Updated June 11th, 2026

Our latest update on Peru, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil regarding travel to/from our destinations.

PERU

IMPORTANT

• The authorities in Ollantaytambo have introduced a vehicle weight restriction, prohibiting access for any vehicle weighing 6,500 kg or more — a measure aimed at protecting the town's historic heritage. This means that only vehicles up to the size of a large Sprinter (max. 15 passengers) are now permitted to enter, where both railway stations and the Ollantaytambo Fortress are located. We are currently reviewing each case individually to arrange the best alternative for our groups.
• The parking area outside Ollantaytambo is approximately 1.8 km from the railway station — a walk of around 20 minutes.
• The Ministry of Culture has announced the temporary suspension of certain routes of Circuit 3 – the Royal Circuit of Machu Picchu, due to conservation and maintenance work, as detailed below:
  • Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain: admission suspended from June 1st to July 31, 2026
  • Route 3-C: Great Cavern: admission suspended from June 19th to July 31, 2026
  • Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu: admission suspended from June 19th to July 31, 2026

FLIGHTS

• Starting in June 2026, Level — the Iberia Group's low-cost carrier — connects Barcelona and Lima nonstop three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Juliaca Airport (Puno): Reduced operating hours from June 30 to October 15, 2026 — flights only between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat) and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Wed, Sun).
• Avianca has announced plans to launch daily flights between Cusco and La Paz, though the start date has yet to be confirmed.
• Flybondi offers direct flights between Lima and Puerto Iguazu four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Sky now offers daily direct flights between Cusco and Arequipa.
• Latam has increased frequencies Lima and Mendoza from 3 to 5 flights. Check out our '7 Insider Tips To Explore Mendoza wine region'.

SITES/ACTIVITIES

• The new Miraflores cable car — 72% complete and expected to open before the end of 2026 — will be Lima's first, spanning 310 m (1,017 ft) from Domodossola Park, steps from Larcomar, down to Redondo Beach on the Costa Verde.
• From June the spectacle DanSa has added an extra day to its shows, running from Wednesday through Saturday. Find out more about DanSa in our blog article: Lima In 72 Hours.
• We highly recommend purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets at least 60 days before your planned visit. With the recent launch of our online ticketing system, demand has surged, making it essential to secure your tickets well in advance.

SPECIAL DATES

• We have received unofficial confirmation of the dates for the PERUMIN 2027 convention in Arequipa: it will take place from September 20 to 24. Please note that hotels in Arequipa do not release rooms for the entire week surrounding the event (September 20–27).

HOTELS/CRUISES

• Meliá Collection debuts in Peru in 2027 with a 107-room hotel in Lima's UNESCO-listed historic center, near the Plaza de Armas, set in the historic 'Casa de la Pila' — birthplace of El Comercio, Peru's oldest newspaper.
• The JW Marriott Lima in Miraflores is set to become a Ritz-Carlton property in 2028. In parallel, the current Westin in San Isidro will be rebranded and sold under the JW Marriott name.
• Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu has further extended reservations until February 28, 2028, still pending the authorities' official confirmation on the renewal of its operating contract for the whole year.

CHILE

SITES/ACTIVITIES

• After seven months on display and a wide program of associated activities, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is preparing to close 'Alive and Present', a temporary exhibition of art by the Atacameño/Lickanantay, Mapuche, and Rapa Nui peoples. It can be visited until June 28, 2026.
• There are still tickets available for the 14th Patagonian International Marathon, taking place on September 5–6, 2026, on the gravel roads southwest of Torres del Paine National Park. Runners from more than 78 countries compete over 42 km, 30 km, 21 km, 15 km, and 10 km, finishing at Villa Serrano near the park entrance, with Puerto Natales as the base city.
• The Sebastian Englert Museum on Easter Island is currently closed, and a reopening date has not yet been announced.

FLIGHTS

• Latam began operating Santiago–Neuquen (Argentina) in late March 2026 with four weekly frequencies, linking Santiago with northern Argentine Patagonia.
• Latam has resumed daily direct flights between Cusco and Santiago de Chile.

RESTAURANTS

• New in Santiago's charming Lastarria neighborhood: Oda, where Christian Bulla unites coast and countryside in a refined take on authentic Chilean cuisine — all in a truly unique venue.

ARGENTINA

IMPORTANT

• Travelers entering Argentina are required to present medical insurance with full coverage for the duration of their stay, a return ticket or proof of onward travel, and proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation.

FLIGHTS

• Latam began operating Santiago–Neuquen (Argentina) in late March 2026 with four weekly frequencies, linking Santiago with northern Argentine Patagonia.
• Latam has increased its frequencies between Lima and Mendoza with 4 flights weekly (daily Thursdays to Sundays). Check out our '7 Insider Tips To Explore Mendoza wine region'

HOTELS

• Starting December 2025, in Puerto Iguazu an urban tax of USD 1 up to 3 per person per night (based on the accommodation category), will apply to travelers over the age of 18. This tax can also be paid directly by the guests at the property.

SITES/ACTIVITIES

• In March, full-moon visits to Perito Moreno resumed after a two-decade pause. The 'Full Moon at the Glacier' excursion lets you walk the boardwalks of Los Glaciares National Park by night, offered on five nights around each full moon.
• Puerto Iguazu has a new gourmet market/hall aiming to highlight local flavors and products. At Yabuticaba Mercadito de la Selva visitors can also sample wines and craft beers in a natural setting, reminiscent of the local jungle.

RESTAURANTS

• The prestigious Michelin guide is broadening its reach in Latin America by introducing a new edition in Argentina, focusing on Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Discover the 10 restaurants awarded by the Michelin Guide.

BRAZIL

FLIGHTS

• Sky Airlines is operating a new route connecting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Montevideo, Uruguay.

SITE / ACTIVITIES

• Porto Canoas restaurant, located inside Iguazú National Park, will be closed for renovations until February 2027. In the meantime, restaurant Cocar is available as an alternative.
• Roxy, Rio’s latest and most stylish dinner show, is a must-see. Read more in our blog 72 Hours in Rio.
• Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Salta (Argentina) in South America were chosen as part of 'The Top Global Destinations for Architecture Lovers' compiled by the British site Buildworld

VISA FOR US, CANADA & AUSTRALIA

• The government of Brazil has decided that starting from April 10th citizens from US, Australia and Canada will require a visa for entry into Brazil. If a valid physical visa is already in the passport, there is no need to apply for a new visa. For entry into Brazil by air, sea, or land, the online visa application form will only be accepted through the official website https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/.

BOLIVIA

IMPORTANT

• Bolivia is currently experiencing significant social unrest, road blockades, fuel shortages, and transportation disruptions. Overland travel between Peru and Bolivia, particularly is currently not passable. El Alto Airport remains operational, and city transfers in La Paz are continuing via alternative routes. Uyuni continues to operate, and the route between Uyuni and the Hito Cajón Bolivia–Chile border remains open and passable at this time.

FLIGHTS

• Starting from June 02, Boliviana de Aviación will add a second daily flight from La Paz to Uyuni and back. This crucial nighttime addition will strengthen connectivity to the region. The full schedule and other insider tips to enhance your journey to Uyuni can be found in our 6 Tips For An Enhanced Travel Experience in Uyuni blog article.
• Boa has been offering 4 direct flights per week from La Paz to Lima; moreover, the flag carrier added 2 direct flights per week from Santa Cruz to Santiago and Iquique, to strengthen its connectivity with Chile and expand travel combinations in the region.
• Avianca has resumeed direct flight connection between La Paz and Cusco 4 times weekly (on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) in both directions.

SITES/ACTIVITIES

• The restaurant La Rufina in La Paz was added to the prestigious 50 World's Best Discovery list in early 2025. This excursion includes a lunch stop at the acclaimed venue.