Peru's Cusco Region Battles Intense Wildfires

Wildfires have destroyed thousands of acres and led to casualties in Peru's southern mountains. Tourist sites like Machu Picchu remain open, but travelers should note local conditions.

Wildfires are sweeping across Peru's mountainous southern Cusco region, destroying tens of thousands of acres of land and causing at least five deaths in recent weeks. While wildfires are a regular occurrence in the area, the blazes this fall have been more intense and dangerous than typical seasons.

Pedro Barraza, managing director of South America at andBeyond, states that fires in the Cusco region often happen when farmers clear land for planting, with strong winds causing them to spread. In 2026, higher-than-normal temperatures and drier conditions in Peru's Andean highlands, influenced by El Niño, have shifted the timing and behavior of these seasonal wildfires, making them harder to control. Peru's agricultural minister on X reported that local authorities are deploying firefighters, army personnel, and a specialized water plane to contain the flames, although residents and social media users describe the response as slow.

Traveler Information

Major tourist destinations, including Machu Picchu, have not been directly affected by the fires, according to Marisol Mosquera, founder of Aracari. Popular attractions in the Cusco region remain open and are operating as usual. While fires occurred in higher mountain areas of the Sacred Valley, they were away from hotels and tourist sites. Currently, one active fire is reported in the Calca area of the Sacred Valley, and another in La Convención, which is farther away. Mosquera confirmed that the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa are closed due to a precautionary road shutdown.

Access to the region for tourists is not restricted, and tourism activities are running normally, Mosquera says. Treks and visits are still possible with basic precautions. Mosquera advises travelers to keep to the traditional tourist circuit in Cusco, avoid exploring the higher areas of the Sacred Valley, and monitor updates from their local operators.

Accuweather reports "poor" air quality in parts of Cusco, which could be unhealthy for sensitive groups. The site advises reducing time spent outside if symptoms like difficulty breathing or throat irritation occur. Travelers in sensitive groups with active trips should consult their travel providers for guidance.

Local tourism experts suggest that travelers do not need to cancel plans solely due to these localized fires, provided conditions remain as they are. Hotel concierges, travel specialists, and tour operators can provide ongoing advice. Local news outlets like El Comercio also offer updates.

Communities in the mountain highlands near the fires are directly impacted, even as tourism areas continue to operate. Firefighting efforts have been underway for weeks, with multiple fires still burning. Local authorities and volunteer firefighters are working to contain the blazes, and the community supports those on the ground with donations of food and essential supplies, according to Almario. Organizations like Peru Pendiente are collecting monetary donations for relief efforts. The Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre (SERFOR) is collecting essential items such as clothing, unopened hygiene products, and non-perishables in Lima and Cusco this week.

Travelers who feel comfortable doing so can continue to visit the Cusco area. Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy, supporting thousands of families, small businesses, guides, drivers, artisans, and hospitality providers throughout the region, Barraza explains. Responsible travel, when conditions allow, can continue to provide economic support to these communities.

For jungle stay hosts and travelers in Peru, this means popular sites remain accessible, but awareness of local conditions and support for affected communities are important.