Archive · 20 Aug 2026
El Niño Rains Flood Peru, Disrupting Access to Machu Picchu
Heavy rain connected to El Niño caused flooding in parts of Peru.
The rain made it harder for people to reach Machu Picchu.
Officials closed the Inca Trail because water and debris were blocking the route.
In Lima, floodwater entered many homes and damaged people’s belongings.
Water and sewage services also stopped in some areas.
Schools were suspended in three southern districts of Lima.
Landslides closed roads in Arequipa and Moquegua.
A major copper producer said its operations were still working normally.
Heavy El Niño-linked rains flooded parts of Peru and disrupted access to Machu Picchu.
Authorities closed the Inca Trail until Saturday because of overflowing waterways and debris.
Flooding in Lima damaged homes, disrupted water and sewage services, and led to class suspensions in three districts.
Landslides closed roads in the southern regions of Arequipa and Moquegua.
Southern Copper said its southern operations were not affected by the weather.
- Who
- Peruvian authorities, residents in Lima, and Southern Copper were involved or affected.
- What
- El Niño-linked heavy rains caused flooding, landslides, road closures, and disrupted access to Machu Picchu.
- When
- The flooding occurred on Wednesday, and the Inca Trail was ordered closed until Saturday.
- Where
- Peru, including Machu Picchu, Lima, Arequipa, and Moquegua.
- Why
- The rains were linked to El Niño, a phenomenon that warms the Pacific Ocean surface and can produce intense rains and droughts across Latin America.
- Weather phenomenon
- El Niño
- Tourist route closed
- The Inca Trail was closed until Saturday.
- Capital affected
- Lima experienced flooding, damaged homes, and disrupted water and sewage services.
- Education impact
- Classes were suspended in three southern districts of Lima.
- Other regions affected
- Landslides closed roads in Arequipa and Moquegua.
- Mining operations
- Southern Copper reported no impact on its southern operations.
- Personal damage
- Lima resident Flor Gonzales said flooding ruined her furniture, refrigerator, stove, and appliances.