LIMA, PERU � The historic Inca Trail which leads to the archeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu (Cusco) will reopen on March 1 in accordance with the Inca Trail Usage Rules. The guidelines are to close down for 30 days every year during the month of February for routine maintenance keeping in line with Peru�s wider aim of sustainable tourism.

Adopted by the National Institute of Culture (Cusco Branch), the measure encourages natural vegetation recovery and gives time to assess tourism on the route. Moreover, the measure allows the maintenance of the stone slabs lining the trail, the handrails, and the dozens of archeological sites that are found along the trail, all of which are part of attraction for visitors around the world.

The Inca Trail closes near the archeological site of Piscacucho, where tourists start their trek to the citadel. February was chosen as the ideal month to close the trail due to a natural lull in tourism that also coincides with the rainy season in the Andes.

At almost 70 kilometers long, the Inca Trail winds through forested and mountainous areas that are located more than 4,000 meters above sea level. An estimated 500 people travel this stone route daily, crossing mountains and rivers and climbing slopes until finally reaching Machu Picchu - a trip that takes close to four days. Data supplied by the National Institute of Culture in Cusco states that approximately 54,000 tourists (national and foreign) traveled the route of the Inca Trail in 2005.

The Commission for the Promotion of Peru (PromPeru), founded in 1993, leads the promotion of the Peruvian tourism product and the country�s image both domestically and internationally. PromPeru evaluates, develops and executes policies and strategies to promote internal and receptive tourism. It also markets Peru as a tourism destination through advertising, public relations and promotional activities. For information about planning a trip to Peru, call 1-866-661-PERU (in the U.S.) or visit www.peru.info.

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Media Contact: Monica Glukstad Monica.Glukstad@edelman.com 305-358-5291