The world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu in southern Peru can be visited by up to 5,600 people per day starting today, marking the beginning of the peak tourist season for the country’s premier destination, official sources indicated.
The capacity increase was confirmed by Maritza Candia, the director of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco. She told the official news agency Andina that up until Thursday, daily access had been capped at 4,600 visitors.
This expansion is being implemented in accordance with a resolution issued by the Ministry of Culture in October 2025, which established the maximum capacity of Machu Picchu at 5,600 visitors per day for January 1, April 2 to 5, June 19 to November 2, and December 30 to 31, 2026.
According to Andina, the archaeological site located in the southern region of Cusco has “registered a massive influx of tourists” since May. Visitors typically arrive by train or trek along the historic Inca Trail starting from the town of Ollantaytambo, located about 50 kilometers from the citadel.
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The soaring demand for tickets—most of which are sold online, though some are available at the Ministry of Culture’s ticket office in the Machu Picchu district—has triggered long lines and dissatisfaction among travelers, some of whom have to wait up to a full day to enter the site.
In this regard, Candia mentioned that the in-person sale of 1,000 tickets per day will be maintained during the high season, though a proposal has been put forward to make the process more “sustainable and orderly” to avoid overcrowding and complaints.
Addressing proposals from tourism industry businesses to expand the visitor capacity even further, the official stressed that an official evaluation is strictly required.
“It is not simply a matter of increasing numbers; we must analyze the preservation conditions of the monument. We cannot be irresponsible by raising the capacity without a proper study,” Candia stated.
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On May 25, the international organization New 7 Wonders warned that persistent infrastructure issues and risks at Machu Picchu threaten its status as a New Wonder of the World, a title bestowed upon the citadel by the entity back in 2007.
The organization’s director, Jean Paul de la Fuente, stated that he has sent multiple communications to the Peruvian government regarding these issues. He attributed the lack of an official reaction to “a period of political and administrative inactivity” caused by the constant shuffling of ministers and authorities due to the country’s political instability, which has seen eight different leaders over the last decade.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that whichever presidential candidate wins the second-round runoff elections—held on June 7 between right-wing politician Keiko Fujimori and left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez—will fully commit to revitalizing Machu Picchu so that it can return to being “a truly credible wonder.”
