The rules at Machu Picchu change day by day in order to provide a better experience for visitors and, at the same time, continue preserving this Historical Sanctuary. Please note that there are new routes, schedules, rates, and restrictions to explore the Inca city. For example, there are now ten entrance tickets. In addition, each one follows one of the three circuits into which Machu Picchu is divided. Discover the new rules during your visit to the Wonder of the World:

• Inca Citadel Circuits
• 10 Entry Tickets
• Machu Picchu Entry Schedule
• Re-entry is Prohibited
• Additional Hikes
• Prohibitions at Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Photo Gallery

Classic Photo – Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu’s Climate Seasons
Machu Picchu has two well-defined climate seasons. During the rainy season (October to March), there is a higher chance of precipitation, which covers the Inca city in mist, giving it a more mystical atmosphere and fewer tourists. On the other hand, the dry season (April to October) offers clear days, ideal for enjoying the landscapes in all their splendor, though with many more visitors. It will depend on you to visit the Historical Sanctuary in the season that best suits you.

Inca Citadel Circuits

• There are three established circuits in the Machu Picchu citadel, which more efficiently distribute the tours according to the type of experience you seek.
• Circuit 1 (4 tickets) is known as the panoramic route. The tour takes place in the upper part of the archaeological sanctuary, offering a more scenic, photographic, and relaxing experience, as there are wide terraces where you can sit and admire the wonder of the world.
• Circuit 2 (2 tickets) is known as the classic route. It runs through the middle section of Machu Picchu, passing some of the main Inca temples and constructions, offering a more immersive experience in the citadel.
• Circuit 3 (4 tickets) is known as the royal route. The tour takes place in the lower part of the archaeological sanctuary, where some of the most important temples and structures are visited, all from a closer perspective.
• From the moment of entry, each visitor has up to 4 hours to complete their tour of Machu Picchu.

The Ten Entry Tickets

• To visit Machu Picchu, there are 10 types of entry tickets, although full availability depends on the season you travel in.
• From June 19 to November 2, the high ticket season takes place, when all 10 tickets are available.
• From November 3 to June 18, the low ticket season occurs, when only 6 tickets are available, but they are the most popular ones.

Machu Picchu Entry Schedule

• Each ticket has its own schedule, available at 10 different times, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• The maximum allowed grace period is one hour, so it is recommended to arrive punctually at the Inca citadel.
• The opening time of Machu Picchu is 6:00 a.m., and closing time is 5:00 p.m.
  • Shift 1: entry from 6:00 a.m.
  • Shift 2: entry from 7:00 a.m.
  • Shift 3: entry from 8:00 a.m.
  • Shift 4: entry from 9:00 a.m.
  • Shift 5: entry from 10:00 a.m.
  • Shift 6: entry from 11:00 a.m.
  • Shift 7: entry from 12:00 p.m.
  • Shift 8: entry from 1:00 p.m.
  • Shift 9: entry from 2:00 p.m.
  • Shift 10: entry from 3:00 p.m.

Re-entry is Prohibited

• A few years ago, tourists could enter Machu Picchu up to three times on the same day. However, re-entry for visitors is now prohibited.
• To re-enter the Inca City after your scheduled visit, you must purchase another ticket for a different time slot.
• Restrooms are located outside the archaeological site. It is recommended to use them before starting your tour of the Inca city.
• Re-entry to the archaeological site is only allowed in emergency cases.
• It is not possible to stay all day in Machu Picchu unless you purchase two tickets with different schedules.
• The average permitted stay is 2 hours and 30 minutes, although if your ticket includes an additional hike (mountains, Inca Bridge, Inti Punku, Temple of the Moon), it can be extended up to 5 or 6 hours.

Additional Hikes

• The Machu Picchu Mountain is the longest hike in the Inca citadel, extending 4 kilometers (round trip) and suitable for the entire family. The route is simple, with gentle stair ascents. The required ticket is “Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A)”.
• The Inti Punku Gate is a light hike to one of the most panoramic points of the archaeological site. It extends for 2 kilometers and is suitable for all ages. The required ticket is “Inti Punku Gate Route (1C)”.
• The Inca Bridge is one of the most fascinating hikes, taking you to this mysterious construction set on the side of a mountain. The trail is only 1 kilometer long, and the required ticket is “Inca Bridge Route (1D)”.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the best adventure in Machu Picchu. It involves a thrilling route through many stairs until reaching the summit. It is only 2 kilometers long (round trip), but requires significant effort. The required ticket is “Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A)”.
• The Temple of the Moon is a hike through the vast biodiversity surrounding the Inca citadel. The trail is 2.5 kilometers long, leading to one of the most astonishing structures. The required ticket is “Great Cave or Temple of the Moon Route (3C)”.
• The Huchuy Picchu Mountain is the smallest peak of Machu Picchu. It involves a short but highly scenic hike. The required ticket for entry is “Huchuy Picchu Route (3D)”.

Machu Picchu

Prohibitions at Machu Picchu

There are new restrictions you must keep in mind during your visit to Machu Picchu:

• Any bag, purse, or backpack exceeding 40 x 35 x 20 centimeters is not allowed. These must be stored in lockers located at the entrance gate.
• Entry with alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
• Entry with umbrellas is prohibited; however, hats and waterproof ponchos are allowed.
• Entry with tripods or any type of camera support, including selfie sticks, is prohibited.
• Entry with high heels or hard-soled shoes is prohibited.
• Entry with baby strollers is prohibited, but child carriers are allowed.
• Touching, moving, or removing any stone structure, as well as climbing or leaning on any wall of the Inca city, is prohibited.
• Entry with walking sticks that have hard or metal tips is prohibited. Only seniors or people with disabilities may enter with rubber-tipped canes.
• It is forbidden to undress, wear costumes, lie down, run, jump, or make loud noises at Machu Picchu.
• Smoking any type of cigarette is prohibited.
• Feeding domestic or wild animals is prohibited.
• The use of paragliders, drones, or any type of aircraft is prohibited.
• Carrying banners, posters, flags, or any type of advertisement is prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How many circuits are there currently at Machu Picchu?

There are currently three official circuits within the Inca citadel. Each offers a different experience: Circuit 1 is panoramic, ideal for those seeking photographs and wide views; Circuit 2 is the classic route, focused on the main temples and constructions; and Circuit 3, known as the royal route, goes through the lower part of the sanctuary, offering a closer perspective of its most important structures.

2) How long does the Machu Picchu tour last?

The average allowed visiting time is 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, if your ticket includes an additional hike, such as to Huayna Picchu Mountain or the Temple of the Moon, your visit may extend to between 5 and 6 hours.

3) Can I explore Machu Picchu freely without following a circuit?

No, the new regulations establish that all visitors must follow the circuit corresponding to the ticket purchased. This allows for better management of tourist flow and contributes to the preservation of the archaeological site.

4) What types of tickets are available to enter Machu Picchu?

There are 10 types of tickets in total, although their availability varies by season. Each ticket includes a circuit and, in some cases, an additional hike, such as Machu Picchu Mountain, the Inca Bridge, or the Temple of the Moon.

5) When is the high and low ticket season at Machu Picchu?

The high ticket season runs from June 19 to November 2, when all 10 tickets are available. The low ticket season runs from November 3 to June 18, when only 6 of the most popular tickets are offered.

6) Can I enter more than once in the same day?

No, re-entry is prohibited. If you wish to do so, you must purchase a new ticket for a different time slot, allowing you to explore different and broader angles of the Inca citadel.

7) What are the entry times for Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. There are 10 entry shifts available every hour, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Remember that you have a maximum grace period of one hour after the time indicated on your ticket to enter.

8) What additional hikes can I do?

Among the most popular hikes are Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Inti Punku Gate, the Inca Bridge, the Temple of the Moon, and Huchuy Picchu Mountain. Each requires a specific ticket and offers a unique experience.

9) Do I need to book my ticket in advance?

Yes, it is necessary depending on the route. Reservations must be made between one and two months in advance. The most in-demand tickets, such as Circuit 2, usually sell out three months before.

10) Is Machu Picchu open all year round?

Yes, Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including holidays and days with adverse weather conditions. It opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m.

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Machu Picchu Photos

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Luis Alberto R.

“Spectacular“

“This is the second time I visit Machu Picchu this year, and I never cease to be amazed—everything the Incas achieved on those mountains is simply incredible.“

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 14, 2025

 

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