Arriving late to Machu Picchu is one of the biggest concerns for travelers. With the strict entry schedules currently in place, it is important to know exactly what happens if you do not arrive on time and how to avoid losing your entrance ticket.
Official Grace Period for Entering Machu Picchu
Your Machu Picchu ticket indicates an exact entry time through the main entrance to the archaeological site. There is a limited grace period after that time:
| Season | Grace Period at the Main Entrance |
|---|---|
| Regular demand (January-May and mid-October-December) | 30 minutes |
| High demand (June 1 to October 15 + December 30 and 31) | 45 minutes |
Example:
If your ticket is for 8:00 a.m.:
- During the regular season, you can enter until 8:30 a.m.
- During the high season, you can enter until 8:45 a.m.
Important: This grace period only applies to the main entrance. At the mountain checkpoints (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu), there is no grace period. If you arrive late for your mountain entry time, you will not be allowed to climb.
What Happens If You Arrive After the Grace Period?
- You may be denied entry.
- The ticket is nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled.
- Only in exceptional cases of duly documented force majeure (serious train delays caused by landslides, other force majeure circumstances, etc.) may the authorities consider exceptions. In practice, this is not guaranteed.
Once you enter, the maximum time allowed inside the citadel is 2 hours and 30 minutes (except for routes that include a mountain). The site closes at 5:30 p.m.
Main Reasons for Arriving Late
- Train delays (it is common for trains to stop to allow other trains to pass).
- Long lines for the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Traffic problems in Ollantaytambo.
- Leaving the hotel or train station without enough extra time.
How to Avoid Arriving Late to Machu Picchu
- Arrive in Aguas Calientes well in advance. Ideally, you should arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your scheduled entry time.
- Buy your bus ticket in advance (especially during the high season).
- Allow time for the bus line: during the high season, waiting times can exceed 30–60 minutes.
- If your entry time is early (6:00 or 7:00 a.m.), stay overnight in Aguas Calientes the night before.
- Bring your passport (the name and number must match those on your ticket).
Entry Times and Grace Period Table
| Ticket Time | Regular Season Grace Period | High Season Grace Period |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 | 6:30 | 6:45 |
| 7:00 | 7:30 | 7:45 |
| 8:00 | 8:30 | 8:45 |
| 9:00 | 9:30 | 9:45 |
| 10:00 | 10:30 | 10:45 |
| 11:00 | 11:30 | 11:45 |
| 12:00 | 12:30 | 12:45 |
| 13:00 | 13:30 | 13:45 |
| 14:00 | 14:30 | 14:45 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 | 15:45 |
Final Tips
Arriving late to Machu Picchu may mean missing your visit without the possibility of rescheduling. The best way to avoid problems is to plan with extra time and, if possible, travel with a tour operator who is familiar with train and bus schedules.
At Incredible Peru Tours, we organize Machu Picchu tours with carefully planned schedules so you can arrive on time and enjoy the experience without stress.
