Can you finally achieve the dream of your lifetime? To see one of the marvels of the world: the sanctuary of Machu Picchu? Of course!
We will do everything we can to help you realize your dream. First, you should understand that from July 1st, 2017, new regulations will come into effect “changes in regards to the entrance and visits to Machu Picchu.”
- What do the new regulations mean for me?
In planning your trip you have to consider more aspects than before, for example: What time do you want to enter the site? Where do I get a guide and do I want a private guide or a shared one?
- What has changed and what hasn’t?
– A two-shift system: Now you can enter during the morning (From 6 a.m. until midday) or the afternoon (from midday to 5:30 p.m.).
– You will need to hire a guide to enter Machu Picchu: you can find a guide at the main gate, hire a private guide with us, or join one of our shared group tours.
– Afternoon entrance to the sanctuary at a reduced cost from 13:00 onwards has not changed.
– The price will not change as of July 2017, after the new rules go into effect. The prices and ticket availability can be seen at machupicchu.gob.pe, the only official page of the official Ministry of Culture (you will see that there are many more pages of intermediate vendors with domains that use the name “Machu Picchu”, and not all of them can be trusted.)
– There are still 3 options to visit Machu Picchu: The entrance only to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu (now in two shifts) or also to Machu Picchu Mountain or to Huayna Picchu (each at additional prices and also in two shifts).
– For people who visit Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, the service of a tour guide in those restricted access areas is optional. The visit to the Citadel of Machu Picchu can be done before or after by agreement with an official tour guide.
- Why are there new regulations?
In 2014, the number of visitors increased drastically to 1.4 million people. This flow of tourists is uncontrollable during the high season (May to August). As such, this year the new “Regulation of Sustainable Use and Tourism for the Conservation of the Inca City of Machu Picchu” was put into place.
– UNESCO has been in constant communication with the Ministry of Culture and other management agencies of the Inca City of Machu Picchu since declaring the site a “World Heritage Site” in the year 1981, in order to guarantee the sustainability of the usage of the sanctuary. With the growing number of tourists, the site is in constant danger from an overflow of visitors. For this reason, the new regulations represent a cautionary measure, taking in to account UNESCO’s recommendations to restrict access to the sanctuary.
–> If you have any doubts or questions about your visit to Machu Picchu, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you plan your stay in Peru.
