TORONTO — New admission rules for visiting Machu Picchu, originally scheduled to come into effect July 1, have been pushed back to January 2018, says Goway.

Ticket sales will be divided into a morning ticket (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and an afternoon ticket (12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.). “At this time, any change in cost a ticket has not been announced. There will of course be an option to buy both the morning and afternoon ticket, giving travellers a recommended full day in the ruins. Initially this change was to begin mid 2017, but after consultation with tour operators, locally and internationally, the date has been unofficially moved to January 2018,” says Goway.

The number of visitors to Machu Picchu each year has grown from the low 100,000s in the 1980s, to a peak of nearly 1.4 million tourists in 2014, an approximate increase of 700%. The increased traffic is taking its toll on the world-famous site.

The ticket timing changes are an attempt to manage crowding, easing the stress on the fragile ruins. “It means a little more red tape, but with the greater good in mind: keeping Machu Picchu in great shape and accessible for future travellers. Authorities in Peru have been considering the change for some years, seeing it as both logical and ecofriendly,” says Goway.

For reservations and information, visit Goway.com, or call 1-800-387-8850.