The Machu Picchu rules protect fragile Inca structures, keep narrow paths moving, and reduce risks for visitors. The most important requirement before reaching the gate is simple: carry a small bag, follow the circuit printed on your ticket, and leave prohibited objects at your hotel or an approved storage point.
This guide translates the official code of conduct into practical decisions. It explains what you can carry, what must stay behind, how photography works, and which behaviors can result in removal from the archaeological site.
What Are the Main Machu Picchu Rules?
| Rule | What it means for your visit |
|---|---|
| Maximum bag size | Backpacks, bags, and purses larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (16 × 14 × 8 inches) are prohibited. |
| Assigned route | Stay on the circuit and route shown on your ticket; do not cross barriers or reverse the visitor flow. |
| Photography | Handheld personal photography is practical; tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, extensions, and stabilizing equipment are prohibited. |
| Food and alcohol | Food, kitchenware, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited inside the monument. |
| Rain protection | Umbrellas and aerosols are prohibited; use a rain jacket or poncho and non-aerosol products. |
| Heritage protection | Do not touch, climb, lean, sit, or lie on archaeological walls and structures. |
| Conduct | No running, jumping, shouting, smoking, vaping, littering, or disruptive activity. |
The official Machu Picchu rules are published in the Machu Picchu code of conduct. Review it shortly before traveling because procedures can change, and follow instructions from park guards at the site.
What Size Backpack Is Allowed at Machu Picchu?
The Machu Picchu rules set a maximum of 40 cm high × 35 cm wide × 20 cm deep, equivalent to approximately 16 × 14 × 8 inches. The limit applies to backpacks, handbags, purses, and similar bags. A compact daypack is the safest choice.
This limit is based on external dimensions rather than a published liter capacity. A soft bag can still exceed the rule when overfilled, so measure it after packing. Straps, rigid pockets, and items attached to the outside can make a seemingly small pack awkward on narrow paths.
Train luggage allowances are separate from the Machu Picchu entrance rule. A bag accepted by PeruRail or Inca Rail may still be too large for the archaeological site. Leave suitcases and large trekking packs in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, or another storage location arranged for your itinerary.
For clothing, documents, and weather essentials that fit this limit, use our complete Machu Picchu packing list.
What Items Are Prohibited at Machu Picchu?
The Machu Picchu rules group together objects that can damage the monument, obstruct narrow paths, disturb other visitors, or create safety risks. Check every compartment of your bag before leaving the hotel.
Food, Kitchenware, Alcohol, and Illegal Substances
Food and kitchenware such as plates, cutlery, thermoses, and similar objects are prohibited. Alcohol is also forbidden, and visitors may not enter while under its influence. The same rule applies to illegal substances and entering under their effects.
Eat before passing the control point. If you carry water for the wider journey, use an appropriate reusable container and follow the instructions given by site personnel about carrying and consuming it along your route. Remove every item of waste when you leave.
Umbrellas, Aerosols, and Portable Chairs
Umbrellas and parasols are not permitted. Pack a waterproof jacket or poncho instead. Aerosol products are also prohibited, so choose lotion, cream, roll-on, or another non-aerosol format for sunscreen and insect repellent. Portable chairs must remain outside.
Walking Sticks and Hard-Sole Shoes
Walking sticks are listed among prohibited items, as are high heels and hard-sole shoes. Wear comfortable footwear with a soft rubber sole and reliable grip. If you require a mobility aid for a medical reason, contact the official authority or your tour operator before the visit and do not assume that an ordinary trekking pole will be accepted.
Strollers and Animals
Baby strollers cannot enter the archaeological site. Plan an appropriate child carrier and confirm current conditions before traveling with a baby. Animals are prohibited except for guide dogs. Visitors must not feed domestic or wild animals.
Drones, Weapons, Speakers, and Promotional Objects
Drones, paragliders, and other small aircraft are prohibited. The rules also exclude knives, weapons, musical instruments, megaphones, speakers, banners, posters, costumes, and clothing intended for advertising. Commercial photography and filming require separate authorization; carrying a regular entrance ticket does not grant commercial production rights.
Are Cameras, Selfie Sticks, and Drones Allowed at Machu Picchu?
Personal photography is part of most visits, but the Machu Picchu rules control the equipment and behavior involved. Use a handheld phone or camera, keep equipment compact, and take pictures without obstructing a path. Do not climb, lean on, or touch a wall to create a pose.
- Do not use tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, extension poles, or stabilizers.
- Do not fly a drone over the monument.
- Do not bring banners, costumes, advertising clothing, or promotional props.
- Do not run, jump, lie down, undress, or create disorder for a photograph.
- Do not photograph or film for advertising purposes without authorization.
If photography is a priority, choose your route and entrance time before buying. Our guides to Machu Picchu circuits and Machu Picchu tickets explain the views associated with each option.
What Rules Must You Follow Inside Machu Picchu?
Protect the Inca Structures
Machu Picchu is an archaeological monument, not an open park. Visitors may not climb or lean on walls, move stones, remove lithic elements, write graffiti, or damage any structure. Plants and animals must not be disturbed, collected, or removed.
Stay behind barriers even if a viewpoint appears empty. A shortcut can damage vegetation, erode a path, interrupt another route, or place you in a restricted area.
Follow Your Assigned Circuit and Route
Your ticket is tied to a specific circuit, route, date, and entrance time. Follow the marked direction and instructions from personnel. The official code prohibits leaving established circuits, while official route materials describe visitor flow as one-way and state that re-entry is not permitted.
Do not expect to change circuits after entry or walk back to a missed viewpoint. Use the restroom before entering and confirm your documents, equipment, and route at the gate. Arriving with a knowledgeable guide also helps your group move through the correct checkpoints. The Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco coordinates the principal transport and guided visit in one itinerary.
Behavior That Is Not Allowed
The Machu Picchu rules prohibit actions that disrupt other visitors or diminish the sacred character of the monument. Inside Machu Picchu, do not:
- Run, jump, lie down, undress, or generate disorder.
- Shout, whistle, clap, sing, or make other loud and disturbing sounds.
- Play music through instruments, speakers, or megaphones.
- Smoke, vape, or light any type of fire.
- Throw or leave rubbish.
- Use virtual applications on narrow paths or outside designated explanation areas.
- Hold dances, ceremonies, fashion shows, social commitments, or other unauthorized activities.
- Sell or trade inside the monument or surrounding restricted area.
Speak quietly, remain aware of people behind you, and listen when a guard asks the group to continue. These small decisions protect the site and make the circuit more comfortable for everyone.
Do Special Rules Apply to Children, Seniors, and Inca Trail Hikers?
Arriving from the Inca Trail
Trekkers carry equipment that is unnecessary or prohibited inside the citadel. Follow the briefing from your licensed operator about where duffels, trekking poles, and other trail gear will be handled before the Machu Picchu visit. The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and Classic Inca Trail 4 days have different logistics, so use the instructions for your exact departure.
Visitors with Reduced Mobility
The site contains stone stairs, slopes, narrow passages, and uneven surfaces. Because ordinary walking sticks are on the prohibited list, arrange any required support before travel. Ask the official authority or your operator what documentation and equipment may be accepted for your circumstances.
Families with Babies
Strollers are prohibited. A suitable carrier may be more practical, but parents should consider the route’s stairs, exposure, duration, and weather. Confirm current rules and select a route that matches the adult carrying the child.
What Happens If You Break the Machu Picchu Rules?
The official Machu Picchu rules state that entering with prohibited objects or committing prohibited acts can result in immediate expulsion without a refund. Legal action may also begin when applicable. Ministry of Culture park guards and National Police officers are the authorities within the monument.
Do not rely on reports that an item was overlooked during another traveler’s visit. Enforcement decisions belong to the staff on duty, and a prohibited item can delay or end your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a backpack into Machu Picchu?
Yes, if it is within the permitted dimensions. Backpacks, bags, and purses larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm are prohibited.
Can I bring food into Machu Picchu?
No. The official code prohibits food and kitchenware inside the monument. Eat before entering.
Can I bring a water bottle?
The published prohibited-item list does not expressly identify an ordinary personal water bottle, but staff control what may be carried and consumed along each route. Use an appropriate reusable container, avoid disposable waste, and follow directions at the entrance.
Are cameras allowed at Machu Picchu?
A compact handheld camera or phone is suitable for personal photography. Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, camera extensions, and stabilizers are prohibited. Commercial filming and photography require authorization.
Can I use a GoPro at Machu Picchu?
A small camera used by hand may be treated like other personal cameras, but extensions, selfie sticks, tripods, and stabilizing accessories are prohibited. Staff at the entrance have final authority.
Can I bring an umbrella?
No. Umbrellas and parasols are prohibited. Use a rain jacket or poncho.
Can I bring a walking stick?
Walking sticks are included in the official prohibited list. If you need a mobility aid for medical reasons, obtain current guidance from the official authority or your operator before arrival.
Are drones allowed?
No. Flying drones, paragliders, or other small aircraft over Machu Picchu is prohibited.
Can I leave and re-enter Machu Picchu?
Plan on a single, controlled visit. Official route materials state that circuits are one-way and re-entry is not permitted. Use the restroom and organize your bag before passing the entrance.
