Machu Picchu to trial timed entry tickets to control tourism

THIS famous ancient site is a popular bucket-list item for travellers, but we are loving it to death.

YOU are now going to have to purchase a timed ticket to see one of the world’s most famous ancient sites.

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture has announced that as of next month, travellers wanting a glimpse of Peru’s famed Machu Picchu will need a timed entry permit for a tour to access the site — and the tours will be limited to just two per day, in the morning (6am-noon) or afternoon (noon-5:30pm).

Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. It has become a popular tourist destination.

The move is aimed at conserving the site’s archaeological integrity, based on the recommendations of a 2015 study by a US archaeologist and UNESCO on how best to ensure that Machu Picchu isn’t hurt by rising numbers of tourists.

In addition to purchasing timed tickets, tourists will now also be obliged to visit with an official or licensed guide in a group no more than 16 people.

Previously, travellers could spend the entire day taking in the world-renowned site relatively independently.

Tourism to Machu Picchu hit a record 1.4 million in 2016. Photo: AP/Karel Navarro

The new rules come into effect on July 1 and will allow about 3600 visitors to enter the ancient Incan citadel in the morning tour and another nearly 2700 people to explore during afternoon hours.

According to The Guardian, visitor numbers have grown rapidly at Machu Picchu in recent years, hitting a new record 1.4 million in 2016 — an average of 5000 people a day during the summer months, double the 2500 visitors recommended by UNESCO.

The new rules will be in place for two years, after which further adjustments will be made if necessary.

— With AP