The Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s most iconic tourist destinations, has set a limit of 5,600 visitors per day for the 2025 high season, according to a resolution by the Ministry of Culture (Mincul). This measure seeks to control the flow of tourists and preserve the archaeological site located in the province of Urubamba in the Cusco region.
Ministerial Resolution specifies that this visitor limit will be applied on crucial dates of the year, including January 1, April 17 to 20, June 19 to November 2, and December 30 and 31. These dates coincide with the periods of most visitors, which makes it necessary to implement control measures to protect the tourist destination.
Machu Picchu, built around 1450 and rediscovered in 1911, is a site of great historical and cultural significance. Since its reappraisal in 1911 by explorer H. Bingham, Machu Picchu has been one of the world’s top tourist destinations, attracting visitors fascinated by its history and beauty. The citadel is 2,445 meters above sea level and spans about 12 hectares, attracting thousands of visitors monthly.
The management of the tourist flow is crucial to avoid the deterioration of the place, which is considered one of the most representative monuments of the historic sanctuary.
Tickets to visit Machu Picchu are sold exclusively through the official website tuboleto.culture.pe, as established by the regulations signed by the Minister of Culture, Fabricio Valencia Gibaja. This digital platform allows tourists to plan their visit in advance and ensures more efficient control of the number of people accessing the site daily.
Being a site of outstanding international attraction, Machu Picchu requires policies that ensure its preservation for future generations while maintaining itself as an economic engine for the Cusco region.
The maximum carrying capacity for Machu Picchu is determined annually through a ministerial resolution, based on a technical report from the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco. This report must be submitted no later than October 31 of each year. During the busiest months, the site is expected to reach its maximum allowable capacity.
The main objective of these measures is to preserve the integrity of Machu Picchu, a site of great cultural and historical importance for Peru and the world. Regulating the flow of visitors is crucial to prevent the deterioration of the place, which has been the subject of concern due to the growing number of tourists in recent years.
In addition to limiting the number of visitors per day, the protocol includes guidelines to improve the experience of tourists, ensuring that visits are carried out in an orderly and environmentally friendly manner. These measures are part of an ongoing effort by the Ministry of Culture to balance promoting tourism with the need to protect the country’s cultural heritage.
