Pirwa Hostels Peru Blog

Changes Afoot…

If this is you, you waited too long to make your reservation.

Last week the INC (Instituto Nacional de Cultura- Cusco) made some changes to the entry process at Machu Picchu Sanctuary that has had immediate effect for locals in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Pueblo, travelers who were surprised by the changes mid-trip, and the many small travel agencies of Cusco.  Firstly, daily visitors to Machu Picchu can no longer exceed 2,500.  Secondly, you must make a reservation in advance in order to purchase your admission for Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Huayna Picchu (which now has its own cost), and other archeological sites under INC jurisdiction.  After making the reservation you have a certain number of hours in which to pay at the bank or online.  Those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu must also reserve in advance, at the same time that the Machu Picchu ticket is reserved.  200 climbers will be permitted between 7-8am, and 200 more between 10-11am.

From now on travelers must reserve online before buying their tickets, either independently or through a travel agency.  Inputting your personal information and selecting the site, entry route, etc, will generate the reservation code you´ll use to pay for the entry ticket, either in the Cusco municipal offices of the INC, DIRCETUR (Dirección Regional e Comercio Exterior y Turismo), or the Banco de la Nación del Perú.  Online payments are also an option, but only using MULTIRED or VISA (by creating an online Verified by Visa account if you haven´t done so already.) If your payments are not made within the window allowed, the system annuls the reservation. For the Inca Trail, you have 2½ hours after making the reservation to complete your payment, for Machu Picchu, 6 hours, and for other archeological sites, 5 hours.  You won´t receive a ticket upon payment, but will then be free to print out your ticket using your reservation code.

What does this mean…

…For Machu Picchu?

Above all, this is a positive change because Machu Picchu crowds will no longer reach unsustainable limits.  Like the limits imposed on the Inca Trail, it´s meant to protect an irreplaceable world heritage site in danger of degrading due to tourist traffic.  An extra charge for Huayna Picchu Peak is….frustrating; no doubt it’s the government´s attempt to recoup any losses they´ll suffer from selling less entry tickets.

…For Travelers?

For travelers already in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, the suddenness of these changes has caused complications.  Other travelers should just be aware that if their travel dates are inflexible, they should make their Machu Picchu arrangements in advance.  (Not the customary one or two days, but four or five days at the absolute minimum…or else be willing to accept an alternative entry date.)  If you´re unwilling or unable to pay online with Visa, you´ll either need to sacrifice half a day of your vacation to make arrangements and wait in line, or go with a travel agency.  On the upside, those wishing to climb Huayna Picchu will no longer need to wake up at ungodly hours to race other travelers to the trail before passes are all taken.

If you have any questions about the new regulations and ticket purchasing process, Pirwa Hostels Peru offers a travel service whose friendly staff is always ready to address travelers´ concerns or assist with transportation or tour arrangements.  You can find our travel desks in Pirwa hostels and B&Bs in all major cities of Peru; we´re Cusco-based, making it easy for us to confirm reservations, complete payments, and ensure that you make it to Machu Picchu on the day of your choice.  Visit the Pirwa Travel Service site here.

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