Machu Picchu New Rules 2021

The entry of Machu Picchu tours is very different from January 1, 2019. The Machu Picchu new 2021 rules, in addition to the introduction of 3-time slots (shifts) of visiting hours, have added other measures to be taken into account when visiting the Inca city. They are regulated by the "Regulation on Sustainable Use and Tourist Visits for the Conservation of Llaqta of Machu Picchu", approved by the Ministry of Culture in Cusco.

Among them, it is stipulated that to enter Machu Picchu, everyone must be accompanied by a tour guide to help protect the world heritage. Groups may consist of a maximum of 16 people per guide. Re-entry to the complex is prohibited. On the other hand, a guided tour duration, which is currently about 1 hour, has been determined, which helps free up space, avoid chaos and protect the Inca "llaqta" (city) because there is more fluency during the visit.

Machu Picchu New Entry Schedule 2021

What Are the Available Spaces and Hours of Entry?

In total, 5,940 visitors are allowed to purchase Machu Picchu tickets 2021 every day. 

a) A "Machu Picchu Ticket" only enables entry in these 3-time slots (also called "shifts" below): 

• First time slot: entry from 6 am to 8 am. 
• Second time slot: entry from 9 am to 12 pm. 
• Third time slot: entry from 12 pm to 2 pm.

b) A "Machu Picchu Ticket + Huayna Picchu" allows entry to the Inca city from 6 am. The total daily capacity of 400 people is divided into two groups (200 persons each): 

• Group 1: entrance to Huayna Picchu from 7 am to 8 am. 
• Group 2: entrance to Huayna Picchu from 10 am to 11 am. 

c) A "Machu Picchu Ticket + Mountain" enables access to Machu Picchu from 6 am. The total daily capacity is of 400 people is divided into two groups (200 persons each): 

• Group 1: entry to Machu Picchu Mountain from 7 am to 8 am. 
• Group 2: entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain from 9 am to 10 am. 

d) A "Machu Picchu Ticket + Museum" allows access to the Site Museum at the following times: 

Entrance: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. 

We recommend you to choose a schedule that is framed in red.

How Long Can I Stay at Machu Picchu?

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 in order 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.

Alternative Climbs Information

Machu Picchu New Rules 2020

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 1 January 2019, 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 2020 Ticket Prices: 

Since 2019, 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 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 as "Museum") and the Raqchi Archaeological Complex (outside of Machu Picchu and Cusco).

Machu Picchu Entry Conditions

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.

Machu Picchu New Circuits

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.

Inca Trail  + Machu Picchu New Rules 2020 

• All visitors must be accompanied by a Tour Guide. 
• A group must not exceed 16 visitors. 
• A maximum of 500 people per day (including supporting staff) is allowed to start an Inca Trail.
• Porters are not authorized to carry more than 14 kg.
• The route remains closed during the month of every February for its maintenance. 
• An Inca Trail booking 2020 can be through an authorized travel agency/tour operator that is responsible for an entry ticket purchase. 
• Admission of an Inca Trail permit can only be made at the Ministry of Culture's box office. No payment and for any reason will be accepted at the entrance and checkpoints of the Inca Trail !!
• Staying in the trail network must not exceed the deadline set for each route. 
• Lavatories (bathrooms) are intended for public use and are properly marked. They cannot be used for washing dishes or sleeping! 
• The following items are not allowed into the Sanctuary:   
  • Firearms; 
  • Implements for hunting, fishing, machetes, knives, etc.; 
  • Traps to capture animals; 
  • Fossil fuels; 
  • Stimulants and narcotics; 
  • Sound equipment or other noise generators;
  • Domestic animals and exotic species; 
  • Peaks, shovels or other tools;
  • Wooden canes of native species.  

What Are the Fines for Not Following the Machu Picchu Rules? 

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 behaviour.

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!

Our Recommendations: 

• Based on these changes, the best way to go to Machu Picchu is the Short Inca Trail because it is both a historical path and a beautiful way to reach the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. On the other hand, participants who walk the Short Inca Trail can visit Machu Picchu twice!
• For visitors who go directly to Machu Picchu or have a combined tour (ie with Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or the Museum), we suggest booking a second Machu Picchu ticket, either on the same day or the next day, so that they can stay longer in the Inca citadel. During this second entrance, they can explore Machu Picchu again and take advantage of visiting the Inca Sun Gate, the Inca Bridge or simply enjoy the great atmosphere from the Inca balcony. As for the crowds, the afternoon time slots (shifts) will be less busy than the morning - especially during the "off-season" months. Otherwise, visitors will have to choose whether to try to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu or be in the presence of fewer individuals.
• Employing a Tour Guide is an obligation now given by the new rules. Inca Trail Machu guides are university educated with a degree in tourism. They are bilingual and knowledgeable. 
• When hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, the tourist must register their entry and exit at the checkpoint. Once at the top, the deadline to descend is at 1 pm. 
• In case the tourist wishes to visit the Temple of the Moon, located at Huayna Picchu, the descent should start no later than 11:30 am. 
• The average time of ascent (around 45 minutes), descent, and time spent at the mountain of Huayna Picchu is 3 hours. If you also visit the Grand Cavern and the Temple of the Moon, it takes 4 hours. 
• The average time of ascent (1 hour, 30 minutes), descent (1 hour), and time spent at the Machu Picchu Mountain is 4 hours. 
• While hiking Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, a visitor must not leave the permitted paths.

New Machu Picchu Rules - FAQ 

How many people visit Machu Picchu each year?

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.

Can You Take Drones? 

Drones are prohibited inside Machu Picchu! However, you can use it in the city of Cusco, in the town of Aguas Calientes and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 

Can I Use Hiking Poles Inside Machu Picchu?

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!

Can You Bring Pets? 

Pets are prohibited in this historic sanctuary! Sorry! But there are hotels that take care of them in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. 

Is It Possible to Use a Baby Carriage? 

Baby carriages disrupt the smooth movement at the Inca city and are therefore prohibited. However, baby carriers (kangaroo-style) are allowed.

Can I Bring a Selfie Stick?

No, selfie sticks are not allowed! It is because it might cause an inconvenience to other Machu Picchu visitours. 

Is Machu Picchu Visiting Possible without a Guide?

It is mandatory to enter the Wonder of the World with a Tour Guide! If you do not have any, there are guides offering their services at the gateway.

Do I Need to Employ a Guide When Entering Machu Picchu for the 2nd Time?

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. 

Is It Necessary to Enter Huayna Picchu with a Guide? 

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.

Can I Leave and Re-enter Machu Picchu? 

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.

Where Can I Leave My Baggage?

At the Machu Picchu gateway, there is a place where tourists can leave their things. If anybody is not allowed to visiting Machu Picchu because of some prohibited objects, they can leave their belongings there.

Can You Carry Tripods? 

Tripods are not allowed at the Inca city! The reason is that they disrupt free movement and could damage the subsoil of the Inca site. 

Is It Allowed to Bring Some Food and Water? 

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! 

Can You Smoke in the Inca Citadel? 

No way!! Smoking is not allowed on Machu Picchu, as a regular or electronic cigarette can damage the Inca city ecosystem!