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Is Machu Picchu Closing? Is Overtourism Ruining Its Credibility As The Wonder Of The World?
BY Sibashree May 23, 2023
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? 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 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 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: Annapurna Base Camp Vs. Ghorepani Poon Hill: Should You Go All The Way? What Are The Things To Do In Hakone? Know The Top Activities In 2026 5 Luxury Destinations In Europe That Blend Comfort And Culture
