On March 31, the  Peruvian Ministry of Culture announced that Inca Trail hikes will reopen on April 1, 2025.  But this is not for all hikes. This announcement only applies to the Inca Trail. And yes, although the trails are officially re-open, the routes have been modified to avoid risky areas and keep hikers safe. Your tour operators are in charge of explaining it to hikers.

Are other hikes in Peru being suspended?

Yes. Machu Picchu national park authorities temporarily suspended access to the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain (circuit 1A) followed by the closure of Wayna Picchu (circuit 3A). Also closed are Choquequirao Trek, as well as Lake Humantay and Salkantay Trek  Mudslides have been reported on the Salkantay route. The reason for the closing of these places this year is due to the shifting of the peak of rainfall from February to the month of March. Mudslides have been reported on the Salkantay Trekking route. This time of year collides with the beginning of the travel season. February is usually the peak time of year for rainfall, but nature doesn't follow the same calendar that we do. Even though Salkantay Trek and Lake Humantay day hike were not official reopened, people were permitted to hike understanidng that they were responsible for their own safety. 

Why was access to the Salkantay Trek and Lake Humantay suspended after someone died on the trek ?

Yes, someone did die on the Salkantay Trek on Good Friday, April 18. However it had nothing to do with the climate or weather. The hiker, a 55 year old man, suffered a medical issue during the hike and died on the trail. Our hearts go out to his family who must be devastated. When the authorities trekked in to investigate and confirm the cause of death, they realized that conditions were not ideal for hiking and officially closed all access to Lake Humantay and Salkantay. This is to protect hikers as well as the local residents who provide support services for hikers. Fortunately, because there's no permitting system, people who are scheduled to hike Salkantay Trek in the near future, can contact their operator to ask about hiking another route. 

Tip for people planning to book Inca Trail in 2026.

Maybe avoid scheduling hikes in March? Every year the rainy season peaks out roughly in the month of February. That's why the Inca Trail is always closed every February. This year the rains shifted and peaked in March! (In April 2023 I was hiking the back door trail to Machu Picchu with a big group. We missed getting clobbered by a landslide by about 10 minutes. Read more here. This is going to be an entire chapter in my book! haha)

After the rains taper off, the soil is saturated and subject to landslide. Even if the rains stop, you still need to be mindful folks. There are stories galore of train tracks getting battered by rockfall and bridges getting washed out by flash floodng. Pre-emptively closing trails is kind of new for Peru. But OK. Safety first right?

So far this year in March 2025, we don't see the Peruvians assisting tour operators with handling the many disappointed hikers who came to Peru only to find out at the last minute that their plans are shot. Come on Peru! Wake up! Help the tour operators find safe alternatives and offer access to areas that are intact.. Travelers looking ahead at 2026 should choose wisely who you work with. Get travel insurance that covers all your air and ground activities. Talk to a trained agent if you need to. But there's more. Read on!

Get Ready for Big Changes to all Inca Trail Hiking Permits in 2026

As if it weren't enough to shut down the entire Inca Trail network in March, while we were sleeping, a new policy was cooked up, then announced on March 4, 2025 indicating that Inca Trail permits are getting a divorce from Machu Picchu entry tickets. Hikers in 2026 may need to pay extra if they want to enter the ancient Inca city at Machu Picchu, the actual destination of the hike. Even before I was born the Inca Trail permits included entry to the ancient Inca city at Machu Picchu after the hike. (you have to guess how old I am! haha. I know that's dangerous) This news has sent shockwaves through the tourism community. But the timing of this change is causing tour operators to pushback for the groups already booked in 2025. Machu Picchu entry tickets are sold out for most of April and other dates in May. The Peru government has pulled the dirty rug out from under the tour operators and left them holding permits with no entry to the actual ancient city at Machu Picchu and no way to get them. Tour operators rallied and protested the last minute changes and thankfully on March 7 an agreement was reached and Inca Trail hiking permits for 2025 have been taken off the chopping block.

However. we've been warned! We can expect changes to the cost and/or the way Machu Picchu entry tickets are bundled with the Inca Trail permits in 2026.