CUSCO — Machu Picchu has reopened following a nearly month-long closure due to ongoing political protests in some regions of Peru.

The site reopened Feb. 15, following agreements between authorities, social groups and the tourism industry to keep the Inca-era stone citadel safe.

“This decision reaffirms the importance to opt for dialogue and peace, under the articulated work of the authorities with the population, which requires the resumption of cultural activities and the economic reactivation of Cusco,” according to a new statement issued by Promperú.

The protests have been focused mostly in the southern and southeastern regions of Peru, such as Ica, Arequipa, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cusco and Puno.

On Feb. 9, the U.S. State Department issued an advisory to Americans to reconsider travel to Peru and exercise increased caution due to civil unrest.

The Canadian government has also issued a travel advisory for Peru. Last updated Feb. 15, the federal government warns Canadians travelling to Peru to exercise a high degree of caution.

Canada also issued a regional advisory, recommending that Canadians avoid travel to Arequipa, Cuzco (including the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu), Ica and Puno.

Canada’s advisory for Peru travel can be found here.

A Feb. 9 statement from Promperú, issued when Machu Picchu was still closed, said that anyone with tickets to the site will be able to use them up to one month after peace is restored, or can request a refund by contacting ingresos@cultureacusco.gob.pe.

At that time the tourism board also suggested travellers download the Tourist Police Peru app and have emergency numbers on hand, including the Central POLTUR at (01) 4601060 or IPERÚ via WhatsApp +51 944492314 (text only) or by phone (01) 574-8000; as well as the emails proteccionalturista@mincetur.gob.pe and iperu@promperu.gob.pe.