Visit Machu Picchu: new rules to preserve the archaeological site!

From January 1, 2019 new provisions and new rules are in place to visit the Historic Shrine of Machu Picchu!

Finally, government authorities together with local industry associations have implemented a new regulatory system to preserve the archaeological site of Machu Picchu !

The entrance times to the citadel will be every hour from 6 to 14.

The time spent inside the area will be a maximum of 4 hours, considering the time of entry, and it will no longer be possible to return to the site once you have left. The site closes at 5.30pm.

The stay will be longer for visitors who choose to go up to Huayna Picchu (6 hours) or to Montaña Machu Picchu (8 hours).

In addition, you can only access accompanied by an official guide who will be able to follow groups up to a maximum of 16 people and who will be under his responsibility for the entire stay. The guides will also have to follow predetermined routes.

Questions? Here are some answers …

– Once the entrance ticket has been issued, will it be possible to change the visiting hours?
No, the indicated timetable must be respected otherwise a new entrance must be purchased.

– With the new system of visit to Machu Picchu will it be possible to return after lunch with the same ticket?
No, the visitor will no longer be able to leave and return.

– If you want to stay longer inside the archaeological site, can you buy a new entrance?
Yes, it is possible to buy an additional entrance. The second entrance, on the same day, can also be done without a guide, but it is necessary to keep the ticket of the first entrance to demonstrate that you have already used the guided tour service in the previous entrance.

– How does it work if I buy two entrance tickets, one daytime and the other afternoon, for the same day?
The traveler who buys two tickets for the same day will have to leave and return for the check according to the time indicated on the second entry. The maximum stay inside is however 4 hours for each entrance and in no case can you stay beyond 17:30.

– If after visiting the citadel do I spend the night in Aguas Calientes the village at the foot of Machu Picchu or at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu hotel, can I decide on the spot to buy a new entrance and a visit to the archaeological site?
Yes, however, it must always be considered that availability is limited. It is therefore recommended to consider this possibility well in advance and to incorporate it in the rest of the travel package.

– Will there be changes in the entry ticket issuing system?
No, the shift will also be indicated so that the traveler will be informed of the time when the visit can begin.
For the issue, as already previously, the following visitor data are required: name, surname, passport number and date of birth.

– If I want more flexibility in visiting Machu Picchu?
It is advisable to book well in advance and evaluate a private guide for the visit.

– Will it be possible to visit the citadel independently?
No, an official guide will always be required to accompany groups of 16 people at the most. The traveler must enter and leave the site with the same guide. Only if you have purchased a second entrance for the same day, you can return to the site without the guide.

– Is it advisable to book the visit of Machu Picchu well in advance?
Yes, absolutely !
With the entry into force of the new rules, booking in advance is necessary in order to be able to count on the best organization.
It must also be considered that, being the indispensable guide for the visit, availability will be increasingly limited; obviously Ruta40 will do everything possible to satisfy you.

For more information you can download the official document of the Ministry of Culture of Peru

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