Costa Rica Opens New Sustainable Eco-Lodge Network in Cloud Forests
Costa Rica inaugurated a network of 12 new eco-lodges across Monteverde and Arenal cloud forests on June 15. Each property meets strict carbon-neutral certification standards. The project adds 480 rooms to the country's sustainable tourism inventory.
Patagonia Opens New Torres del Paine Extension Trail to Hikers
Chile added a 28-kilometre extension to the Torres del Paine W trek on June 15. The new section reaches the remote Grey Glacier viewpoint. Limited permits are now available for the 2026-2027 season.
Norway Opens New Arctic Fjord Hiking Area to International Visitors
Norway opened the remote Finnmarksvidda plateau trails to foreign hikers on June 15. The 180-kilometre network requires advance permits for overnight stays. The opening adds new trekking options north of the Arctic Circle.
Bhutan Opens New Eastern Trekking Region to Foreign Visitors
Bhutan will open the remote eastern district of Trashigang to international trekkers from 1 August 2026. The area features new trails through subtropical forests and ancient monasteries. Daily tourist numbers will be capped at 150 to protect biodiversity.
New Zealand Opens Fiordland Wilderness Trails to International Visitors
New Zealand reopened the full 120-kilometre Fiordland wilderness trail network on 15 June 2026. The trails had been closed for upgrades since 2024. International hikers can now book permits for the upcoming summer season.
Peru Reopens Machu Picchu to Full Daily Capacity From July
Peru’s Ministry of Culture will restore Machu Picchu’s daily visitor limit to 5,600 people starting 1 July 2026. The site has operated at 60 percent capacity since 2023 conservation works. Advance ticketing remains mandatory.
Chile Opens New Patagonia Gateway Airport Near Torres del Paine
Chile inaugurated a new regional airport 45 minutes from Torres del Paine National Park on June 10. The facility handles 1.2 million passengers annually with direct flights from Santiago. It replaces a four-hour overland transfer from Punta Arenas.
Peru Reopens Full Access to Machu Picchu After Two-Year Restoration
Peru lifted all visitor caps at Machu Picchu effective June 15 following completion of major restoration work. Daily limits return to 4,500 people. The site had operated at 60 percent capacity since 2024.
New Zealand Opens Five New Great Walks to International Visitors
New Zealand will open five additional Great Walks to international hikers from October 2026. The new trails include sections of the Paparoa, Te Araroa and Hump Ridge tracks. Booking systems open July 1 with limited permits released daily.
Patagonia National Park Opens New Glacier Viewing Platform
Chile inaugurated a 1.2 kilometer elevated walkway offering close-up views of the Grey Glacier on June 8 2026. The platform accommodates 400 visitors per hour and includes interpretive signage in four languages. Access requires advance timed-entry tickets.
New Zealand Opens Milford Sound Skywalk Attraction
New Zealand unveiled the Milford Sound Skywalk on June 3 2026 offering elevated views over the fjord. The 1.2 kilometer structure opens to the public on July 15 with timed tickets. It is expected to draw 400000 additional visitors annually to the region.
Peru Opens New Sustainable Entrance to Machu Picchu
Peru inaugurated a new sustainable entrance at Machu Picchu on June 1. The facility includes solar power and limits daily visitors to 4,500. It replaces the aging main gate used since 1990.
