Changes Planned for Machu Picchu Citadel
As a result of a recent visit by Peru's Vice-minister of Cultural Heritage, Luis Castillo Butters, and the Cusco's Regional Director of Culture, Ricardo Ruiz Caro, a variety of changes have been planned for Machu Picchu Citadel.
Published on 09-01-2014, por Inca World
As a result of a recent visit by Peru's Vice-minister of Cultural Heritage, Luis Castillo Butters, and the Cusco's Regional Director of Culture, Ricardo Ruiz Caro, a variety of changes have been planned for Machu Picchu Citadel. The visiting functionaries agreed upon the necessity of implementing new measures to provide national and foreign visitors with better amenities while still preserving the archeological site and the biodiversity of the greater area known as Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The biggest change is that the new control post which regulates entry in Machu Picchu Citadel will be located just a few meters from the Ruinas Bridge, close to the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum.
The museum itself is an excellent but small and often overlooked institution which displays artifacts found at the Machu Picchu archeological site, historical photos and items from the site's excavations, and a scale model of the ruins explaining the purpose of different structures and the construction methods used. Furthermore, one can learn about the area's flora at the museum's botanical garden.
Visitors will pass through the control point, which will double as a large visitor center complete with restrooms and cloakroom. There, visitors will receive information from Ministry of Culture personnel regarding Machu Picchu and the research conducted there. Afterwords they will continue on foot to the Inca citadel. The museum will also receive increased investment in order to offer a first-rate site museum.
The functionaries have also evaluated the need to install hygienic services within the citadel, which receives 2,500 visitors daily. According to Butters, specialists will be consulted, and the experience of other world monuments will be studied, in order to offer this amenity without adversely affecting the site and its natural surroundings. As Ruiz Caro put it, "We want to provide all the comforts to national and foreign tourists, replicating the best experiences of emblematic world heritage sites, but at the same time, we will require respect for the monument and its sacredness."
As a result of a recent visit by Peru's Vice-minister of Cultural Heritage, Luis Castillo Butters, and the Cusco's Regional Director of Culture, Ricardo Ruiz Caro, a variety of changes have been planned for Machu Picchu Citadel.
Published on 09-01-2014, por Inca World
As a result of a recent visit by Peru's Vice-minister of Cultural Heritage, Luis Castillo Butters, and the Cusco's Regional Director of Culture, Ricardo Ruiz Caro, a variety of changes have been planned for Machu Picchu Citadel. The visiting functionaries agreed upon the necessity of implementing new measures to provide national and foreign visitors with better amenities while still preserving the archeological site and the biodiversity of the greater area known as Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The biggest change is that the new control post which regulates entry in Machu Picchu Citadel will be located just a few meters from the Ruinas Bridge, close to the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum.
The museum itself is an excellent but small and often overlooked institution which displays artifacts found at the Machu Picchu archeological site, historical photos and items from the site's excavations, and a scale model of the ruins explaining the purpose of different structures and the construction methods used. Furthermore, one can learn about the area's flora at the museum's botanical garden.
Visitors will pass through the control point, which will double as a large visitor center complete with restrooms and cloakroom. There, visitors will receive information from Ministry of Culture personnel regarding Machu Picchu and the research conducted there. Afterwords they will continue on foot to the Inca citadel. The museum will also receive increased investment in order to offer a first-rate site museum.
The functionaries have also evaluated the need to install hygienic services within the citadel, which receives 2,500 visitors daily. According to Butters, specialists will be consulted, and the experience of other world monuments will be studied, in order to offer this amenity without adversely affecting the site and its natural surroundings. As Ruiz Caro put it, "We want to provide all the comforts to national and foreign tourists, replicating the best experiences of emblematic world heritage sites, but at the same time, we will require respect for the monument and its sacredness."
News, routes, and expert tips
Explore the latest from our Cusco travel blog. Get practical guides, Machu Picchu updates, and fresh trekking and culture recommendations. Everything you need to travel Cusco safely and stylishly in 2026. Your next Andean story starts here!
Arequipa’s white color isn’t paint: it’s volcanic stone. Discover the history, architecture, and Andean legacy of a heritage gem standing majestically at the foot of the Misti Volcano, serving as a key starting point in southern Peru.
Explore the iconic San Blas neighborhood in Cusco, known as the "Balcony of Cusco" and home to Peru's finest artisans. Discover its rich history from Inca times, how to walk from Plaza de Armas past the 12-Angled Stone, its famous art galleries (Mendívil and Mérida families), panoramic viewpoint, San Blas Church, and Saturday craft market. Plan your walking tour with Inca World Travel.
Planning a trip to Ica? Discover the top tourist attractions in Ica, Peru: the iconic Huacachina Oasis, Paracas National Reserve, enigmatic Nazca Lines, the Pisco Route, and Canyon of the Lost. Find key details on location, how to get there from Lima or Cusco, travel times, weather, and top regional museums in this comprehensive travel guide by Inca World Travel.
Are you planning to visit
Machu Picchu in 2026?
We would like to inform our travelers that availability for Circuit 1 and 2 for the months of November, December and January is at 85% of capacity. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
New Circuits and Routes
The Ministry of Culture has consolidated the three main tours. As of 2026, Tour 2 (The Royal Route) remains the only one that allows visitors to take the classic photo from the Guardian’s House. We have adapted all our packages to ensure this access.
Digital Check-In and Biometric Verification
Say goodbye to long check-in lines! Starting this season, entry is faster thanks to the new digital check-in system. Our packages include full management of your personalized tickets to prevent errors on the state platform.
| Circuit | Ideal for... | Clasic photo | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 (Panoramic) | High views and photo posts | Yes | Low |
| Circuit 2 (Andean) | Complete circuit through the ruins | Yes | Medium |
| Circuit 3 (Reality) | Persons or reduced movement | No | Very low |
Ask about our Machu Picchu packages
Explore the best of our land
Explore the breathtaking diversity of the Central Andes. From ancient archaeological wonders and surreal high-altitude landscapes to world-class gastronomy and Amazonian adventures, our updated 2026 guides showcase the very best of this premier global destination.
