The National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State (Sernanp) has announced new rules about the entrance fees to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. According to the new official announcement, the fees that were set in May 2023 will start to be used on January 1, 2026. This means that visitors will need to purchase a Machu Picchu Ticket under the new fee structure starting on that date.
This decision aims to make sure that local, national, and foreign people can visit Machu Picchu. It also wants to encourage people to value this important place and help the local economy. It’s important to know that these fees do not apply to people who enter by the Inca Trail, which is one of the main ways to get to Machu Picchu.
At first, the plan was to start using the new fees in Machu Picchu and the Amazon Access on January 1, 2023. But then, the date was changed to January 2025. Now, the date has been changed again to 2026.
With this change, both national and foreign tourists can visit this famous place in Peru at lower prices. This makes it easier for them to go and helps tourism in the country. So, it’s important for visitors to know about these new prices when they plan their trip, because the prices will be different depending on the age and type of tourist.
When will the new special prices start?
The office in charge of protected natural areas in the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, through Resolution 000004-2025-SERNANP/SHMPI-SGD, has said that special prices for Machu Picchu tickets will be available from January 1st to December 31st, 2026.
This document, which was published in the legal section of the official newspaper “El Peruano”, explains the new prices. The goal is to bring more tourists to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and encourage local people to visit.
This action is part of the Tourism Ministry’s plan to make the country’s tourism offerings stronger. It also follows article 34 of the General Tourism Law (Law 29408), which allows special prices during certain times to encourage local tourism in protected natural areas.
How much does a Machu Picchu ticket cost for 2026?
The special prices for 2026 depend on who you are and are as follows:
For visitors from Peru
| Promotional Prices | Application | Amount | Validity |
| Single Promotional Price for Adults | This price is for foreign visitors who are 18 years or older. | S/. 11.00 | 1 Day |
| Single Promotional Price for Children | This price is for foreign visitors who are between 3 and 17 years old. | S/. 5.00 | 1 Day |
| Single Promotional Price for Babies | This price is for foreign visitors who are younger than 3 years old. | Free | 1 Day |
For foreign visitors
| Promotional Prices | Application | Amount | Validity |
| Promotional Price for Adults | This price is for visitors from Peru who are 18 years or older. | S/. 5.00 | 1 Day |
| Promotional Price for Children | This price is for visitors from Peru who are between 3 and 17 years old. | S/. 3.00 | 1 Day |
Free entry for people living in Cusco
| Visitor Type | Application | Amount | Validity |
| Local and Regional People of Cusco | Every Sunday of Each Month | Free | From January 1st to December 31st, 2026 |
Every Sunday in 2026, people who live in Cusco (both in the city and the surrounding area) can enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary for free.
To get this free entry, they need to show their ID card (called DNI in Peru) to prove they live there. This is being done to encourage people from the region to visit Machu Picchu and feel more connected to the cultural and natural heritage of the area.
With these new rules, it is hoped that more people will be able to visit and enjoy the amazing Machu Picchu. This will help both tourism and make sure that everyone has a chance to see this important historical place.
