A captivating and exciting trip awaits you in Machu Picchu, the star destination in Peru and one of the world’s seven wonders. Get ready to experience this ancient world with a fresh perspective by following some regulations to explore this Andean gem with more comfort and fewer crowds.
Due to the rising number of visitors and the need to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site, the Peruvian authorities established regulations regarding visits to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu citadel. Some changes were designed to preserve the cultural heritage, manage visitor flow efficiently, and ensure a high-quality experience for all guests.
If your clients are heading to Machu Picchu or hiking the Inca Trail, understanding the updated circuits and regulations is crucial for a seamless experience. Here is everything you need to know to plan a successful trip for them.
Updates about the Entrance of Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail
Effective from May 27th, 2025, permits for the Inca Trail have the following updates:
- Both the 4-day and 2-day programs include access only to Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) at Machu Picchu, which offers scenic views but does not allow access to the Machu Picchu citadel and its archaeological monuments. Unlike previous regulations, re-entry to the citadel (Circuit 3-B) is no longer included. To explore the Machu Picchu citadel, travelers must purchase an additional entrance ticket for Circuit 2 or 3. (The entrance tickets must be requested from Pure! Travel Group for Machu Picchu and the circuit, and are subject to availability.)
- Confirmed bookings issued before May 27, 2025, with operations until December 23, 2025, keep the previous re-entry and entry conditions.
- Consider that if you want to add passengers to a group with a confirmed reservation with an Inca Trail permit issued before May 27, 2025, it is possible, and the previous regulation applies, as long as there is availability in the Inca Trail permit and the group has not reached the maximum of 16 passengers; ask your assigned travel designer for more information.
Machu Picchu Visit Circuits and Routes
The Ministry of Culture has defined a structure comprising three main circuits with ten official routes, effective June 1, 2024:
- Circuit 1 – Panoramic: Ideal for visitors seeking expansive views and a deep connection with the Andean spirituality. It includes four routes that traverse the higher and more scenic areas of Machu Picchu, involving varying physical effort levels:
- Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route
- Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route
- Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway Route (available only during high season)
- Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only during high season)
- Circuit 2 – Classic Circuit: This circuit covers the middle terraces and the urban area of Machu Picchu, featuring buildings used for residential and ritual purposes. It has two routes requiring moderate physical effort.
- Route 2-A: Designed Classic Route
- Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
- Circuit 3 – Royalty of Machu Picchu: Focused on the most sacred and emblematic Inca royal spaces, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Inca House. It consists of four routes with low physical effort, except for those including hikes to Huaynapicchu, Huchuypicchu, or the Great Cave, which demand more time and effort.
- Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route
- Route 3-B: Designed Royal Route
- Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only during high season)
- Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route (available only during high season)
* Note: The high season runs from June 1st to November 2nd and on December 30th and 31st.
Entry Ticket Purchase Requirements
- To purchase Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tickets, the following traveler’s information is mandatory: Full name, passport number and expiration date, date of birth, gender, and nationality.
*Important: Please provide us with either a copy of each traveler’s passport or a detailed list containing this information.
- Note that the accuracy of this data is the responsibility of the sender. Any errors or possible changes will require purchasing a new ticket, with no option for modifications.
- If a traveler is renewing their passport, tickets can be purchased using the expired document; however, the traveler must carry both the old and new passports for entry.
Ticket Purchase Deadlines & Availability
- Tickets cannot be reserved or blocked in advance; purchases must be made immediately through the online system. Therefore, complete traveler details should be submitted at least 90 days before the travel date for the Inca Trail and 60 days before the travel date for Machu Picchu, although availability depends on the remaining capacity.
- Additionally, 1,000 daily tickets are sold directly at the Aguas Calientes ticket office, but they are not guaranteed and require traveling to the town one day earlier to complete the purchase process.
Important Conditions
Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
For last-minute additions to the Machu Picchu excursion, availability in the same time slot or circuit as the original group is not guaranteed.
The limited visit duration in the Machu Picchu citadel and its archaeological monument is 2.5 hours. Exceptions apply to tickets that include access to surrounding mountain peaks, such as Wayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu, as well as the alternative routes to Inti Punku, Inca Bridge, and the Great Cavern, which allow for extended stays.
Each ticket allows for a single entry only. Once you exit the citadel, re-entry with the same ticket is not allowed.
It is recommended to plan visits to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in advance, review these updates carefully, and comply with the requirements provided to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.
For any questions or assistance on a specific upcoming booking, please contact us.
Published in June 2025
