14:18 | Urubamba (Cusco region), Jun. 18.
Everything is in place for the
Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu—Peru's leading tourist destination—to increase its daily visitor limit to 5,600 starting Friday, June 19, in accordance with
Ministerial Resolution No. 285-2025-MC, marking the beginning of the high tourism season at the attraction.
However, given the strong influx of tourists, the daily capacity will be increased.
Since May, Machu Picchu—located in Urubamba province, Cusco region—has seen a massive influx of tourists, leaving the "low tourism season" behind.
Visitors reach Machu Picchu via the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu Pueblo (Town) railway route, the Santa Teresa–Hydroelectric Station route (Amazon route), as well as the Inca Trail linking Ollantaytambo and the Inca Citadel.
Visitors generally choose to purchase one of the 3,600 tickets available online, while the remaining 1,000 are sold at the Culture Ministry's office in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
In the town, long queues and frustration have arisen among visitors seeking to obtain a reservation pass, which only allows them to purchase an admission ticket and enter the wonder the following day.
In response to this treatment, the cultural authority attempted to solve the problem by introducing in-person advance sales of up to three days.
This means that tourists receive a ticket or pass which allows them to secure the purchase of admission.
However, this did not remedy the dissatisfaction due to the number of days they had to remain in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Rosa Candia stated that the sale of the 1,000 in-person tickets will not be eliminated, but the process will be more orderly.
"To avoid that, we are presenting a proposal that is sustainable and ensures orderly visits to our heritage site. I do not want to get ahead of myself yet, as it is still in the socialization process," she emphasized.
Carrying capacity
Given the growing number of tourists arriving at Machu Picchu, which could even exceed the expanded visitor capacity, the tourism sector has proposed an increase in the site's admission limit.
In this regard, the Culture director clarified that "a study must be conducted before the carrying capacity can be increased. It is not simply a matter of raising the limit; we must assess the conditions of this monument. We cannot be irresponsible and authorize a higher visitor capacity without a study."
Lastly, the DDC in Cusco head suggested implementing the approved Machu Picchu Master Plan.
Data
- The daily visitor limit of 5,600 tourists at Machu Picchu, established under Ministerial Resolution No. 285-2025-MC, was applied on January 1 and from April 2 to 5.
- It will also be in effect from June 19 to November 2, as well as from December 30 to 31 of this year.
(END) PHS/MAO/MVB
Published: 6/18/2026