Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a favorite destination for travelers around the world. It’s common to see it in photographs under the rays of the sun or among the clouds, but is it possible to visit the Inca city at night? Discover how to see Machu Picchu at dusk, along with all its tickets and secrets.

• Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu at night?
• Has anyone been able to enter Machu Picchu at night?
• What are the penalties for entering Machu Picchu illegally?
• What is the only way to see Machu Picchu at night?
• Machu Picchu at night for its hundredth anniversary
• What are the entry regulations for Machu Picchu?
• Important information about the Inca City of Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Lighting of Machu Picchu for its anniversary

Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu at night?

• Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit Machu Picchu at night.
• The archaeological sanctuary is located in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by a great biodiversity of plants and animals, so the goal is to have a minimal impact on the ecosystem.
• Machu Picchu closes at 5:00 p.m. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the sunset over the mountains.
• After that time, it is not possible to visit the Inca City under any circumstances.
• There are only 10 times allowed to enter Machu Picchu, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Another reason is to prevent the deterioration of the Wonder of the World caused by an excessive number of visitors.
• In addition, the goal is to improve visitor control, given that there are no artificial lights at Machu Picchu.
• Due to these preventive measures, Machu Picchu is currently not on UNESCO’s list of endangered heritage sites.

Machu Picchu can be dangerous at night due to its narrow paths and some precipices, and the lack of artificial lighting inside the archaeological sanctuary. Therefore, if you truly want to enjoy the wonders of Machu Picchu, the best time to do so is during the day, discovering every one of its structures, angles, and mysteries.

Has anyone been able to enter Machu Picchu at night?

• Currently, illegally entering Machu Picchu is a serious offense, especially if you do so at night.
• Before it was declared a Wonder of the Modern World in 2007, some visitors were allowed to enter the Inca City at night.
• Long ago, when Machu Picchu was not so popular, some people even stayed overnight in its surroundings.
• Today, security constantly monitors the sacred site to protect the Inca legacy and the ancient history it tells.
• In any case, Machu Picchu could not be fully enjoyed without the presence of light.

Machu Picchu reopening ceremony after the pandemic

What are the penalties for entering Machu Picchu illegally?

• There are few examples of the punishments imposed, given that most people respect and follow the rules in force at Machu Picchu.
• In February 2018, two Argentine citizens were caught sleeping in the Inca Citadel after having entered illegally.
• They broke through the wire mesh the night before without being seen.
• Both were arrested and handed over to the local police.
• As punishment, they were banned from entering Machu Picchu.
• Fortunately, no damage was reported in the Inca City.

Argentine tourists caught sleeping in Machu Picchu

What is the only way to see Machu Picchu at night?

• There is only one way to see Machu Picchu at night, which not many people know about.
• This is by reserving a spot at the only hotel located very close to the Wonder of the World, also next to the area’s biodiversity.
• From the terraces of the 5-star Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, you can see the mountains of Machu Picchu at any time, from an unusual angle.
• However, the luxury of its facilities and its privileged location make the cost above the hotel market.

Machu Picchu at night for its hundredth anniversary

• On July 7, 2011, 100 years were celebrated since the discovery of Machu Picchu by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham.
• For the first and only time, the Inca City showed all its splendor at night.
• The show consisted of a play of lights that enveloped the entire archaeological complex.
• The images of the event were impressive.

Machu Picchu illuminated at night for its 100th anniversary

What are the entry regulations for Machu Picchu?

• The rules for the best preservation of the Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary change every day, which is why you should be well informed when planning your trip.
• In order to better control the number of tourists at Machu Picchu, 10 schedules were established along with the 10 available entrances.

Schedules and available tickets are below

Important information about the Inca City of Machu Picchu

• There are 5,600 tickets available per day for Machu Picchu, of which 4,600 can be reserved online, while 1,000 can be purchased in person in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
• You must book your tickets at least one month in advance. If you want to visit Huayna Picchu or the classic circuits, you should book well in advance, up to three months in advance.
• Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level, and the route involves hiking, which is why you should acclimatize beforehand during the first few days of your trip to avoid altitude sickness.
• If you travel to Machu Picchu between November and March, you’ll experience the rainy season, where you’ll always need to be prepared with a poncho or rain gear. You’ll also find fewer tourists and a more colorful landscape.
• Machu Picchu is in the dry season from April to October, with clear, clear weather ideal for hiking. However, you’ll also find more people there.
• It’s not possible to tour Machu Picchu at night. The best thing you can do is choose to visit Machu Picchu during the last hours and stay until closing time at 5 p.m., watching the sunset over the mountains.
• Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including holidays and rainy days.
• On December 30th and 31st, you can find all available tickets, including those for peak season (Huchuy Picchu, Gran Caverna, Inti Punku, Puente Inca).

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is there a ticket that allows me to see Machu Picchu at night?

  No, there’s no ticket that allows you to visit Machu Picchu because the citadel closes at 5 p.m. However, if you stay at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, you’ll be able to see a small angle at all times.

• 2) What are the opening hours of Machu Picchu?

  Machu Picchu is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 3) How many tickets are available per day to Machu Picchu?

  Every day, 5,600 tickets are available for entry: 4,600 for online purchase and 1,000 for in-person purchase in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).

• 4) How many types of tickets are there at Machu Picchu?

  There are 10 types of admission tickets available in total, divided into three circuits. During the regular season (November 3–June 18), there are six tickets available, while during the peak season (June 19–November 2), all ten tickets are available.

• 5) What is the latest schedule for Machu Picchu?

  The last stop is at 3 p.m., during which you can stay until 5 p.m. to watch the sunset at Machu Picchu.

• 6) Is it true that you could previously enter Machu Picchu at night?

  Yes, but it still wasn’t allowed. Before Machu Picchu was declared a Wonder of the World, there was less enforcement of the rules, so some people managed to see it at night.

• 7) What is the best time to see Machu Picchu?

  To see Machu Picchu in all its splendor, it is highly recommended to visit at midday, although this is the hottest time of day.

• 8) What tickets are available all year round?

  The tickets available year-round are: “Machu Picchu + Mountain”, “Machu Picchu + Upper Terrace”, “Machu Picchu Classic Designed”, “Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace”, “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu” and “Machu Picchu Royal Designed”.

• 9) What tickets are available during peak season?

  The tickets that are enabled during the high season are: “Machu Picchu + Inti Punku”, “Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge”, “Machu Picchu + Great Cavern” and “Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu”.

• 10) What time can I see the Machu Picchu mountains through the clouds?

  During the early hours, usually around 6 or 7 a.m., you can see the magical landscape of Machu Picchu among the clouds.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Fernando D.

“Sanctuary of the Incas“

“It is truly a beautiful place and very well cared for the years in which it was built, like everything the Incas built, it has a wonderful engineering. What are its terraces, its streets, aqueducts, temples, observatory, its warehouses and places of learning.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 16, 2025