Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site. That is why the authorities of Peru decided to protect the same Llaqta inca with various regulations and prohibitions. Among the main measures is the division of visiting hours in 2 shifts: morning and afternoon.

Know what other prohibitions were adopted at the Inca archaeological center.

• What are the new rules in Machu Picchu?
• What are the new entry times to Machu Picchu?
• What are the circuits in the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu?
• What are the prohibitions within Machu Picchu?
• Tips for a perfect visit to Machu Picchu
• Questions and answers about the new rules in Machu Picchu
  • Can I enter with tripods to Machu Picchu?
  • Are not trekking poles allowed in Machu Picchu?
  • Is it allowed to leave and re-enter Machu Picchu?
  • Is it possible to enter Machu Picchu with a wheelchair?
  • Is it necessary to enter the Huayna Picchu with a tourist guide?
  • Can I take food to Machu Picchu?

What are the new rules in Machu Picchu?

In 1983, Machu Picchu was considered a World Heritage Site by Unesco. In 2007, he was included among the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Today, with the aim of conserving Machu Picchu, new measures were adopted during the visit.

• This regulation entered into force from July 1, 2017 and seeks to regulate the entry, schedules, circuits and prohibitions in Machu Picchu.
• These changes seek to optimize visitor traffic and at the same time protect the place from the disproportionate tourist traffic.
• Today, thanks in part to these measures, Machu Picchu is outside the list of heritage in danger according to Unesco.

What are the new entry times to Machu Picchu?

It is estimated that Machu Picchu receives more than 1 million visitors per year. According to the new regulation, the number of daily visitors is in proportion to the conditions of management and administration of the place.

• To balance the tourist traffic, the new schedules are in 2 shifts:
  • Morning shift: from 6 a.m. at 12 p.m.
  • Late shift: from 12 p.m. at 5.30 p.m.
• In addition, there were 2 alternative routes to the Machu Picchu mountains, which have different access schedules.
• The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket It allows entry to Machu Picchu as well as Waynapicchu mountain in 2 schedules:
  • 1st Group: 7 am. at 8 a.m. (entrance to Waynapicchu).
  • 2nd. Group: 10 a.m. at 11 a.m. (entrance to Waynapicchu).
• The ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain It allows the entry to Machu Picchu as well as the Machu Picchu mountain in 2 schedules:
  • 1st Group: 7 am. at 8 a.m. (entry to the mountain).
  • 2nd. Group: 9 a.m. at 10 a.m. (entry to the mountain).

What are the circuits in the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu?

The tour of Machu Picchu with an official guide is now mandatory. The maximum number of people in a group is 15 tourists. Currently there are 3 routes or circuits designed for the visit:

Circuit 1:

• This route is the longest and lasts on average 3 hours.
• It starts at the entrance gate to Machu Picchu. Then ascend to the so-called ‘House of the Guardian’.
• From there you will visit the main Inca buildings such as the Casa del Inca, the Botanical Garden, the Temple Square, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock and the Temple of the Condor.

Circuit 2:

• This route is one of the most common in the area. Lasts on average 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• The route begins with an ascent of 83 meters and then descend to the sector of ‘The platforms’.
• From there, the tourist visits the main Inca sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the House of the Inca, the Botanical Garden, the Plaza of the Temples.

Circuit 3:

• This tour is designed for people with special needs or older adults. Lasts on average 2 hours.
• The tour begins with a slow ascent to the upper part of Machu Picchu.
• Then it goes down directly to the area of the agricultural sector.
• Finally it is crossed by the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Botanical Garden, the Square of the Temples and the Temple of the Condor.

What are the prohibitions within Machu Picchu?

Both tourists and tourist guides and any other person entering Machu Picchu, is required to comply with the following prohibitions:

• Enter with any type of alcoholic beverage, illegal substance or under its effects.
• Carry umbrellas or umbrellas. It is only allowed to do it with hats, hats or raincoats.
• Access with tripods, camera extensions or some other technological element for stabilization or extension.
• Enter with animals except in the case of guide dogs only when strictly necessary.
• Enter with banners, posters, sprays, sharps or weapons of any kind.
• Access with some type of musical instrument, megaphone, speaker or cause annoying noise that disturbs the tranquility of the Inca Citadel.
• Access with tacos or hard-plant shoes that mistreat the soil of the Inca site. Only entry with soft shoes is allowed. It is also not allowed to access with metal tip poles. It is only possible to carry rubber-tipped batons in case of elderly people.
• Enter with baby cars (It can only be accessed with baby backpacks that do not have metal frames).
• Obscene acts contrary to morals and good manners are not allowed.
• It is forbidden to smoke or make any kind of fire.
• Overflights are prohibited with paragliders, drones or any type of smaller craft.
• It is forbidden to make films or photographs for advertising purposes or in places of high risk.

Tips for a perfect visit to Machu Picchu

According to the new rules and prohibitions in visitor must take into account the following:

• The breach of the prohibitions in Machu Picchu has as consequence the expulsion of the enclosure without the right to refund of the value of the entry ticket.
• The entrance to Machu Picchu with official tour guide is mandatory. Access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain with a guide is optional.
• To enter Machu Picchu, tourists must carry the entrance ticket as well as the identity document with which they made the reservation.
• To make alternate routes to Waynapicchu or mountain Machu Picchu is recommended to be in good physical condition.
• Both the Huayna Picchu Ticket and the Machu Picchu mountain ticket include a visit to the Inca Citadel.

Questions and answers about the new rules in Machu Picchu

1. Can I enter with tripods to Machu Picchu?

   Tripods damage the ground at Machu Picchu and, in addition, prevent the correct circulation of visitors. It is for that reason that these devices are not allowed.

2. Are trekking poles not allowed in Machu Picchu even if I am older?

   The trekking poles are not accepted in Machu Picchu because they damage the soil. In the case of the elderly, only the use of rubber-tipped canes is allowed.

3. Is it allowed to leave and re-enter Machu Picchu?

   No re-entry to Machu Picchu is allowed except for reasons of force majeure such as the use of toilet services. In those cases, you can only exit and enter only once.

4. Is it possible to enter Machu Picchu with a wheelchair?

   Yes the visit to Machu Picchu in a wheelchair is allowed. The only exceptions are the mountains of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu are inaccessible in wheelchairs. There are some agencies that specialize in this type of travel.

5. Is it necessary to enter the Huayna Picchu with a tourist guide?

   The entrance to Machu Picchu with a tour guide is mandatory. However, the tour of the Huayna Picchu with a guide is optional. The same happens in the case of the Machu Picchu mountain.

6. Can I take food to Machu Picchu?

   It is not allowed to enter Machu Picchu with food. It is only allowed to enter with snacks or drinks.