Peru: Machu Picchu sets record! Nearly 150,000 tourists visited the Inca citadel in Oct

Photo: Ministry of Culture of Peru

12:04 | Cusco (Cusco region), Nov. 4.

Machu Picchu reaffirms its status as Peru's top tourist icon and is on track to break the visitor record of recent years, surpassing the numbers reached in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 150,000 tourists visited this modern-world wonder in October alone.

According to the Decentralized Directorate of Culture in Cusco (DDC Cusco), the Inca citadel received 149,977 visitors last month. This figure is similar to those recorded during the high season in July and August, when 156,680 and 153,655 visitors were received, respectively.

"These figures demonstrate the success of the new management model," the DDC Cusco highlighted, noting that the new ticketing and entry control system for the Machu Picchu llaqta —implemented last August 1— "is operating smoothly, ensuring an orderly and safe experience for both domestic and foreign visitors."

In this regard, the institution stated that this large influx of visitors "confirms the effectiveness and stability of the in-person and digital ticketing system implemented since August 1."

The DDC Cusco emphasized that the new ticketing and control system optimizes quality service, guaranteeing an orderly and safe experience for visitors.

During an inspection, authorities and specialists confirmed the effectiveness and stability of the in-person and digital ticketing system; they verified the proper functioning of the service windows, access control systems, and visitor guidance mechanisms.

"The new system has proven to be efficient and transparent. Today, we have smoother service, without crowds, and stricter control over access to the Llaqta," DDC Cusco Director Anderson Casafranca told Andina News Agency.

"The figures and the inspections conducted confirm that we have managed to maintain an optimal tourist flow even during the peak months," he added.

Among the main improvements implemented, the number of service windows at the Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes Cultural Center was expanded, and the number of staff in the public service area was increased, significantly reducing waiting times.

Additionally, new payment methods such as credit and debit cards, as well as digital wallets, were incorporated, making ticket purchases easier for both domestic and foreign sightseers.

The official also mentioned the increase in the number of staff in the public service area, which optimizes operational capacity and service quality, as well as the extended opening hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The DDC Cusco director emphasized that these actions reflect an institutional commitment to efficiency and transparency.

"We are modernizing cultural management in Machu Picchu, placing each visitor and the heritage at the center of our decisions," Casafranca noted.

"This system allows us to responsibly manage the site's carrying capacity and ensure its preservation for future generations," he underlined.

Lastly, the official highlighted that the new ticketing protocol, which eliminates the pre-ticket system and establishes advance online sales through the official platform www.tuboleto.cultura.pe, ensures orderly, reliable, and safe access to the Inca llaqta, while reinforcing heritage preservation through the implementation of modern and sustainable mechanisms.