Mucho Changes at Machu Picchu
Big changes for people visiting Machu Picchu were first implemented in 2016. Then tickets were changed to half day entry in 2017. Crowding and congestion near the main entry and other popular spots inside the park have resulted in the following changes to improve the flow of foot traffic once inside the citadel. And now in 2021 the entry tickets have been changed again.
- Visitors can choose from 2 paths in one-way direction. Trails are marked and additional park rangers have been hired to enforce compliance. There are 2 circuits through the park (changed from 3 in January 2019) and it's possible to choose if you want to go high or low. But once you make your choice, you cannot walk in reverse to go back. You must stay on your route to the very end.
- As of July 1, 2018, visitors are limited to 1 entry per ticket. Unless you have
- Note that ttickets to hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain only include short visit to see the actual ruins of Machu Picchu. Make sure you enter before the scheduled time for the hike begins.
- Effective January 1, 2019, all entry tickets are purchased for the hour you want to enter the ruins. (Click here for more details)
- There is now a separate exit gate just below the restrooms. The main gate is for entry only. All visitors will be directed to follow the one way route of their choice through the park to the new exit gate.
Other news that affects visitors to Machu Picchu:
- Choose entry tickets beginning at 6am up to 14:00pm and the ruins are open until 5:30 pm. Want more time to explore the ruins? (Go to Adios Blog to see full details)
- Although new regulations state that all visitors to Machu Picchu will be required to hire a guide to enter the ruins, this measure has not been enforced. Be careful. We've had reports that people touring Machu Picchu on their own arrived at the exit gate unexpectedly. And prematurely! Study the routes before you enter if you're on your own. You can't go back. Circuits are one way.
- Shuttle buses run between Aguas Calientes and the main entry to Machu Picchu beginning at 5:15 am. During busy times, people are lining up early (4 am) and once the day-visitors from Cusco begin arriving by train (around 7 am) the wait line to board the buses can be more than 1-2 hours. Since covid, the lines to the board the shuttle buses are not often long, but they can be on occasion.
- There is only 1 restroom at Machu Picchu. It is located right below the main entry gate and there is usually a waiting line. It can be more than 30 minutes. You cannot exit the ruins to powder your nose, then re-enter the ruins. (Click here for more details)
- Plastic disposable bottles are discouraged at Machu Picchu. Please bring reusable water bottles.
- What is the result of all these changes? Is overtourism a problem at Machu Picchu? You might be surprised! Follow this link to read more
We'll keep you updated as other news comes in. What you need to know about Machu Picchu After Covid
If you have any questions about what's happening at Machu Picchu, contact Adios Adventure Travel US Office.