Hi we are in Bolivia at present and are travelling to Peru in the next few weeks - and have heard alot of conflicting info from other travellers about whether Machu picchu site is now closed to the public / is closing soon etc - has anyone been there recently and knows whats up??? would appreiate it thanks!! :>
Reply to this Hi there,
I'm also looking to go in June and have been searching the net today. According to a few websites I've looked at the trek permits have sold out (only 200 people per day are allowed). I've not seen anything about the whole trail closing down though.......
How is Bolivia? I land in Santiago in a few weeks for 2 1/2 months in SA. I've brought some guide books today but can you recommend any must see areas taking into account the weather etc? Been to any good beaches?
Cheers
Rob
Reply to this Hello Gavin and Robert 😊
Looks from the following link that it is open. Apparently there is a charity trek to there in progress right now.
Machu Picchu challange
Mel
Reply to this Machu Picchu is definitely open, we were there only two weeks ago. The Inca Trail trek is booked up until September but there are alternative treks to Machu Picchu. Or you could just take the train!
Reply to this its booked out!
Do the other treks compare to the inca trail????
Reply to this The Salkantay trail is more difficult than the Inca trail. It's more than twice as long, and on the second day you go over a pass of 4600 m. The varied scenery is excellent as you have mountains on the first two days and jungle/cloudforest on the last two. I haven't hiked the Inca trail but I believe you see plenty of Inca ruins on that trek while there are none on the Salkantay. Also, the Inca trail ends at MP while the others usually stop at Aguas Calientes before visiting MP the next day.
And if you want an even tougher trek, try Choquequirao.
Reply to this Hi thanks for the info guys , looks like the train will be the way to go.Havnt come across any nice beaches in Bolivia Rob haha but we enjoyed staying in Punta del Esta in Uraguay, great surf beaches and clean too.
Reply to this Think ill get the train myself, inca trail sounds tough enough for the average noob never mind going on a harder trek
Reply to this hi oirishgoy,
sure, I wouldn't say the Inca Trail was an easy walk, but we never felt rushed at all. We were actually encouraged to take it as slow as we wanted. Besides, you see a lot more if you're taking your time and look around.
Absolutely worth the effort.
Reply to this It's not really an option for me at the moment since it's booked out till September and ill be in peru in late june or early july.
I'll be in cuzco for a few days so i might be able to get a cancellation etc if not ill just take the train.
If i really feel like im really missing out when im there ill come back no doubt, i heard you had to book a month in advance but 4 or 5 months!
anyway thanks
Reply to this I think from memory that even if someone cancels they can't on-sell the permit because they are issued to the individual. You have to give passport details etc, and passport checks are done at the start of the trail.
There's probably a lot of people going then for Inti Raymi (festival in late June).
Reply to this ah okay i wont get my hopes up so, few bribes and some hardcore begging might be in order 😊
inti raymi here i come!
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