The Machu Picchu fire, which broke out on Friday near the main access road to the ancient citadel in Peru’s Sacred Valley, has killed one person and injured two, emergency officials say. The blaze began in the Yanahuara sector of Urubamba province in the Cusco region on October 2 and burned for more than 36 hours, as strong winds and dry vegetation hampered ground crews. Read the full story here.
Key Facts
- One dead, two injured: an elderly person who had joined the firefighting effort died; two adults suffered second-degree burns and are in stable condition at the Hospital Regional del Cusco.
- Location: Yanahuara sector, Urubamba province, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco — close to the main access route to Machu Picchu.
- Response: more than 150 brigadistas, around 40 firefighters and police deployed; aerial support coordinated with the Peruvian Air Force.
- Tourism: several hotels in the Sacred Valley were evacuated as a precaution; the busy Ollantaytambo station area is under watch.
- Cause: authorities have not officially confirmed what started the fire.
Machu Picchu fire: where it started
Miguel Osco, head of the Cusco Regional Emergency Operations Center, said the fire erupted on Friday in Yanahuara, in the Sacred Valley — the region’s most important tourism corridor. The blaze broke out close to the main access road to the ancient Inca citadel, an area crossed daily by thousands of visitors. The nearby Ollantaytambo train station, the busiest hub for travelers heading to Machu Picchu, lies in the same region.
One dead, two injured
The person who died was an elderly resident who had taken part directly in efforts to fight the fire, according to Osco. Because of the condition of the body, the victim’s identity has not yet been established. Two other adults suffered second-degree burns and were taken to the Hospital Regional del Cusco, where they are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Rescue operation
More than 150 brigadistas and around 40 firefighters were deployed alongside police and other agencies to bring the fire under control. Dry vegetation and gusty winds made ground operations extremely difficult, so the authorities coordinated aerial support with the Peruvian Air Force. As the fire spread, several hotels in the Sacred Valley were evacuated as a precaution.
Impact on tourism
The fire broke out in the heart of one of Peru’s most visited areas, raising immediate concern about access to Machu Picchu. Authorities are monitoring the natural reserves near the citadel’s protected area in case the flames spread, and emergency teams remain on alert. World travelers heading to the region are advised to follow official updates.
Machu Picchu: the 15th-century citadel
Machu Picchu was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and stands about 2,430 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains. Famed for its dry-stone walls and mountain setting, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The citadel draws around 1.5 million visitors a year, making it Peru’s most important tourist destination.
Conclusion
The fire near the Machu Picchu access road has cost one life and left rescue teams working for days to bring the blaze fully under control. With the cause still unconfirmed and dry conditions continuing, authorities say monitoring of the Sacred Valley and the citadel’s surroundings will remain in place.
