Changes to the Machu Picchu entry began to be implemented on 1st July 2017.
The most significant change is that each day there will be 2 or 3 entry periods and people’s time on site will be limited. The second major change is that it is no longer possible to enter Machu Picchu without a registered guide – this will not affect most of Apus Peru clients, but will impact independent travellers.
First entry period: 6am to 12noon/ Cost 152 Soles/ You are able to get tickets to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for this turn (Cost 200 Soles) You can get up to an hour extra on site if you do Huayna Picchu.
Second entry period : 12 to 17.30pm / Cost 152 Soles/
Third Entry period: 1pm to 5.30pm/ Cost 100 soles
- For all trekking groups that arrive from the Inca trail, you will enter on the First turn.
- We will also be recommending that all Alternative Trek guests will be entering on the 6am to 12noon turn.
For guests that have ALREADY booked an extra day at Machu Picchu, Apus Peru will be including a guide to assist with your entry on this day (as per these new regulations). This will be for no extra charge. If you have not already booked an extra day, there will be extra charges for the guide service.
For guests who have booked, or are considering a Machu Picchu by Train tour, we are currently waiting on publication of new train schedules to re-organise the itinerary. For a 1 day tour, you would enter the 12-5.30pm session and we are currently evaluating the situation for the 2 day tour.
When is the best time of the day to visit Machu Picchu?
Plenty of glossy brochures talk about ‘being at Machu Picchu at sunrise.’ In our experience it’s over rated as the site seems shrouded in mist in the very early morning and the sunrise comes up over one of the neighbouring mountains. Not with-standing the point above about Sunrise (change your expectations and you will be fine!), by going early in the past you were be rewarded by less people and some stunning clouds over the site. The site opens at 6am, and by 9am there are a lot of crowds. BUT generally our favourite time for people free photography has been about 4pm when most people have gone home and the site is blessed with a gentle light… the afternoon has traditionally seen much less visitation (35% vs 65%in the morning) and so if that trend continues some people may opt for this option.
In short, we think that there will be pros/ and cons to the new system as it begins to roll out. We will keep you informed as more information comes to hand.
And – ultimately – we support these new regulations which will better regulate the flow of people and help contribute to the site’s longevity.
Recent articles that provide further context
http://theonlyperuguide.com/2017/05/machu-picchu-new-entrance-rules-july-01-2017/
DISCLAIMER: For 2 months we have been attempting to collate an accurate and helpful memo regarding the changes. Each day, the governing bodies of Machu Picchu make small adaptations to the information – presumably as more cases and scenarios get asked- and we are left unsure of what the day by day entries will look like. This information may change tomorrow; with that in mind, please understand that we are doing our utmost to get the best experience for you.
