Machu Picchu citadel is a hotspot destination for all of those wanting to check off another place from their bucket list or just have the opportunity to visit this majestic Incan citadel that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. The Peruvian government issued new regulations which started in 2021 and in 2023 after pandemia, the regualtions are still are changing in order to help conserve and maintain this historical site in the most pristine conditions possible.
Time in Machu Picchu
The time designated for you to enter Machu Picchu is selected when you buy your tickets in advance. For whichever assigned time indicated on your ticket, you have the full hour to enter the archaeological site. We suggest you arrive at the bus stop in Aguas Calientes at least one hour before your entrance time at the Machu Picchu ruins.
With the new regulations from 2021, there are 8 different session times:
There are limited numbers of entrance tickets for each session.
As of July 1 2017, any visitor wanting to visit Machu Picchu must enter with a licensed tour guide. The tour guide must present a valid and up to date identification card upon arriving at this site along with a list of his/her tour group.
With the new regulations for 2019, there are three different session times:
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | Machu Picchu Mountain |
|---|---|
| 1st Session – 6 to 7 am | 1st Session- 6 to 7 am |
| 2nd Session – 7 to 8am | 2nd Session- 8 to 9 am |
| 3rd Session – 8 to 9am 4th Session – 10 – 11h |
Due to the new time sessions lasting 4 hours, we recommend you do one of the earlier sessions, after your guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. The earliest hike is at 6am and the latest is at 12h.
When will the new Regulations start?
The new regulations began on January 5th, 2019 but everytime regulation are still changing a lot, specially after the Pandemia.
Will I be able to explore all of Machu Picchu in one session?
Of course! We coordinate your tour so that we can visit the main points of the citadel with additional time for you to explore before leaving this majestic site.
If I want to visit Machu Picchu Citadel for the second session or a second day, do I need a guide?
New regulations state that you will need a guide on your first day. If you are going to visit on a second day without a guide, you must show proof of your first visit (prior entrance ticket) along with a new entrance ticket.
What if I want to spend more time in Machu Picchu?
You are more than welcome to spend more time at this once in a lifetime site but you will be required to purchase another entrance ticket for specific schedule.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in the afternoon session?
There will be 4 sessions for these hikes: 6, to 7am, 8 to 9 am and 9 to 10 and 10h to 11h. The latest you will be able to hike is 11 noon as the park rangers will be keeping track of hiking times. There are no afternoon sessions after 12 noon.
Each new timeslot will be 4 hours long, meaning you will only be allowed to visit Machu Picchu citadel for 4 hours. If you require more than 4 hours for your visit, you will need to purchase another entrance ticket.
What are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain 2024 times?
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | Machu Picchu Mountain |
|---|---|
| 1st Session – 6 to 7 am | 1st Session- 6 to 7 am |
| 2nd Session – 7 to 8am | 2nd Session- 8 to 9 am |
| 3rd Session – 8 to 9am 4th Session – 10 – 11h |
