Machu Picchu Visitor Capacity Report Due by 2026 | Travel News

A report assessing the visitor capacity for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is expected to be completed by September 2026. Culture Minister Alfredo Luna announced the initiative, which aims to establish a framework for managing visitor numbers and flows within the archaeological site.
 

The contract for this important study will be awarded soon, with an estimated preparation duration of five to six months. Currently, the visitor capacity for Machu Picchu, set in 2019, remains unchanged to allow continuity of operations.

Minister Luna highlighted that the forthcoming report will define visitor limits, circulation conditions, access points, and suggested circuits. The site presently offers three visitor circuits, but the aim is to expand this number to accommodate various types of tourism, including those interested in both the archaeological significance and the area's biodiversity.

In 2025, Machu Picchu welcomed approximately 1.6 million visitors, with peak daily arrivals reaching 5,600 during the high season. Conversely, low season figures have dropped from 4,500 to around 3,000, notably due to a lack of advance planning by domestic tourists.

New Master Plan and Management Goals

 

The Minister also mentioned that a new Master Plan for the Historic Sanctuary, set to guide developments until 2046, was approved on January 8. This plan will be implemented from 2026 to 2030, ensuring systematic management to address challenges such as climate change and the physical impact of tourism.

Within the sanctuary, approximately 60 archaeological monuments, 80 mammal species, over 400 bird species, and more than 3,000 plant species exist. The Master Plan will set guidelines to tackle these ecological and heritage challenges. The area requires constant oversight due to issues stemming from visitor contact and seasonal rainfall.

Notably, about 20% of the citadel has undergone reconstruction, and portions of this rebuilt structure may lack the inherent strength of the original constructions, necessitating further reinforcement.

• Completion of visitor capacity report expected: September 2026.

• Current daily visitor limit: 5,600 during high season.

• Master Plan spans from 2026 to 2030; target year for implementation: 2046.

• Visitor circuits to be expanded beyond the current three.