In the past, visitors to the Inca citadel could enter at 6:00 am and stay until sunset at 5:00 pm, but this generated crowds of people in the morning hours, as well as crowds and pushing and shoving in the afternoon departure times.
It is for this and other reasons that the same year (2017) UNESCO threatened to include Machu Picchu on the List of World Heritage in Danger, which generated the immediate reaction of the Peruvian government, which arranged new restrictions and measures to prevent the deterioration of this world heritage site.
The Historic Sanctuary or Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu covers an area of about 32 thousand hectares, within which is the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu or Llaqta, Huayna Picchu mountain, Machu Picchu mountain, Putucusi mountain, besides having a unique flora and fauna. The time spent in this natural and archaeological wonder depends on the type of entrance ticket purchased.
There are basically three types of tickets that can be purchased, the entrance ticket to the citadel or Llaqta, the entrance ticket to the Llaqta and Huayna Picchu mountain and the entrance ticket to the Llaqta and Machu Picchu mountain.
HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE CITADEL OR LLAQTA OF MACHU PICCHU?
Due to the new regulations there are now a maximum of 5,940 tickets available per day, divided into nine groups. Each group is allowed to stay in the citadel for a maximum of four hours. Details are as follows:
- The first group enters at 6:00 am and leaves the citadel around 10:00 am.
- The second group enters at 7:00 a.m. and leaves the citadel at 11:00 a.m. on average.
- The third group enters at 8:00 a.m. and leaves the citadel at 12:00 a.m. on average.
- The fourth group enters at 9:00 a.m. and leaves the citadel at 1:00 p.m. on average.
- The fifth group enters at 10:00 a.m. and leaves the citadel at 2:00 p.m. on average.
- The sixth group enters at 11:00 am and leaves the citadel around 3:00 pm.
- The seventh group enters at 12:00 a.m. and leaves the citadel at 4:00 p.m. on average.
- The eighth group enters at 1:00 p.m. and leaves the citadel at 5:00 p.m. on average.
- The ninth group enters at 2:00 p.m. and leaves the citadel at 5:00 p.m. on average.
The entrance ticket to the citadel or Llaqta has three circuits to choose from:
- The first circuit is the longest and has a duration of two and a half to three hours. Almost all the important places within the Llaqta are visited.
- The second circuit allows you to visit the most famous or well-known places of the Llaqta citadel and has an average duration of two hours.
- The third circuit allows you to visit the most accessible and less steep places of the Llaqta and has an average duration of one and a half to two hours. It was designed with the needs of the elderly or people with physical disabilities in mind.
Keep in mind that the entrance to the Llaqta must be accompanied by an official tourist guide. If you are found walking in the citadel without a guide, you will be asked to leave. For re-entry to the citadel it is no longer necessary to have a guide.
HOW LONG CAN I STAY AT MACHU PICCHU LLAQTA AND HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
The new entrance regulations to the Llaqta citadel and Huayna Picchu mountain establishes three entrance groups, with a maximum of 400 people per day. It is important to mention that if you want to visit the Huayna Picchu mountain you must do it in the morning hours.
- The first group enters the Llaqta at 6:00 am, beginning the ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain around 7:00 am. The combined time of permanence is six hours. The ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain takes approximately two hours.
- The second group enters the Llaqta at 7:00 am, starting the ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain around 7:00 am. The combined time of permanence is six hours. The ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain takes approximately two hours.
- The third group enters the Llaqta at 8:00 am, starting the ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain around 10:00 am. The combined time of permanence is six hours. The ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain takes approximately two hours.
HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE MACHU PICCHU LLAQTA AND MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
The current regulations establish three entrance groups to Machu Picchu, with a daily limit of 400 people.
- The first group enters the Llaqta at 6:00 am, starting the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain around 7:00 am. The combined time of permanence is six hours. The average climbing time to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain is four hours.
- The second group enters the Llaqta at 7:00 am, starting the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain around 7:00 am. The combined time of permanence is six hours. The average climbing time to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain is four hours.
- The first group enters the Llaqta at 8:00 am, beginning the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain around 9:00 am. The combined time of permanence is six hours. The average climbing time to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain is four hours.
Recommendations:
- When entering the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, always carry your passport or ID card with you, as well as your Machu Picchu ticket.
- Keep in mind that Machu Picchu is in a sub-tropical climate, so bringing mosquito repellent and a good wide-brimmed hat would be a great idea.
- It is forbidden to enter the Sanctuary with selfie sticks, animals, high heels, food, drinks and others.
