I am trying to come up with Plan B for our trip to Machu Picchu in late March. I understand Heli Cusco used to have a route to Machu Picchu and am wondering if they still do. Has anyone taken a helicopter TO Machu Picchu recently or was this route closed?

Route is closed private chopper flights illegal.

There will be a bus/rail combo

via Santa Maria Santa Teresa MP Pueblo by 3/1

monitor www.livinginperu.com for updates

Probably the best way to go...

Helicopter service to MP had been banned for several years, citing negative effects on the environment and on the ruins themselves. HeliCusco had begun service again, to the tune of $300 one way and $500 round trip. Not sure when they're going to start service again following the emergency.

www.helicusco.com

Thank you for your replies, that is what I thought. If HeliCusco starts up again, it would be worth it to us to spend the $500.00 as we can't rearrange our trip and probably would not make a second trip back to Peru, this is our one shot at MP. qwovadis, can you tell me more about the Santa Maria Santa Teresa route. What I have read stresses it is an "Adventure" route. Does that mean it's dangerous? We are in shape and don't mind roughing it but I'm not dragging my friend into a dicey situation. Thanks for the info.

It's not dangerous. It's just a long, rugged trip. That's what "adventure" means here.