What you should know before visiting Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Limits the Number of Visitors: What You Should Know Before You Go

Machu Picchu is one of those places we all dream of visiting at least once in our lives. However, due to the large number of travelers who arrive every day, the Peruvian government enforces strict visitor limits to protect the citadel and keep its history alive for years to come.

This means you can’t just show up without planning. If you’re thinking about going, there are some important things you should know before buying your ticket and organizing your trip.

1. Tickets are limited and sell out quickly

Machu Picchu has a limited daily quota.

Therefore, it’s necessary to book in advance, especially during peak season:

• June to August
• Holy Week
• Christmas and New Year’s

Recommendation: Buy your ticket at least 1–2 months in advance.

2. You can’t enter at any time — there are specific entry times

Entry is by appointment.

Example schedules:

• 6:00 am
• 7:00 am
• 8:00 am

(and so on until the afternoon)

If your entry time is 7:00 am, you must be at the gate before then.

If you arrive late, you will lose your ticket.

3. You can no longer explore freely—there are designated routes.

Today, there are designated routes, and you must follow only one:

• Route 1: Panoramic View (the classic photo)
• Route 2: Complete Intermediate Route
• Route 3: Lower Route

Your route is chosen when you purchase your ticket.

It cannot be changed afterward or inside the citadel.

4. How to get to the entrance gate

• Most travelers spend the night in Aguas Calientes. From there, you can:
• Take a bus (25–35 min)
• Hike (1–2 hr, steep climb)

Tip: If your entry is early, buy your bus ticket the day before.

5. Visit Duration

The visit lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on the route and your pace.
Staying all day is not permitted.

6. Rules You Must Respect

To protect the site:

• No eating allowed inside
• No drones allowed
• No large tripods allowed
• No revisiting areas already explored
• Take your trash with you

Remember: Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site. We all take care of it.

Why are these restrictions in place?

Primarily to:

• Protect the Inca structures
• Prevent erosion on the paths
• Control the erosion of the terraces
• Preserve the surrounding flora and fauna

Taking care of Machu Picchu is ensuring that other travelers can experience it too.