NEW Admissions to Machu Picchu: times and other considerations

For the latest update please refer to the following post:

UPDATE (February 2019): Latest changes in Machu Picchu admission

At the current date a new set of regulations to access Machu Picchu have entered in force, these differ substantially from the previous ones and are not so clear so our intention is to clarify most doubts concerning the admission of visitors to the site.

First of all, two main schedules have been established to enter (and leave) Machu Picchu:

First admission: from 6 a.m. to 12 m

Second admission: from 12 m to 5:30 p.m. (last person entering at 4:00 p.m.)

A visitor with a ticket corresponding to one of the two schedules will have access at any time (one access only) in the established period and will be allowed to stay up to 4 hours and not for the whole span of time. For example: if you enter at 6 a.m. you won’t be able to stay until 12 m, same in the afternoon, entering at 12 m doesn’t mean you will be able to stay until 5:30 p.m.

Exceptions are made for visitors entering late during the first admission (from 10 a.m.), allowing them to stay for the period of 4 hours at the site (and not necessarily leaving at 12m). And for visitors with tickets to the second admission to enter up to 1 hour in advance (from 11 a.m.)

A third type of ticket with reduced fare is also available but this one only allows to access the site from 1 p.m.

Tip: This is an excellent choice for those travelling from Cuzco or Ollantaytambo and wanting to visit Machu Picchu the same day. Spending the afternoon at the citadel has many advantages and among our favorites are; not to deal with large crowds as in the mornings and not having to wake up that early to get there. If you are travelling with children or if you want to get the perfect picture, the afternoon might be the right time for you. The only cons are not having access to any of the mountains (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain).

These regulations are reinforced in two ways, establishing the rule that every person or group has to be accompanied by an accredited guide supposed to have the times in mind. And by recording entering and exiting hours for every visitor holding a valid document of identification.

For tickets that include climbing the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are as follows:

There is flexibility for those visitors who take these options, as the climbing takes long and reduce the time available at the citadel itself.

Huayna Picchu first admission: accessing from 7 to 8 a.m.

Visitors starting to climb at these hours are expected to be back at the citadel by 12 m, a 2 hour period is conceded having to leave the site as soon as any of the citadel circuits is completed, or ultimately at 2:00 p.m.

Huayna Picchu second admission: accessing from 10 to 11 a.m.

For visitors starting to climb at these hours the suggestion and only option is to enter the site early enough to make any of the circuits along the citadel before starting the climb. Once back from the mountain you will be invited to leave the site.

For either case the maximum time allowed to stay at the site is 6 hours (with certain flexibility).

Machu Picchu Mountain first admission: accessing from 7 to 8 a.m.

Machu Picchu Mountain second admission: accessing from 9 to 10 a.m.

For either case the maximum time allowed to stay at the site is 7 hours (with certain flexibility).

Other considerations:

If a visitor wants to stay at the site the whole day, two tickets have to be purchased, one for the first admission (morning) and one for the second admission (afternoon). These will also allow to exit and re-enter the site, as re-entering is not allowed to visitors with one single ticket (even if still among the hours of its validity).

Talking about re-entering, please take in consideration there are no toilets inside Machu Picchu and the only availables are outside the control post, meaning you have to exit to make use of them. This regulation is absurd and totally arbitrary so try to take cautions or negotiate your re-entrance if the case arise (and we are not talking about bribes).

Hiring a guide will only be a requisite for one visit, so in the case of a second visit you will be asked to show the previous ticket to demonstrate previous guiding (better write down your guide’s name) and obtaining exoneration in this matter (assumed only for two consecutive days of visits in a row or a for whole day stay as defined above).

International students with residence in Peru now have to present a student visa proving their situation. The validity of the ISIC card is still not clear as there are no official statements as happened to be. At some point its use for obtaining the benefit of a discount was totally rejected, although it seems it is being reconsidered.

Time estimates for regular activities at the site:

Huayna Picchu route: 3h
Huayna Picchu + moon temple route: 4h
Machu Picchu Mountain route: 4h
Citadel circuit #1: 3h
Citadel circuit #2: 2½ h
Citadel circuit #3: 2h
Intipunku route: 2h
Inka bridge route: 1h
Minimum guiding time: 2½ h

Other special considerations for cusqueños and/or peruvians are taken into account but those are not subject of this note.

This rules have been constantly tuned since implementation so minor changes are expected to be done. We will keep informing. For more tips about visiting Machu Picchu click here.

If your desire is to visit Machu Picchu as part of your travel itinerary along Cuzco or Peru, let us know filling this short questionnaire or write us at english @ responsibletravelperu.com, and we will be willing to help you out.

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