2019 Machu Picchu – New visitor rules

Years of popularity and increasing visitor numbers have left a toll on the world famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. For a few years now authorities have been thinking of ways to limit the damage that millions of yearly visitors are causing to the site.

After a first introduction of  rules in 2017 regulating visitor numbers, the rules have now been revised once more.

       Swirling cloud Machu Picchu Peru

What’s new

Officially, new regulations will be as follows:

–  All visitors must enter at a specified time, with tickets available from 6am to 2pm.

–  There will be a 2 hour “period of grace”, so you will be allowed to arrive up to 2 hours late.

You will not be able to enter before the stated entry time (on your pre-bought ticket) or more than 2 hours later.

– You will be able to spend a maximum of 4 hours at the site. Should you wish to spend any longer, you must purchase an extra ticket, leave the site and re-enter.

– Your first visit will be have to be guided, and will follow one of 3 set routes.

You may enter without a guide if you purchase a second entry ticket – and will have to show proof of your first entry.

Exceptions

Exceptions will be made for those climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain.

You will be allowed a maximum time of 6 hours at the site.

Those climbing Machu Picchu Mountain need to purchase an entrance ticket for 6, 7, or 8am.

If you enter at 6 or 7am you will be given a time slot of 7-8am to begin your (self guided) hike.

If you enter at 8am you will be given a time slot of 9-10am to begin your (self guided) hike.

Those climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain need to purchase an entrance ticket for 6, 7, or 8am.

If you enter at 6 or 7am you you will be given a time slot of 7-8am to begin your (self guided) hike.

If you enter at 8am you will be given a time slot of 10:30 – 11:30 to begin your (self guided)  hike.

         Trekker in Machu Picchu, Peru.

Planning a holiday including Machu Picchu

If you would like to take a holiday that includes a visit to Machu Picchu do get in touch with Andean Trails and we will help you plan your dream vacation.