Machu Picchu is considered a masterpiece of Inca architecture and engineering. Its peculiar architectural features, as well as landscaping, have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. For this reason, rules and restrictions have been established for visitors, which must be complied with at the time of the visit because a sacred place like this deserves respect.

• Why put rules in Machu Picchu?
• Regulation on admission and visiting hours
• Prohibited conduct in Machu Picchu
• Prohibited objects
• Other rules to keep in mind
• What penalties are there for violating the regulation?

Why put rules in Machu Picchu?

• Machupicchu is one of the most visited tourist places in the world (about 2 million people visit it every year). Thus, to improve the experience of each visitor, and to protect the archaeological site, entry limits, visiting hours and rules of conduct were established, as well as prohibited objects within the Inca city.
• In 2015, the archaeological site of Machupicchu was not included in the list of world heritage sites in danger of disappearing, a list in which it was included in previous years. The reason? The new rules that govern the Inca city helped reduce the dangers and ensure that the archaeological site will remain fit for the public for many years to come.

Regulation on admission and visiting hours

• The main requirement to visit the Inca city is to bring the printed ticket as well as the identity document with which you registered when buying your tickets.
• You can make your purchase with your national identity document, passport, immigration card, university card. The purchase can be made online or in person in Cusco.
• Visiting hours to Machu Picchu are from 06:00 to 16:00. Some temples have fixed visiting hours. For example: the Intihuatana (from 7 to 10 in the morning), the Temple of the Condor (from 10 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon) and the Temple of the Sun (from 1 to 4 in the afternoon). The other buildings can be visited at any time.
• Machupicchu opens its doors from 6:00 am. At 4:30 pm the park rangers blow their whistles so that people proceed to leave this magnificent place. The archaeological site closes its doors at 5:00 p.m.
• The entrance ticket allows you to visit the Inca city on the day and at the time chosen by yourself. You cannot use it on a day other than the one registered. Likewise, the visiting hours have a limit. For example, the ticket ‘Machu Picchu Solo’ allows you 4 hours of visit. This rule is not mandatory since you can stay longer. However, it is recommended to respect the 4 hours of visit in order to decongest visitor traffic.
• The entrance tickets to the Huayna Picchu and Machupicchu mountains allow more visiting hours so that the tourist can complete the hiking routes to these mountains.

Prohibited conduct in Machu Picchu

• People under the influence of toxic substances, alcohol, drugs or other substances.
• Visitors who show conduct against morals or good customs.
• Climb and touch the walls and other constructions of the Inca City.
• Lean, put your hand or rub your body on the walls and stone elements.
• Smoking tobacco, cigarettes or any other substance.
• Contaminate water sources.
• Make inscriptions on the floors, walls, stones, as well as on the elements of the natural heritage under penalty of sanction.
• Practice nudism and obscene acts contrary to morals and good customs.
• Throw solid and liquid waste.
• Offer and market products inside and outside the Inca city.
• Carry out activities that distort the sacred character of the Inca city such as fashion shows, exhibiting in swimsuit or dancers and exotic musical instruments.
• Make social commitments.
• Promote, take and take photographs or filming in airspace by launching drones or any type of minor craft, and flights of this type are exempt from this prohibition only for scientific purposes and for cultural dissemination with the prior express authorization of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture Cusco ( organization that provides this permission).
• Change of attire, clothing or clothing within the Inca city.
• Make explanations in spaces or places not determined for this purpose.
• Exceed or go beyond the physical limits of the tourist visit to the Inca city.
• Make films intended for the marketing of consumer products.
• Carrying out any type of attack against the conservation of the Inca city and its lithic elements, which in addition to the administrative sanction, may be the subject of a police and judicial complaint.

Prohibited objects

• Walking poles are authorized only for the elderly and disabled as long as they are made with a rubber and non-metallic tip.
• Bring umbrellas, either small or medium-sized. For this purpose, only the entrance with rain ponchos is allowed.
• Bring a baby car that disrupts the easy movement of other tourists. For this purpose, backpack-type baby carriers should be carried.
• Carry any type of firearm or sharp pointed object that may threaten the tranquility of other visitors.
• Carry any object that can produce fire such as lighters, candles, flamethrowers, etc.
• Carry backpacks with large dimensions that interrupt the easy transit of other tourists. You can carry personal backpacks with only basic items like camera, hat, water, snacks and rain poncho.
• Enter and drive pets except in the case of the blind that require the accompaniment of a guide dog.
• Bring sprays or down that can attack the walls of the Inca city.
• Carry banners or panels for advertising purposes.
• Carry or introduce heavy filming equipment to the Inca city.

Other rules to keep in mind

• The entrance to Machu Picchu is obligatory with the company of an official tour guide. At the entrance door you can hire the services of a guide. You can also do it through your preferred tourism agency.
• The visits must be made in small groups avoiding conglomerations at the time of the city tour.
• Show an environmentally friendly attitude at all times, do not litter or interfere with the life of fauna and flora in your path.
• Promote the conservation of the environment using biodegradable products and walk only in the designated places.
• If you notice any wild animal in Machu Picchu such as the spectacled bear, the vizcachas or the cock of the rocks; just take pictures.

What penalties are there for violating the regulation?

• Failure to comply with these rules could result in legal actions by the Peruvian government as well as the application of sanctions for visitors who fail to comply with some of the established rules.
• The most serious misconduct of tourists visiting Machu Picchu is damaging the temples or walls of the archaeological site. In those cases, the punishment can lead to a trial against the Peruvian State.
• If the park rangers of Machupicchu notice that you are carrying any of the objects considered prohibited; These will be confiscated and returned upon departure from your tour of the archaeological site.
• Prohibited behaviors such as undressing, smoking in the place or disturbing the sacred order of Machu Picchu, can lead to the removal of the tourist from the place and the prohibition of returning to the Inca city for many years.

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