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New entrance rules for visiting Machu Picchu
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New entrance rules for visiting Machu Picchu
SCROLL DOWN TO READ
New entrance rules for visiting Machu Picchu
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has new rules for visitors. On Thursday April 27, 2017, Peru’s Ministry of Culture announced the new entrance rules for visiting Machu Picchu. The new Ministerial Resolution No. 070-2007-MC, was first published in February 21, 2017 and will affect all visitors to Machu Picchu that are coming to the Inca citadel from July 01, 2017 onward. which reflects changes to visiting hours, how guides must operate within the site, the circuits which tourist must follow though the site and reconfirmation general entrance rules that will affect foreign visitors to Machu Picchu.
When Machu Picchu was first given the UNESCO World Heritage status back on Dec 09, 1983, the Inca Citadel was fairly unknown to the world. Since then, tourism has grown year on year, and now the site receives an unprecedented numbers of visitors per day. Before this new law, general entrance tickets were limited to 2,500 per day, and on some peak days of the year, this number actually sold out. The reality however, is that the amount of people visiting Machu Picchu per day is much more than 2,500, when you consider the various combinations of ticket types available (actually around 3,800 entrances). The new rules have been implemented to control how visitors and guides access the site, in order to maintain the integrity of the site and its legacy for future visitors. However, if you read between the lines, the new rules now actually allow for a greater number of visitors per day at 5,940.
From July 01, 2017 and for a period of 2 years, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu will be split into 2 entrance times.
Visitors must leave the site within the time frame stated and cannot re-enter once visitors have left the site. Visitors and guides who don’t enter and leave within the time frame stated, will be assisted to the exit by the competent authorities.
This is probably the most significant rule. From July 01, 2017 onward, all visitors entering Machu Picchu must be accompanied by a guide. Guides must be official Machu Picchu guides or licensed tourist guides. The must present an up-to-date and valid guide identification on entering Machu Picchu. Guides are only permitted to take maximum group sizes of 16 people. Guides need to sign in and sign out all visitors in his/her group. The guides will also be responsible for informing visitors of the regulations of the park. How guides will accompany visitors hiking Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain is unclear yet.
The new rules define three circuits which visitors to Machu Picchu must abide by. The route that you take will be defined when purchasing the ticket (make sure you buy the correct ticket). Each circuit takes an average 2 hours 30 mins to 3 hours to complete. To understand the exact route you will take, you need to have a fairly good understanding of the layout of Machu Picchu. The circuits are marked with ropes. Circuit 1, is the classic route, and the most challenging from a physical perspective. It first takes in the upper-sector of the citadel, before heading in a large loop around to the lower-sector. Circuits 2 and 3, visit the mid and lower-sectors, and are more suitable for those who want a more relaxing visit. At the end of this article there is the layout of the new circuits (as published by the Ministry of Culture). It is not permitted to leave these defined areas, and anyone found doing so, can be removed from the site. There are some alternative circuits are open to visitors in order to give them some extra options and diversify the hikes. This also helps reduce crowding in the citadel.
The hike up to the Sun Gate is another option. It’s the entrance that hikers on the Classic Inca Trail enter through in order to arrive to Machu Picchu. It takes 1 hour to hike and is free and available to all. According to the new rules, it can be visited during the morning session or in the afternoon session. It is still unsure if the government will give at least 1 hour to that people who want to do this extra hike.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain is permitted in two distinct entrance windows. You must present yourself at the trail head at the time shown below to gain entrance. Note: This ticket is a combination ticket with the general Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
The visitor must sign in and out of the trek at the control post, at the start of the trail head. The new law states that the time to complete the trek should be between 3 to 4 hours, depending if you include or leave out the Gran Cavern (also known as the Moon Temple). This technically means that you could enter Huayna Picchu at 11 am and leave Machu Picchu at 3PM.
Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is permitted in two distinct entrance windows. You must present yourself at the trail head at the time shown below to gain entrance. Note: This ticket is a combination ticket with the general Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Visitors must sign in and out of the trek at the control post, at the start of the trail head. The new law states that the time to complete the trek is approximately 4 hours. All visitors must have left the trek by 3PM. It seems to that this might well be the best ticket to buy as this will allow you much more extended time in Machu Picchu, then the standard ticket, especially when you consider that the ticket costs about extra US$ 7 per person.
The new rules also prohibit re-entrance to Machu Picchu, meaning once you enter, if you leave you are not allowed to return. They do include a stipulation in the new rules, which allow re-entrance for special circumstances. At the moment, the only toilets at Machu Picchu are located on the outside of the park, so until a solution is found to solve this problem you have to bear in mind.
As set out in Article 19 of the Ministerial Resolution, here are the general visitor rules for Machu Picchu (the important ones):
19.1 Any type of bag measuring more than 40 x 35 x 20 cm (15.7 x 13.7 x 7.9”) is not permitted and must be placed in storage (near the entrance).
19.2. It is prohibited to enter with food and drink.
19.4. It is prohibited to enter with alcoholic beverages.
19.5. It is prohibited to enter with umbrellas or sun shades (hats and ponchos / rain coats are permitted).
19.6. It is prohibited to enter with photographic tripods or any type of camera stand/support. This is only permitted with pre-authorization and the appropriate permit.
19.9. It is prohibited to enter with any musical instruments, including megaphones and speakers.
19.11. It is prohibited to enter with shoes with high-heels, or hard soles. Only soft soles are permitted (like those found in training shoes or walking shoes/boots).
19.12. It is prohibited to enter with children’s strollers / prams. Only strap on baby/child carriers are permitted.
19.17. It is prohibited to climb or lean on walls or any part of the citadel.
19.18. It is prohibited to touch, move or remove any lithic items / structures.
19.22. It is prohibited to enter with walking sticks with a metal or hard point. Only elderly people and physically-handicapped people are permitted to enter with a walking stick, when it has a rubber tip.
19.25. It is prohibited to get naked, dress up, lie down, run and jump.
19.26. It is prohibited to make loud noises, applaud, shout, whistle and sing. The tranquility and character of Machu Picchu must be maintained at all times.
19.27. It is prohibited to smoke or use an electronic cigarette.
19.32. It is prohibited to feed the resident or wild animals.
19.33. It is prohibited to paraglide, fly any type of drone or small aircraft.
In the new Ministerial Resolution No. 070-2007-MC, there is also a tiny section towards the end, which stipulates that these new rules will be re-defined again in 2 years, with a possible implementation of 3 distinct entrance times, among other changes. You can find a full copy of the Resolution No. 070-2007-MC by clicking here (document in Spanish).
