Machu Picchu to reopen following floods

Machu Picchu - one of the most popular tourist attractions in South America - is set to reopen this month following recent flooding, the Peru Tourism Department has announced.

The country's Cultural National Institute and rail operator Ferrocarril Transandino confirmed that the railroad providing access to the ancient Inca city will resume operations on March 29th, with tourists able to visit the site from April 1st.

Visitors can travel from the city of Cuzco to a station at Piscacucho, before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.

An official ceremony will take place on March 29th to mark the reopening of the railway.

People who are planning to walk along the Inca trail are advised to check with Peruvian ground handlers first, as the government has issued warnings that some areas are still not safe following flood damage.

The Peru Tourism Department pointed out that there are "many alternative and outstanding treks on offer", including the Salkantay and Lares routes.

Flights to Cuzco are available with carriers including LAN Airlines, TAM and Iberia.

Another option for people travelling to Peru is to catch flights to Lima, the country's capital.

Posted by Andrea, 15 March 2010 17:18

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