Machu Picchu Tickets

After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture created 5 new Machu Picchu circuits. This is mainly to have better control over the number of people visiting the sanctuary and protect its Heritage Site status. You choose a specific circuit when buying your Machu Picchu Tickets, which means you have to go through a specific route depending on the ticket you choose.

Here are the 5 ticket types and circuits you can book:

1. Machu Picchu (General Entry): Allows access to the main archaeological site through circuits 1,2, 3, or 4.
2. Circuit 4 + Huayna Picchu Mountain
3. Circuit 3 + Machu Picchu Mountain
4. Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu
5. Inca Bridge + Circuit 1 or 2

Buying tickets: You can book your Machu Picchu ticket directly through the official website and from authorized sales points in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. We always recommend booking far in advance, especially during the high season (May to September) or if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Here's How to buy Machu Picchu Tickets

Machu Picchu Circuits

Machu Picchu Citadel Ticket (Circuit 1,2, 3 or 4)

With this Machu Picchu Citadel ticket, you can choose between four (4) different circuits. These are designed to manage visitor flow and protect the archaeological site. Each circuit provides a distinct route and experience, highlighting different areas of the Citadel. There are 1714 tickets available daily, divided into 9 different shifts, and the cost is US$ 50 per person.

Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu

The most famous circuit in the ancient Inca site. The circuit begins at the main gate of Machu Picchu. It winds its way up to the Guardhouse, located in the upper part of Machu Picchu. From there, you will have the best views of Machu Picchu, then hike down to the viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun, Temples, Intiwatana, Sacred Rock, Huayna Picchu entrance, Mirrors, and the Temple of the Condor.

Places you can visit:

• Lower Observatory
• Upper Observatory
• Temple of the Sun
• Quarry 
• Square of the Temples
• Intiwatana Rock or Sundial
• The Sacred Rock
• 12 Spans
• Warehouse
• Water mirrors
• Temple of the Condor
• See the classic 360° view of Machu Picchu from the upper observatory.

Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu

Less popular and shorter than Circuit 2, you will access the viewpoints of the Guardhouse, the view of the Temple of the Sun, and the temple's central plaza, then you will cut straight to the water mirrors and exit Machu Picchu. 

Places you can visit:

• Lower Observatory
• Upper Observatory
• Temple of the Sun
• Quarry
• Water Mirrors
• See the classic 360° view of Machu Picchu from the upper observatory.

Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu

Circuit 3 will allow you to access the center of Machu Picchu, where the most important buildings are located:

• The storehouses
• The Temple of the Sun
• House of the Inca
• Water Fountains,
• Water mirrors, and exit Machu Picchu.

Please note that if you follow this circuit, you won't have access to the upper observatory for the classic photos. However, you're likely not to do Circuit 3 unless you pick the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket or do the Classic and Short Inca Trail.

Huayna Picchu Mountain + Circuit 4

Huayna Picchu Mountain is one of the most popular extra hikes in Machu Picchu. This ticket grants you access to Huayna Picchu, and it takes 2 hours round trip and 4 shifts to enter. There are 300 tickets available every day divided into 4 different shifts, and the cost is US$ 75 per person.

First shift to Huayna Picchu:

• Entry to Machu Picchu from 6:00 am to 7:00 am
• Entry to Huayna Picchu from 7:00 am to 8:00 am

Second shift to Huayna Picchu:

• Entry to Machu Picchu from 7:00 am to 8:00 am
• Entry to Huayna Picchu from 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Third shift to Huayna Picchu:

• Entry to Machu Picchu from 8:00 am to 9:00 am
• Entry to Huayna Picchu from 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Fourth shift to Huayna Picchu:

• Entry to Machu Picchu from 9:00 am to 10:00 am
• Entry to Huayna Picchu from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Directions: Once you access Machu Picchu's main gate, you need to follow the lower part of Machu Picchu; similar to Circuit 3, you will be able to access the Temple of the Sun, The House of the Inca, and continue through the lower part of the Intiwanata until you arrive to the entrance of Huayna Picchu, located in the northern area of Machu Picchu. To get to the Entrance of Huayna Picchu, you need at least 20 minutes from the main gate of Machu Picchu. 

Once you pass the checkpoint, you will start climbing the steep mountain. After 30 minutes of climbing, you'll reach a small plateau with stunning views of Machu Picchu below. From here, the trail gets even steeper as you make your way up toward the summit of Huayna Picchu. The last section involves scrambling over some large rocks, but there are handrails to help you along the way.

What you get: At the top, you will enjoy the fantastic mountains and Machu Picchu views from a different angle. The return is the same way.

Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3

Machu Picchu Mountain, or Montaña, is the highest peak in the area, with 3,082 meters (10,111 feet). It has two entry shifts and a total of 100 tickets per day. The price is US$ 75 per person: 

First shift to Montaña:

• Entry to Machu Picchu from 6:00 am to 7:00 am
• Entry to Montaña from 7:00 am to 8:00 am

Second shift to Montaña:

• Entry to Machu Picchu from 7:00 am to 8:00 am
• Entry to Montaña from 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Directions: When you buy the Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3 ticket, you need to access the Machu Picchu main gate, hike to the upper part where the viewpoints are, and continue to the Sungate for 10 minutes until you find the arrow that shows to Machu Picchu Mountain. This will take you 25 minutes. 

The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain takes around 3 hours. After the hike, you need to exit Machu Picchu through the same route, have some free time, and re-enter Machu Picchu for a second time; however, this time, you will enter through Circuit 3.

What you get: Once you are at the top, you are rewarded with a wider 360° view of the whole area of Machu Picchu, which is less crowded than Huayna Picchu.

Huchuy Picchu Mountain + Circuit 4

Huchuy Picchu is the smallest mountain next to Huayna Picchu, located at 2,498 m (8,195 ft). To get there, you will need to buy the Huchuy Picchu + Circuit 4 tickets and enter Machu Picchu through the lower part. There are 200 tickets available, costing US$50 per person.

Entry schedules: 

• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu - 7:00 am
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu - 8:00 am
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu - 9:00 am
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu - 10:00 am
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu - 11:00 am
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu - 12:00 pm

Places you can visit: 

• Granaries
• Farming terraces
• Water Fountains
• The dry well
• Temple of the Sun
• House of the Inca
• Sacred Rock
• Water Mirrors
• The Temple of Condor
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain

From the checkpoint of Huchuy Picchu (same entrance as Huayna Picchu), the hike takes around 25 minutes to the top and a similar time down from the mountain; you will have incredible vistas of Machu Picchu from a different angle.

Inca Bridge + Circuits 1 or 2

The Inca Bridge is an impressive construction located on a cliff. This ticket allows you to hike to the Inca Bridge + visit the Citadel through Circuit 1 or 2. There are 280 tickets available every day; the cost is US$ 50, and it is divided into different shifts. 

Entry schedules: 

• Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge - 7:00 am
• Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge - 8:00 am
• Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge - 9:00 am
• Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge - 10:00 am
• Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge - 11:00 am
• Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge - 12:00 pm

To access it, follow the route that goes through the lower observatory and reach the checkpoint. The hike takes around 3 hours. If you're not afraid of the heights, you can even cross the bridge or enjoy the stunning views from the upper section.

Inca Trail tickets + Circuit 3 or 5

When you hike the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail, the 5-day Inca Trail, or the 2-day Short Inca Trail, you will arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Then, continue down to the viewpoints where the Guardhouse is and enjoy the fantastic views from the top of the mountain. 

• For the Classic Inca Trail, there are 500 permits available daily, including the 4-day, 5-day, and Salkantay Inca Trail permits. It's important to mention that this 500 includes porters, chefs, tour guides, and travelers. 
• For the Short Inca Trail, there are 250 spaces available daily, including staff and travelers. 

When you re-enter, you will access Machu Picchu through Circuit 3 or 5; you will explore the center of Machu Picchu, where the most important buildings are located:

• Granaries
• Farming terraces
• The dry well
• Temple of the Sun
• House of the Inca
• Water Fountains
• Water Mirrors
• Temple of the 3 Windows

Machu Picchu Tickets General Regulations

The "Regulation on Sustainable Use and Tourists Visits for the Conservation of the Llaqta Machu Picchu Inka City" was created in 2017 to safeguard and promote the sustainable use of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - UNESCO. It establishes all of the conditions with which visitors must comply and is updated on a regular basis based on the circumstances.

The schedules, entry hours, and visit circuits permitted in the citadel are regulated by the aforementioned rule. You have to consider the following considerations ahead:

• The admission ticket is only valid for the specified date and cannot be used on the preceding or following days. It is non-transferable and not refundable.
• You must come at the time indicated on your entry ticket, and you will only get 30 minutes extra as a tolerance of entry. Click here for more information.
• You and your professional tour guide can only visit the circuit shown on your ticket. The restricted and closed places within the citadel are not open to the public.
• Remember to bring your identification and your ticket, which will be required at each checkpoint during your stay. A legitimate identity card is your passport, immigration card, or diplomatic identity card. The identifying document for citizens of the Andean Community (CAN) or Mercosur is a valid DNI. If you are an international student, you must present your university's original ID.

Restrictions during your visit to Machu Picchu

This is a protected site with limits on what is permitted. Here's a list of what not to bring to Machu Picchu:

• Large and heavy luggage 
• Tripods, selfie sticks, and any camera stabilization gear
• Flying drones
• Umbrellas and portable sits
• Alcoholic drinks or any illegal substances
• Weapons and sharp-edged objects
• Food and kitchenware
• Strollers are not allowed; instead, you can use a baby carrier 
• Musical instruments or speakers
• Banners, posters, advertising clothing, costumes, or any similar objects.
• Hiking poles
• It is preferable to carry rubber-soled shoes instead of hard-soled shoes.

Note: The ticketing process and regulations are subject to modification and updating, so always consult official websites or local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Tips for your visit

Planning your visit carefully is essential. Consider transportation to and from the site, accommodations, and any other activities you may want to include. The train is the most popular way of reaching Machu Picchu, departing from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and arriving in Aguas Calientes. You can take a bus or hike from Aguas Calientes to the site's entrance.

To make the most of your visit, here are some valuable suggestions:

• Arrive at Machu Picchu a day before if possible.
• You can purchase bus tickets to Machu Picchu online or before boarding the bus.
• Arrive at Machu Picchu's main gate at the designated time.
• Have a copy of your tickets printed or on your phone
• Have it printed if you have Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu.
• Follow the instructions on your ticket.

Machu Picchu Tickets - Frequently Asked Questions

How to buy Machu Picchu Tickets?

There are 3 ways you can buy Machu Picchu Tickets:

1. Directly from the Official Website: https://tuboleto.cultura.pe
2. At the Ministry of Culture Ticket Selling Points:
   • Calle Maruri 340 (see location)
   • Calle Garcilaso S/N (see location)
3. From an authorized tour company like TreXperience.

Tip: We recommend you buy your ticket in advance. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak season (April to December). Months Like January, February, and March are usually less crowded, and you can find available tickets. However, we recommend booking Machu Picchu tickets early for the best entry times.

How much are the Machu Picchu Tickets?

Prices 2024

How many tickets are available every day?

• Machu Picchu regular tickets: 1714 tickets divided into 9 shifts
• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge tickets: 280 tickets available per day
• Machu Picchu Mountain: 100 tickets every day (50 each shift)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: 300 tickets every day (75 tickets each shift)
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain: 280 tickets per day (35 tickets each shift)
• Classic Inca Trail 4 days: 500 permits available every day
• Short Inca Trail 2 days: 250 permits available every day

How do I use my Machu Picchu entry ticket?

• Once you receive your ticket, download it to your phone or PC.
• Print your ticket in case they ask you for the paper version.
• Show your Machu Picchu ticket and your original passport or ID at the entrance. 

*Your passport is the most important form of identification, and you will not be granted access without it.

How do I get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?

You can take a bus or hike to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes and costs approximately US$ 24 for a round trip. The walk is a bit longer, taking around 2 hours, but it is free.

What are the opening times for Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is open every day from 6 am to 5 pm. However, if you want to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, you must book your ticket in advance as there are only 400 tickets available per day, and they often sell out quickly!

Do I need a guide to visit Machu Picchu?

According to Machu Picchu's rules, you need a licensed tour guide to access Machu Picchu. However, some people will enter without a guide. We highly recommend that you book a guided tour as there is so much history and culture surrounding Machu Picchu that you will likely miss out on if you go alone.

A good guide will be able to provide context for the different buildings and areas of Machu Picchu and share stories and legends about the site. They will also be able to answer any questions about Machu Picchu. If you are short on time, express tours are available, showing you the highlights of Machu Picchu in a shorter period.

Can I change the date on my Machu Picchu ticket?

No, the date cannot be changed once your Machu Picchu ticket is purchased. The tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, so it's essential to plan your visit accordingly.

Do I need to bring my passport or identification when visiting Machu Picchu?

Yes, it is mandatory to bring your passport or a valid identification document when visiting Machu Picchu. Your identification will be checked at the entrance gate to ensure that the name on the ticket matches your identification.

Are there any age restrictions for visiting Machu Picchu?

There are no specific age restrictions for visiting Machu Picchu. However, children under the age of 17 may be eligible for discounted tickets. It's best to check the official website or authorized tour company for specific details.

How far in advance should I book my Machu Picchu tickets?

It is recommended to book your Machu Picchu tickets as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan to visit during the peak tourist season (June to August). Tickets can sell out quickly, so it's best to secure your spot well in advance.

Do children pay for an entry ticket?

Children under 3 get free access, and children aged 4 and above require an entry ticket. An adult must accompany all minors.

Can I buy more than one Machu Picchu Ticket for the same day?

Yes, you can buy multiple tickets for Machu Picchu. Just make sure to choose different time shifts to make the most of your time!

Are there toilets inside Machu Picchu?

There's only one toilet facility located at the main entrance of Machu Picchu (it costs 2 soles). There are no toilets inside the archeological site, so you will need to make sure to use them before your visit.

Are there lockers at Machu Picchu?

Yes. There are lockers at the main entrance where you can store your bags; you will need to pay some extra soles to use them.

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The ancient Inca citadel is on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River valley. Construction of the site began around 1450 AD and was abandoned less than 100 years later, at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although the exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a mystery, it is thought to have served as a royal estate or a religious retreat.

Today, Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and named one of the World's New Seven Wonders in 2007. Visitors to Machu Picchu can explore the ruins, hike to nearby mountain peaks, or take a train ride through the surrounding scenic landscape.

A Brief History of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas," is a 15th-century Inca citadel in present-day Peru's Eastern Cordillera of the Andes Mountains. Abandoned around the time of the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, likely due to a combination of factors such as disease, resource depletion, and the collapse of the Inca Empire. The site remained relatively unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham's 1911 expedition resulted in its rediscovery and subsequent popularization.

Since its rediscovery, Machu Picchu has become an important site for archaeological research and preservation efforts. The site has been extensively excavated, revealing much information about Inca culture, religion, and daily life. In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and natural importance.

Your Machu Picchu Adventure with TreXperience!

There you have it! A complete guide on Machu Picchu Tickets. Now that you're filled with information, we're sure you're ready to book the right ticket, pack your bags, and visit the incredible Machu Picchu. 

Are you planning a hike to Machu Picchu? You can access this World Wonder with any of our hikes. Take a look at our Machu Picchu Tours and Inca Trail tours. We assure you an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience, whichever option you choose!