The Machu Picchu rules change every year due to the increasing number of tourists visiting the Inca citadel. These rules were created by the Peruvian government and the DDC (Ministry of Culture) to protect the citadel for future generations. The rules manage the flow of tourists within the site and safeguard its natural surroundings. It’s essential to respect and protect Machu Picchu, as it belongs to both you and the world. Moreover, honoring the legacy of those who built this wonder allows us to appreciate it today.
The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu has undergone many changes since 2020. The new rules for visiting Machu Picchu have changed from allowing full exploration of the citadel to visiting specific points depending on the circuit you choose. In addition to the introduction of three different circuits to visit the Inca site, the park administration has also introduced time limits, allowing visits to last between 2 and 7 hours, to facilitate a smoother experience through these circuits.
These three 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'.
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Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas |
READ MORE: MACHU PICCHU CIRCUITS 2025
Machu Picchu tickets for 2025 can be booked online through the Ministry of Culture website. If you're unsure which circuit is best for you, we can assist with the booking. According to the new Machu Picchu rules from the Ministry of Culture, there are two seasons for ticket availability:
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Machu Picchu Circuits |
Season |
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High |
Low |
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| 5650 Tickets | 4600 Tickets | |
Machu Picchu Peak Season:
During the peak season, 5,650 tickets are available daily. These tickets allow access to the Machu Picchu Citadel, Huchuy Picchu, Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunku (Sun Gate), the Inca Bridge Route and the Great Cave. High season is from June to August, which is also the dry season in the region.
Machu Picchu Low Season:
During the low season, 4,500 tickets are available daily. These are divided between the Machu Picchu Citadel, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. It is recommended to book in advance due to limited availability. The low season is from January to May and from October to December. This period marks the beginning of the rainy season, with February and March being the wettest months.
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Can you visit Machu Picchu? |
RELATED BLOG: MACHU PICCHU WEATHER
Furthermore, regulations stipulate that all tourists must be accompanied by a tour guide to help preserve the world heritage site. Tourist groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people per guide. Reentry to the site is prohibited, and the guided tour duration is set at 2 hours to allow space for more groups, prevent overcrowding, and protect the Inca town of Machu Picchu, or "llaqta" (city).
RELATED: MACHU PICCHU CLOSING 2025
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.
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Machu Picchu Restrictions |
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.
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.
Depending on the season, visitors are allowed to purchase Machu Picchu tickets 2025 every day.
a) "Machu Picchu Circuit 1"
Circuit 1 is considered a short visit to the Citadel. With this circuit, you can view Machu Picchu from the Guardian House and explore the Inca Bridge, Sun Gate, or hike up to Mount Machu Picchu. The following schedules apply to Circuit 1:
Circuit 1: Mount Machu Picchu – 07:00 and 09:00: 100 tickets available per hour.
Circuit 1: Upper Terrace – From 06:00 to 15:00: 30 tickets available per hour.
Circuit 1: Intipunko (Sun Gate) – From 06:00 to 11:00: 30 tickets available per hour.
Circuit 1: Inca Bridge – From 06:00 to 10:00: 30 tickets available per hour.
b) "Machu Picchu Circuit 2"
Circuit 2 is the most popular ticket among all travelers, allowing you to explore the entire Inca citadel in about 3 hours. The following schedules are available year-round:
Circuit 2: Classic Route – From 06:00 to 15:00: 100 tickets available per hour.
Circuit 2: Lower Terrace – From 06:00 to 15:00: 100 tickets available per hour.
C) "Machu Picchu Circuit 3"
This circuit is the second most popular ticket among travelers. It allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel, and you can also add options to visit Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or the Great Cavern. The Great Cavern and Huchuy Picchu route is only available during the high tourist season. The following schedules apply:
Circuit 3: Huayna Picchu Mountain – 07:00 and 09:00: Only 150 tickets available daily.
Circuit 3: Designed Route – From 06:00 to 15:00: Only 50 tickets available per hour daily.
Circuit 3: Great Cavern – 07:00 and 09:00: Only 100 tickets available daily.
Circuit 3: Huchuy Picchu Mountain – 07:00 and 09:00: Only 100 tickets available daily.
We recommend you choose a schedule that is framed in red.
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Visiting Machu Picchu |
While there is currently a free time limit for tourists during daily time slots (shifts), the new Machu Picchu rules determine that tourists are strictly limited to three-hour stays. Indeed, most visitors do not take more than three 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 2025, the price of tickets to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has changed according to time slots (shifts). There are a few specifics according the circuits:
| Machu Picchu 2025 Ticket Prices | Adult | Student | Child |
| Machu Picchu Circuit 2 |
USD 62 |
USD 31 | USD 23 |
| Circuit 1 |
USD 62 |
USD 31 | USD 23 |
| Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket + Circuit 1 | USD 80 | USD 40 | USD 37 |
| Puente Inca + Circuit 1 |
USD 62 |
USD 31 | USD 23 |
| Sun Gate + Circuit 1 |
USD 62 |
USD 31 | USD 23 |
| Circuit 3 |
USD 62 |
USD 31 | USD 23 |
| Huayna Picchu Ticket + Circuit 3 | USD 80 | USD 40 | USD 37 |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket + Circuit 3 | USD 62 | USD 31 | USD 23 |
| Great Carven + Circuit 3 | USD 80 | USD 40 | USD 37 |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket + Circuit 3 | USD 62 | USD 31 | USD 23 |
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.
RELATED: INCA TRAIL RULES 2025
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!
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Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, or Alternative hike? Machu Picchu Travel Advisory |
According to the Mincetur office in "Y Tu Que Planes" the following trips are the best seller to visit Machu Picchu in 2025:
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru
info@incatrailmachu.com
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