Rules of respect and entry to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu 2026

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site and a natural and cultural area protected by the Peruvian State. Therefore, all visitors must strictly comply with the rules established by SERNANP and the Ministry of Culture of Peru.

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is safeguarded under Law No. 28296, which declares it a National Cultural Heritage site. Any activity that may alter, damage, or threaten its conservation is strictly prohibited and sanctioned by Peruvian law.

The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP) oversees the preservation of the natural environment surrounding Machu Picchu. Its mission is to protect the flora, fauna, and ecosystems that coexist with the archaeological site, ensuring sustainable tourism practices.

1. Entry and control

Access to Machu Picchu is granted only to visitors accompanied by an authorized official guide, upon presentation of a valid entry ticket and personal identification.

Tickets are strictly personal and valid only for the date and time indicated. Entry with expired or mismatched credentials is not permitted.

All visitors must adhere to the schedules and circuits established by the Ministry of Culture and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

2. Behavior inside the sanctuary

Visitors must maintain a respectful and responsible attitude toward the site, other tourists, and park personnel.
Running, shouting, or playing loud music is strictly prohibited.

Entry under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances is not allowed.

Public displays of affection and any behavior that may disturb the tranquility or sacred nature of the site are also restricted.

3. Protection of cultural heritage

To preserve Machu Picchu’s archaeological integrity, visitors must refrain from touching, leaning on, or sitting on walls, terraces, or structures.

It is forbidden to draw, paint, scratch, or make any marks on the stones or surfaces.

Removing stones, plants, or any archaeological elements is considered a serious violation.
Visitors are required to stay within marked trails and follow the designated circuits at all times.

4. Environmental protection

Machu Picchu is a protected natural area. Visitors are responsible for maintaining its cleanliness and ecological balance.

Littering is prohibited; all waste must be carried out by the visitor. Single-use plastics such as bottles, bags, and straws are not permitted.

Wildlife must not be fed, chased, or disturbed. Additionally, visitors should avoid stepping on or collecting plants and flowers.

5. Permitted equipment

Only small backpacks up to 20 liters are allowed inside the sanctuary.

Trekking poles must have rubber tips to prevent surface damage. Umbrellas, tripods, drones, musical instruments, banners, and selfie sticks are not permitted without prior authorization from the Ministry of Culture.

6. Photography and video

Visitors may take personal photographs and videos as long as they do not block pathways or disturb others. Professional or commercial photography requires official authorization.

Climbing on walls or adopting risky positions for photos is strictly prohibited.

7. Stay and exit

The maximum stay time inside Machu Picchu is limited to that indicated on each visitor’s ticket.

Once a visitor leaves the site, re-entry with the same ticket is not permitted.

Visitors must comply with all instructions from guides and control staff to ensure a safe and organized experience.

8. Sanctions

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in immediate expulsion from the site, administrative penalties, or restrictions on future access to the Machu Picchu and Inca Trail network.

9. Visitor’s commitment

All visitors agree to respect the rules, preserve the natural and cultural environment, and contribute to the protection of Machu Picchu as a world heritage site.

Every traveler’s cooperation ensures that this sacred Inca legacy endures for future generations.

Prohibitions during your visit 2026

Visitors are not allowed to carry backpacks or bags larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm.
Entering with food is strictly prohibited.
Entry under the influence of, or in possession of, illegal substances is not permitted.
Carrying or consuming alcoholic beverages, or entering while intoxicated, is not allowed.
The use of walking sticks, umbrellas, portable seats, tripods, camera or phone extensions, and other filming equipment is prohibited.
Animals are not allowed inside the sanctuary, except for certified guide dogs.
Feeding domestic or wild animals is forbidden.
Spray cans and aerosols are not permitted.
Writing, painting, or making any marks on walls, structures, or surfaces is strictly prohibited.
Musical instruments, megaphones, speakers, or any loud noises—such as shouting, clapping, whistling, or singing—are not allowed.
Visitors may not enter wearing high-heeled or hard-soled shoes, or with baby strollers.
Carrying sharp objects, weapons, or similar items is strictly forbidden.
Banners, posters, advertising clothing, costumes, or promotional materials are not allowed.
Professional photography or filming for advertising purposes requires prior authorization.
Jumping, running, lying down, disorderly conduct, nudity, climbing, or leaning on walls and structures is prohibited.
Touching, moving, or removing stones, archaeological remains, plants, or animals is not permitted.
Smoking, vaping, or lighting fires inside the site is strictly forbidden.
Throwing any type of waste or litter is not allowed.
Visitors must follow the established routes and circuits, and selling goods or services within the monument area or near the “Puente Ruinas” is prohibited.
Flights with drones, paragliders, or any similar aerial devices over the sanctuary are not permitted.

We are specialists in responsible tourism

To help you enjoy a safe and respectful visit, we present useful resources that explain the main regulations and visitor restrictions within the sanctuary.

Certifications that prove our commitment

Our company ensures full compliance with the rules of respect and entry to Machu Picchu, promoting responsible tourism and the preservation of this sacred site.