The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is used differently since 2021. The Machu Picchu new visiting rules for 2024 in addition to introducing 5 different circuits to visit the Inca site, the park administration has taken measures to facilitate the visit through the four different circuits.
These five different circuits enable to the preservation and sustainability of the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE. They are regulated by 'regulation on sustainable use and tourists visits for the conservation of Llacta Machu Picchu'.
Machu Picchu tickets for 2024 can be booked online on the Ministry of Culture website or we can help you book them. According to the Ministry of Culture website for booking, there are only 4,500 tickets available for Machu Picchu. These tickets are distributed between Inca trail tours, Machu Picchu citadel, Huchuy Picchu, Huaynapicchu and Mountain, therefore you'd better book it in advance.
Tickets |
Availability |
Machu Picchu Citadel | 2950 Tickets |
Huayna Picchu Mountain | 200 Tickets |
Machu Picchu Mountain | 400 Tickets |
Huchuy Picchu Mountain | 200 Tickets |
Inca Trail | 500 Tickets |
Short Inca Trail | 250 Tickets |
Total: | 4500 Tickets |
Furthermore, it Is stipulated by regulation that all tourists must be led by a tour guide in order to preserve the world heritage. Tourist groups are made up of a maximum of 10 people per guide. Reentry to the site is prohibited. The guided tour duration was set in 2 hours in order to free room for more groups, avoid crowds and especially protect the Inca town of Machu Picchu or "llaqta" (city).
RELATED: MACHU PICCHU CLOSING 2024
One of the most significant changes given by the "Regulation on Sustainable Use and Tourist Visits for the Conservation of Llaqta of Machu Picchu" is that from 15 October 2021, re-entry into Machu Picchu Citadel has not been allowed!
Please pay special attention to this information because we would like to warn you that there are no toilets in the historic area, the last ones are in front of the gateway! If you have to leave due to this inconvenience, you will not be able to return! You need to take precautions.
We also share other rules that you should consider during your visit:
Machu Picchu has stood the test of time, but it requires our help to continue sharing its magnificence with future generations. We recommend you stay on designated paths, refrain from touching the structures, and avoid leaning against walls to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
To manage the flow of visitors and minimize impact, Machu Picchu now offers five distinct circuits. Choose your route wisely and respect the indicated pathways.
Inca Trail Machu Sustainble Operator suggest to Immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings, but remember to leave no trace. Carry out all waste, including wrappers and containers, and dispose of them responsibly. Help safeguard the delicate balance between heritage and nature.
Water Bottle Choice: Instead of bringing plastic bottles, we recommend opting for a reusable water bottle or canteen. This small change contributes to reducing plastic waste and supports sustainability efforts.
Hiking Poles Consideration: If you find hiking poles unnecessary, it's best not to bring them. Please note that carrying hiking poles is prohibited. However, if you have a specific need due to a leg issue, we advise you to contact the Ministry of Culture to request a special permission.
Rain Season Preparedness: During the rainy season, skip the plastic poncho. A rain jacket is a more eco-friendly choice and will keep you dry while exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu.
Capture the magic of Machu Picchu through your lens, but do so with mindfulness. Avoid using tripods or selfie sticks in crowded areas, as they can obstruct pathways. And while it's tempting to take selfies, ensure your safety by not compromising on rules or your fellow visitors' experience.
As you traverse the pathways, remember that Machu Picchu is a place of reverence and contemplation. Keep conversations at a considerate volume and embrace the serenity that envelopes this ancient city.
Engage with experienced guides to unlock the fascinating stories that lie within Machu Picchu's walls. Their insights shed light on the site's historical, architectural, and cultural significance, enhancing your connection with its past.
Respect the boundaries that separate visitors from certain areas. Avoid venturing into off-limit zones, as they're cordoned off to ensure both your safety and the preservation of the site.
Preservation begins with each visitor. Refrain from leaving any marks, such as graffiti or etchings, on the stones. Let your memory of Machu Picchu remain intact without altering its physicality.
Dispose of waste thoughtfully by utilizing the provided trash receptacles. Minimize the impact of your visit by embracing the 'pack-in, pack-out' principle, ensuring the citadel remains as pristine as it was meant to be.
Dress modestly to honor the sacredness of the site, especially if you plan to enter temples or spiritual areas. If interacting with locals, it's polite to ask for permission before taking photos to ensure cultural sensitivity.
Machu Picchu's allure lies not just in its extraordinary architecture but also in its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and respect for history. By adhering to these rules, you contribute to the site's preservation.
In total, 4500 visitors are allowed to purchase Machu Picchu tickets for 2024 every day.
a) "Machu Picchu Ticket + Circuit 1 or 2" only enables entry in these 3-time slots (also called "shifts" below):
Circuit 1 involves the all Inca citadel - you can visit from 06:00 am to 09:00 am
Circuit 2 involves the Inca citadel without the Intihutana stone, the Temple of Three Windows, and the temple of the condor.- you can visit from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
You can explore the principal attractions of the lost city of the Incas. There are 2500 spots available every day
b) "Huayna Picchu Ticket + Circuit 4" allows entry to the Inca city from 6 am. The total daily capacity of 400 people is divided into two groups (200 persons each):
c) "Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket + Circuit 3" enables access to Machu Picchu from 6 am. The total daily capacity is of 400 people is divided into two groups (400 persons each):
The visitors can re-enter the Llaqta to explore circuit 3.
d) "Huchuy Picchu Mountain Tickets + Circuit 4" enables access to Huchuy Picchu mountain from 6 am and these tickets are distributed 9 schedules. The total daily capacity is of 200 people is divided into two groups (200 persons each):
e) "Machu Picchu Museum Ticket" allows access to the Site Museum at the following times:
Entrance: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
We recommend you choose a schedule that is framed in red.
While there is currently a free time limit for tourists during two daily time slots (shifts), the new Machu Picchu rules determine that tourists are strictly limited to four-hour stays. Indeed, most visitors do not take more than four hours on average to explore this archaeological complex. Officials must exercise greater control over the amount of traffic at any given time to maintain the Inca sanctuary.
The maximum time to visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is 4 hours! Such a measure allows the entry to be made with a greater order; that is, we say goodbye to long queues and perpetual congestion of access roads.
Since 2024, the price of tickets to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has changed according to time slots (shifts). There are a few specifics: Tourists, who buy tickets in the second time slot (shift) (9 am to 12 pm), have free entry to the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum (below referred to as "Museum"). While those, who purchase tickets for the third time slot (12 pm to 2 pm), have free admission to the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum (below referred to as "Museum") and the Raqchi Archaeological Complex (outside of Machu Picchu and Cusco).
Machu Picchu 2024 Ticket Prices | Adult | Student | Child |
Machu Picchu Only |
USD 62 |
USD 31 | USD 23 |
Huayna Picchu Ticket + Circuit 4 | USD 80 | USD 40 | USD 37 |
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket + Circuit 3 | USD 80 | USD 40 | USD 37 |
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket + Circuit 4 | USD 62 | USD 31 | USD 23 |
Machu Picchu Ticket + Museum | USD 7 | USD 4 | USD 3 |
To enter Machu Picchu, you must hold an entry ticket, an official ID*, and be accompanied by a Tour Guide. Machu Picchu staff may request your ticket and/or ID at any time during your stay here.
* If you are a foreigner, a valid identity card is your passport, immigration card, or diplomatic identity card. In the case of the Andean Community (CAN) or Mercosur citizens, the identification document is a valid DNI.
If you are a foreign student, you must present a valid ISIC card. If you are a Peruvian student, present your university card.
New circuits have been established through the "Regulation of Sustainable Use and Tourist Visits for the Conservation of Llaqta of Machu Picchu". According to the regulation, circuits must be followed and respected by every visitor to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
RELATED: NEW INCA TRAIL PORTERS LAW 2024
The following items are not allowed into the Sanctuary:
Failure to comply with the prohibitions at Machu Picchu will result in the exclusion of the visitor without the right to a refund of the ticket. Given the gravity of the infringement, the competent authorities shall take appropriate legal action. In some cases, the authorities may restrict the visitor's entry for life. Attempts against the integrity of other people, and/or the Wonder of the World, are cases that are exemplary punished!! Another case is an attack on morality and decent behavior.
Inside Machu Picchu, there are high-definition video cameras and security guards! If necessary, they can take action against a tourist who does not respect local rules!
RELATED: MACHU PICCHU GUIDED TOUR
There are over 1.5 million Machu Picchu visitors per year! It means an average of around 2,500 per day. In past, it used to be much more! For that reason, the Peruvian government had to limit the number to protect the site for the next generations.
Drones are prohibited inside Machu Picchu! However, you can use it in the city of Cusco, in the town of Aguas Calientes, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
No, you cannot enter the Inca citadel with hiking poles (walking sticks)! The use of walking sticks is allowed only for the elderly or disabled people, while a walking stick must end with a rubber tip!
Pets are prohibited in this historic sanctuary! Sorry! But some hotels take care of them in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
Baby carriages disrupt the smooth movement in the Inca city and are therefore prohibited. However, baby carriers (kangaroo-style) are allowed.
No, selfie sticks are not allowed! It is because it might cause an inconvenience to other Machu Picchu visitours.
It is mandatory to enter the Wonder of the World with a Tour Guide! If you do not have any, guides are offering their services at the gateway.
It is not necessary to do the tour accompanied by a guide if you already did it on the previous day. To do this, you only must show the previous ticket and state the name of the guide with whom you made the tour.
Guided entry to Huayna Picchu is not mandatory. However, if the visitor wishes, a guide may accompany him/her. However, a visit to the Inca city is necessarily guided.
No, as mentioned above, under the new rules, it is not possible to leave and re-enter the Inca citadel. Only one entry is allowed! Therefore, we advise visiting the cafe and lavatories (bathrooms) in front of the gateway before starting a tour.
At the Machu Picchu gateway, there is a place where tourists can leave their things. If anybody is not allowed to visit Machu Picchu because of some prohibited objects, they can leave their belongings there.
Tripods are not allowed in the Inca city! The reason is that they disrupt free movement and could damage the subsoil of the Inca site.
One cannot take disposable plastics such as bags, straws, and polystyrene foam containers. Plastic water bottles are not allowed since they are harmful to the environment. Water canteens are fine. Snacks are normally allowed if kept in original packaging; however, eating and drinking at the historic citadel is temporarily prohibited due to Covid-19 restrictions!
No way!! Smoking is not allowed on Machu Picchu, as a regular or electronic cigarette can damage the Inca city ecosystem!
Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, or Alternative hike? Machu Picchu Travel Advisory |
Mincetur has been working on a tourist seal, which seeks to certify Peru as a safe area - Machu Picchu Protocols & Biosafety measures 2024 |
According to the Mincetur office in "Y Tu Que Planes" the following trips are the best seller to visit Machu Picchu in 2024: