Dozens of wildfires have destroyed tens of thousands of acres of land in Peru’s Cusco region over the past few weeks, leaving at least five people dead. The blazes have been more intense and dangerous than usual, with higher-than-normal temperatures and drier conditions caused by El Niño altering the timing and behavior of seasonal fires. In 2026, these climatic conditions in Peru’s Andean highlands have made the wildfires particularly challenging to control, according to Pedro Barraza, managing director of South America at andBeyond.
Local authorities have deployed firefighters, army personnel, and a specialized water plane to combat the spreading flames. However, residents and social media users report a slow response to the crisis, despite efforts announced by Peru’s agricultural minister on X (formerly Twitter).
Tourist Areas Remain Unaffected
Despite the severity of the wildfires, tourist areas in the Cusco region, including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, have not been directly impacted. Marisol Mosquera, founder of Aracari, confirms that no tourists or major sites have been affected, though some remote areas have seen casualties. The fires have been contained to higher mountain regions, away from hotels and attractions. For instance, while the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa are closed due to a precautionary road shutdown, this is an isolated incident. Barraza emphasizes that the vastness of the Cusco region means a wildfire in one area does not necessarily affect nearby tourist destinations.
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Mosquera further notes that there is currently only one active fire in the Sacred Valley, in the Calca area, and another in La Convención, which is far from tourist sites. The region’s popular attractions remain open and operational, with tourism activities running normally.
Travel Advice and Precautions
Travelers are advised to stick to the traditional tourist circuit in Cusco and avoid higher areas of the Sacred Valley. Air quality in parts of Cusco is rated as “poor”, which could be unhealthy for sensitive groups. AccuWeather recommends reducing outdoor activities if symptoms like difficulty breathing or throat irritation occur. Those with active trips booked should consult their travel providers for updates and guidance.
Local tourism experts, including Almario, assure that there is no need to cancel travel plans due to the localized nature of the fires. Hotel concierges, travel specialists, and tour operators can provide ongoing advice, and local outlets like El Comercio offer reliable updates. Mosquera advises travelers to stay informed and follow recommendations from local operators.
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Community Impact and Relief Efforts
While tourist areas remain operational, communities near the fires in the mountain highlands are directly affected. Firefighting efforts have been ongoing for weeks, with local authorities, volunteer firefighters, and residents working tirelessly to contain the blazes. The local community has rallied to support these efforts, with residents donating food and essential supplies. Almario highlights the challenging situation for these communities and expresses gratitude to everyone involved in the relief efforts.
Organizations like Peru Pendiente are accepting monetary donations for relief efforts, and the Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre (SERFOR) is collecting essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, and non-perishables in Lima and Cusco. Travelers can find donation locations and hours on social media or by asking their hotel concierge.