Entrance Tickets to Machu Picchu 2023 - 2024

New tourist circuits in Machu Picchu

Due to the pandemic of Covid-19 new tourist circuits in Machu Picchu have been stated; this is why Machu Picchu tickets are essential to buy in advance for anyone interested in visiting the enchanting Machu Picchu Citadel; it's necessary to know that there are only a limited number of tickets available each day. That's why we've put together this helpful guide on everything you need to know about getting your hands on those precious tickets. Everything you need to know about Machu Picchu citadel tickets, from when to buy them to how much they cost and what you can expect when you get there.

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The ancient Inca citadel is located in present-day Peru 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 was built in the 15th century and is believed to have been used as a royal estate or sacred temple. The exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a mystery, but its stunning architecture and breathtaking setting make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Hiram Bingham III rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911; since then, it has become an iconic symbol of Peru. More than 2 million people visit Machu Picchu each year, making it one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world.

Machu Picchu tickets

When it comes to Machu Picchu tickets, there are a few things you need to know.

Machu Picchu is divided into five different circuits, and each has something special and unique to see
There are different types of tickets: the Machu Picchu Site Ticket and the Machu Picchu combo Tickets.
The Machu Picchu Site Ticket allows you to access any circuit
The Machu Picchu combo Ticket will enable you to hike Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu, plus a guided citadel tour.
You can purchase your tickets online directly on the government page
You can also purchase your tickets with an authorized tour Company like TreXperience.

New tourist circuits in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Citadel Tickets (Circuit 1,2,3)

Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu

The most famous circuit in the ancient Inca site. The circuit begins at the main gate of Machu Picchu and 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.

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 mirrors and exit Machu Picchu.

Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu

Circuit 3 will allow you to access the very center of Machu Picchu, where the most important buildings are located. You will visit the storehouses, the temple of the sun, the palace of the Inca, water fountains, the water mirror, and exit Machu Picchu.

Circuit 3 is mainly combined with the Machu Picchu Mountain tickets and is part of the Classic and Short Inca Trail circuit.

Machu Picchu Picchu Mountain ticket + Circuit 3

Machu Picchu Mountain, or Montaña, is the highest mountain in the Machu Picchu area, with 3082 meters (10111 feet). These two shifts to enter this mountain:

First shift to Montaña:

Enter to Machu Picchu from 6:00am to 7:00am
Enter to Montaña from 7:00am to 8:00am

Second shift to Montaña:

Enter to Machu Picchu from 7:00 am to 8:00 am
Enter to Montaña from 8:00 am to 9:00 am

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 the Inca Trail to the Sungate for 10 minutes until you find the arrow that shows to Machu Picchu Mountain. From Machu Picchu Main gate, you must turn 3 times to the left and 1 to the right side until the main entrance, for around 25 minutes.

The Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain takes around 3 hours round trip, the same way up and down. Once you are on top of Machu Pichu Mountain, you will be rewarded with a 360° view of the area.

After the Mountain 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.

Huayna Picchu Mountain + Circuit 4

Huayna Picchu Mountain is one of the most popular extra hikes in Machu Picchu. The hike takes 2 hours round trip and 4 shifts to enter:

First shift to Huayna Picchu:

Enter to Machu Picchu from 6:00am to 7:00am
Enter to Huayna Picchu from 7:00am to 8:00am

Second shift to Huayna Picchu:

Enter to Machu Picchu from 7:00am to 8:00am
Enter to Huayna Picchu from 8:00am to 9:00am

Third shift to Huayna Picchu:

Enter to Machu Picchu from 8:00am to 9:00am
Enter to Huayna Picchu from 9:00am to 10:00am

Fourth shift to Huayna Picchu:

Enter to Machu Picchu from 9:00am to 10:00am
Enter to Huayna Picchu from 10:00am to 11:00am

Once you enter the main gate of Machu Picchu, you need to follow the lower entrance 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 Intiawanata Priramyde 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.

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

Huchuy Picchu Mountain + Circuit 4

The smallest mountain is next to Huayna Picchu, located at 2498 m/ 8195 ft. You must buy the Huchuy Picchu + Circuit 4 tickets to hike this mountain.

You can buy this ticket from:

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
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu - 13:00 pm
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu - 14:00 pm

You must purchase a more convenient shift, arrive at the designated times, and enter Machu Picchu through the lower part.

The Places you can visit are:

Granaries
Farming terraces
The dry well
Temple of the Sun
House of the Inca
Sacred Rock
Huchuy Picchu
The Water mirrors
The Temple of Condor

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

Inca Trail tickets + Circuit 3 or 5

When you hike the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, the 5-day Inca Trail, or the 2-day Short Inca Trail, you will arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate, then continue down until the viewpoints where is the Guardhouse and enjoy the fantastic views from the top of the mountain. Then, it would be best if you exited Machu Picchu.

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
The Water mirrors
The Temple of Condor

Machu Picchu tickets Frequently asked questions

How to get Machu Picchu Citadel Tickets?

Machu Picchu Tickets can be bought online directly from the government website at: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/. You can also purchase the tickets through an authorized tour company like TreXperience.

We commended that you purchase 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 to get the best entry times.

What is the cost of the Machu Picchu Citadel Tickets?

Machu Picchu regular tickets: 50$
Machu Picchu Mountain + Cuicuit 4: 75$
Huayna Picchu + Circuit 4: 75$
Huchuy Picchu + Cicuit 4: 50$
IncaTrail permits: Available for Licensed Tour Operators

How many tickets are available every day?

Machu Picchu regular tickets: 1842 tickets divided into 9 shifts
Machu Picchu Mountain: 400 tickets every day (200 each shift)
Huayna Picchu Mountain: 200 tickets every day (50 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: 200 permits available every day

How to use your Machu Picchu Citadel ticket?

Secure the Machu Picchu tickets in advance. If you want to take additional hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you must secure the entry tickets far in advance.

Here are a few suggestions for how to make the most of your visit:

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
if you have Huyana Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu, have it printed.
Follow the instructions on your ticket.

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 $24 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 enter Machu Picchu. However, many people will enter without a guide. We highly recommend that you book a guided tour. While it is possible to visit the site without a guide, 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.