Key facts
- Maximum backpack size: 40 × 35 × 20 cm.
- Food, walking sticks, tripods, drones and umbrellas are prohibited.
- Breaking the rules can mean immediate removal with no refund.
- Bring your original ID, water, sunscreen and rain gear.
Peru’s Ministry of Culture publishes a code of conduct for Machu Picchu. Breaking the rules can mean immediate removal with no refund, and they’re enforced inside the sanctuary by park rangers and the National Police.
Backpacks and bags
Backpacks and bags larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm are not allowed. Bring a small daypack and leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel or at the train station’s left-luggage office.
Prohibited items
- Food and utensils.
- Walking sticks, umbrellas, sunshades and portable seats.
- Tripods, camera mounts and extension poles.
- Drones, paragliders and any other type of small aircraft.
- Animals, except guide dogs.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Musical instruments, megaphones and speakers.
- Aerosol cans.
- Strollers.
- High heels or hard-soled shoes.
Prohibited behavior
- Smoking or vaping.
- Filming or taking photos for advertising purposes without authorization.
Also keep in mind that the route is one-way: stick to the path on your ticket, and don’t climb on or lean against the Inca walls.
What to bring
- Your original passport or ID, the same one you used to buy your ticket.
- Your entry ticket and bus ticket, printed or on your phone.
- Water in a reusable bottle.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat.
- A poncho or rain jacket: the weather changes fast.
- Shoes with good grip, especially if you’re climbing a mountain.
- Use the restrooms before you go in: they’re next to the entrance gate, outside the route.
If you’re doing a mountain route, also check out our guide to Machu Picchu Mountain or to Huayna Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bring food into Machu Picchu?
No. The official rules prohibit bringing in food and utensils. Eat before you go in or at the restaurant next to the entrance gate.
Can I bring trekking poles?
No. Walking sticks are on the list of prohibited items, along with umbrellas and tripods.
How big can my backpack be?
No larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm. Bigger backpacks have to stay outside.
