{"id":8672,"date":"2025-04-01T02:22:15","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T07:22:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/?p=8672"},"modified":"2025-04-11T12:06:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T17:06:42","slug":"prohibitions-in-machu-picchu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/prohibitions-in-machu-picchu","title":{"rendered":"Prohibitions in Machu Picchu | All Machu Picchu Rules 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 Per\u00fa Tours<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

Why do Prohibitions in Machu Picchu exist?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu<\/a> 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:<\/p>\n

1. Protection of architectural heritage<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n

2. Ecosystem conservation<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n

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

\"Prohibiciones
Prohibiciones en Machu Picchu 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Complete list of the 25 Prohibitions in Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The Ministry of Culture of Peru, in its role as guardian of national heritage, has established 25 strict rules for visiting Machu Picchu<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

1. Large backpacks (more than 40x35x20 cm)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This is one of the most important prohibitions in Machu Picchu since large backpacks can damage structures by rubbing against them.
\n\u2192 Why? To avoid damage to structures and facilitate movement in narrow areas.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Carrying a 50L trekking backpack.
\n\u2192 What to do: Use a small backpack or leave extra luggage in Aguas Calientes lockers.<\/p>\n

2. Entering with food<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? To avoid garbage and protect wildlife.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Packing just snacks for the route.
\n\u2192 What to do: Eat before entering or have something at the sanctuary caf\u00e9 (outside the archaeological area).<\/p>\n

\"Turistas
Turistas con mochilas de mas de 20 litros en Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Carrying illegal or narcotic substances<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? Machu Picchu is a sacred place and a focus for gathering many people.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Consuming marijuana inside the enclosure.
\n\u2192 What to do: If you take controlled medications, bring a medical prescription.<\/p>\n

4. Drinking any alcoholic beverage<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Like the previous rule in Machu Picchu, this one prevents inappropriate behavior under the effects of alcohol.
\n\u2192 Why? Alcohol can generate inappropriate unconscious behaviors.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Drinking beer in the Citadel.
\n\u2192 What to do: Hydrate with bottled water or non-alcoholic drinks.<\/p>\n

\"Tourist
Tourist taking a picture avoiding crowds in Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Bringing walking sticks, tripods or supports<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Among the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this particular rule protects stones from scratches or soil erosion, temples<\/a> and enclosure walls.
\n\u2192 Why? They can damage structures or cause accidents.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Using a professional tripod without permission.
\n\u2192 What to do: Bring a small monopod if necessary (with prior authorization).<\/p>\n

6. Going with animals or pets (except guide dogs)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The rules in Machu Picchu include no pets to protect wildlife and avoid rejection or chaos among the different species that inhabit the place.
\n\u2192 Why? Pets can disturb local wildlife.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Entering with a small dog in arms.
\n\u2192 What to do: Leave pets in pet-friendly accommodation in Aguas Calientes.<\/p>\n

\"Prohibitions
Prohibitions in Machu Picchu-Tripods in Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Feeding the animals<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? Human food harms them, they have a natural diet.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Giving cookies to llamas for photos.
\n\u2192 What to do: Observe animals from a prudent distance.<\/p>\n

8. Using aerosols<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? They pollute the environment and can damage stones.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Bringing spray deodorant.
\n\u2192 What to do: Use cream sunscreen and lotion repellent.<\/p>\n

\"Una
Una turista junto a una llama en Machu Picchu con IA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9. Making graffiti or marking stones<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? It destroys cultural heritage.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Scratching initials on walls.
\n\u2192 What to do: Enjoy the place without leaving physical traces.<\/p>\n

10. Playing musical instruments<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This prohibition in Machu Picchu seeks to maintain the tranquility of the place and the correct explanation of each tour guide in Machu Picchu<\/a> with their visiting group, there are many people so it is necessary to avoid discomfort or interference in each tourist’s experience.
\n\u2192 Why? They alter the tranquility of the sacred site.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Playing guitar in the Main Plaza.
\n\u2192 What to do: If you want music, use headphones.<\/p>\n

\"Grafitis
Grafitis en las piedras con IA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11. Making loud noises<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Like the previous rule, among the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this one preserves the sacred atmosphere without disturbing visitors.
\n\u2192 Why? Machu Picchu is a place for reflection.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Shouting to call a distant friend.
\n\u2192 What to do: Speak quietly and enjoy the natural silence.<\/p>\n

12. Using cell phones in narrow areas<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The prohibitions in Machu Picchu include this safety rule, specifically in high and narrow places such as the stairs of death in Huayna Picchu<\/a> or Machu Picchu mountain<\/a>, even in part of the route to the Sun Gate<\/a> or the Inca Bridge<\/a>.
\n\u2192 Why? It causes congestion and fall risks.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Taking selfies on narrow staircases.
\n\u2192 What to do: Use your phone in wide areas without obstructing.<\/p>\n

\"Turistas
Turistas en Machu Picchu con una foto selfie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13. Wearing high-heeled shoes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a> decays over time as an effect of the large number of visitors.
\n\u2192 Why? They damage centuries-old stone floors.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Wearing high heels for aesthetic photos.
\n\u2192 What to do: Wear sports or trekking shoes with rubber soles.<\/p>\n

14. Bringing baby strollers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? Stairs and trails are not suitable for wheels.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Pushing a stroller through the terraces to reach the Guardian’s House.<\/a>
\n\u2192 What to do: Bring an ergonomic baby carrier.<\/p>\n

\"Coche
Coche de beb\u00e9 en Machu Picchu con IA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15. Carrying sharp objects<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? Safety measure for all visitors.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Bringing a multi-tool knife.
\n\u2192 What to do: Leave any sharp tool at the hotel.<\/p>\n

16. Costumes or commercial filming<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This prohibition in Machu Picchu requires special permits for which you must pay and request months in advance.
\n\u2192 Why? Advertising activities require authorization.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Making a professional video with drones.
\n\u2192 What to do: Request a special permit from the Ministry of Culture.<\/p>\n

\"Foto
Foto cl\u00e1sica de Machu Picchu de un grupo de mujeres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

17. Having disorderly conduct<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To protect the enclosure and visitors, this type of prohibition in Machu Picchu seeks to comply with the new circuits in Machu Picchu 2025<\/a> demarcated by ropes that you cannot avoid.
\n\u2192 Why? Respect for the sacred character of the place.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Jumping for photos at the Sun Temple.
\n\u2192 What to do: Walk calmly and follow instructions.<\/p>\n

18. Touching or climbing walls<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? Sweat and human contact erode the stone.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Leaning on walls to rest.
\n\u2192 What to do: Admire the architecture without physical contact.<\/p>\n

\"Calzado
Calzado correcto para visitar Machu Picchu con IA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

19. Disturbing flora and fauna<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This prohibition in Machu Picchu seeks to conserve the ecosystem. You will see that orchids<\/a> are demarcated with their name and many others are not, that llamas walk freely through the square near the Acllahuasi<\/a>, therefore, you must only respect their behavior.
\n\u2192 Why? Machu Picchu is an ecological sanctuary.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Taking a flower or orchid as a souvenir.
\n\u2192 What to do: Take only photographs; leave everything in place.<\/p>\n

20. Unauthorized activities<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? The site is cultural heritage, not a stage.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Doing a fashion photo shoot.
\n\u2192 What to do: Special events require official permission.<\/p>\n

\"A
A photograper in Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

21. Smoking or vaping<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>, it prevents fires and at the same time avoids pollution for other visitors.
\n\u2192 Why? Fire prevention and pollution.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Smoking a cigarette on the terraces.
\n\u2192 What to do: If you smoke, do it outside the archaeological site.<\/p>\n

22. Throwing garbage<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? It attracts animals and pollutes the environment.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Leaving a banana peel on the ground.
\n\u2192 What to do: Take your waste to an approved container.<\/p>\n

\"Turista
Turista fumando en Machu Picchu con IA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

23. Leaving marked trails<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After much, among the prohibitions in Machu Picchu, this one is key. You will see that when buying your entrance tickets,<\/a> there are 10 different routes<\/a>, each one has a particular path that you must follow, if you leave the path demarcated by ropes you will have different fines.
\n\u2192 Why? Avoid damage to fragile, unrestored areas.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Walking through prohibited areas for photos.
\n\u2192 What to do: Strictly follow authorized routes.<\/p>\n

24. Street vending<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? Only authorized sales in designated areas.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Buying souvenirs inside the citadel.
\n\u2192 What to do: Get souvenirs in Aguas Calientes or at the entrance.<\/p>\n

25. Flying Drones or paragliders<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.
\n\u2192 Why? They disturb wildlife and other visitors’ experiences.
\n\u2192 Incorrect example: Flying a drone for aerial recording.
\n\u2192 What to do: Use drones only with special permission (rarely granted).<\/p>\n

\"Drones
Drones en Machu Picchu con IA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Consequences of violating the Prohibitions in Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

If you violate any of these rules, authorities may:<\/p>\n

\u26a0\ufe0f\u00a0Expel you without ticket refund<\/strong>: You lose the full value of your ticket<\/a> (between\u00a045\u2212<\/span>45<\/span>\u2212<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>200 USD depending on ticket type), Park rangers are authorized to remove you from the enclosure upon detecting any violation of the rules.<\/p>\n

\u26a0\ufe0f\u00a0Initiate legal actions if damage is serious<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n

\u26a0\ufe0f\u00a0Economic fines<\/strong>: Minor infractions:\u00a0500\u2212<\/span>500<\/span>\u2212<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>1,000 USD (e.g., carrying a large backpack), serious infractions: 1,000\u2212<\/span>1<\/span>,<\/span>000<\/span>\u2212<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>5,000 USD (e.g., damaging structures), very serious infractions: Up to USD 10,000 (e.g., graffiti or extraction of pieces)<\/p>\n

\"Multas
Multas por infringir las Prohibiciones en Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tips to comply with rules and enjoy your visit<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2192 Bring only a small backpack (comply with allowed measurements).
\n\u2192 Wear comfortable shoes (avoid heels or hard soles).
\n\u2192 Respect marked trails (do not leave authorized routes).
\n\u2192 Do not feed animals (even if they seem harmless).
\n\u2192 Get advice from a travel agency<\/a> (avoid lies and seek formal help from authorized agencies).<\/p>\n

\"Gu\u00eda
Gu\u00eda Tur\u00edstico en Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Do you still have doubts about the prohibitions in Machu Picchu? At Kantu Peru Tours<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 Per\u00fa Tours, we explain each […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":8683,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4930,4978],"tags":[],"post-faq":[],"class_list":["post-8672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-machu-picchu","category-tips-en"],"acf":[],"views":3485,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8672"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8672\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8672"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8672"},{"taxonomy":"post-faq","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-faq?post=8672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}