Machu Picchu : Important Rules and Considerations

Machu Picchu 2025 Guide - Essential Information

Seasons:

High season: June 1 - November 2 and December 30-31 (5,600 visitors/day)
Low season: rest of the year (4,500 visitors/day)
Machu Picchu Ticket Purchase Requirements

Mandatory data:

Full name
Gender
Passport number
Nationality
Date of birth

Schedule and Access

General hours: 6:00 - 17:30
Entry slots: 60-minute intervals (last entry 15:00)
Tolerance: 30 minutes after assigned time
Standard visit duration: 2.5 hours maximum

Visit Rules:

Required documents:

Printed or digital ticket
Original passport
Student ID (if discount applies)
Baggage restrictions:
Only one small backpack allowed
Prohibited: large bags, food, disposable bottles
Walking sticks: Only for elderly/disabled with rubber tip

Services:

Restrooms available only at entrance (not inside site)
Single entry per ticket (no re-entry)

Trains and Buses

You can reach Aguas Calientes, the starting point for visiting Machu Picchu, by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Trains operated by PeruRail and IncaRail, offering different categories and frequencies, run on this route.

Train tickets are issued based on personal data and are only valid for the selected departure. It is not possible to refund already issued train tickets.

Due to limited space aboard trains, baggage restrictions apply to passengers. You can only carry hand luggage on the train (one bag per person) with a maximum weight of 5 kg.

Buses, subject to an additional charge, run between the town of Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu citadel. Buses to Machu Picchu operate between 5:30 and 15:30, return trips are possible from 6:00 to 18:00. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

When there are high numbers of visitors, queues for buses may form. Therefore, you should plan sufficient time. Visitors must take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at least 30 minutes before their reserved visit interval.

Available Circuits within Machu Picchu

Circuit 1 "Panoramic": Features: Upper agricultural sector with panoramic views.

Circuit 2 "Classic": Features: Complete agricultural and urban sectors. Highlights: Inca quarry, Sun Temple, Sacred Stone, Temple of the Condor.

Circuit 3 "Royal": Features: Lower sector focusing on urban area. Highlights: Water Mirrors, Pisonay Square, Temple of the Condor, Sacred Stone.

Additional Mountains

Wayna Picchu

Access: Circuit 3 Route 3-A
Capacity: 350 tickets/day (175 at 7:00, 175 at 9:00)
Ascent duration: 45-60 minutes
Total time allowed: 5.5 hours
Level: Expert (narrow and steep trail)

Machu Picchu Mountain

Access: Circuit 1 Route 1-A
Capacity: 300 tickets/day (150 at 6:00, 150 at 8:00)
Ascent duration: 90 minutes
Total time allowed: 7 hours
Status: Closed until June 1, 2025 due to rainfall

Huchuy Picchu

Access: Circuit 3 Route 3-D
Capacity: 50 tickets/day (25 at 9:00, 25 at 11:00)
Ascent duration: 15 minutes
Total time allowed: 3.5 hours
Availability: High season only
Level: Beginner

Inca Trail

Inca Trail entrance permits have a daily limit of 500 visitors, including 200 tourists and 300 trekking staff.
Reservations must be made well in advance, preferably 3-4 months before the desired trekking date.
Permit allocation follows a first-come, first-served (FIFO) principle, so early booking is essential.
The most popular option is the 4-day, 3-night trek and tends to sell out quickly.
High season for the Inca Trail is during the dry season from May to September.
Inca Trail booking requires providing complete information, including full names, nationality, date and place of birth, and passport numbers of all passengers.
The entrance fee is personal and non-transferable to prevent black market activities.
No changes to names or passport numbers are accepted by authorities in Cusco.
If a new passport has been obtained, it is necessary to present the old passport or a notarized copy at the trail access control station.
The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and during the rainy season in February.
It is recommended to visit the official site for the most up-to-date information on availability, ticket types, and any recent changes to the booking process.