Prohibitions in Machu Picchu – Rules to keep in mind

Machu Picchu archaeological site

Know the main prohibitions in Machu Picchu. This will be of vital importance to avoid making mistakes and even to avoid being left out. Many people are unaware of these restrictions and travel as if Machu Picchu was a shopping mall or just another place. However, Machu Picchu is considered a sanctuary, so some behaviors or alterations that visitors can have are restricted. This, mainly, in order that the citadel or Inca llaqta can be visited for many more years and, in addition, continue to maintain that beautiful particularity in the constructions of good condition. It can continue to be visited in posterity and more generations can reach this beautiful, magical and sacred place.

Machu Picchu is considered a sanctuary. Why?

Full view of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the best constructions and vestiges of the Inca culture. Finding it meant an important discovery for all that it would show to the archaeological study of Peru. In addition to contributing greatly to the understanding of the scarce history of the Incas.

In addition, this discovery allowed the entire geographic area to be explored in greater depth. The result was surprising. A network of roads was found that connected Machu Picchu with other Inca constructions. Among these constructions we have to highlight the presence of Wiñayhuayna that has incredible terraces, which are a challenge to engineering and physics itself.

This exploration also allowed us to explore the depths of the jungle, where we found beautiful species of orchids, as well as a great variety of butterflies and a unique ecosystem in the world. In this sense, native species of Machu Picchu can be found, both in insects, birds and even orchids.

It is also important to mention that Machu Picchu itself has more than 200 enclosures. Among these we can find the presence of colcas, houses, terraces and also the presence of religious buildings that have beautiful landscapes. Something that is also surprising are the squares or social areas in front of the temples.

Finally, Machu Picchu is considered as a Historic Sanctuary by essential criteria according to the World Cultural Heritage. Let’s get to know these particularities in detail. After that, let’s start with the list of the main precautions that must be followed to visit Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu is a work of art, which highlights its ability to integrate urban planning, architecture and engineering.
• It achieves all of the above in a large geographical space that further increases the aforementioned characteristics.
• It served as a center of convergence or articulator of the ancient settlers.
• The architectural capacity stands out because the transformation of an entire mountain was achieved.
• There is an immersion and harmony with the nature and geography of the place.
• Thanks to all the above mentioned, it is a space of great human value, where you can investigate the social, political and religious relationship of the Inca culture.
• All Machu Picchu has its own harmony and aesthetics, and its condition allows us to appreciate all these details in a better way.

Careful when touring Machu Picchu

One of the llamas that inhabit Machu Picchu

The precautions concerning the tour to Machu Picchu can be seen in the following prohibitions.

• You may enter Machu Picchu and tour it with the presence of a guide dog. Other pets or normal pets cannot enter.
• In Machu Picchu you may find the presence of some animals, it is forbidden to feed them.
• During the tour you can not use megaphones and listen to music on portable speakers.
• You have to do the tour of Machu Picchu without shouting, clapping, singing, whistling or any other noise that disturbs the tour or disturb the rest of the tourists.
• In case of doing the tour with a baby, you will have to carry it, the entrance of baby carriages is not allowed.
• During the tour, it is completely forbidden and legal proceedings may be opened in case of disturbance, nudity, running, lying down or similar.
• Likewise, during the course no one may climb or climb on the walls or loose stones.
• You can not stop the circuit, doing dances, social engagements and the like.
• You can not do business or ambulatory trade within the archaeological zone.
• Finally, smoking and vaping are forbidden during the tour. In fact, it is forbidden to generate any kind of fire.
• Remember to follow the corresponding circuits. It is not allowed to go back on the given path.

I can not take to Machu Picchu

Tourists observing the main temple of Machu Picchu

If you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu remember that you cannot bring the following items. No matter how much you insist you will not be able to enter and this can ruin your trip.

• It is advisable to carry a personal backpack. This should have dimensions between 40x35x20 cm.
• You may bring snacks and beverages, but you may not bring heavy food or food in tupperware.
• It is forbidden to carry walking sticks, umbrellas, camera tripods or similar. It is completely forbidden to carry stabilizing elements.
• The entrance to Machu Picchu is forbidden with spiked shoes, heels or similar footwear.
• You may not bring alcoholic beverages. It will even be forbidden to enter if you are in a state of drunkenness.
• It is forbidden to carry aerosols of any kind.
• Carrying professional recording equipment or large equipment.
• It is forbidden to bring posters, banners or clothing for advertising purposes.
• Filming or photographing for advertising purposes is also prohibited.
• It is forbidden to enter with sharp weapons or similar.
• It is not allowed to use drones or similar.
• It is forbidden to bring or enter with animals to Machu Picchu.

Remember to do sustainable tourism

Visitors touring the Inca Citadel

Machu Picchu is characterized by sustainable tourism. It has several policies that are responsible for safeguarding the environment. That is why it is recommended to follow some of these recommendations.

• In case you bring some food, snacks or beverages. Please dispose of your garbage where it belongs.
• Near the bus station you can find garbage containers. All of them are sorted.
• It is completely forbidden to damage or make graffiti in the facilities of Machu Picchu.
• It is forbidden to damage the flora or extract and collect the plants that are growing on the site.
• You may not pick up, grab or throw any of the stones or lithic elements that are loose.
• It is important to make a tour with due respect, both in the facilities, the stone buildings and with the general public.
• The main reason is to generate sustainable tourism and Machu Picchu can continue to be one of the best destinations on planet Earth.

It is suggested to behave appropriately

Tourists feeling the energy of Machu Picchu

All the prohibitions that we detail in all the previous listings are to safeguard the entire archaeological site of Machu Picchu and also so that all the people who travel thousands of kilometers, have an adequate experience.

It is well known that tourism in Peru and especially in Cusco is one of the activities that generate more economic movement. On the other hand, not paying attention to the prohibitions or simply trying to ignore them, will expose you to immediate expulsion.

Likewise, if you commit an offense or ignore the warnings, legal proceedings will be initiated. You may also be expelled without the right to reimbursement. Do not turn your vacation into a bad experience for you, your friends, family and people who often make long trips with the sole intention of visiting Machu Picchu.

Some frequently asked questions about visiting Machu Picchu Picchu

• How can I make professional recordings in Machu Picchu?

  One way to access special permits is in direct conversation with the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. For this, a dialogue table will be opened and it will also be important that the intentions of the video are productive and meaningful. That is to say, the videos that are recorded must have a positive intention.

• How to access or enter Machu Picchu?

  The only way to enter Machu Picchu is having the reservation of the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. Reservations can be made virtually and all of them have different circuits and activities. In case you want to do the tour of Machu Picchu, it will be essential to make the necessary reservation in advance.

• Are there luggage storage facilities near the access area?

  Yes, precisely as a way to prevent people from having problems with their luggage or hiking equipment, you can find a space to store your luggage or belongings. The ideal is to make the tour of Machu Picchu is carrying only a small backpack. There you can carry your snacks, drinks and personal or valuable documents.

• Can I find restrooms?

  Yes, near the access area to Machu Picchu, you can find toilets and also the area where you can store luggage. It is advisable to make use of these, because inside Machu Picchu you cannot find toilets. In addition, the tour of the Inca citadel has an approximate duration of 2 hours.

• Can I enter Machu Picchu with minors or children?

  Yes, it is possible to enter Machu Picchu with minors. Remember that they will be in charge of the parents or guardians with whom they enter. It is recommended that children receive adequate warning of the care they should take for the tour of Machu Picchu.