Machu Picchu New Rules
The new Machu Picchu rules have been effective since the end of JULY 2023. These rules mean that the daily capacity has increased from 3044 to 4044.
Are you looking for the last minute tickets to Machu Picchu? Then read the detailed information below to find out everything you need to know. In the worst case scenario, contact SAM Travel Peru, our trusted tour operator partner. Their expert travel guides can help you choose from plenty of great options to visit Machu Picchu.
The additional 1000 tickets that have been made available will only be sold in Aguas Calientes at the ticketing office, as a solution for travelers without a ticket.
In order to secure one of the additional tickets in Aguas Calientes you will need to go directly to the office of the Ministry of Culture in Aguas Calientes. You can register here before checking into your hotel. Queues can last for around 4 to 5 hours.
You will need to get to Aguas Calientes at least a day before you plan to visit Machu Picchu. Once you reach the front of the queue you will be able to register to purchase your ticket. The log book is removed when there are no more tickets available. The book will be returned the following day.
DO NOT forget to bring your passport to queue with you. You WILL NOT be allowed to get the ticket without your passport.
Travel agencies or guides are not permitted to secure these tickets on your behalf.
Tickets are only available to purchase for the next day. No same-day tickets are available.
- Tickets will be on sale at the ticketing office from Monday to Sunday 14:00 to 22:00.
- Ticket sales are limited to 1000 per day and are on a ‘first come first served basis‘. Many people queue up from the first thing in the morning.
The authorities are still discussing options that will both serve the high demand of travelers to the site and will protect the environmental fragility of the world wonder.
Ticket booking
Overall tickets including surrounding mountains: 3044
Machu Picchu only: 2234 tickets per day.
Wayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain or Huchuy Picchu Mountain as follows (total of 810):
| Time | Wayna Picchu | Machu Picchu Mountain | Huchuy Picchu Mountain |
| 07:00 | 50 | 200 | 35 |
| 08:00 | 50 | 200 | 35 |
| 09:00 | 50 | 35 | |
| 10:00 | 50 | 35 | |
| 11:00 | 35 | ||
| 12:00 | 35 |
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are issued based on personal data and are non-transferable or refundable. The following information is required to purchase the tickets:
- Full name
- Gender
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
Due to the limited number of visitors, we recommend that our customers have their entrance tickets for Machu Picchu booked at least 40 days in advance. A reimbursement after issue is not possible.
Children under 3 years of age do not have to pay admission. A reduced price applies to children/teenagers up to the age of 17. Students up to 25 years of age receive a discount on the presentation of a valid student ID from their university (an ISIC student ID is not sufficient).
Visitors can purchase tickets on Machu Picchu’s official website or at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes and Cusco.
There is no sales point at the entrance to Machu Picchu itself!
Visiting rules and regulations
At the entrance, every visitor must show their ticket and passport. Students must also present their valid student ID here.
The duration of the visit is generally limited to a maximum of 3 hours. The only exceptions are tickets for the surrounding mountain peaks Wayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu, which allow for a longer entry.
The entry ticket entitles you a single entry. It is not possible to leave and re-enter the citadel with the same ticket (the only exception to this is the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket visiting route 3).
It is highly recommended to visit Machu Picchu with a tour guide, especially for your first time. However, it is not mandatory after your first visit.
Tour groups are restricted in size. Groups can only be as large as 10 and be accompanied by at least one guide. Groups of more than 10 must be split into two.
You may not take large bags, groceries, or disposable bottles into the citadel. You can only carry one small bag with you. Walking sticks are only allowed for the physically challenged and elderly visitors.
Machu Picchu New Rules Map & Routes
There now are fixed routes through the citadel. Each route has a limited capacity. Above you can see an overview of the routes that each circuit follows. There is a secret 5th route that is only accessible by doing the combination 2-day Inca Trail. There is information about each route below.
NEW CIRCUIT TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU
Route 1 (Upper short tour, red):
This route leads from the entrance through the upper sector, over agricultural terraces, past the guard’s house, through the main entrance to the urban sector, to the sun temple, and from there over the water mirrors in the lower sector back to the exit.
See the map:
Route 2 (upper long tour, dark blue):
This is the most all encompassing route, covering by far the most ground within the citadel. The route leads from the entrance through the upper sector, over agricultural terraces, past the guard’s house, through the main entrance into the urban sector to the temple of the sun. From there it continues over the temple square and the Intiwatana Pyramid to the sacred rock in the futhermost part of the citadel, and then through the lower sector past the condor temple to the exit.
See the map:
Route 3 (lower short tour, yellow):
This is the shortest of all routes and includes only a small, limited part of the citadel. The route leads over agricultural terraces directly into the lower sector, past the Temple of the Sun, to the house of the Inca, and from there over the water mirrors in the lower sector back to the exit. This route only requires you to navigate a few stairs and is particularly suitable for people with reduced mobility.
See the map.
Route 4 (lower long tour, turquoise):
This route also only includes the lower sector, but leads to the far area of the citadel. The route leads over agricultural terraces directly into the lower sector, past the Temple of the Sun. It takes its travelers to the house of the Inca, and on to the sacred rock. From there the route leads to the lower sector past the Condor Temple and back to the exit.
Route 5 (applies to the 2-day Inca Trail):
For those who decide to hike along the 2-day Inca Trail, you will journey along a section of the famous Inca Trail on the first day. However, this hike does not end in Machu Picchu like the classic Inca Trail.
With this ticket, you are not tied to a fixed time window and are permitted to enter the citadel anytime between 06:00 and 11:00.
If you are looking for a more comprehensive visit to the citadel or want to see something specific along routes 1 through 4 above, you will have to purchase an additional entrance ticket to Machu Picchu for your day of arrival.
Additional time restrictions apply to three popular attractions within the citadel:
- Sun Temple: only 13:00-16:00 (#02 on the map, only Routes 3, 4)
- Intiwatana Pyramid: only 07:00-10:00 (#07 on the map, only Route 2)
- Temple of the Condor: only 10:00-13:00 (#11 on the map, only Routes 2, 4)
A visit to the Sun Gate is currently not possible if you do not complete the Inca Trail.
Admission Times
Machu Picchu is open to visitors daily from 6:00am to 5:30pm. Visits are not possible outside of these times. When purchasing the admission ticket, a fixed time slot of 60 minutes must be selected for admission. This can no longer be changed after it has been issued.
With the classic Machu Picchu ticket, you can choose from one of the 4 possible routes on site, explained above.
We usually recommend Route 1 or Route 2 to our customers, as these allow the most extensive visit to the facility. There are 9 entry time slots of 60 minutes each with a limited number of visitors to choose from.
Trains and Shuttle buses
You can reach Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Trains are operated by PeruRail and IncaRail, which offer different classes and timetables. Both companies run on the same route.
Train tickets are issued based on personal data and are only valid for the selected departure. A refund of already issued train tickets is not possible.
Due to limited space onboard the trains, baggage restrictions apply to passengers. You can only bring one piece of hand luggage on the train (one bag per person) with a maximum weight of 5 kg.
Shuttle buses (subject to an additional charge) run between the town of Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu citadel. The buses to Machu Picchu run between 5:30am and 3:30pm, the return trip is possible from 6:00am to 6:00pm. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
When there are high numbers of visitors, queues for the shuttle buses often form. Be sure that you plan a sufficient amount of time to accomodate that. Visitors should take the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at least 30 minutes before the booked time slot.
Surrounding Mountain Peaks
There are also tickets that allow a visit to the surrounding mountain peaks. These tickets only allow for a limited visit via route 3 or route 4 through the citadel.
Wayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is one of the mountain peaks that surround Machu Picchu. It is probably the most famous as it towers over Machu Picchu in the background in many photos. The ascent takes place on a narrow and extremely steep path, taking around 45 – 60 minutes, depending on your pace. Once at the summit you can enjoy a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
Since the path is very narrow and exposed in some places, we recommend this hike for experienced and sure-footed hikers. We highly recommend sturdy shoes and not attempting this hike in rain.
Access to the checkpoint at the sacred rock is direct via Route 4. With the ticket for the Huayna Picchu visitors may not take the long route 2 to the checkpoint. After the descent, continue on Route 4 to the exit.
Due to the duration of the hike, the 3 hour maximum time limit for visiting Machu Picchu does not apply to this route.
Huchuy Picchu
Huchuy Picchu is like the little brother of Wayna Picchu. Until 2020 this optional visit was included in the entrance fee for Huayna Picchu. Since 2021 there are separate tickets for this hike.
Huchuy Picchu is right next to the checkpoint at the Sacred Rock and can be reached by a short hike, lasting around 15 minutes. Compared to the other options, this hike is significantly easier and shorter, making it perfect for less experienced travelers.
As with Huayna Picchu, access is via Route 4. After the descent, Machu Picchu must also be exited along this route.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain, which is also the Apu (sacred mountain) for the complex, is located south of the citadel, opposite Huayna Picchu. The hike leads partly through dense vegetation, but rewards you with great views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area once you break free from the trees.
It takes about 90 minutes to get to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on your pace. The path leads over a lot of stairs. We recommend having a good physical condition and sturdy shoes for this route.
Due to the duration of the hike, the time limit of 3 hours for visiting Machu Picchu does not apply to this route.
You can access Machu Picchu Mountain directly via routes 1/2 and the control point. After the descent it is not possible to continue along these routes and you have to leave Machu Picchu along the same path (as do the guests who reach Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail from the Sun Gate).
Then you can enter the facility again with the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket to complete the short tour along Route 3.
