Changes in the entrance times to Machu Picchu.
The present article was originally published on Matador network. We are reproducing its content here.
If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu this year, then you need to know about changes to the system that grants access to Machu Picchu city.
Thousands of people across the world are planning to visit Peru this summer, some of them have already made reservations for their trips, whilst some others are still deciding when to go there. If you are one of those people who have yet to secure their plans, then the following information is of utmost importance for helping you plan your visit to this wonder of the world.
The present article was originally published on Matador network. We are reproducing its content here.
If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu this year, then you need to know about changes to the system that grants access to Machu Picchu city.
Thousands of people across the world are planning to visit Peru this summer, some of them have already made reservations for their trips, whilst some others are still deciding when to go there. If you are one of those people who have yet to secure their plans, then the following information is of utmost importance for helping you plan your visit to this wonder of the world.
Background.
In the past years, the number of people visiting Machu Picchu has grown exponentially. According to the administrative body in charge of Machu Picchu, in July 2016 more than five thousand people visited the area per day. The number of people trying to enter Machu Picchu has reached almost uncontrollable levels. In 2016 a record of more than 1.4 million people visited Machu Picchu. These numbers create insanely long lines made up of thousands of people trying to catch one of the shuttle buses to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The average wait time for a bus has been known to reach 2-3 hours, especially in the early morning hours when most people want to get to the city to experience the sunrise. In light of all of this almost unbearable situation, the park administration of Machu Picchu together with the Peruvian government have decided to implement "the new Regulations of Sustainable Use and Touristic Visits for the Conservation of the Inca City of Machu Picchu" approved in February 2017.
The purpose of this new set of rules is to ensure a better flow of people to this wonder of the world. All of these changes are implemented in accordance with the Master Plan of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The changes include entrance to the main attractions in Machu Picchu city be divided into two allocated entrance times. This means that visitors will only be permitted to enter Machu Picchu at the time they have been allocated and must exit the city by the time stated below.
The new Regulations of Sustainable Use and Touristic Visits for the Conservation of the Inca City of Machu Picchu establishes that from July 1, 2017, the following changes will take place:
1. Entrance to Machu Picchu will be divided into two entrance times:
The 1st entrance time from 05:30 AM until 12:00 noon.
The 2nd entrance time from 12:00 noon until 17:30 PM
2. Entrance to alternate routes:
Huayna Picchu Mountain
The 1st entrance from 07:00 AM until 08:00 AM
The 2nd entrance from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM
Only 250 people per allocated time can climb this mountain. The average time to go up and down this mountain is about 3 hours and 4 hours if one wishes to visit the Great Cavern. People should exit the Huayna Picchu by 13:00 PM.
3. Machu Picchu Mountain
The 1st entrance from 07:00 AM until 08:00 AM
The 2nd entrance from 09:00 AM until 10:00 AM
Only 400 people per allocated time can climb this mountain. The average time to go up and down this mountain is about 4 hours. People should exit the Machu Picchu mountain by 15:00 PM.
How will this affect tourists?
It is not known yet with certainty how these changes will affect visitors. Based on our experience we can foresee the following affects:
1. The best part of these changes is that there will be as many tourists in Machu Picchu at any given point in time. At least, not as many as in the past. They will make one's experience more pleasant and will allow people to enjoy the beautiful views of this city without the huge crowds.
2. The actual time spent at the archaeological site will be reduced to only 5 hours per entrance time. It seems that the people with permits to climb Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains will stay longer in the city (this has yet to be confirmed).
3. These changes will alter the train schedules. People need to check with their tour operators which entrance time they have been allocated to enter Machu Picchu to assist them to plan their trips and arrange hotels.
Our Recommendations:
Based on these changes, the best way to go to Machu Picchu is the Short Inca trail. Why?
Because, On the one hand, this is a beautiful way to get to the Sungate and Machu Picchu via this ancient road. On the other hand, people hiking the short Inca Trail will be able to visit Machu Picchu twice. At the end of their walk on day one of their hike, and when they return to Machu Picchu the following day.
Also, When it comes to crowds, The afternoon shift will be less busy than the morning one. Particularly during the "low season" months. People will have to choose between attempting to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu or have fewer individuals in the Incan site.
In the past years, the number of people visiting Machu Picchu has grown exponentially. According to the administrative body in charge of Machu Picchu, in July 2016 more than five thousand people visited the area per day. The number of people trying to enter Machu Picchu has reached almost uncontrollable levels. In 2016 a record of more than 1.4 million people visited Machu Picchu. These numbers create insanely long lines made up of thousands of people trying to catch one of the shuttle buses to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The average wait time for a bus has been known to reach 2-3 hours, especially in the early morning hours when most people want to get to the city to experience the sunrise. In light of all of this almost unbearable situation, the park administration of Machu Picchu together with the Peruvian government have decided to implement "the new Regulations of Sustainable Use and Touristic Visits for the Conservation of the Inca City of Machu Picchu" approved in February 2017.
The purpose of this new set of rules is to ensure a better flow of people to this wonder of the world. All of these changes are implemented in accordance with the Master Plan of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The changes include entrance to the main attractions in Machu Picchu city be divided into two allocated entrance times. This means that visitors will only be permitted to enter Machu Picchu at the time they have been allocated and must exit the city by the time stated below.
The new Regulations of Sustainable Use and Touristic Visits for the Conservation of the Inca City of Machu Picchu establishes that from July 1, 2017, the following changes will take place:
1. Entrance to Machu Picchu will be divided into two entrance times:
The 1st entrance time from 05:30 AM until 12:00 noon.
The 2nd entrance time from 12:00 noon until 17:30 PM
2. Entrance to alternate routes:
Huayna Picchu Mountain
The 1st entrance from 07:00 AM until 08:00 AM
The 2nd entrance from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM
Only 250 people per allocated time can climb this mountain. The average time to go up and down this mountain is about 3 hours and 4 hours if one wishes to visit the Great Cavern. People should exit the Huayna Picchu by 13:00 PM.
3. Machu Picchu Mountain
The 1st entrance from 07:00 AM until 08:00 AM
The 2nd entrance from 09:00 AM until 10:00 AM
Only 400 people per allocated time can climb this mountain. The average time to go up and down this mountain is about 4 hours. People should exit the Machu Picchu mountain by 15:00 PM.
How will this affect tourists?
It is not known yet with certainty how these changes will affect visitors. Based on our experience we can foresee the following affects:
1. The best part of these changes is that there will be as many tourists in Machu Picchu at any given point in time. At least, not as many as in the past. They will make one's experience more pleasant and will allow people to enjoy the beautiful views of this city without the huge crowds.
2. The actual time spent at the archaeological site will be reduced to only 5 hours per entrance time. It seems that the people with permits to climb Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains will stay longer in the city (this has yet to be confirmed).
3. These changes will alter the train schedules. People need to check with their tour operators which entrance time they have been allocated to enter Machu Picchu to assist them to plan their trips and arrange hotels.
Our Recommendations:
Based on these changes, the best way to go to Machu Picchu is the Short Inca trail. Why?
Because, On the one hand, this is a beautiful way to get to the Sungate and Machu Picchu via this ancient road. On the other hand, people hiking the short Inca Trail will be able to visit Machu Picchu twice. At the end of their walk on day one of their hike, and when they return to Machu Picchu the following day.
Also, When it comes to crowds, The afternoon shift will be less busy than the morning one. Particularly during the "low season" months. People will have to choose between attempting to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu or have fewer individuals in the Incan site.
