Starting January 1, 2027, entry to Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain, and the Great Cavern will be limited to 10:00 a.m. Visitors must also begin their descent from the mountain summits no later than noon and follow other recently established regulations.
If you plan to hike the mountains around Machu Picchu in 2027, you’ll need to coordinate your entry to the citadel with your hiking time slot. Peru’s Ministry of Culture introduced new rules under Ministerial Resolution No. 000407-2026-MC, published on November 1, 2026.
If you’re planning to buy Machu Picchu tickets for Route 1-A Machu Picchu Mountain, 1-C Intipunku Gate, 1-D Inca Bridge, 3-A Huayna Picchu Mountain, or 3-C Great Cavern, check your entry time before booking transportation or train tickets.
Why Are the Machu Picchu Mountain Entry Times Changing?
The updated schedules take into account how long it takes visitors to walk from the main entrance to the internal checkpoints for hikes in the Machu Picchu mountains, complete the hike, and finish the route.
Each part of the visit takes time, and together they determine the maximum time visitors can spend inside the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a limit that has also been updated.
With these changes, the Ministry of Culture aims to spread visitors more evenly throughout the archaeological site without increasing its approved capacity.
When Do the New Machu Picchu Entry Times Take Effect, and What About 2026 Visits?
The new entry times take effect on January 1, 2027. Visits scheduled through December 31, 2026, will follow the previous rules. Which rules apply to your ticket depends on your visit date.
Machu Picchu Entry Changes for 2027
Last Entry at 10:00 a.m. and Descent Starting by Noon
Route | Latest Route Entry Time | Latest Time to Start the Return Hike | Round-Trip Hiking Time |
1-A Machu Picchu Mountain** | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. from the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain | 4 hrs |
3-A Huayna Picchu Mountain | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. from the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain | 3 hrs |
3-C Great Cavern | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. from the Great Cavern / Temple of the Moon | 4 hrs |
** The latest exit time for Route 1-A Machu Picchu Mountain is 2:00 p.m.
2. New Time Limits for Hikes, Sightseeing, and Total Time at Machu Picchu
Route | Hiking Destination | Round-Trip Hike | Time at Machu Picchu | Total Time Allowed |
1-A Machu Picchu Mountain | Machu Picchu Mountain | 4 hrs | 2 hrs 30 min |
|
1-C Intipunku Gate | Sun Gate or Intipunku | 2 hrs | 2 hrs | 4 hrs |
1-D Inca Bridge | Machu Picchu Inca Bridge | 1 hr | 2 hrs | 3 hrs |
3-A Huayna Picchu Mountain | Huayna Picchu Mountain | 3 hrs | 2 hrs 30 min |
|
3-C Great Cavern | Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern | 4 hrs | 3 hrs | 7 hrs |
How to Plan Your Machu Picchu 2027 Visit Around the New Entry Times
Here’s what to keep in mind when planning your Machu Picchu visit for 2027:
Read next | Guide to Machu Picchu Circuits
Here are a few practical examples to help you plan your visit.
| 1-A Machu Picchu Mountain | 3-A Huayna Picchu Mountain | 3-C Great Cavern |
Bus to Machu Picchu | 6:15 a.m. (~30 min) | 6:15 a.m. (~30 min) | 7:15 a.m. (~30 min) |
Main Entrance Check-In | 7:00 a.m. | 7:00 a.m. | 8:00 a.m. |
Walk to the Trailhead | 1 hr | 1 hr | 1 hr |
Internal Checkpoint Check-In | 8:00 a.m. | 8:00 a.m. | 9:00 a.m. |
Hike to Destination | Uphill ~2 hrs | Uphill ~1 hr 30 min | Uphill ~2 hrs |
Arrive at Hiking Destination | Around 10:00 a.m. | Around 9:30 a.m. | Around 11:00 a.m. |
Return Hike | Downhill ~2 hrs | Downhill ~1 hr 30 min | Downhill ~2 hrs |
Internal Checkpoint Exit | 12:00 p.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. |
Visit to Machu Picchu | 1 hr 30 min | 1 hr 30 min | 2 hrs |
Exit Machu Picchu | By 1:30 p.m. | By 12:30 p.m. | By 3:00 p.m. |
Bus to Aguas Calientes | ~30 min | ~30 min | ~30 min |
When planning your visit, check with your tour operator to make sure your chosen time slot gives you enough time to complete everything included with your Machu Picchu ticket. Allow plenty of time for the trip back down before choosing your return train. If you’d like expert help planning your day at Machu Picchu, feel free to contact us.
