A Traveler!

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 20, 2023

Worldpackers is an online platform where you can connect traveling volunteers with hosts from around the world through a community of knowledgeable and experienced hosts and travelers. Here travelers can create a profile and sift through numerous volunteering experiences to choose from. It is a concept too good to be true that allows you to exchange skills for accommodation. The interface of the application is user-friendly and has an authentic rating system that helps find the most reliable hosts around the world. The package includes an annual fee of $49 for solo travelers and $59 for couples. There is a hoard of benefits that come along with it, such as certified hosts, tips for the trip, hornets reviews, and a comprehensive guide through the entire volunteering experience. The Good Stuff livemoretravelmore.com Learning new skills and growing your experience Free accommodation while you travel Honest review system to choose the best hosts Meeting other travelers Community blog and online support Get a taste of the culture at a deeper level Verified and certified hosts Insured travel plans for a safer experience The Bad Stuff livemoretravelmore.com Hosts can ask a traveler to work for upto 32 hours Worldpacker reviews have a character limit You have to live with your boss, and you will be on calls, mostly Countries You Can Consider livemoretravelmore.com If you have already jumped on the bandwagon and now keep wondering which country to visit through Worldpackers, we have made a list for you to choose from. Keep reading to know which country is calling your name. Costa Rica Famous for its focus on natural surroundings and not the war that tore it, your volunteering opportunities will show up in the form of campings, eco-villages, farms, campings, eco-lodges, hostels, and NGOs. Mexico This country is great for its farms, eco-villages, hostels, as well as permaculture projects while practicing your Spanish and having a jolly good time doing fun things during your free time. Brazil This country is the home of World packers, where the concept itself was born. You will find many volunteering opportunities in campsites, farms, permaculture projects, hostels, eco-villages, pousadas, and holistic centers. Vietnam Vietnam has several school opportunities. Here you will find eco-lodges, holistic centers, guest houses, and homestays. Thailand Another haven for volunteering is the country Thailand where you will find many eco-villages, NGOs, guest houses, homestays, and permaculture projects. Italy This country makes it easy for you to move around. It has volunteering options like eco-lodges, hostels, guest houses, campsites, permaculture projects, schools, and homestays. United Kingdom The UK has it all: hostels in the city as well as farms in the countryside. You can volunteer at holistic centers, homestays, guest houses, and eco-lodges. Spain Here too, you can find ample volunteering options. And along with it, there is a fascinating view of the coast and big waves. Portugal Practice your Portuguese while volunteering at farms, camping, eco-lodges, homestays, and permaculture projects. United States You can volunteer here in the land of dreams for people all around the world. Get the best of both worlds by choosing to volunteer in this country. Reviews From Worldpackers Users Traveling has been a call of the unknown for many. Drawn by its irresistible charm and allure, people have left their homes to answer the call. Worldpackers have allowed many people to travel when they are short on money and means. Sure, it has its downsides where you have to work for the free food, but it is a small price to pay in return for the rich experiences you will likely gather. Here are some of the things people have said about Worldpackers that will inspire you to pack your bags and go tread the roads not taken. Go ahead and read the worldpackers reviews. "I used Worldpackers to have an experience in Italy. I signed up for the platform, browsed the opportunities and decided to pay for the annual subscription.You can only send applications to hosts after you become a verified member.Sent some applications and got accepted to an experience at Toscana, one of the most beauftiful regions in Italy for some internet marketing Gigs. Spent 3 weeks living and working with a wonderful family. Saved a lot with accomodation and food, but, most important, had a great life experience with some good people." Aleno, Tripadvisor "Yes!! I'm british but I've used it all over the world and I love it, I have been accepted to so many more opportunities than through work away and I find the website more user friendly. Most of the places I've been have also had a lot of english speaking volunteers.” Hettiy, Reddit user “Workaway! I have used it in different countries and always had amazing experiences. There's usually a lot to choose from, regarding hosts and the kind of work that you'd do. Go for it.” daniclas, Reddit user "I never imagined to have such an amazing time here in Jaisalmer. ¡the hostel is probably one of the best hosts to volunteer with Worldpackers! I was really lucky to do Camel Safari the first day of my stay, visit the Golden City and take as many photographs and videos as possible for them. I enjoyed a lot was I was doing because photography is passion! The accommodation and food was more than perfect, and the hours of work were flexible. I'm glad and thankful specially with all the nice people I met here. I always felt generosity, kindness and a smile from all of them. ¡NAMASTE the hostel!” Worlpackers member from Colombia "I couldn't have started in a better way my experience with worldpackers. Mukesh is an amazing person and the hotel staff was incredibly kind with me. Mukesh let me feel fine and free about the job which was caring about the social media and designing a menu for the restaurant. Although the city was in low season I could enjoy the hostel Hotel and local people in the city. Almost every evening we could hang out at the hotel rooftop, Mukesh and Richa (from stuff) taught me a lot about indian culture, speciality about Rajasthan. I'm missing them already!” Worldpackers member from Brazil Here is a review for your thoughts on whether there are other platforms like Worldpackers. There is! It's called Workaway, and it's going to start a Worldpackers vs Workaway conversation: “Workaway is better cos it has 15x more hosts and therefore works out 15x cheaper. Its has hosts worldwide not just in latin America. It controls the quality of its hosts and stops businesses using volunteers. Its better because its not funded by venture capitalists trying to jump on the bandwagon. Also it doesnt ask affiliates to spam reddit subs. Ps wwoof is also another good site to try :) Hope that helps.” dodosandcakes Final Verdict Worldpackers is best suited for travelers who are in need of free amenities wherever they go. It can also be for people who want to build authentic relationships with new communities around the world. If you are one of them, you can look forward to making new friends, honing new skills, contributing to society for a greater purpose, and also growing as an individual. If you want to know “is worldpackers legit,” my experience with the membership fees that Worldpackers derive from the annual payment actually pays for much more than the platform itself. The money is well worth it for the support, safety, community, and experiences you enrich yourself with. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Alsi Resort – Overview, Reviews, Pros, And Cons Sandals Curacao – Resort Reviews, Location, Price And Ambience Norse Atlantic Airways Reviews And Other Information To Check Out

READ MORE how to catch keeper sturgeon legally

Keeper Sturgeon Season: Rules, Tips And Best Spots

BY  Sibashree Mar 20, 2026

There’s something special about fishing for sturgeon.  Sturgeon have existed longer than anything else on Earth, and many describe them as "dinosaurs of the deep."  In fact, hooking one that is considered a keeper size seems so much different than catching a freshwater fish from the Pacific Northwest.  Anglers look forward to this season all year, just so they can land one and head home with a story. You need to be aware of the regulations, receive useful ideas, and know where the fish are legally caught before you leave through the front door.  Here are the things that you must know about how to catch keeper sturgeon legally.  What Is The Keeper Sturgeon Season? Keeper sturgeon season is that short stretch when you’re actually allowed to keep white sturgeon, as long as they fall within a certain size.  The remainder of the time, all fishing is permitted exclusively by the "catch-and-release" method, with no exceptions allowed.  Regulations concerning white sturgeon are exceedingly strict and can frequently be modified based on your location.  After reviewing the most current population data on sturgeon, fish and wildlife personnel from the State of Washington will set the limit of sturgeon that can be possessed per person.  Sometimes you only get a couple of days or weekends before the keeper season wraps up. When the go-ahead comes, anglers jump at the chance, eager to take advantage before it’s over. Timing Is Everything For Catching A Sturgeon  When keeper sturgeon season kicks off, everyone gets pretty fired up, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.  But the folks who really know what they’re doing aren’t just riding the hype.  They plan ahead and get to the launch before most people even start their engines.  By sunrise, there’s a line of boats, and a crowd gathers here really fast. Sturgeon don’t sit around waiting, so you shouldn’t either. If the season falls on a weekend, get out there before the sun’s up.  That early morning window is golden. Fish bite better, the water’s calmer, and you have the best shot before the wind and current start making things trickier. How To Catch Keeper Sturgeon Legally: Know The Rules Before You Go Local regulations are crucial for ethical fishing tourism or recreational tourism. Check out the table below to know how to catch keeper sturgeon legally.  Factors to ConsiderDetailsSize Limits- 44 to 50 Inches Fork LengthBag Limits- One Sturgeon Per DayTwo to Three Sturgeon Per YearLicense- Valid Fishing LicenseBarbless HooksCatch Reporting- Reporting the Catch Immediately on Your Sturgeon Harvest Card You must abide by these rules to avoid heavy fines.  What Is The Best Gear For Catching Sturgeon?  Sturgeon are large and powerful fish. So, to bring the right one home, you will need the right gear.  Right Gear to Catch SturgeonSpecifications Rod and Reel- 50 to 80-Pound Line- Strong Spinning ReelLine and Leader- A Braided Mainline (80 to 100-Pound Test)- Heavy Monofilament or Fluorocarbon (100-pound Test) for LeaderHooks and Weights- Circle Hooks- 5/0 t0 9/0 - Bait Weight of 6 to 20 OuncesBait- Smelt- Herring- Shad- Squid- Sand Shrimp What Are The Best Spots For Keeper Sturgeon Fishing? Here are some of the most popular and productive regions known for keeper sturgeon fishing. 1. Columbia River (Oregon And Washington) Stretching along the Oregon and Washington border, the Columbia River sees seasonal openings that attract hundreds of anglers. Key spots include Bonneville Pool, Willamette River mouth, and the Astoria area.  2. Willamette River (Oregon) The Willamette River has had some keeper sturgeon seasons in past years, especially near Oregon City and Portland. 3. Snake River (Idaho, Oregon, Washington) Sturgeon fishing happens in the Snake River in various sections, although many parts are catch-and-release only. Tips For A Successful Keeper Sturgeon Trip Here are a few tried-and-true tips from experienced fishing guides at Columbia River fishing adventures to help improve your odds.  Scout Early If you can, do a catch-and-release trip a few days before the season opens. This lets you mark spots, test gear, and figure out where the fish are hanging. You can also learn more from Anchor Right Positioning is crucial. You want your bait to rest near deep holes, channel edges, or drop-offs where sturgeon feed. Stay Patient Sometimes it takes a while for fish to find your bait. Wait at least 30 to 45 minutes before moving. If there’s no action after that, try a new location. Bring a Measuring Device Since only certain sizes can be kept, you need a way to measure the fish accurately in the water. A large bump board or marked rope works well. Practice Respectful Harvest Because sturgeon grows slowly, it can take more than twenty years for an adult fish to reach legal size.  The best way to help ensure a good population of sturgeon is to abide by all regulations on handling fish correctly. When releasing small fish that are below legal size, handle them with care, keeping them as wet as possible while removing hooks as carefully as possible and allowing them time to swim away strong. Remember that during keeper seasons, the goal is not only to fill your freezer with fish but also to continue providing fun sturgeon fishing for future generations. Know How To Catch Keeper Sturgeon Legally And Enjoy The Excitement  The keeper sturgeon season offers anglers a unique chance to take home a fish that appears to come from the ancient past.  With proper preparation, respectful fishing practices, and knowledge of the regulations, you can enjoy an awesome day on the water. From the Willamette River to the Columbia and beyond, amazing destinations are out there for you to discover.  Remember to take your time preparing, be patient while you do this, and have fun with every moment spent on the adventure.  The thrill of going after these big fish will always be rewarding, whether you catch one or not! Now gather your equipment and prepare. Although keeper season is short, the memories endure. Read Also: Punta Cana Fishing Charter With Big Marlin Charters Is An Amazing Experience San Diego Fishing Adventure: Private Charters For Every Angler Catch The Day With The Ultimate Fishing Guide For Travelers