Peru – rains close Inca Trail

Heavy rains affect part of Inca Trail

Heavy rains in Peru’s Cuzco region have caused a landslide on part of the Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu, state news agency Andina reported the regional director of Culture, Juan Julio Garcia, as saying.

The incident occurred along the last leg of the trail close to the Wiñay Wayna ruin, the report said. “There are no reports of injuries,” Garcia said.

Tourists that are currently on the Inca Trail have been diverted to the rail line at Km. 106, where they can continue on to Machu Picchu.

Garcia is expecting a report on Tuesday evening outlining the degree of damage. Officials with the National Service for the Protection of Natural Areas (Sernanp) has said they will analyze the situation daily to determine if they keep the trail open or shut it down.

The trail is normally closed in February for maintenance, he said.

The other access route to Machu Picchu from Cuzco is by train. Almost a year ago, heavy rains caused flooding and mudslides that washed away parts of the railroad line to Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu.