New rules affecting all visitors to Machu Picchu take effect on July 1, 2017. Over the years since its UNESCO World Heritage status designation, the Inca Citadel has grown increasingly popular as a tourist destination. Entrance tickets are limited to 2500 per day, which sell out in high season with as many as 3800 entrances occurring on peak days with the various combinations of ticket types available.
These new rules are meant to maintain the integrity of the site, but Peru’s Ministry of Culture will assess the rules’ effectiveness over the testing period of four months. Final implementation is expected to begin January 1, 2018.
New Entrance Rules
- There are two shifts for entry.
- First shift from 6 am to 12 pm.
- Second shift from 12 pm to 4:30 pm.
- As of July 1, 2018, reentry on the same day must occur within four hours of the first entry that day.
- All visitors must be accompanied by a guide during their visit.
- Maximum group size is 16 plus a guide.
- Visits should not exceed four hours.
Are you thinking of a trip to Peru and Machu Picchu? Contact one of our Peru Destination Specialists for suggestions, travel tips, and more information.