Here's the latest update regarding changes to how entry times to Machu Picchu are now displayed. A lot has happened in 2024. Since January, the Peru government launched a new website, twice, reorganized all the circuits, changed how the entry times are displayed. And as a bonus, they established an official tolerance for late entry! Yikes. What else is there? One more little thing. They defined a high season and a low season. I'm going to show you the difference between how the old entry times and the newest entry times are displayed. And I'm going to explain what all these changes mean. To you!

If you haven't heard about the latest new Machu Picchu website launched on August 4, 2024. here's a link to that story to get the deets. I included the correct link to the new website for buying your own entry tickets to Machu Picchu.

How entry times to Machu Picchu were displayed on the old entry tickets

Entry times started at 6am and continued every hour during the day up to 1400 or 1500 for the primary circuits, and specific hours for the side hikes. Entry times were displayed as a window of 1 hour. For instance 6-7am, 7-8am, 8-9am. etc. You get the idea. This means you could enter the main gate anytime during that window between 6-7, 7-8 etc. When you purchased your ticket, the official entry time printed on your ticket would display a 1 hour window say between 6-7am or between 9-10am. Then the new "final" new Machu Picchu website was launched in August and this happened.

Changes to display of Machu Picchu entry times on the new website and entry tickets

(Observe the image) With the new website, the entry times to all circuits are now displayed as a specific exact time on the upper left side of the official ticket. This means if you select 7am as your entry time, your ticket will display that exact time and that's the time you're expected to enter the main gate at Machu Picchu. There is no longer a 1 hour window for entry times. However if you're doing one of the hikes, the entry for the hike is one hour after the official entry time at the main gate. and will be displayed in the center of the ticket in smaller print. Note there is a 1 hour entry window for the hike. See the image above where the entry time for the hike is between 8-9am on our sample. Are you with me? Moving on the the next item.

What is the tolerance for entering late to Machu Picchu?

With the new entry times comes the complicated task of organizing your logistics for a day trip where precision matters. Let's face it, some folks are better at this than others. I'm not necessariliy talking about circumstances that, through no fault of your own, cause you to be late. I'm really talking about poor planning. I know who you are. (I'm related to some of you! haha) who like to schedule everything with no room for wiggle. What the train companies don't tell you is that it's quite normal for trains clackety clacking between Cusco or Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, to pull over and let the oncoming train pass. That's because all the trains from two train companies are using the same tracks. Please pad your schedule with at least another 15 minutes to allow for that. Then in the village of Aguas Calientes you have to wait for the bus. This is completely unpredictable except in August and maybe July, when it's safe to say you should plan on at least 1 hour or longer to wait to board your bus. At other times of the year allow 30-60 minutes. 

Here's the official tolerance policy for lateness at Machu Picchu: (applies to main gate only)

• High season: June 1- Oct 15 - 45 minutes
• Low season Oct 16 - May 31 - 30 minutes

The official tolerance may be ignored during times when large groups of people are affected by interruptions in the services needed to get to the middle of nowhere in the Andes Mountains. Can I guarantee it? No. Those decisions are made on the spot by the people standing on that spot. Don't be calling me if the train breaks down. If you have a tour guide or operator they will try their best to solve last minute problems and restore order to get you back on track (haha) with your trip. 

Is there a tolerance for lateness to the hikes inside Machu Picchu? No. Never. I shouldn't say never, but I am. It's possible you could show up 1 minute late and talk your way in. But try not to. That's why they give you a one hour window and not a specific appointment. 

Are visitors allowed to exit to use the restroom and re-enter Machu Picchu with the same ticket? No. Never. That's how they keep the crowds down folks! And that's perhaps one of the most significant variables in determining how long you can stay inside the national park.  Here's a link to read more about powdering your nose at "the Wonder."

What's the difference between high season and low season at Machu Picchu?

Don't get too excited. There's no difference in the cost of tickets. There are only 2 hikes inside Machu Picchu National Park that open year round. That's the Huayna Picchu hike (which is combined with circuit #3) and Montana Machu Picchu hike which is combined with circuit #1. All the other hikes are open only during high season. (June 1 - Oct 15). As I mentioned above, the tolerance for lateness is 45 minutes in high season and 30 minutes in low season.

Note: the system for buying tickets for hikes in Machu Picchu have no relevance to Inca Trail hikes which are part of a different booking system. 

So far this year, our tour guides report that there have not been any issues with the entry tickets and tours at Machu Picchu. Recall that people were buying entry tickets back in January and there are now at least 3 "versions" of tickets out there for entry in 2024. Rangers have been flexible and helpful. It makes sense to me if you're going to advertise to the world "COME TO PERU!" you should avoid ticking off your visitors when they have literally spent buckets of dinero, and perhaps even suffered, to get to see "the wonder." 

What if you bought a ticket on the old website and it shows a 1 hour entry window to Machu Picchu>

With all the changes this year to websites, circuits and now Machu Picchu entry times, there has been a tolerance for letting people who have verified tickets and passports, to enter at the time printed on their ticket on the circuit they originally chose. 

(if anyone bought Machu Picchu tickets on the old Joinnus website and didn't print them, and lost their account with their tickets when the old website shut down, here is a link to that page for information about how to get your tickets)

For all you planners out there. This should help you out. For the rest of you, just give us a call after you take your meds and we'll do what we can to help you  unravel this jam-packed barrel of fun!