>It is no surprise that Machu Picchu tops the must-visit list every time the subject of Peru or South America is mentioned. Machu Picchu, despite a significant number of annual visits , remains a magical magnet and an exciting travel destination for all kinds of travellers.
From January 1, 2017, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture increased prices for all historical sites and archaeological parks across Peru. This increase affects the entry tickets to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, as well as the cost of permits for Inca Trail hikes and accompanying porters and guides. The price to Machu Picchu rose by just over USD$7 and combined tickets to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain increased by approximately USD$15.
That is not the only change affecting national parks. Last year an exit ramp was completed to reduce the bottleneck of people entering and exiting through the same gate. This new addition has reduced much of the congestion for entry to the citadel. And more plans are in the pipeline.
Tickets are going to be strictly regimented in the future with definitive morning and afternoon shifts , as well as the requirement for all visitors to be accompanied into Machu Picchu by a certified guide.
There are also plans to construct a Visitor and Orientation Center which will serve as the new entry point to the citadel. And more talks about a cliff railway are under way to protect the quality of the roads in and out of the busy site.
For those interested in hiking to Machu Picchu, two new alternative routes to the ruins are being opened over the next two years. One gentle trail will ascend through the Eastern Terraces and enter the site at the Temple of the Condor. The more challenging hike will pass through the Inkaraqay Inca ruins leading to the Temple of the Condor.
These projects and ideas are in keeping with the overall goal to ensure that Machu Picchu is protected for the future and provides a more authentic and unique visit than ever.
