What you must have to enter Machu Picchu — passport rules, licensed guide requirement, prohibited items, and what to bring. Everything confirmed before you leave for Aguas Calientes.
Passport required at the gateLicensed guide mandatory since 2019No tickets sold at the gate
The Two Non-Negotiable Entry Requirements
Before anything else, two requirements apply to every single visitor to Machu Picchu — without exception. If either is missing, you will be refused entry at the gate.
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Original Passport
Your physical passport is required at the entrance gate. Photocopies, scans, and phone photos are not accepted. The name on your ticket must match exactly. Peruvian nationals may use their DNI.
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Pre-Booked Entry Ticket
There are no tickets for sale at Machu Picchu. Your ticket must be purchased in advance, registered to your passport name, and valid for your specific date and time slot. Tickets are non-transferable.
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Licensed Guide (Legally Required)
Since 2019, Peruvian law requires all visitors to enter with a government-certified licensed guide. Your guide must be confirmed for the same date and time as your ticket. Entry without one is refused at the gate.
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Correct Time Slot
Entry is by time slot — 06:00, 10:00, 12:00, or 14:00. Your ticket is only valid for your confirmed slot. Arriving significantly early or late may result in denied entry. Your guide will brief you on the meeting point.
Our Machu Picchu Circuit 2 package covers all three mandatory requirements — official entry ticket, licensed guide, and time slot confirmation — in a single booking. You arrive in Aguas Calientes with everything already confirmed.
Do You Need a Guide for Machu Picchu?
Yes — this is a legal requirement, not a preference. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture mandated licensed guide accompaniment for all Machu Picchu visitors in 2019. This rule is enforced at the entrance gate.
What this means in practice:
If you have a valid entry ticket but no guide confirmed for the same date and time slot, you will be turned away. If your guide fails to appear on the day, you will not be allowed in. The guide must be officially registered with GERCETUR (Regional Government of Tourism) and must hold a valid professional license.
When you book through our package, your licensed guide is confirmed for your exact date, time slot, and passport name — simultaneously with your entry ticket. There is no coordination risk on your end.
What Is Allowed and Not Allowed Inside Machu Picchu
✓ Allowed
Backpacks up to 20 liters
Water in a sealed bottle
Camera (handheld, no tripod)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Light rain jacket
Walking stick (rubber tip)
Hat and sunglasses
Closed-toe shoes (recommended)
✗ Not Allowed
Backpacks larger than 20 liters
Food of any kind
Tripods and selfie sticks
Drones (strictly prohibited)
Umbrellas with pointed metal tips
High heels or stilettos
Pets or animals
Touching or climbing the ruins
Bags are checked at the entrance. Items over 20 liters must be left at the lockers available at the base of the bus station in Aguas Calientes. Your licensed guide will remind you of all rules before you enter.
What to Bring to Machu Picchu — Packing List
The terrain inside Circuit 2 is uneven stone with significant elevation gain. The weather can shift from sun to rain in minutes. Here's what actually matters:
Original Passport — Mandatory
Without it you cannot enter. Physical original only — no photos, no copies.
Closed-Toe Shoes with Grip
The circuit involves uneven stone paths, narrow stairways, and steep inclines. Sandals and smooth-soled shoes are a serious safety risk. Trainers or light hiking shoes are ideal.
Water (sealed bottle)
There are no food or drink vendors inside the citadel. Bring enough water for 2–3 hours of walking. Dehydration is a common issue, especially for visitors arriving from lower altitudes.
Light Rain Jacket
Weather at 2,430m changes quickly. Even in dry season, brief showers are common in the afternoon. A packable rain jacket takes minimal space and can save the day.
Sunscreen and Hat
UV radiation is significantly higher at altitude. Many visitors underestimate this. Apply sunscreen before entering — there is no shade on the upper viewpoints.
Small Backpack (under 20 liters)
A day pack keeps your hands free for the rough terrain. Anything larger will be stopped at the gate.
Insect Repellent
Especially relevant in the lower areas of the citadel and during the wet season. Not critical for all visitors but worth having in your pack.
Entry Times and Time Slots
Machu Picchu operates four fixed entry time slots per day: 06:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Your ticket is only valid for your confirmed slot.
The 06:00 AM slot is the most popular — it offers the best morning light for photography and access before the site becomes crowded. It's also the first to sell out, often weeks ahead of other slots. If photography is important to you, book the earliest available time slot.
You should arrive at the Machu Picchu bus station in Aguas Calientes at least 30 minutes before your entry time. The bus ride takes approximately 25–30 minutes. Your guide will confirm the exact meeting point and timing when your booking is confirmed.
Altitude and Physical Considerations
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level. Circuit 2 involves approximately 2.5 kilometers of walking with significant elevation changes. For visitors arriving from sea level, altitude acclimatization matters.
Recommended: Spend at least one night in Cusco (3,400m) or Aguas Calientes (2,040m) before your visit. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol the night before, and take it easy your first day at altitude. If you experience strong symptoms of altitude sickness (severe headache, nausea, difficulty breathing), consult a local pharmacy — altitude medication is widely available in Cusco.
Circuit 2 is suitable for most reasonably fit adults. There are no wheelchair-accessible paths on the upper circuit. For visitors with limited mobility, Circuit 1 offers a flatter lower-level route — contact us and we'll advise on the best option.
Rules, documents, and what to expect at the Machu Picchu gate.
Do you need a guide for Machu Picchu?
Yes. A licensed guide is legally required for all Machu Picchu visitors since 2019. This is enforced at the gate — arriving with a valid ticket but no confirmed guide means you will be refused entry. Our Machu Picchu Circuit 2 package includes a certified licensed guide in the price.
Do you need a passport to enter Machu Picchu?
Yes. Your original physical passport is required at the entrance gate. Photocopies and digital images are not accepted. The name on your ticket must match exactly. Peruvian nationals can use their national ID (DNI).
What is not allowed inside Machu Picchu?
Prohibited items include: backpacks over 20 liters, food of any kind, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, umbrellas with metal tips, high heels, and pets. Touching or climbing on archaeological structures is strictly prohibited and may result in being removed from the site.
Can I visit Machu Picchu without a pre-booked ticket?
No. There are no tickets sold at the entrance. All entry requires a ticket pre-booked in your passport name and a confirmed licensed guide for the same time slot. Walking up without both will result in being turned away with no recourse. See our last-minute tickets guide if you need short-notice booking.
What time does Machu Picchu open?
Machu Picchu opens at 06:00 AM. Entry is by time slot only — 06:00, 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00. Your ticket is valid only for your confirmed slot. Arrive at the bus station in Aguas Calientes at least 30 minutes before your entry time to account for the bus ride up.
What shoes should I wear to Machu Picchu?
Wear closed-toe shoes with rubber soles and good grip. The Circuit 2 route involves uneven stone paths, steep stairways, and slippery surfaces when wet. High heels are explicitly banned by site regulations. Trainers or light hiking shoes are the most practical option.
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