Prohibitions in Machu Picchu | All Machu Picchu Rules 2025

Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Inca Empire, is a destination we all dream of visiting, with a daily capacity of approximately 2500 people. To protect this heritage from many visitors, there are strict prohibitions in Machu Picchu that every tourist must know. In this detailed guide thanks to Kantu Perú Tours, we explain each of the 25 prohibitions in Machu Picchu valid for 2025, why they are important and how to comply with them to avoid fines or expulsions within the Inca wonder.

Why do Prohibitions in Machu Picchu exist?

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu are not mere administrative whims. Behind each rule, there is a historical, ecological, and cultural reason that seeks to preserve this invaluable Inca legacy for future generations. Thus, the rules in Machu Picchu fulfill three fundamental objectives:

1. Protection of architectural heritage: Every temple in Machu Picchu, wall, terrace, and staircase is irreplaceable, and constant human contact, accidental scratches, and excessive weight can damage structures that have resisted centuries.

2. Ecosystem conservation: The Citadel is located in the middle of a fragile natural environment, home to unique species such as the cock-of-the-rock and endemic orchids, and the prohibitions in Machu Picchu seek to minimize our impact on this ecological sanctuary.

3. Preservation of the spiritual experience: For Andean peoples, Machu Picchu remains a sacred place where even Mystical Tourism in Cusco is considered; therefore, the rules help maintain the atmosphere of ceremonial reverence.

Prohibiciones en Machu Picchu 2025

Complete list of the 25 Prohibitions in Machu Picchu

The Ministry of Culture of Peru, in its role as guardian of national heritage, has established 25 strict rules for visiting Machu Picchu that you must know and respect. Each of these regulations is not arbitrary as they represent the result of decades of scientific research and cultural management to preserve this monument, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

1. Large backpacks (more than 40x35x20 cm)

This is one of the most important prohibitions in Machu Picchu since large backpacks can damage structures by rubbing against them.
→ Why? To avoid damage to structures and facilitate movement in narrow areas.
→ Incorrect example: Carrying a 50L trekking backpack.
→ What to do: Use a small backpack or leave extra luggage in Aguas Calientes lockers.

2. Entering with food

Among the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this one prevents food remains from attracting animals, since Machu Picchu is the natural habitat of more than 520 animal species.
→ Why? To avoid garbage and protect wildlife.
→ Incorrect example: Packing just snacks for the route.
→ What to do: Eat before entering or have something at the sanctuary café (outside the archaeological area).

Turistas con mochilas de mas de 20 litros en Machu Picchu

3. Carrying illegal or narcotic substances

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu include any type of drug that could cause disorder in the sanctuary, in addition to being a family-friendly and inclusive place for all ages.
→ Why? Machu Picchu is a sacred place and a focus for gathering many people.
→ Incorrect example: Consuming marijuana inside the enclosure.
→ What to do: If you take controlled medications, bring a medical prescription.

4. Drinking any alcoholic beverage

Like the previous rule in Machu Picchu, this one prevents inappropriate behavior under the effects of alcohol.
→ Why? Alcohol can generate inappropriate unconscious behaviors.
→ Incorrect example: Drinking beer in the Citadel.
→ What to do: Hydrate with bottled water or non-alcoholic drinks.

Tourist taking a picture avoiding crowds in Machu Picchu

5. Bringing walking sticks, tripods or supports

Among the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this particular rule protects stones from scratches or soil erosion, temples and enclosure walls.
→ Why? They can damage structures or cause accidents.
→ Incorrect example: Using a professional tripod without permission.
→ What to do: Bring a small monopod if necessary (with prior authorization).

6. Going with animals or pets (except guide dogs)

The rules in Machu Picchu include no pets to protect wildlife and avoid rejection or chaos among the different species that inhabit the place.
→ Why? Pets can disturb local wildlife.
→ Incorrect example: Entering with a small dog in arms.
→ What to do: Leave pets in pet-friendly accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Prohibitions in Machu Picchu-Tripods in Machu Picchu

7. Feeding the animals

In this same line, this prohibition in Machu Picchu protects the health of the fauna easy to find in the wonder, such as llamas, vizcachas or others, despite how accustomed these animals are to tourists you cannot feed them.
→ Why? Human food harms them, they have a natural diet.
→ Incorrect example: Giving cookies to llamas for photos.
→ What to do: Observe animals from a prudent distance.

8. Using aerosols

On the other hand, another of the prohibitions in Machu Picchu is using aerosols to avoid chemical damage to the entire environment, that is stones, flora and fauna.
→ Why? They pollute the environment and can damage stones.
→ Incorrect example: Bringing spray deodorant.
→ What to do: Use cream sunscreen and lotion repellent.

Una turista junto a una llama en Machu Picchu con IA

9. Making graffiti or marking stones

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu protect cultural heritage, which is why you can only observe and capture images but not leave traces with ink in the sanctuary.
→ Why? It destroys cultural heritage.
→ Incorrect example: Scratching initials on walls.
→ What to do: Enjoy the place without leaving physical traces.

10. Playing musical instruments

This prohibition in Machu Picchu seeks to maintain the tranquility of the place and the correct explanation of each tour guide in Machu Picchu with their visiting group, there are many people so it is necessary to avoid discomfort or interference in each tourist’s experience.
→ Why? They alter the tranquility of the sacred site.
→ Incorrect example: Playing guitar in the Main Plaza.
→ What to do: If you want music, use headphones.

Grafitis en las piedras con IA

11. Making loud noises

Like the previous rule, among the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this one preserves the sacred atmosphere without disturbing visitors.
→ Why? Machu Picchu is a place for reflection.
→ Incorrect example: Shouting to call a distant friend.
→ What to do: Speak quietly and enjoy the natural silence.

12. Using cell phones in narrow areas

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu include this safety rule, specifically in high and narrow places such as the stairs of death in Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, even in part of the route to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge.
→ Why? It causes congestion and fall risks.
→ Incorrect example: Taking selfies on narrow staircases.
→ What to do: Use your phone in wide areas without obstructing.

Turistas en Machu Picchu con una foto selfie

13. Wearing high-heeled shoes

This prohibition in Machu Picchu protects stone floors, because unlike sneakers, heels can erode the foundation much more, keep in mind that the Altitude of Machu Picchu decays over time as an effect of the large number of visitors.
→ Why? They damage centuries-old stone floors.
→ Incorrect example: Wearing high heels for aesthetic photos.
→ What to do: Wear sports or trekking shoes with rubber soles.

14. Bringing baby strollers

Although very essential in many cases, as part of the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this rule seeks the safety of minors, since on such irregular terrain in the foundation any accident could happen.
→ Why? Stairs and trails are not suitable for wheels.
→ Incorrect example: Pushing a stroller through the terraces to reach the Guardian’s House.
→ What to do: Bring an ergonomic baby carrier.

Coche de bebé en Machu Picchu con IA

15. Carrying sharp objects

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu include sharp tools, as it is a very crowded place it seeks to avoid any deliberate or accidental accident among tourists.
→ Why? Safety measure for all visitors.
→ Incorrect example: Bringing a multi-tool knife.
→ What to do: Leave any sharp tool at the hotel.

16. Costumes or commercial filming

This prohibition in Machu Picchu requires special permits for which you must pay and request months in advance.
→ Why? Advertising activities require authorization.
→ Incorrect example: Making a professional video with drones.
→ What to do: Request a special permit from the Ministry of Culture.

Foto clásica de Machu Picchu de un grupo de mujeres

17. Having disorderly conduct

To protect the enclosure and visitors, this type of prohibition in Machu Picchu seeks to comply with the new circuits in Machu Picchu 2025 demarcated by ropes that you cannot avoid.
→ Why? Respect for the sacred character of the place.
→ Incorrect example: Jumping for photos at the Sun Temple.
→ What to do: Walk calmly and follow instructions.

18. Touching or climbing walls

As part of the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this one seeks to avoid erosion of the environment, since studies indicate that natural substances such as those caused gradually damage the environment.
→ Why? Sweat and human contact erode the stone.
→ Incorrect example: Leaning on walls to rest.
→ What to do: Admire the architecture without physical contact.

Calzado correcto para visitar Machu Picchu con IA

19. Disturbing flora and fauna

This prohibition in Machu Picchu seeks to conserve the ecosystem. You will see that orchids are demarcated with their name and many others are not, that llamas walk freely through the square near the Acllahuasi, therefore, you must only respect their behavior.
→ Why? Machu Picchu is an ecological sanctuary.
→ Incorrect example: Taking a flower or orchid as a souvenir.
→ What to do: Take only photographs; leave everything in place.

20. Unauthorized activities

All the prohibitions in Machu Picchu mentioned cannot be carried out, on the contrary, if you do them you will be unauthorized by the technical team. This wonder and the locals, if you commit them you will have to face the consequences.
→ Why? The site is cultural heritage, not a stage.
→ Incorrect example: Doing a fashion photo shoot.
→ What to do: Special events require official permission.

A photograper in Machu Picchu

21. Smoking or vaping

This is one of the most important prohibitions in Machu Picchu, and although many tourists consume this type of product, especially in the high or dry season, it prevents fires and at the same time avoids pollution for other visitors.
→ Why? Fire prevention and pollution.
→ Incorrect example: Smoking a cigarette on the terraces.
→ What to do: If you smoke, do it outside the archaeological site.

22. Throwing garbage

This prohibition in Machu Picchu keeps the place clean. If you want to dispose of waste from your snacks or bottles, you will see that there are handmade baskets on the route and at the entrance to the sanctuary. Avoid generating garbage and keep it until you leave the enclosure.
→ Why? It attracts animals and pollutes the environment.
→ Incorrect example: Leaving a banana peel on the ground.
→ What to do: Take your waste to an approved container.

Turista fumando en Machu Picchu con IA

23. Leaving marked trails

After much, among the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this one is key. You will see that when buying your entrance tickets, there are 10 different routes, each one has a particular path that you must follow, if you leave the path demarcated by ropes you will have different fines.
→ Why? Avoid damage to fragile, unrestored areas.
→ Incorrect example: Walking through prohibited areas for photos.
→ What to do: Strictly follow authorized routes.

24. Street vending

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu on street vending regulate disorder and accumulation of organic and inorganic waste in the sanctuary, as it would not only pollute the place but would affect the symbiosis between flora and fauna within this wonder.
→ Why? Only authorized sales in designated areas.
→ Incorrect example: Buying souvenirs inside the citadel.
→ What to do: Get souvenirs in Aguas Calientes or at the entrance.

25. Flying Drones or paragliders

This prohibition in Machu Picchu protects the privacy of the sanctuary and visitors, and although many agencies and influencers come to have shots with drones, these must be requested and authorized months in advance.
→ Why? They disturb wildlife and other visitors’ experiences.
→ Incorrect example: Flying a drone for aerial recording.
→ What to do: Use drones only with special permission (rarely granted).

Drones en Machu Picchu con IA

Consequences of violating the Prohibitions in Machu Picchu

If you violate any of these rules, authorities may:

⚠️ Expel you without ticket refund: You lose the full value of your ticket (between $45-$200 USD depending on ticket type), Park rangers are authorized to remove you from the enclosure upon detecting any violation of the rules.

⚠️ Initiate legal actions if damage is serious: According to the Peruvian Penal Code (Art. 226), it may entail Effective prison (3-6 years) or Permanent ban from entering archaeological sites in Peru.

⚠️ Economic fines: Minor infractions: $500-$1,000 USD (e.g., carrying a large backpack), serious infractions: $1,000-$5,000 USD (e.g., damaging structures), very serious infractions: Up to USD 10,000 (e.g., graffiti or extraction of pieces)

Multas por infringir las Prohibiciones en Machu Picchu

Tips to comply with rules and enjoy your visit

→ Bring only a small backpack (comply with allowed measurements).
→ Wear comfortable shoes (avoid heels or hard soles).
→ Respect marked trails (do not leave authorized routes).
→ Do not feed animals (even if they seem harmless).
→ Get advice from a travel agency (avoid lies and seek formal help from authorized agencies).

Guía Turístico en Machu Picchu

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu are not a whim but necessary measures to preserve this Inca treasure. If you plan to visit it, get informed well and follow the rules, only in this way will you contribute so that future generations can also marvel at this sacred place.

Do you still have doubts about the prohibitions in Machu Picchu? At Kantu Peru Tours we are more than happy to answer your questions, write to us and we will help you! Like and share with more travelers if this blog helped you prepare to visit this world wonder.