This is following our last update on the new Machu Picchu Regulations (published June 2nd) as additional changes have been announced.
Due to the steep growth of tourism to Machu Picchu in recent years, new visiting regulations have been established to further the conservation and preservation of the Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These changes will allow visitors access to the historic ruins in the following two shifts:
First Shift: 06:00 – 12:00
Second Shift: 12:00 – 17:30
Access & Entrance Fees:
- For the morning shift, the maximum number of visitors will be limited to 3,267 people. For the afternoon shift, the number of visitors will be limited to 2,673.
- Visitors will have 4 hours to complete their visit from the time they enter the citadel or before it closes at 17:30. For example, visitors entering the citadel at 10 am with a morning ticket, will have until 14:00 to complete their visit. Visitors entering at 15:00, however, will only have until 17:30 to complete their visit.
- The new rules prohibit re-entrance to Machu Picchu with the same ticket. If visitors wish to spend more than four hours at Machu Picchu on the same day, two entrance tickets – one for each shift – must be purchased in advance.
- The entrance fee per shift will be the same as it is today for full day access. However, tickets purchased for entry after 13:00 will be slightly cheaper.
Access from the Inca Trail:
- Those who are visiting Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail will generally arrive to the site between 07:30 and 08:00 and have approximately four hours to visit the Inca citadel.
- For those who are coming from the Inca Trail and would like to visit Machu Picchu again in the afternoon, a second entrance ticket should be purchased in advance.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain:
- Please note that the entrance fees for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have not changed.
- Visitors to Machu Picchu Mountain will be limited to a maximum of seven hours for their visit, including the Inca citadel.
- Visitors to Huayna Picchu will be limited to a maximum of six hours, including the Inca citadel.
Tour Guides:
- The maximum number of visitors per group is restricted to 20 per tour guide.
- All visitors to Machu Picchu must be accompanied by an official guide. Guides will accompany visitors on one of three established routes/circuits, staying with them for a minimum of three hours.
- If visitors who have purchased two entry tickets would like to re-enter the citadel without a guide for the second time on the following day, they must show their first entry ticket and indicate the name of the tour guide who accompanied them the day prior.
Routes:
- The visit of Machu Picchu will be possible on 3 pre-defined circuits. The circuit 1 (appr. 3 hours) and circuit 2 (appr. 2.5 hours) will cover the main highlights and the slightly shorter circuit 3 (appr. 2 hours) is recommended for visitors with walking difficulties.
- After finishing the guided tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu on their own – respecting the predefined walking trails and leaving after four hours or by the end of each shift.
- Please rest assured that our experienced tour guides will continue to cover the highlights of the site during each visit and will manage the routes according to the visitors' needs.
We understand that Machu Picchu is a favored attraction in Peru and we will always do our best to ensure our guests' visit to the famous citadel is as enjoyable as possible.
Please be assured that we are monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to keep you updated with respect to any additional policy changes.
Your friendly Peru experts,
Gretchen and Barb