Everything you should know before travelling with Sakura

As one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is a destination in high demand, attracting thousands of visitors every day. Through the Ministry of Culture, the Peruvian government has set restrictions to preserve the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Keep the following list of prohibited items in mind so you avoid problems during your visit and make the most of your trip.

List of prohibited items

Backpacks, bags or holdalls larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm.

Tripods, selfie sticks, extensions and any stabilising equipment for cameras or phones.

Food and eating utensils (only light snacks and mineral water are allowed, under the applicable rules).

Aerosols of any kind and spray paint (cream sunscreen and repellent are recommended instead).

Poles with metal tips, umbrellas and parasols (only certified medical canes with rubber tips are exempt).

Shoes with heels or hard soles that could erode the ground.

Prams or pushchairs.

Sharp objects or weapons of any kind.

Drones or similar devices without prior official authorisation.

Musical instruments, megaphones or loudspeakers.

Flags, banners, signs, and clothing or costumes used for advertising.

Animals of any kind (only accredited guide dogs are permitted).

Drugs, illegal substances and alcoholic drinks, as well as entering under their influence.

Why are there restrictions at Machu Picchu?

The restrictions exist because, with so many visitors, the citadel must be preserved and protected from the damage caused by the daily volume of tourism. They serve three purposes:

Heritage protection: the rules guard the Inca structures themselves.

Ecosystem conservation: Machu Picchu sits in an environment rich in native and endemic species, and these rules help reduce the impact on it.

Quality of the visit: with these restrictions the experience of walking the citadel is far better, and the mystical atmosphere of Machu Picchu is preserved.

Rules of conduct

The rules of conduct at Machu Picchu are clear, and exist to protect the site and ensure a good visit. Machu Picchu is not only a tourist destination but heritage with a vast cultural legacy.

For that reason certain rules of behaviour were established so that nothing disturbs the atmosphere of the citadel or affects other visitors. Breaking them can lead to penalties or even immediate removal from the site.

Do not smoke, vape or light fires of any kind.

Do not undress, wear costumes, lie down or adopt inappropriate poses.

Do not climb, sit on or lean against Inca walls, terraces or structures, or damage them with scratches, carvings or graffiti.

Do not shout, clap, whistle or make excessive noise.

Do not run, jump or push on the access paths or trails.

Do not feed domestic or wild animals.

Do not litter; all waste must leave 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 your phone and apps only in open areas, without blocking narrow paths.

Ceremonies, rituals, events or commercial photo shoots require prior authorisation.

Street trading inside the site is prohibited.

Prohibited behaviour at Machu Picchu

Smoking or vaping an electronic cigarette.

Flying over the site with paragliders, drones or any light aircraft.

Obscene acts inappropriate in a public place, such as undressing, wearing costumes, lying down or running.

Creating crowds, jumping or causing disorder at the entrance or anywhere in the Inca city.

Climbing or leaning on the walls or structures, or any activity that distorts the sacred character of Machu Picchu.

Specific rules for the mountains

On the Waynapicchu, Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains there are specific rules covering the time allowed to climb and descend, the registration of entry and exit, and restrictions on what can be carried.

Rules on Waynapicchu mountain

Huayna Picchu is the mountain to the north of the Inca city. The ticket includes entry to both Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu. The rules are:

Entry is permitted only to people over 12 years old.

You must register your entry and exit at the checkpoint.

If you visit the Temple of the Moon at Waynapicchu, you branch off from the summit.

The average time to climb and descend Waynapicchu is 3 hours. Adding the Great Cavern or the Temple of the Moon makes it 4.

You may not carry a backpack larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm.

You must follow the marked paths.

The same prohibitions as at Machu Picchu apply on Waynapicchu.

Rules on Machu Picchu mountain

On Machu Picchu mountain, where the Inca city stands, the following rules apply:

The average time to climb and descend is 4 hours.

You must register your entry and exit at the checkpoint.

Entry is permitted to people of all ages.

You must not leave the permitted paths.

Parents are responsible for the care of children.

The same prohibitions as at Machu Picchu apply on the mountain.

Rules on Huchuy Picchu mountain

Huchuy Picchu is a new hiking route at Machu Picchu, next to Waynapicchu.

The estimated time to climb and descend is about two hours. Visitors must register entry and exit, respect the marked routes, and parents or guardians take responsibility for minors.

The same restrictions as at Machu Picchu also apply: certain objects may not be brought in, no action may alter the sacred character of the site, and disorder is not permitted.

Rules at the Inca Bridge

The Inca Bridge was one of the strategic accesses to Machu Picchu and lies about 20 minutes' walk from the citadel. It was built using a tree trunk that could be removed easily as a defence against invasion.

Access is included in the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge ticket, and you must register at the corresponding checkpoint.

Entry is open to people of all ages; however, you must stay alert and keep to the authorised paths at all times, without straying from the marked routes. Crossing the Inca Bridge is not permitted.

The same restrictions as at Machu Picchu apply, aimed at preserving order and conserving the site.

Visitor obligations at Machu Picchu

Buying your Machu Picchu entrance ticket

Online: through the official platform https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/llaqta-machupicchu (the only authorised site).

In person: at the Decentralised Directorate of Culture of Cusco (DDC) or at authorised sales points.

Important: you must present valid identification (national ID, passport or foreigner's card) at the time of purchase. Tickets cannot be changed or refunded.

Respecting the established circuits and times

Stay within the circuit assigned by your ticket.

Keep strictly to the entry and exit times indicated.

Re-entry is not permitted once you have left, except in duly justified emergencies.

Traveller's tip: some routes are only open during high season. Times are fixed and capacity is limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

Following the visitor regulations

To ensure an orderly visit without problems, it is essential to follow all current rules. Respecting them not only avoids penalties or interruptions, it also helps conserve this important cultural heritage for future generations.

Visitor capacity

For the Inca Trail

500 permits are issued daily for the trek to Machu Picchu. Of these, roughly 200 are for travellers and 300 for support staff (guides, porters, cooks and others).

In high season, places usually sell out two to three months ahead. In regular season, booking one or two months in advance is recommended.

For the Llaqta of Machu Picchu

4,500 tickets are available daily for entry to the citadel. Thousands of visitors from around the world arrive each year to admire its historical value and natural setting.

In high season 5,600 tickets are released, and it is strongly recommended to secure them several months in advance to guarantee availability.