Restrictions and rules at Machu Picchu in 2026 remain essentially the same as in 2025, according to Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
Entry is only allowed with a valid ticket, time slot and ID, and you must follow the assigned circuit. Large backpacks, food, alcohol, tripods and umbrellas are not allowed, nor are shouting, smoking, undressing or leaving the established route. Breaking the rules can lead to expulsion with no refund, and tour groups are held responsible for their participants.
There are strict restrictions on what you can and cannot bring into the citadel. These measures protect both the archaeological site and the experience of all visitors.
List of prohibited items:
Backpacks, bags or purses larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm
Tripods, selfie sticks, extension poles and any type of stabilizer for cameras or phones
Food and eating utensils (only light snacks and bottled water are allowed, depending on the specific rules in force)
Aerosols of any kind and spray paint (it is recommended to use sunscreen and insect repellent in cream or lotion form)
Walking sticks with metal tips, umbrellas and parasols (only certified medical canes with rubber tips are allowed)
High heels or hard-soled shoes that could damage the ground
Strollers or baby carriages
Sharp objects, cutting tools or weapons of any kind
Drones or similar devices without prior official authorization
Musical instruments, megaphones or loudspeakers
Flags, banners, signs, and clothing or costumes for advertising or promotional purposes
Animals of any kind (only accredited guide dogs are allowed)
Drugs, illegal substances and alcoholic beverages, as well as entering under their influence
Restrictions at Machu Picchu
Behavior Rules
Inside Machu Picchu there are clear rules to protect the site and ensure a safe, orderly visit. More than just a tourist attraction, it is a fragile heritage site, which is why certain behaviors are strictly forbidden and may result in penalties or immediate expulsion.
Do not smoke, vape or light any kind of fire.
Do not undress, wear costumes, lie down on the ground or pose inappropriately.
Do not climb, sit or lean on Inca walls, terraces or structures, and do not damage them with scratches, carvings or graffiti.
Do not shout, clap, whistle or create excessive noise.
Do not run, jump, hop or push in access areas or along paths.
Do not feed domestic or wild animals.
Do not litter; all trash must leave the site with you.
Do not leave the marked trails or enter restricted areas.
Do not remove plants, animals, stones or any cultural element from the site.
Use cell phones and virtual apps only in wide areas, without blocking passage on narrow trails.
You must wear appropriate footwear; high heels and hard-soled shoes are not allowed.
Ceremonies, rituals, events or commercial photo sessions are only allowed with prior authorization.
Street vending or any type of informal commerce is forbidden inside the site.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Each violation has immediate and costly consequences. If you commit a minor offense, such as carrying an oversized backpack or making excessive noise, you can be expelled immediately with no ticket refund.
Serious offenses—such as damaging structures or doing graffiti—can lead to fines of up to S/ 53,500 (approximately US$14,400), plus criminal charges. If you damage cultural heritage, you could even face 3 to 6 years in prison, as well as a permanent ban from entering archaeological sites in the country.
Tour guides who fail to comply with the rules can face fines starting at S/ 300 and suspension of their license to operate.
Capacity Limits and Visitor Quotas 2026
Capacity control is defined in Ministerial Resolution No. 000285-2025-MC, which sets limits depending on the time of year. The goal is to reduce the impact on the site, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Visitor quotas by season
Season
Daily capacity
Dates in 2026
High
5,600 visitors
January 1; June 19 – November 2; December 30–31
Low
4,500 visitors
Rest of the year
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are prohibited in Machu Picchu and what happens if I bring them?
Prohibited items include:
Backpacks, bags or purses larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm
Tripods, selfie sticks and stabilizers
Food and eating utensils (beyond light snacks and water)
Aerosols and spray paint
Walking sticks with metal tips, umbrellas and parasols
High-heeled or hard-soled shoes
Sharp objects, weapons or similar items
Drones without official authorization
Drugs, illegal substances and alcoholic beverages
Animals (except accredited guide dogs)
What happens if I bring prohibited items?
They may deny you entry until you leave or remove the item.
If you are already inside and do not follow instructions, you can be expelled from Machu Picchu with no ticket refund.
What are the most important restrictions for Machu Picchu 2026?
You may only enter with a valid ticket, time slot and ID.
You must follow your assigned circuit without leaving the marked paths or entering restricted areas.
You are not allowed to climb, sit or lean on Inca walls, terraces or structures, or scratch, mark or damage them.
Smoking, vaping, lighting fires, undressing, wearing costumes, lying down or posing inappropriately are all forbidden.
Running, jumping, pushing or creating excessive noise (shouting, clapping, whistling) is not allowed.
You cannot remove plants, stones, animals or any cultural element from the site.
Ceremonies, rituals, events or commercial photo sessions may only be carried out with prior authorization.
Can you use cell phones, cameras and augmented reality apps in Machu Picchu?
Yes, you can use your phone and camera to take photos as long as you respect the surroundings and do not use tripods, selfie sticks or stabilizers, which are prohibited. Augmented reality apps or similar tools should only be used in open areas, without blocking the path or stopping traffic on narrow trails. If you plan to film or take photos for commercial purposes, you need special authorization.
What penalties apply if I don’t follow the rules at Machu Picchu 2026?
Minor offenses, such as entering with an oversized backpack or making excessive noise, can result in immediate expulsion from the sanctuary with no ticket refund. If the offense is serious—for example, damaging walls, doing graffiti or harming heritage—the fine can be as high as S/ 53,500 (around US$14,400), in addition to criminal charges.
In cases of damage to cultural heritage, penalties may include 3 to 6 years in prison and a permanent ban on entering archaeological sites in Peru. Guides who break the rules may face fines starting at S/ 300 and suspension of their license.
What is Machu Picchu’s daily capacity in 2026 and how does it affect my visit?
In 2026, the maximum capacity is:
High season: 5,600 visitors per day
January 1
June 19 to November 2
December 30 and 31
Low season: 4,500 visitors per day
Rest of the year
Because the number of visitors is limited by day and by time slot, tickets can sell out quickly, especially in high season. That’s why it’s important to book at least 2 months in advance and strictly respect the entry time printed on your ticket so you don’t lose your spot.
