Is it true that Machu Picchu is now more crowded than ever? See the image I included? See if you can guess when it was taken? I'll post the answer at the bottom. No cheating!

If you read the stories, even in well known and resepctable publications, you would think that Machu Picchu is overrun by travelers all day, every day. I consider myself quite informed about this topic since I have been tracking the total number of tickets available to Machu Picchu every day for over 10 years. And because I have been organizing trips and groups traveling to Machu Picchu for 18 years, I'n in a position to examine other factors that could affect the perspective that iMachu Picchu is more crowded.

By now everyone is aware of the changes to the distribution of tickets by the hour on one way circuits over the course of the day. This post is not addressing those changes. I'm looking at the total number of humans who step over the threshold at Machu Picchu main gate each day, no matter which circuit they're on. Just to be clear, we know that many visitors buy more than one entry ticket per day. These folks are counted twice.since they are occupying space inside the national park at the same time as all the other tickets holders. 

I'm not saying there is no congestion or crowding at Machu Picchu. Here's what we're looking at.

• Has there been an increase in the number of visitors per day?
• Have there been changes in travel trends that could affect how crowds are managed making it seem more crowded?
• Have Machu Picchu national park authorities implemented policies and made changes that affect how visitors arrive and move through the park?

Here's my first case in point. On June 1, 2024, there was a major restructuroing of circuits at Machu Picchu. Here's what they did. They set up 3 main routes through the park calling them Route 1, Route 2 and Route 3. Each route was subdivided into a total of 10 circuits.Prior to this, all circuits provided at least some kind of access to the actual ancient city. After this circuit shake-up, 4 routes in circuit 1 no longer included any access to any part of the city. 

Route 1 has 4 circuits none of which include entry to the actual city. This route is for the panoramic view. Well who doesn't want that right? But! Were they thinking that visitors would get the circuit 1 tickets then go home without getting up close to the actual ancient city? Who goes to Machu Picchu without the intention to get up close to the actual thing they came to see and touch and enjoy? (OK. So I know one person in 18 years.who just wanted to get the classic view then he was out of there!)

Next up is Route 2 which was subdivided into 2 circuits that have now become the Little Darlings for tours of the entire ancient city. So guess what? These tickets sell out first. And everyone who doesn't get a ticket to circuit 2 thinks they are missing something. They're disappointed before they even started their trip. This is 2 circuits out of 10, created by the management who are supposed to be experts at managing crowds while simultaneously protecting the world wonder.

The final route is circuit 3 which has become the ugly little sister. In fact there's nothing wrong with circuit 3, except that it's not circuit 2! 

Do you see what I mean? The Machu Picchu park officials are not reading the room. What do travelers want? (if they would just ask me, I would be happy to lend a hand to set up circuits and hikes in a manner that would protect the golden llama egg, and give your paying customer a fantastic if not the memorable  experience they deserve.) 

Once you realize the way the tickets are organized affects the visitor experience, capacity is probably not contributing to congestion. Is it possible that overcrowding may be mainly in the village of Aguas Calientes, not so much inside the actual ruins? The reason I think this is because people are spread out evenly over the day inside the park. All circuits are one way. There's very little two-way traffic on the circuits (except hikes that are two way. But their capacity is limited,) I've literally been alone in sections of the park, for instance on circuit 3, on a day when every ticket was sold, and I could not see a single person anywhere near me. I even made a video for our YT channel. CLICK HERE TO VIEW

What do the numbers say? Are there more visitors now to Machu Picchu than in previous years?

You might be shocked to find out that the numbers indicate there are fewer entries through the Machu Picchu main gate today than there have been in over 10 years. What were the number in 2024? The total visitor capacity per day was over 10,000 people. Here's the link to see my post where I broke down the numbers.  In 2025, the number of tickets available per day hovers around 5000. Not including the 1000 tickets available in person in the village of Aguas Calientes. 

What other factors could affect congestion at Machu Picchu?

Based on my 10 years of tracking daily capacity at Machu Picchu, I would say that capacity is low on the list of facotrs affecting the perspective that Machu Picchu is crowded. I believe the shift to 1 day trips from Cusco and Sacred Valley in the last 2-3 years is perhaps the most influencial factor. Visitors come by train now and arrive in chunks at the same time. They run to get in line for the buses and temporarily swarm cafes, restaurants and the line to buy bus tickets. (which can be purchased up to 1 month in advance on Consettur.com website) 

These factors collide into an entanglement of negative encounters in the village, and it's no surprise that people's overall travel experience to Machu Picchu is overshadowed by stress and frustration before they lay an eye on the first megalithic stone. Most people go on their own now and may, or may not. secure a "pickup" tour guide to escort them around the ruins while waiting to board the bus. Interestingly, we believe that by organizing trips through a reputable tour operator, those operators are handling the logistics that creates a kind of buffer between the travelers and the potential for adverse situations that independent travelers need to be prepared for. I'm not saying people should only travel with tour operators. I'm saying that independent travelers may want to review their decisions before they make choices that can't be undone. One day I'll write a book about those late night phone calls I get from people needing a "fixer" to pull them out of the muck. (I set up a kind of one-woman Machu Picchu hotline for free consults folks!) And there are other reputable sources who are willing to give you free info. If I don't know the answer, I'll tell you. Or I'll refer you. Or I'll go ask my mother! (haha just kidding!)

Are the people who live in Aguas Calientes, (the closest urban center to Machu Picchu) concerned about overtourism? I don't think they are. In 2019 they protested until the government allowed them to sell up to 1000 entry tickets per day to visitors who show up in person. The inhabitants of that village are employed by the hotels, train station, bus company, cafes, restaurants and bars, all of whom need to benefit from tourism to survive. The process of buying tickets in person is involved. It's not just a matter of walking up to a counter and showing your passport, waving your credit ccard and "Bob's your uncle." here are your tickets. It takes 2 days if the stars are aligned in your favor, and there are no more than 1000 people who show up to buy these tickets. But what we saw at Easter week 2025 was so many people, that some visitors ended up staying in the village for 3 days before they could get their tickets. 

One last thing. Just let me do a quick little vent. This week there was a story that went viral about a woman who went to Machu Picchu and was so disappointed that it was foggy and she couldn't enjoy the view, that she had to share her despair with the entire world. I'm telling you now. No matter what day you go to Machu Picchu, or what time of year, please understand that you're going to the middle of the Andes and the weather is unpredictable. It could be foggy, misty, rainy or sunny. 

Spectacular sunrise images are possible, but are not likely. Sunset images are more likely, but still there's no guarantee. Ever. And now you know. Here's tips for snagging photos during the golden hour at Machu Picchu. CLICK HERE.

When was the image taken? If you guessed 2019, you're right!