Environment: Peru
Key Facts
—Who. Peru’s national emergency operations centre (COEN) and Cusco’s regional disaster-risk authorities.
—What. Wildfires have killed five people and destroyed more than 16,000 hectares (about 40,000 acres) of vegetation in Cusco so far in 2026.
—Where. The Cusco region in the southern Andes, including Urubamba, Canchis, Espinar, Chumbivilcas and Paruro provinces.
—When. Six fires were still active on Tuesday 6 October 2026, and more than 280 fires have been logged this year.
—US link. Cusco is the usual base for US visitors to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
—As of. 7 October 2026, 23:20 GMT.
Wildfires in Peru’s Cusco region have killed five people and destroyed more than 16,000 hectares (about 40,000 acres) of pasture, brush and crops this year, according to emergency figures reported on 6 October 2026. Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, and six fires were still burning on Tuesday.
What We Know
Five people have died in the fires this year. Three were older adults, in the districts of Yanatile, Colquepata and Yanahuara.
The other two were siblings aged 11 and 18, who died of severe burns after a fire on 26 September in Pomacanchi, in Acomayo province. Two more people were injured in Yanahuara on 2 October.
The emergency centre counts more than 16,000 hectares of vegetation affected over the season. In Ccapacmarca, in Chumbivilcas province, flames destroyed 300 hectares of pasture, killed livestock and damaged two rural homes.
A fire in Yanahuara, in Urubamba province, burned for more than 36 hours and killed one person, according to Infobae on 3 October. Authorities were still waiting for air support at that point.
Six fires were still active on 6 October, in several provinces of the region. Emergency data reported by Infobae put the area burned in those six uncontained fires at 417 hectares so far.
Five other fires, on 3 and 4 October, have been put out. They destroyed 202 hectares of natural cover, according to the same report.
Why the Fires Are Spreading Fast
Officials say strong wind, high temperatures and dry vegetation are driving the blazes. Edwin Mancilla, training director at the regional disaster-risk office, said the fires are moving at 15 to 20 kilometres per hour (about 9 to 12 miles per hour).
Fifteen fire companies are working at maximum alert, together with municipal brigades, police, soldiers and volunteers. El Comercio reports a shortage of brigades in Chumbivilcas, Canas and Paruro, and Andina says police and army support was thin over the weekend because of election security duties.
Peru’s weather service, Senamhi, warned this week of extreme wildfire risk in eight regions, including Cusco, from 6 to 10 October. It also expects higher temperatures and stronger winds in the southern highlands this month.
A Heavy Fire Season
Cusco has logged more than 280 fires so far in 2026, while a typical year brings 350 to 500, according to regional officials quoted by Andina. The dry season is still under way, so the count is likely to keep rising.
Fire is a recurring danger in the southern Andes in the dry months. Senamhi’s extreme-risk warning for Cusco runs through 10 October.
What Is Not Known
It is not known when the six active fires will be contained. The reports we reviewed do not give a date.
We did not find official causes for individual fires in those reports. We also found no report that Machu Picchu or other major heritage sites were hit.
What It Means for Travelers and US Readers
Cusco is the main base for US visitors heading to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, and fires have burned in Urubamba province, part of that valley. No closure of major sites appeared in the coverage we reviewed, and travelers should check with their tour operator and local authorities for smoke and access updates near active fires.
US readers can follow the State Department’s travel advisory for Peru and Senamhi’s fire-risk alerts. Our earlier report on the US travel advisory for Peru explains how the advisory treats Cusco.
More: Peru news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have died in the Cusco wildfires?
Five people have died in 2026, according to emergency figures reported on 6 October. They include three older adults and two siblings aged 11 and 18.
How much land has burned in Cusco?
More than 16,000 hectares (about 40,000 acres) of vegetation have been affected this year. Six fires were still active on 6 October.
Is Machu Picchu affected by the fires?
We found no report that Machu Picchu was hit, and no closure of major sites in the coverage we reviewed. Travelers should confirm access with their tour operator.
Why are the fires spreading so quickly?
Officials cite strong wind, high temperatures and dry vegetation, with fire fronts moving at 15 to 20 kilometres per hour. Senamhi warned of extreme fire risk in eight regions this week.
Sources
Andina · El Comercio · Infobae Peru · Infobae Peru (Yanahuara) · RPP · La República · Infobae Peru (Senamhi)
Connected Coverage
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief