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How long can you stay in Machu Picchu?

Portada / Useful information for travel to Peru / Data for traveler / How long can you stay in Machu Picchu?
Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience; however, due to various regulations from the Peruvian government, a time limit has been set for staying in the Inca citadel. The duration of stay at this archaeological wonder depends on the type of entrance ticket purchased. Here we tell you all the details.
Be sure to book your ticket in advance to choose the one that suits your preferences.
Be sure to book your ticket in advance to select the one that suits your preferences.

The entry regulations to Machu Picchu changed in 2017. Previously, visitors to the Inca citadel could enter at 6:00 am and stay until sunset at 5:00 pm, but this created crowds in the morning and congestion and jostling at the evening exit times.

For these and other reasons, in the same year (2017) UNESCO threatened to include Machu Picchu on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Which prompted an immediate response from the Peruvian government to impose new restrictions and measures to prevent the deterioration of this World Heritage site.

In 2024, more routes were added to reduce the impact of visitors on Machu Picchu, and as of today, there are 10 different types of tickets available for purchase:

  • Entry ticket to Circuit 1 — Machu Picchu Mountain Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 1 — Upper Terrace Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 1 — Intipunku Gateway Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 1 — Inka Bridge Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 2 — Classic Designed Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 2 — Lower Terrace Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 3 — Huayna Picchu Mountain Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 3 — Royal Designed Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 3 — Great Cavern Route
  • Entry ticket to Circuit 3 — Huchuy Picchu Route

The entry ticket to the citadel or Llaqta offers 3 circuits to choose from:

  • The circuit 1 is the shortest, lasting 40 minutes to 1 hour. It allows you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu, but does not include entry to the interior of Machu Picchu.
  • The circuit 2 allows you to explore most of Machu Picchu and visit the most famous sites in about 3 hours, as well as get a photo similar to the classic postcard.
  • The circuit 3 allows you to explore the lower part of Machu Picchu and visit less steep places, lasting about 2 hours.

Keep in mind that entry to the Llaqta must be accompanied by an official tour guide mandatorily.

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE MACHU PICCHU CITADEL?

Due to new regulations, there are now a maximum of 5,600 tickets available per day, divided across 3 circuits. Each circuit is allowed to stay in the citadel for up to 3 hours, though the actual time may vary depending on the ticket and alternative route chosen. Below is a detailed description:

Entry ticket with Circuit 1

With this ticket, you are allowed to stay in the Inca citadel for 1 hour from the time of entry. However, the duration of stay increases depending on the route decided.

Route Walking Time Stay in the Citadel Total Time
Circuit 1 + Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain 3 hours (ascent and descent) 1 hour 4 hours
Circuit 1 + Route 1-B: Upper Terrace 40 minutes 1 hour 1 h 40 m
Circuit 1 + Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway 40 minutes 1 hour 1 h 40 m
Circuit 1 + Route 1-D: Inka Bridge 40 minutes 1 hour 1 h 40 m

Entry ticket with Circuit 2

With this ticket, you are allowed to stay in the Inca citadel for 3 hours from the time of entry. However, the duration of stay increases depending on the route decided.

Route Stay in the Citadel
Circuit 2 + Route 2-A: Classic Designed 3 hours
Circuit 2 + Route 2-B: Lower Terrace 3 hours

Entry ticket with Circuit 3

With this ticket, you are allowed to stay in the Inca citadel for 2 hours from the time of entry. However, the duration of stay increases depending on the route decided.

Route Walking Time Stay in the Citadel Total Time
Circuit 3 + Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain 2 hours (ascent and descent) 2 hours 4 hours
Circuit 3 + Route 3-B: Royal Designed 1 h 30 m 2 hours 3 h 30 m
Circuit 3 + Route 3-C: Great Cavern 2 h 30 m 2 hours 4 h 30 m
Circuit 3 + Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu 1 hour 2 hours 3 hours

Recommendations

  • When entering the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, always carry your passport or ID card, as well as your Machu Picchu ticket.
  • Keep in mind that Machu Picchu is located in a subtropical climate, so carrying mosquito repellent and a good wide-brimmed hat would be a great idea. 
  • Entry to the Sanctuary with selfie sticks, animals, high-heeled shoes, food, alcoholic beverages, and other items is prohibited.
Review the route of each circuit to choose which entry ticket you will purchase.
Review the route of each circuit to select which entry ticket you will purchase.

Happy passengers