Peru Sends Aircraft as Wildfires Burn in Cusco

Peru deployed a helicopter, water-carrying aircraft, soldiers, and firefighters on Sunday as wildfires persisted in the renowned tourist destination of Cusco. Located near Machu Picchu, Cusco is a popular travel destination for visitors from the United States. Agriculture Minister Marco Vinelli visited the region to coordinate efforts, accompanied by Cusco’s regional governor, Werner Salcedo, who assessed the primary fire area via aerial survey.

The fire zone is situated in Calca, a district within the Sacred Valley of the Incas, approximately 30 miles from Cusco city by road. The ministry emphasized the urgency of the response, designating the Cusco fires as the top priority.

As of Sunday afternoon, the agriculture ministry reported four active fires. Two of these fires are located in Calca district, where farming communities of Accha Baja and Rayampata are under threat. Another fire is in Limatambo district, situated in Anta province, west of Cusco city. This fire is particularly concerning as it threatens Mollepata, a gateway town for trekkers embarking on the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu.

The remaining two fires are located in La Convención province, including Inkahuasi and Maranura districts. La Convención also encompasses Santa Teresa, a location frequented by budget travelers en route to Machu Picchu. The Maranura location is notable as it falls near the buffer zone of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, though the exact proximity remains undisclosed.

The ministry’s confirmation of an active fire in Maranura marks the first official report of such a blaze, previously unacknowledged by any agency prior to The Rio Times' coverage. While the ministry did not disclose the fire’s proximity to the sanctuary, the early detection underscores the potential threat to the protected area.

In Calca, 29 soldiers and 40 volunteer firefighters are actively engaged in combating the flames. The government has deployed a water tank-equipped plane and a helicopter carrying a 1,200-litre water bucket per flight, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to firefighting.

The Peruvian Air Force and the national civil defense institute (Indeci) have joined the response efforts. Governor Salcedo highlighted the importance of a coordinated state response, emphasizing decisive action on the ground. Residents were advised to refrain from actions that could ignite new fires. The Peruvian Air Force is utilizing an Mi-17 helicopter, previously deployed to combat a fire in Yanahuara.

Law enforcement, brigade members, and local officials are also contributing to the relief operation. As of now, approximately 9,000 hectares have been burned in Cusco this year, a figure that contrasts with previous years, recording 15,000 hectares during the same period in 2025 and over 30,000 hectares in 2022. The region has reported 289 fires thus far, with five fatalities attributed to the fires this year, comprising three older adults and two siblings aged 11 and 18.

Miguel Oscco, head of the regional disaster-risk office, stressed the challenges faced in resource allocation, particularly when multiple fires erupt simultaneously. He attributes the majority of the fires to agricultural activities such as field burning and pasture management, which sometimes spiral out of control due to dry vegetation, wind, and intense sunlight.

For travelers, the fires are presently concentrated in rural districts, as opposed to the urban center of Cusco city or the revered Machu Picchu citadel. Tour operators are encouraged to verify the status of Sacred Valley tours, the Salkantay trek, and the Santa Teresa route, given the potential for smoke to spread across valleys, posing respiratory risks for sensitive individuals.

Hikers are advised to avoid trekking towards visible smoke and to adhere to instructions provided by local authorities. Interested travelers should also monitor official channels for any updates regarding access to Machu Picchu. The situation is fluid, with the agriculture ministry’s initial count of four active fires on Sunday afternoon differing slightly from the ministry’s summary indicating three.

Additionally, Oscco’s reported figure of 9,000 hectares burned may differ from earlier estimates exceeding 16,000 hectares. The precise impact of the ongoing fires and the timeline for containment remain uncertain, underscoring the dynamic nature of the emergency response.