- The Inca Trail has been closed due to El Niño rains and flooding
- Rockslides and mudslides have blocked major coastal highways
- Lima has experienced severe urban flooding with collapsed water systems
- The southern regions of Arequipa and Moquegua have been heavily impacted
- Travellers should monitor Peruvian Ministry of Culture updates for reopening information
Heavy El Niño rains and flooding have severely disrupted access to Machu Picchu, forcing Peruvian authorities to temporarily shut down the famous Inca Trail tourist route. Overflowing waterways and heavy debris have made the trail unsafe, halting trekking along the main route. Massive rockslides and mudslides have blocked major coastal highways, leaving many travellers and transport trucks stranded.
The intense storms have also triggered severe urban flooding in the capital city of Lima, collapsing local water and sewage systems. Landslides have heavily impacted the southern regions of Arequipa and Moquegua as well. Travellers currently in Peru or planning trips to the region have been advised to stay informed through official updates from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to see when the Inca Trail will safely reopen.
Travellers have been advised to contact tour operators and transit providers directly to check for itinerary changes or alternative route safety, and to monitor local weather alerts as El Niño conditions are expected to bring continued atmospheric instability and sudden downpours to the region.
