Machu Picchu tourism reaches 1.3 million visitors in 2026

Machu Picchu has welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors so far in 2026, a figure that remains below the pre-pandemic level of 1.8 million, according to Saúl Caipani, Tourism Manager for the Municipality of Machu Picchu.

While recent increases in ticket availability and school delegations have boosted flow, significant logistical challenges remain. Key issues include limited railway transport frequencies, particularly on the Hidroeléctrica route, and inadequate visitor services at ticket sales points, where insufficient windows have led to long queues.

For travelers in 2026, official tickets must be purchased through the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Tu Boleto’ platform. A recent update to the booking system requires payments to be completed within a 15-minute window once a selection is made. Visitors are advised to select specific circuits and routes in advance, as availability varies by date and demand.