These are the rules that govern visits to Machu Picchu. Know that the regulations of Machu Picchu had changes regarding the schedule since 2024. These modifications were made thinking about the conservation of the Wonder of the World.

• Basic rules of entry to Machu Picchu
• What are the available spaces and entry hours?
• Prohibited objects within the Inca city.
• Prohibited behaviors in Machu Picchu
• Other prohibitions within Machu Picchu.
• Rules in Huayna Picchu
• Rules in the Machu Picchu mountain
• Rules in the Huchuy Picchu mountain
• Rules in the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu
• Rules in Intipunku of Machu Picchu
• Rules in the Temple of the Moon of Huayna Picchu
• Rules on entry with an official tour guide
• What penalties are there for not complying with the rules in Machu Picchu?
• 4 cases of breach of rules in the Inca site
• Frequently asked questions about the rules in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Inca Citadel

The 10 new entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
There are 10 new entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and 3 circuits. All of them allow a different experience in the visit to the Inca citadel. There are 4 tickets that only offer the experience of the archaeological site and a postcard photo of the Inca city. In addition, there are six tickets that allow trekking routes to Huayna Picchu mountain, Machu Picchu mountain, Huchuy Picchu mountain, the Inca Bridge, the Intipunku (the Sun Gate) or the Great Cavern (also called the Temple of the Moon). At the time of purchasing the entrance ticket, the visitor must choose one of the ten options. For the first visit, the Classic Machu Picchu ticket is recommended, as it allows the most traditional visit to the archaeological site.

Basic rules of entry to Machu Picchu

• Regarding the entrance, you will only be able to enter Machu Picchu by presenting your ticket together with your passport or the identity document with which you made your reservation.
• Tickets are purchased online or at authorized offices in Cusco. Tickets are not sold at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.

What are the available spaces and entry hours?

• Every year the number of total visitors to Machu Picchu is reorganized. The objective is to protect and preserve the Inca city for the future.
• Currently, the total capacity of Machu Picchu has been reduced to a maximum of 5,000 tourists per day.
• This number of visitors is divided into ten admission tickets, each with their respective admission schedules:
  • The Machu Picchu Photo Classic Ticket (circuit 1) allows entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu at 10 different times:
    • 1st Schedule: entrance at 6 a.m.
    • 2nd Schedule: entrance at 7 a.m.
    • 3rd Schedule: entrance at 8 a.m.
    • 4th Schedule: entrance at 9 a.m.
    • 5th Schedule: entrance at 10 a.m.
    • 6th Schedule: entrance at 11 a.m.
    • 7th Schedule: entrance at 12 p.m.
    • 8th Schedule: entrance at 1 p.m.
    • 9th Schedule: entrance at 2 p.m.
    • 10th Schedule: entrance at 3 p.m.
  • The Machu Picchu Classic Ticket (circuit 2) allows entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu at 10 different times:
    • 1st Schedule: entrance at 6 a.m.
    • 2nd Schedule: entrance at 7 a.m.
    • 3rd Schedule: entrance at 8 a.m.
    • 4th Schedule: entrance at 9 a.m.
    • 5th Schedule: entrance at 10 a.m.
    • 6th Schedule: entrance at 11 a.m.
    • 7th Schedule: entrance at 12 p.m.
    • 8th Schedule: entrance at 1 p.m.
    • 9th Schedule: entrance at 2 p.m.
    • 10th Schedule: entrance at 3 p.m.
  • The Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace Ticket (circuit 2) allows entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu at 10 different times:
    • 1st Schedule: entrance at 6 a.m.
    • 2nd Schedule: entrance at 7 a.m.
    • 3rd Schedule: entrance at 8 a.m.
    • 4th Schedule: entrance at 9 a.m.
    • 5th Schedule: entrance at 10 a.m.
    • 6th Schedule: entrance at 11 a.m.
    • 7th Schedule: entrance at 12 p.m.
    • 8th Schedule: entrance at 1 p.m.
    • 9th Schedule: entrance at 2 p.m.
    • 10th Schedule: entrance at 3 p.m.
  • The Machu Picchu Temples Ticket of the lower part (circuit 3) allows entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu at 10 different times:
    • 1st Schedule: entrance at 6 a.m.
    • 2nd Schedule: entrance at 7 a.m.
    • 3rd Schedule: entrance at 8 a.m.
    • 4th Schedule: entrance at 9 a.m.
    • 5th Schedule: entrance at 10 a.m.
    • 6th Schedule: entrance at 11 a.m.
    • 7th Schedule: entrance at 12 p.m.
    • 8th Schedule: entrance at 1 p.m.
    • 9th Schedule: entrance at 2 p.m.
    • 10th Schedule: entrance at 3 p.m.
  • The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket allows the entrance to the Inca city (circuit 3) and Huayna Picchu to a total of 200 people per day. The entrance is in 2 schedules or groups:
    • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. / To Huayna Picchu until 8 a.m.
    • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. / To Huayna Picchu until 10 a.m.
  • The Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket allows access to the Inca city (circuit 2) and the Machu Picchu mountain to a total of 400 tourists per day. The entrance is in 2 schedules or groups:
    • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. / To the Mountain until 8 a.m.
    • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. / To the Mountain until 10 a.m.
  • The Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket allows access to the Inca city (circuit 3) and the new route to the Huchuy Picchu mountain. The entrance is in 2 schedules or groups:
    • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 11 a.m. / To Huchuy Picchu until 12 a.m.
    • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 1 a.m. / To Huchuy Picchu until 2 a.m.
  • The Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket allows access to the Inca city (circuit 1) and the route to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu. The entrance is in 4 schedules or groups:
    • 1st Schedule: entrance to Machupicchu at 8 a.m.
    • 2nd Schedule: entrance to Machupicchu at 9 a.m.
    • 3rd Schedule: entrance to Machupicchu at 10 a.m.
    • 4th Schedule: entrance to Machupicchu at 11 a.m.
  • The Machu Picchu + Intipunku Ticket allows access to the Inca city (circuit 1) and the new route to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). The entrance is in 4 schedules or groups:
    • 1st Schedule: entrance to Machupicchu at 8 a.m.
    • 2nd Schedule: entrance to Machupicchu at 9 a.m.
    • 3rd Schedule: entrance to Machupicchu at 10 a.m.
    • 4th Schedule: entrance to Machupicchu at 11 a.m.
  • The Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket allows access to the Inca city (circuit 3) and the new route to the Temple of the Moon (the Great Cavern). The entrance is in 2 schedules or groups:
    • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. / To the Temple of the Moon until 8 a.m.
    • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. / To the Temple of the Moon until 10 a.m.

CaOn the way to Intipunku on a cloudy day

Prohibited objects within the Inca city

If you want to enter Machu Picchu without problems, we recommend not taking any of the following objects:

• Tripods, supports or extensions for cameras or cell phones. It is not allowed to enter with ‘selfie stick‘.
• Backpacks, bags or bags that exceed 5 kilos in weight.
• Food or luggage.
• Illegal substances (drugs or under the influence).
• Alcoholic beverages (or under its influence).
• Sprays or paints.
• Musical instruments, megaphones or speakers.
• Heels with hard sole shoes.
• Baby carriages (it is preferable to carry a baby carrier).
• Sharp objects and / or weapons of any kind
• Banners, posters and / or posters.
• Clothing intended for advertising purposes.
• Canes with a metal tip (older adults can carry a cane with a rubber tip).

Prohibited behaviors in Machu Picchu

• Generate tumult, jump or cause disorder in the access and / or any point of the Inca city.
• Climbing or leaning on walls and / or structures.
• Do any type of activity that distorts the sacred character of Machu Picchu.
• Doing obscene acts that are not appropriate in a public place and that violate morality and good customs such as undressing, dressing up, lying down or running.
• Smoking or ‘vaping’ an electronic cigarette.
• Make overflights in the airspace of the place with paragliders, drones or any type of smaller craft.

Other prohibitions within Machu Picchu

• It is forbidden to go off the established circuits or routes.
• Feed domestic or wild animals in the Inca city.
• Take illegal routes or any that avoid the established entrance and control of Machu Picchu.
• Make loud or annoying noises: clap, shout, whistle, sing.
• Make any type of fire or throw waste of any kind.
• Enhance filming or photographs for advertising purposes or in high-risk places.

Remember that ignoring any of the rules will cause them to be removed from the Inca city of Machu Picchu with no refund or claim option.

Rules in Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain located north of the Inca city. The entrance is with the entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu. The rules and prohibitions are as follows:

• The tourist must register their entry and exit at the control point.
• In case the tourist wishes to visit Temple of the Luna de Huayna Picchu, you must take a detour from the top of the mountain. This route is closed until further notice.
• The average time of ascent and descent to the Waynapicchu mountain is 3 hours. If you also visit the Great Cavern or the Temple of the Moon, it takes 4 hours.
• Entry is allowed only to people over 12 years old.
• The visitor cannot carry a backpack that exceeds 40 × 35 × 20 centimeters.
• The tourist should not go off the marked paths.
• In Huayna Picchu the same prohibitions apply as in Machu Picchu.

Rules in the Machu Picchu mountain

Machu Picchu mountain is the summit where the Inca city was built. The entrance is with the ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain. These are the rules that the tourist must follow:

• The average time of ascent and descent to Machu Picchu mountain is 4 hours.
• The tourist must register upon entry and exit at the control point.
• Entry is allowed to people of all ages.
• The visitor must not go off the beaten track.
• Parents are responsible for the care of children.
• The same prohibitions apply in the mountains as in Machu Picchu.

Rules in the Huchuy Picchu mountain

Huchuy Picchu Mountain is the new hiking route in Machu Picchu. It is next to Huayna Picchu. The walk there only takes about 1 hour. The entrance is with the ticket Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu. These are the rules that the tourist must follow:

• The average time of ascent and descent to Machu Picchu mountain is 2 hours.
• The tourist must register upon entry and exit at the control point.
• Entry is allowed to people of all ages.
• The tourist should not go off the beaten track.
• Parents are responsible for the care of children.
• The same prohibitions apply in the mountains as in Machu Picchu.

Rules in the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu

The Inca Bridge was one of the limits of Machu Picchu. It is made from the trunk of a tree so it could be removed in case of invasions. The walk there only takes about 20 minutes. The entrance is with the ticket Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge. These are the rules that tourists must follow:

• The average travel time over the Inca Bridge is approximately 1 hour.
• The visitor has to register their entry and exit at the control point.
• The entrance to the Inca Bridge is allowed to people of all ages.
• The visitor must be concentrated on the paths. You can not go out of the allowed paths.
• It is not possible to cross the Inca Bridge.
• In the Inca Bridge the same prohibitions apply as in Machu Picchu.

Rules in Intipunku of Machu Picchu

The Intipunku was the entrance and control gate to Machu Picchu during Inca times. The hike from the archaeological site to the Intipunku takes approximately 50 minutes. The entrance is with the Machu Picchu + Intipunku ticket. These are the rules that the tourist must follow:

• The average travel time to Intipunku is approximately 1 hour.
• The visit takes place only from June 1 to October 15 each year.
• The entrance to the Inca Bridge is allowed to people of all ages.
• The visitor must be concentrated on the paths. It is not allowed to go out of the allowed paths.
• It is not possible to cross the Intipunku or continue on the Inca trails.
• In the Intipunku the same prohibitions apply as in Machu Picchu.

Rules in the Temple of the Moon of Huayna Picchu

The Temple of the Moon is a mysterious religious building inside a cavern at the bottom of the Huayna Picchu mountain. The hike up there takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The entrance is with the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket. These are the rules that the tourist must follow:

• The average time of the tour of the Temple of the Moon is 1 hour 45 minutes (almost 4 hours round trip).
• The visitor has to check in and out at the Huayna Picchu mountain checkpoint.
• The entrance to the Temple of the Moon is allowed to visitors over 18 years old. The tourist visit takes place from June 1 to October 15.
• The visitor must be concentrated on the trails. It is not allowed to go out of the allowed paths.
• It is not possible to continue to the top of Huayna Picchu. After the visit to the Temple of the Moon, the way back is made.
• In the Temple of the Moon the same prohibitions apply as in Machu Picchu.

Rules on entry with an official tour guide

The official tour guides in Machu Picchu do not they only make the visit pleasant and educational. They are also in charge of advising the visitor on the care they should take to preserve the Wonder of the World. These are the rules that regulate your service:

• The tour of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu with an official tour guide is mandatory (although in practice this is not the case).
• The official tour guide will have to accompany the tourists during the tour from the beginning to the end with any of the circuits, fulfilling a minimum visit time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Groups must be made up of a maximum number of 10 people, all accompanied by an official tour guide.
• Tourists who entered the Inca citadel accompanied by a guide and who re-enter the Inca site the next shift or the next day, may do so without the tour guide. They only have to show the previous ticket and indicate the name of the guide who accompanied them.
• For people who make the tour of the mountains: Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu mountain or Huchuy Picchu mountain, the guide service is not mandatory.

What penalties are there for not complying with the rules in Machu Picchu?

• Failure to comply with the prohibitions in Machu Picchu will determine the expulsion of the visitor, without the right to refund the amount of the entrance ticket. Considering the seriousness of the infraction, the authorities will initiate the corresponding legal actions.
• On some occasions, the authorities may restrict the visitor’s entry for life. Attacking the integrity of other people, of the Wonder of the World are cases that are punished in an exemplary manner. Another case is an attempt against morals and good customs in the Inca city.
• Inside Machu Picchu there are high definition cameras and security guards. If necessary, they can intervene tourists who do not comply with the regulations of the place.

4 cases of breach of rules in the Inca site

• In April 2016, Australian tourist Anthony George Katsaros was expelled from the Inca city for photographing himself naked at Puerta del Sol (Intipunku). The authorities indicated that the visitor will never be able to enter the Wonder of the World again.
• In October 2016, 15 South American tourists were expelled from the Inca site and made available to the authorities after entering illegally.
• In February 2018, two Argentine tourists were expelled from Machu Picchu after having entered clandestinely and staying overnight in the compound. They were immediately expelled and placed at the disposal of the Peruvian police.
• In March 2018, three European tourists (a German, a Swiss and a Dutchman) were expelled from Machu Picchu for being photographed showing their butts. They were expelled from the Inca site.

Frequently asked questions about the rules in Machu Picchu

• 1) Can you bring drones?

  Drones are prohibited inside Machu Picchu. However, you can use it in the city of Cusco, in the town of Aguas Calientes and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

• 2) Can you bring pets?

  Pets are prohibited in the Inca city. There are hotels that take care of them in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.

• 3) Can you bring baby carriages?

  Baby carriages interrupt free movement in the Inca city, which is why they are prohibited.

• 4) Can I bring selfie sticks?

  Selfie sticks are not allowed. These can cause inconvenience to other tourists who pass through Machu Picchu.

• 5) Can you visit Machu Picchu without the company of a guide?

  The regulations indicate that the tour in the company of a guide is mandatory in the Wonder of the World. However, in practice this is not the case. Visitors can do the tour without the company of a guide. At the entrance door there are guides offering their services.

• 6) Is a guide needed for the second time you enter Machu Picchu?

  It is not necessary to do the tour accompanied by a guide. If you already did it at a previous time or day, you only have to show the previous ticket and indicate the name of the guide with whom you did the previous tour. So you no longer have to hire another tour guide.

• 7) Can I leave and re-enter Machu Picchu?

  Yes, it is possible to leave and re-enter the Inca city. However, this is allowed only with the ticket ‘Machupicchu with Mountain’. At the entrance door there are restrooms available and a cafeteria.

• 8) Where can I leave my things?

  At the entrance gate to the Inca city there is a place where tourists can leave their things. In case you are not allowed to enter Machu Picchu with some prohibited objects, visitors can leave their things there.

• 9) Can I bring tripods?

  Tripods are not allowed in Machu Picchu. This is because they interrupt free movement and can damage the floor of the Inca site.

• 10) Can I bring food and water?

  You cannot bring large amounts of food to Machu Picchu. Snacks are allowed as long as the wrappers are not thrown away. Plastic water bottles are not allowed because they harm the environment. Canteens with water are allowed.

• 11) Can I smoke in the Inca city?

  Smoking is not allowed in Machu Picchu. A cigarette or electronic cigar can damage the ecosystem of the Inca city.

• 12) Is it necessary to enter Huayna Picchu with a guide?

  Entrance with a guide is not mandatory in Huayna Picchu. If the visitor wishes, he can be accompanied by one. However, the tour of the Inca city is necessarily with a guide.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024