The definition of a new technical route for Machu Picchu advanced with an agreement that brought together three sectors of the State in a formal event held in Lima. The scene showed authorities Tourism, Culture and Environment around the same document, whose objective establishes the updating of the data that will allow knowing the actual capacity of visitors in the Historical Sanctuary. The common effort materialized with a signature that had the presence of the main authorities of each sector, in a context where tourism demand maintains a sustained level and requires decisions supported by accurate information.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, through its Vice Ministry of Tourism, promoted this initiative with financing destined exclusively for a new specialized study. Updating figures is key, because the last similar work was carried out in 2015 and no longer responds to the current situation of the archaeological site or its tourist dynamics. The attendance of high-ranking officials reinforced the message of cooperation between institutions with different competencies, but with a usual interest: ensuring responsible management of the country’s main cultural attraction.
The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Teresa Mera highlighted the intersectoral alliance in a message addressed to those attending the ceremony. He pointed out that with the new agreement, “the three sectors are going to work together to determine what the real burden of the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu and thus have all the necessary tools to establish development strategies and policies and promote sustainable use of this cultural wonder.”
The document was signed by the Vice Minister of Tourism, Aracelly Lacathe secretary general of the Ministry of Culture, Carlos Palomares, and the executive president of Sernanp, José Carlos Nieto, who represents the institution attached to the Ministry of the Environment. Each of these authorities assumed specific tasks for the implementation of the study that will begin a new technical stage for the archaeological site.
The three sectors must designate representatives in charge of coordinating meetings, workshops and visits to the Historical Sanctuary. These teams must generate field information and provide data that allows us to understand the flow of national and international visitors, as well as the necessary conditions for an adequate experience in the monumental area.
Mincetur assumed the preparation of the terms of reference for the study. Its approval will depend on the favorable opinion of the other two institutions. He will also be in charge of hiring the consultant responsible for the work, delivering the requested reports and monitoring the progress of the agreement.
He Ministry of Culture and the Sernanp They must facilitate the entry of the consultant and Mincetur specialists. Access to the area will allow complete data collection and verification of relevant information for the analysis. In addition, the Ministry of Culture will provide technical material related to the management of the archaeological site, visitor numbers, conservation data and results of previous research.
The Ministry of Culture established a maximum capacity of 5600 visitors for specific dates in 2026. The measure was published in the official gazette and includes days of high tourist demand. The objective is to protect the Llaqta of Machu Picchu with clear parameters for access.
The dates with a capacity of 5,600 people will be the following:
- January 1, 2026
- April 2-5, 2026
- June 19 to November 2, 2026
- December 30 and 31, 2026
For the rest of the year, the permitted capacity will continue at 4500 daily visitors.
The resolution also provides that the sale of tickets will be exclusively through the institutional Culture portal. To comply with this provision, the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco will make the necessary adjustments to its platform. Technical reports prepared by said direction and by the Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park support the decision adopted for the next annual period.
