Everything You Need to Know about the Reopening of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail

After seven months without being able to visit Peru's incredible wonder of the modern world, Machu Picchu is once again open for visit. Now that international flights have resumed from several neighbouring countries, the reopening of Machu Picchu is an important development for tourists to Peru. Currently Peru's border is open to international flights from 7 adjoining countries, and flights from the US and Canada will resume in November.

As of October 19, the Machu Picchu government website made entry tickets available on a restricted basis. Starting November 9, the Peru government has released free tickets to Machu Picchu for anyone who would like entry through the end of December 2020.

Here is what you need to know about the first Machu Picchu entry tickets after reopening:

* Entry tickets are currently free until December 31, 2020 (this could change after the new year, but until the tickets are released, we don't know)

* Tickets must be reserved online in advance

* There are 2 categories of tickets: "general" for foreigners, and "promotional" for Peruvians and citizens of Comunidad Andina countries in South America

* Everyone must register with and enter with their ID or passport, as tickets cannot be transferred

* Currently entry is only available to the main city of Machu Picchu. It is not possible to explore Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain

* There is restricted access to the Sungate and Inca Bridge

* The government has made available an average of about 75 entry tickets per hour for each category. During the 9 hours the site opens per day, that works out to 675 passrs per category per day, which comes to a total of 1350 people allowed to enter each day

* Each person can only reserve 5 tickets at a time

* It's advised to confirm your train and bus tickets before you buy your Machu Picchu entry ticket

Here's what you need to know about the first Inca Trail permits after reopening:

* The 1-day Inca Trail hike is the only option available through the end of December 2020

* The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike is still not open, but we do expect it to reopen next year. Remember that this trail is always closed in February each year due to the rainy season

* Although there is no cost at this time, everyone planning to hike this trail requires a permit, which can be obtained through a licensed tour operator

* It's essential to confirm your train tickets at the time you get your permits, since that is the only way to get to KM 104, the beginning of the hike