If you’ve seen recent headlines about a landslide near Machu Picchu and started worrying about your trip, take a breath. The main train route used by the vast majority of tourists is fully operational and safe. Here’s the full picture.
What Happened
On Monday, March 30, 2026, a huaico (landslide) struck the Mandor sector in the Machu Picchu district of the Cusco region. It caused damage to the rail track between km 114 and km 115, on the Machu Picchu–Hidroeléctrica segment, which has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
The confusion spread fast — but the key fact got lost in the noise: the route most tourists use was not affected at all.
Which Route Is Closed and Which Is Open
This is the distinction every traveler needs to understand before making any changes to their plans.
| Route | Status | Who Uses It |
|---|---|---|
| Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (main tourist train) | ✅ Fully operational | The vast majority of visitors |
| Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes (alternate route) | ⚠️ Temporarily closed | Backpackers and budget travelers |
Juan Stoessel, Vice President of the Cusco Chamber of Tourism, was clear on this point: the main railway line connecting Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu Pueblo — the one used by the vast majority of tourists — has not suffered any damage and is running in perfect condition. The landslide only affected the alternate route used by a smaller percentage of visitors, primarily backpackers who opt for more economical access.
What the Authorities Are Doing
Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) confirmed that the situation is actively being managed. Authorities, in coordination with Ferrocarril Transandino S.A. (Fetransa), are carrying out assessment, debris removal, and track cleaning to restore service on the affected segment as quickly as possible.
Since the incident, Mincetur has maintained continuous monitoring through its Tourist Protection Network, coordinating with local authorities to guarantee safe movement for all visitors.
⚠️ Official advisory: Authorities urge tour operators, travel agencies, and visitors not to use or promote the Machu Picchu–Hidroeléctrica route under any form until access is fully restored.
What This Means for Your Trip
If your itinerary uses the standard train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco to Aguas Calientes — you don’t need to change a thing. The Machu Picchu Tour by Train and Machu Picchu 2-Day Train Tour operate on this route and are completely unaffected.
If you booked an itinerary using the Hidroeléctrica walking access — common on the Inca Jungle Trail — contact your operator to arrange an alternative access until that segment is cleared.
Alternative Routes That Are Also Operating Normally
If you haven’t booked yet and want to explore your options, several other routes to Machu Picchu remain fully available:
- Salkantay Trek — The most popular trekking alternative. Offers 3, 4, and 5-day options passing through Humantay Lake and arriving at Machu Picchu via a different corridor entirely.
- Inca Trail — The classic route. Available in 1, 2, and 4-day formats, arriving through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Permits are limited and sell out fast.
- Machu Picchu Tours by Train — Multiple options from full-day excursions to 2–3 day itineraries including the Sacred Valley, all using the operational Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes line.
Bottom Line
A landslide did occur near Machu Picchu on March 30. However, it only affected a secondary, less-traveled route used by a small minority of visitors. The main train corridor connecting Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes — the backbone of most tourist itineraries — is running without any disruption.
Peruvian authorities are working to restore the closed segment and are actively monitoring the situation. In the meantime, the message is simple: if you’re heading to Machu Picchu, your trip is on track.
