All reports are indicating that Machu Picchu will reopen to tourism on April 1, after being closed due to disastrous weather that struck in late January, causing landslides and flooding access routes to the Incan citadel.
Tourism officials say the rail route, one of the few ways to reach the Andean ruins (which themselves have not been damaged, apparently), should be up and running next month. Peru Rail, one of the main operators on the route, should have an announcement soon.
In the mean time, Peru’s Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry plans to extend its “Cusco Pone” program, also known as “Sale Cusco,” which offers discounts at a variety of hotels and other businesses that are based in and around Cusco, the largest city near Machu Picchu. LAN, the largest airline in Peru, has also been offering discounts on flights between Lima and Cusco. If all goes as planned with the reopening, and these discounts are extended, this might be a great time to get a good value on your next visit to Peru.
If you missed my earlier article about special deals in Cusco, click here.