COVID 19 INFORMATION IN MACHU PICCHU
In response to the new outbreak of the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic, the Peruvian Government extended the Covid 19 health emergency from February 19 to September 2, 2021. Also, the government of Perú has indicated it will reevaluate and adjust these public health measures every 15 days. At the moment all archeological sites such as Machu Picchu, museums, and cultural centers are operating at 40 % of capacity only.
Most of the procedures to travel to Machu Picchu have changed ever since Machu Picchu re-opened. Here is a brief guide for everyone planning trips soon to Peru and especially to Machu Picchu Cusco. You may be wondering about safety conditions and Covid-19’s new protocols to take into account.
Machu Picchu.
Most of the entrance procedures have changed in Machu Picchu, due to Covid 19 pandemic situation. thus the ministry of Culture direction, based in Cusco announced the following protocols to consider while visiting Machu Picchu within the Covid – 19 season:
- Only 897 tourists will be admitted per day.
- Tour groups are limited to 8 people including the guide.
- Visitors, guides, and employees must maintain 6 foot / 1.8 meters distance at all times.
- Tour groups must maintain 65 feet / 20 meters of distance at all times.
- Anyone with a temperature above 100 ° F / 38 ° C can not enter Machu Picchu.
- There will be four one-way circuits and a stop-go system so groups don’t mix.
- Mask must be used at all times.
- All visitors must show an affidavit indicating that they are free of Covid-19 symptoms.
- The alternative hikes in Machu Picchu such as Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, Inca bridge, and the sun gate remain closed until further notice.
See more about protocols by clicking on Biosafety protocols in Machu Picchu.
Inka trail
As for the Inka trails, the first and classic 4 days hike is still banned whilst the short 2 days Inca Trail hike is already open and managed under strict Covid – 19 health emergency protocols.
Trains
As it is known, there are two train companies, covering journeys to Machu Picchu from different railway stations in Cusco and the sacred valley. Both companies have elaborated Covid – 19 prevention measures for preventing the increase of Covid – 19 cases. To get more detailed information visit the following websites: Perurail Covid – 19 protocols and Inka rail Biosecurity protocols.
Buses.- Consettur
is the bus company taking Tourists from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu park. Once again, Just like the train companies, they also developed Covid – 19 prevention measures. Now in this reopening of Machu Picchu, groups board the buses from separated areas, either to go up or to come down. All in all the protocols have been created both for staff and tourists which will be put in practice before, during, and after ending services.
Temperatures will be checked before boarding the bus with infrared thermometers. More about the Covid 19 protocols during the bus ride in Machu Picchu. Click here
Curfew
The latest announcement of the Peruvian government indicates. The curfew is mandatory and applies to all regions, according to risk category from extreme, very high, and high: Cusco is categorized at extreme hence the curfew starts at 09 pm until 04 am Monday to Saturday and sundays is mandatory social inmovilizations(curfew) until march 28th.
Hotels and restaurants
Restaurants in Machu Pichu and Cusco are open at 30 % of capacity. Delivery services are allowed between 04 am to 11 pm. Hotels and accommodations are open and they too are working strictly based on the protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.
Are there still Quarantine arrangements in place?
The quarantine for the rest of the population in the country changed to Sundays, in the extreme level considered regions. However, In the rest of the regions quarantine has been lifted completely.
I am not Peruvian but when will I be able to travel to Perú?
Yes, Tourists traveling from the US can enter Peru under the following conditions:
- Presenting a negative real-time COVID 19 molecular RT PCR, negative antigen test, or medical certificate of epidemiological discharge taken within 72 hours after being issued and before boarding the plane.
- Children under 12 years old do not need to show negative test results but must present a certificate of good health from a medical provider.
- All passengers must also complete an affidavit of health (found here:
https://e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/dj-salud/). These requirements may change, so we advise you to contact your airline days before your flight to gather proper documentation and regularly consult the airport website for the latest guidance: https://www.lima-airport.com/eng/for-passengers/covid-19-protocol/arrival-protocol
To get more updated info check out first PROMPERU and the CDC