Years of popularity and increasing visitor numbers have left a toll on the world famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
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.
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.
