Machu Picchu Tourism Statistics

Machu Picchu, often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas, is the most popular destination of the Incan Empire. Located on the top of the mountain 2,430 meters above sea level, it is considered a tourist attraction par excellence in Peru.¹

Over 1.54 million tourists visited Machu Picchu in 2025.²

• Before the pandemic, Machu Picchu attracted about 1.5 million tourists a year, peaking at 1,585,262 in 2019, or roughly 4,340 visitors a day.²
• This number significantly decreased to 270,000 visitors in 2020 and 461,000 in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic.³
• Machu Picchu saw a partial recovery with 1.04 million domestic and international visitors in 2022, but this was followed by a downturn in 2023, with a total of 956,000 tourists.⁴
• In 2024, Machu Picchu received 1.51 million visitors, about 5% below 2019 levels and a 58% increase over 2023.⁴
• Growth slowed to 2.3% in 2025, bringing visitors to 1.54 million, within about 3% of the 2019 level.²

How many people have visited Machu Picchu in 2026?

Between January and July 2026, Machu Picchu welcomed 804,758 visitors (preliminary), 6.3% fewer than in the same months of 2025 and 9.5% below the same period in 2019.⁵

• Foreign visitors accounted for 659,644 (82%) and Peruvian visitors for 145,114.⁵ July brought in 159,914 visitors, up 0.9% on July 2025.

• Cusco's regional governor, Werner Salcedo, said in May 2026 that entrance tickets bring in about 250 million soles a year for Peru's Ministry of Culture and only about 7 million soles of that goes back into conserving the sanctuary.⁸ Note: Updated Machu Picchu-specific spending figures annually have not been published online. Visit the Peru Tourism Statistics to view the most recent total spending data, including Machu Picchu.

How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu?

A standard ticket to Machu Picchu costs S/152 (about US$40) for foreign adults and S/64 for Peruvians in 2026, depending on the circuit.⁹

• Since May 1, 2026, visitors also pay a conservation fee of S/11 (foreign visitors) or S/5 (Peruvians), which is reinvested in the sanctuary.⁹
• For Peruvians and Andean Community residents, routes that climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu cost S/112 at the general rate in 2026, against S/64 for most other routes.⁶
• The official place to buy tickets is the Ministry of Culture's website, tuboleto.cultura.pe, and daily slots are limited.⁹

• Machu Picchu, located 2,430 meters above sea level amidst a tropical mountain forest, is one of the most remarkable urban achievements of the Inca Empire. Its massive walls, terraces, and ramps blend seamlessly with the surrounding rock formations. Set on the eastern slopes of the Andes, it overlooks the upper Amazon basin, rich in diverse flora and fauna.¹

Machu Picchu remains not only a cultural icon but also a powerful economic engine for both the Cusco region and Peru as a whole.

• Cusco's regional governor, Werner Salcedo, said in May 2026 that entrance tickets bring in about 250 million soles a year.⁸
• In 2025, Peru earned a record US$5.35 billion from international tourism, up 10.1% on 2024.¹⁴

Yes. Visitor numbers are back near their pre-pandemic peak², and Peru's Comptroller General found that the citadel has at times taken in more people than its daily limit allows.⁷

• An audit covering August 2024 to December 2025 found days when entries exceeded the limit by up to 1,138 people (October 20, 2024), 1,040 (April 20, 2025) and 1,031 (October 12, 2025), because some groups, such as free Sunday entries for Cusco residents and Inca Trail hikers, were not counted against it.⁷
• Auditors reported wear on original floors, terraces and stone stairways from heavy foot traffic, and UNESCO's World Heritage Committee raised concerns about daily visitor numbers in 2025.⁷
• Cusco's regional governor, Werner Salcedo, said in May 2026 that entrance tickets bring in about 250 million soles a year, but only about 7 million soles of that goes back into conserving the sanctuary.⁸

Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days in the Machu Picchu region (Aguas Calientes + Sacred Valley), as part of a typical 10-night trip across Peru.

Tourists’ on-site time at Machu Picchu is strictly limited by ticket type:

• Standard entrance ticket: up to 4 hours inside the sanctuary (guided tours average 2 h 30 m).
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket: up to 6–7 hours (to complete the peak hike plus site visit).
• Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: up to 8 hours (to summit and tour the citadel).

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the Andean dry season (May to October), when trails are clear and skies are generally sunny:

• High season: April through October with peak months in May, June, July and August is ideal due to low rainfall (dry season), stable trail conditions on the Inca Trail and other approaches and clear mountain vistas and sunrise views at the Sun Gate
• Avoid: November–March (wet season), when heavy rains can close trails, muddy paths are common, and visibility is reduced

What are the busiest months at Machu Picchu?

October was Machu Picchu's busiest month in 2025, with 162,479 visitors, followed by August (160,884) and July (158,522).² February was the quietest, with 79,806 visitors, the month the Inca Trail closes for maintenance.

• Every month from April to October 2025 drew more than 130,000 visitors.²
• In 2024, August was the busiest month (169,964 visitors) and February the quietest (74,892).²