Before it was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1983, the Inca citadel was quite unknown to the world. However, since then, visits to Machu Picchu have increased to the point of becoming one of the favorite tourist destinations for travelers from all over the world.
During all these years, the Ministry of Culture of Peru has established some rules to keep intact and preserve the facilities of this Wonder of the World, and the most recent update takes effect on Saturday, July 1st, 2017.
Which includes from visiting hours, operation of the guides, the circuits to be followed by the tourists and the reiteration of some general rules that compete to both Peruvian and foreign visitors.
So if you are planning to visit Machu Picchu on dates later than the one already mentioned, pay close attention and take into consideration for your next trip:
Shifts, Capacity and Length of Visit:
There will be 2 entrance times: Morning: from 06:00 to 12:00 hrs and Afternoon: from 12:00 to 17:30 hrs (Entry will not be allowed after 16:30 hrs.).
The capacity of the Citadel is 2,500 visitors per day, which will be distributed in the 2 shifts mentioned.
The maximum length of stay in Machu Picchu will be 4 hours.
Visitors that wish to re-enter the Machu Picchu Citadel will be required to purchase a new ticket.
Tickets can not be changed on dates, names or shifts. In case a modification is required, a new ticket must be purchased.
Visitors who want to spend all day in Machu Picchu can buy two (02) tickets for different shifts on the same day, but it will be necessary to leave the Citadel of Machu Picchu and re-enter with their second ticket at the start of the afternoon shift.
Guides:
According to the new regulations, visitors will not be allowed to enter without a guide to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.
For every 16 visitors you will need one (01) guide, and for groups of more than 16 visitors, you will need a second guide. For example: a group of 20 will require two (02) guides, a group of 38 will require three (03) guides.
Circuits:
Three (03) circuits have been designed within the Citadel of Machu Picchu. The visitor will choose the route that he wants when buying his ticket. Each course lasts from 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
The circuits are marked with strings. Circuit 1 is the classic route, and the most challenging from a physical perspective. Circuits 2 and 3 are more suitable for those who want a more relaxing visit.
Visitors are not allowed to leave these defined areas, and anyone who is doing so can be removed from the site.
While everybody (authorities and tourists) adapts to these new regulations, they will be a trial period for the next 4 months (from July 1 to October 31).
What we can observe with these modifications is the interest of the State to maintain in the best possible conditions one of our most important cultural legacies.
We recommend you to buy your train ticket in advance, so that you can ensure your desire shift to enter Machu Picchu and live a mystical experience.
To buy your Inca Rail ticket click here.
And if you have any questions or want more information, contact us and we will gladly help you:
Write us to the Customer Service Chat on our website