We have an update for our travelers to Peru! And for our would-be travelers….
Due to the heavy rains and flooding in the Sacred Valley, the railway from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu has some areas of track that are washed out. We are keeping in touch with the Peruvian government to get the latest updates on progress to repair the route.
At the moment, you can be assured that everyone is working diligently to get the train “back on track” as soon as possible, since visitors to Machu Picchu are critical to the economy. It is anticipated that the railway will be repaired and the train will be operational again by April 1, 2010. This will entail a car/bus ride from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Piscacucho (km 82), then board the train to Aguas Calientes.
An alternate back route to Aguas Calientes is being completed, allowing access by car/van/bus through Santa Theresa to the Hydroelectric Station and then, from there, a 30-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes. This section of the railway was not damaged, but the road from Santa Teresa to the Hydro is not repaired. They anticipate the alternate route may be ready by the end of March, 2010. The down side of this option is the 6- to 7-hour drive on the back roads to the Hydroelectric Station.
Many of our customers have asked about the helicopter ride to Machu Picchu. For the time being, the government has halted transport of tourists, and the helicopters are only allowed to take food, medicine and supplies to Aguas Calientes. We are hoping that soon people will be able to travel by helicopter.
All of this is fairly insignificant, because the government has closed the Machu Picchu citadel, until further notice. They will open it again, when they feel it is safe to get there!
Once you arrive in Peru, our staff will keep you up-to-date about any changes in your itinerary and will provide alternate routes or options for you if another natural disaster occurs. If you have questions, be sure to ask us.
The Inca Trail is closed every year in February, for cleaning and repair, so this is being done right now, continuing to the end of March. For the 5-day classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek, you drive in a private car to the trailhead. Your return will be by train or the alternate route. The government has indicated that the Inca Trail will open on April 1st. The permits for April and May are almost sold out (a few dates still available). Be sure to plan ahead and book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek soon!
AWR will keep you posted on any new developments!