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New rules for entering Machu Picchu
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New rules that yes or yes you should know in Machu Picchu

Things have changed in Machu Picchu. Know that there are new schedules, rates and restrictions to visit the Inca city. For example, you can no longer stay there all day. In addition, admission with a tour guide is mandatory.

Meet the new rules during your visit to the Wonder of the World:


Foto Clasica - Machu Picchu
Classic Photo – Machu Picchu

Now in Machu Picchu there are 9 different entry times as well as 3 different shifts in the mountains. Admission to the site museum is free in the afternoon. You will need a mandatory guide to tour the archeological site.


Consider the new entry shifts

  • From the moment of their entry, each tourist has up to 4 hours to make their tour in Machu Picchu.

Tourists must choose one of the new entry times:

  • Turn 1: admission from 6 am.
  • Turn 2: admission from 7 am.
  • Turn 3: admission from 8 am.
  • Turn 4: admission from 9 am.
  • Turn 5: admission from 10 am.
  • Turn 6: admission from 11 am.
  • Turn 7: admission from 12 pm.
  • Turn 8: admission from 1 pm.
  • Turn 9: admission from 2 pm.

You will need to enter with a tour guide

  • You will not be able to enter Machu Picchu if you are not in the company of an official tourist guide. Each group is made up of a maximum of 16 people.
  • It is important that you know that you cannot separate from the group during the tour.
  • In the case of the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains it is not necessary to enter in the company of a tour guide.
  • Tourists can get the service of a tour guide at the door of Machu Picchu. Another option is to get a guide through a tourism agency.

You can only enter one opportunity

  • A few years ago, tourists could enter Machu Picchu up to 3 times the same day. However, today the re-entry of visitors is prohibited.
  • To re-enter the Inca City after your visiting hours, you must purchase another ticket at a different time.
  • Hygienic services are located outside the archeological site. It is recommended to use the bathroom before starting the tour of the Inca city.
  • Re-entry to the archaeological site is only allowed in cases of emergency.
  • You cannot stay all day in Machu Picchu except if you buy two tickets at different times.

There are 3 circuits defined in Machu Picchu

  • There are 3 circuits established in Machu Picchu to tour the archeological site in the company of a tour guide. Each circuit is completed in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • Circuit 1 travels the classic route through Machu Picchu. Start with an ascent of 241 meters to the top of the Inca city. Then descend to the agricultural and urban sector until the exit. It takes approximately 3 hours and travels almost all the Inca precincts.
  • Circuits 2 and 3, on the other hand, run through the middle and lower sectors of the Inca city. These tours are more accessible for people who want a less demanding visit.
  • Circuit 3 was planned for the elderly or who have some different capacity.

The mountains of Machu Picchu have their own ticket

  • The Waynapicchu mountain is the summit located north of the Inca city. Climbing to its top is considered one of the best short walks in the world. You need to buy the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, which includes access to the Inca archaeological site.
  • Machu Picchu mountain is the huge summit on which the Inca archaeological site is located. This mountain offers challenging trails but accessible to the whole family. The entrance is with the ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain, which also includes the entrance to the Inca city.
Machu Picchu Guardian House
View of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House

These are the entrance times of the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu:

  • Turn 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 am. / Entrance to Waynapicchu from 7 am. at 8 am
  • Turn 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 am. / Entrance to Waynapicchu from 8 am. at 9 am
  • Turn 3: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 9 am. / Entrance to Waynapicchu from 10 am. at 11 am

These are the entrance times of the ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain:

  • Turn 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 am. / Entrance to the Mountain of 8 am. at 9 am
  • Turn 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 am. / Entrance to the Mountain of 9 am. at 10 am

Consider the new bans

There are new restrictions that you must keep in mind when visiting Machu Picchu:

  • Any bag, bag or backpack that exceeds 40 x 35 x 20 centimeters is not allowed. These must be deposited in the lockers located at the entrance door.
  • Entry with alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
  • Entrance with an umbrella or sunscreen is prohibited. Waterproof hats and ponchos are allowed.
  • Entry with tripods or any type of camera stand, including selfie sticks, is prohibited.
  • Entry with high heels or hard sole is prohibited.
  • Entry with baby cars is prohibited but can be helped with children’s chargers.
  • It is forbidden to touch, move or remove any lithic structure as well as climb or lean on any wall of the Inca city.
  • Entry with support sticks with a hard or metal tip is prohibited. Only elderly or disabled people may enter with rubber-tipped canes.
  • It is forbidden to undress, dress up, lie down, run, jump or make loud noises in Machu Picchu.
  • Smoking any type of cigarette is prohibited.
  • It is forbidden to feed domestic or wild animals.
  • The use of paragliders, drones or any type of aircraft is prohibited.
  • It is forbidden to carry banners, panels, banners or any type of advertising.

Admission to the museum is free in the afternoon

There are new restrictions that you must keep in mind when visiting Machu Picchu:

  • The Machu Picchu site museum ‘Manuel Chávez Ballón’ is located in the town of Aguas Calientes. The site exposes some of the archaeological pieces found in the excavations in Machu Picchu.
  • The entrance to the museum has an approximate cost of 22 Peruvian soles (7 dollars). However, in the afternoon schedule (from 12 pm. To 4 pm.); Admission is free.
  • Free admission in the afternoon is valid for tourists of any nationality or age. For this, only the tourist’s passport or identity document must be shown.


Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

Luis Alberto R.By: Luis Alberto R.

“Spectacular“

“It is the second time that I am going to Machu Picchu in this year and I never finish impressing me, incredible everything that the Incas could do on those mountains.“


 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 2, 2023