OK. Yes the Peru government has announced a plan to increase the availability of additional Machu Picchu entry tickets in 2024. No. They did not close parts of the the citadel last September 2023 due to heavy tourism. Here we go again. It's not what everyone thinks it is. It appears that a couple of publications are trying to promote the news regarding the increase in ticket availability in 2024, while also mentioning that last September, Machu Picchu temporarily closed access to 3 historical spots. The only problem with that story is that nothing was actually closed. Access to 3 sites was limited to certain times of day beginning about 3 years ago. (Here's the link to the blog I wrote then)  The recent headlines would lead you to believe that the 3 historical monuments in Machu Picchu were closed due to recent heavy tourism causing damage and erosion to the citadel. The three spots on the chopping block are: Temple of the Condor, Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana. (Sun Dial) These stories are simply not true..These 3 spots have been open every day that the national park has been open. And, yes, restricted hours have been in place for at least 3 years. 

So. Just to be super doubly sure, I chased down Vidal, our manager in Cusco, (I might have woke him up in the middle of the night. OK?) to find out if he heard this latest story about those 3 monuments closing. Nope. So he called his cuzzie, (and woke him up in the middle of the night,) who works in the ancient city, and got the inside story straight from the llama's mouth, so to speak.  As I suspected, it's a nothing alpacaburger. Click bait. Go back to bed. Vidal and his cousin reported that over the last several months, possibly even a year, not only are there restrictions for the entry times to these 3 monuments, but Machu Picchu National Park maintenance teams have been installing wooden steps going up to the temples and other steep high traffic areas. This has been going on for months. It also happened at the ruins in the village of Ollantaytambo where wooden steps have been installed to avoid wear and tear on the original stonework. While visiting hours to the 3 monuments in Machu Picchu are still restricted. Nothing is closing. 

It's all part of a plan to protect the golden Inca egg so even more people can visit. Have you forgotten about the new airport currently under construction? The task for Machu Picchu park authorities is to figure out ways to mitigate damage while simultaneously setting up new and better pathways to literally bring more tourists into Peru. And of course Machu Picchu.

The monuments in question have had restricted hours for at least 3 years. Did anyone even notice? We've guided hundreds of people to Machu Picchu, and not one person mentioned,."Hey, I didn't get to see that. . . what's the name of that temple honey? You know, the one with that big black bird?" Ok. We had one college professor with his group of grad students who didn't know the Temple of the Sun had restricted hours and got a little grumpy about it. Otherwise, everyone over the last 3 years has been thrilled to finally set foot in the magical and mysterious Inca city. 

What is the most popular spot in Machu Picchu in 2023?

It's not any of the temples. It's not even a stone structure! The Machu Picchu "hot spot" in 2023 is without a doubt the classic view of the ancient city from the upper terrace. That's right. The view is the one thing visitors are chasing after in 2023. And not just any view will do. It has to be "the" classic view of Machu Picchu. What's that? CLICK HERE to find out. Visitors are clamoring for tickets that provide access to the upper terraces and the upper circuits. (there is a difference between upper terrace and upper circuit! Click here to find out what it is) Forget the formerly famous hike to Huayna Picchu. She's the new ugly step-sister, cast aside because there is no access to the upper terrace with that ticket. The most desired spot in the ancient city of Inca mythology is the upper terrace. 

Honeslty folks, I've been to Machu Picchu countless times. I've hiked in on the Inca Trail, and taken the train in. For visitors who attempt to soak in the vibrattion of ancient Inca energy, it can be sensed throughout the site  No matter what path or circuit you choose, or end up with, every corner pulsates with unresolved secrets and riddles yet to be solved..Not to mention enjoyed by the visitors who take the time and make the effort to travel to the middle of the Andes Mountains on of the most extraordinary adventures of a lifetime!