Access to Machu Picchu : New regulations and types of access

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If you are thinking of making a trip to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley you will have to take into account its new regulations and the types of access for entry to Machu Picchu. And relax, because you can visit Machu Picchu during pandemic.

Yes, you have to keep in mind that there is a new regulation for access to this valley of sacred temples. We have read and analyzed it to explain in a simple way everything you should keep in mind to visit Machu Picchu.

The new access regulations

The changes that have been proposed are to prevent the area from deteriorating. And to avoid overcrowding during the early morning hours. Normally visits can last between 1 and 4 hours. In addition, all circuits are unidirectional, so it will not be possible to backtrack.

The visit can be extended to 4 hours if you visit Huayna Picchu or if you visit the Machu Picchu mountain. In all cases it is mandatory to enter with an official guide and follow all its instructions.

Current situation due to COVID-19

Due to the current situation the visiting groups have been reduced to 8 people counting the certified guide, previously groups of up to 20 people could be formed. In addition, visits that could usually last up to 6 hours have been limited to 4 hours. In order to reduce the traffic in limited areas.

Visitors will also be required to measure their temperature before entering the area. Anyone above 37º will not be allowed to access the guided tour. It is mandatory to remain wearing a mask at all times.

Zones to visit and entrance fees to Machu Picchu

In order to explain it well, it must be understood that the archaeological zone has four different areas: Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu. These are three areas of Machu Picchu at different altitudes, for which you can buy a single ticket (which only gives access to Machu Picchu), or a combined ticket, either with Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.

Types of entrance tickets and prices

1. Basic entrance only for Machu Picchu (morning and afternoon shifts)

Children under 3 years old have free entrance. And you can check the availability of tickets on the official website of Machu Picchu.

You will have two circuits available to see the city. Circuit 1 is the easiest to follow, and you will visit the main sites. Circuit 2 is the most complete of all and the one that allows you to enjoy the archaeological city in its entirety.

2. Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain

This mountain is at the bottom of Machu Picchu. It has wide, gently sloping trails that make it the best option if you are traveling with children or older people.

From normal, 400 people are allowed access per day and it consists of a 2-kilometer hike with 300 meters of ascent. It takes about 3 hours to do, with great views of the Inca city.

3. Entrance to Huayna Picchu

It is the highest mountain within the archaeological zone. To reach its summit you will have to walk along narrow paths carved around the mountain, hold on to more than one rope and climb many steps.

Besides having one of the best panoramic views of the area you will also come across the Temple of the Moon located in one of the caves you will pass through during the ascent. This climb will test your fitness and is not recommended for people with a fear of heights.

There are only 200 tickets sold per day and it has 2 climbing shifts: one that allows access from 7 to 8 and another from 10 to 11, and even then you will find many people along the way. By the way, no access is allowed to children under 12 years.

4. Entrance to Huchuy Picchu

A few meters from the archaeological city stands the Huchuy Picchu mountain, the smallest of the three. If you are looking for a simple way to get a panoramic photo of Machu Picchu, this is your best option.

A route suitable for anyone, with stone steps that 200 visitors can walk every day. It is only an extra kilometer that will allow you to enjoy the Andean landscape and the ruins of the city.

5. Our recommendation

With so many options to visit the historic city of Machu Picchu, it is not easy to choose. However, with the new changes in the tours, we do not recommend choosing any of the mountain extras and limit yourself only to the visit to the archaeological city.

At the time of writing this article the Machu Picchu mountain route remains closed, the Huayna Picchu route has been halved and we do not consider worthwhile the Huchuy Picchu route. In addition, these circuits allow you to see only part of the city and omit some of the most important sites.

If you want to do the circuit to Huayna Picchu our recommendation is that you take two separate tickets with a difference between them of about 3 hours: a single ticket and a ticket with special route. This way you will get the most complete experience possible.

Now that you know everything about the entrance to Machu Picchu, aren’t you dying to visit it? Have you clarified with our explanations?