Machu Picchu Tickets

Starting June 1, 2024, Machu Picchu introduced three new touring circuits, down from the previous five. This change gives Machu Picchu more control over the number of visitors and protects its status as a Heritage Site.

When you buy your Machu Picchu tickets, you'll need to choose one of these circuits. Each one now follows a specific route and takes you to different spots in Machu Picchu.

These are the 3 circuit options you can buy and their routes:

1. Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - 4 Routes
   A. Machu Picchu Mountain
   B. Upper terrace
   C. Inti Punku Gate (only in high season)
   D. Inca Bridge (only in high season)
2. Circuit 2 (Classic) - 2 Routes
   A. Classic Route
   B. Lower terrace
3. Circuit 3 (The Royal) - 4 Routes
   A. Huayna Picchu Mountain
   B. Lower Machu Picchu
   C. Great Cavern (only in high season)
   D. Huchuy Picchu Mountain (only in high season)

Where to buy Machu Picchu 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 (June to October) or if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Follow these instructions on How to buy Machu Picchu Tickets

New Machu Picchu Circuits

Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu (Panoramic)

With this Machu Picchu ticket, you can choose between four (4) different routes. Each route leads to a different spot in Machu Picchu, but all include a visit to the main observatory, where you get the panoramic views. This circuit, however, doesn't include access to the central archaeological site.

1. Route Machu Picchu Mountain

If you're planning to hike Machu Picchu Mountain, this is the recommended route. It's the highest peak in the area (3,082 meters - 10,111 feet) and offers stunning views at the summit. Along this path, you'll also get to these spots:

• Lower Observatory (1)
• Upper Observatory (2)
• Machu Picchu Mountain
• See the classic 360° view of Machu Picchu.

Time limit: 7 Hours

What to expect:

With this Circuit 1 ticket, you’ll have to access the Machu Picchu main gate, hike to the upper viewpoints, and continue to the Sungate for 10 minutes until the trail for Machu Picchu Mountain. 

The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 3 hours on a roundtrip. From the summit, you are rewarded with a 360° view of the whole area of Machu Picchu, which is less crowded than Huayna Picchu.

After that, you need to exit Machu Picchu using the same route.

2. Route Upper Terrace

This route only allows you to visit the spots in the upper part of Machu Picchu:

• Lower Observatory
• Upper Observatory
• See the classic 360° view of Machu Picchu.

Time limit: 2.5 Hours

3. Route Inti Punku Gate

This route grants you access to the Sun Gate* and the following spots:

• Lower Observatory
• Upper Observatory
• Inti Punku or Sun Gate
• See the classic 360° view of Machu Picchu

*The Sun Gate is the famous spot where the inca Trail hikers reach Machu Picchu. This place will give you a different perspective of the Citadel.

Time limit: 4 Hours

4. Route Inca Bridge

The Inca Bridge is a construction located on a vertical cliff. This ticket allows you to hike to the Inca Bridge + visit the following spots in the Citadel:

• Lower Observatory
• Upper Observatory
• Inca Bridge
• See the classic 360° view of Machu Picchu

To get there, start by heading through the lower observatory and make your way to the checkpoint. The hike will take around 3 hours, offering you some amazing views from above. For safety reasons, crossing the bridge is not allowed.

Time limit: 3 Hours

Circuit 1 Entry Times

Route Machu Picchu Mountain

• First shift: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6:00 / Entry to the Mountain from 7:00 am to 8:00 am
• Second shift: Entry to Machu Picchu from 8:00 am / Entry to the Mountain from 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Route Upper Terrace

• Morning: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00
• Afternoon: 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00

Route Intipunku Gate

• Morning: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00

Route Inca Bridge

• Morning: 8:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00

Opening times

Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm.
 

Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu (Classic)

This is the most complete circuit in Machu Picchu, starting at the main gate and winding up to the Guardhouse for the classic views. From there, you'll hike down through the heart of the ruins, exploring different parts of the Citadel. It's the perfect route to see the most famous spots in the ancient Inca city.

This circuit has 2 routes:

1. Classic Route

Grants you access to the most important spots in Machu Picchu:

• Lower Observatory
• Quarry
• Square of the Temples
• The Sacred Rock
• 12 Spans
• Warehouses
• Water mirrors
• Temple of the Condor
• See the 360° view of Machu Picchu from the lower observatory.

Expert tip: We recommend this circuit for exploring the whole Inca City. Just keep in mind that it's the most in-demand, so you should book in advance.

2. Lower Terrace Route

Similar to the classic route, but omits the observatory and the quarry. You can still take photos with Machu Picchu in the background.

• Temple of the Sun
• Square of the Temples
• The Sacred Rock
• 12 Spans
• Warehouses
• Water mirrors
• Temple of the Condor
• See the classic view of Machu Picchu.

Time limit for both routes: 2.5 Hours

Circuit 2 - Entry Times

Both the Classic Route and Lower Terrace Route have the same entry times:

• Morning: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am
• Afternoon: 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 pm

Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu (Royal Circuit)

This circuit, shorter and less crowded than Circuit 2, offers four routes through the lower part of Machu Picchu. You have the option to explore the ruins alone or add a hike up either Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu Mountain. 

A quick tip | This circuit doesn't provide access to the upper observatory, so you won't get the classic panoramic views. Also, keep in mind that Huchuy Picchu and the Great Cavern are only open during the high season.

1. Route Huayna Picchu Mountain

This is the route to reach the famous Huayna Picchu Mountain and visit the lower part of the city: 

• Temple of the Sun
• 12 Spans
• The Warehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Water Mirrors
• The Sacred Rock

Highlight | 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 about 2 hours to complete the hike.

Time limit | 6 Hours

2. Route Lower Machu Picchu

This ticket grants you access only to the lower part of Machu Picchu, where you can explore the following spots:

• Temple of the Sun
• 12 Spans
• The Warehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Water Mirrors

Time limit: 2.5 Hours

3. Route The Great Cavern

This route takes you to the Moon Temple, also called the Great Cavern. This cave is located behind Huayna Picchu Mountain and is only accessible during the high season.

• Temple of the Sun
• 12 Spans
• The Warehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Water Mirrors
• The Sacred Rock

Time limit: 7 Hours

4. Route Huchuy Picchu Mountain

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 this ticket and explore Machu Picchu through the lower part.

Places you can visit:

• Temple of the Sun
• 12 Spans
• The Warehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Water Mirrors
• The Sacred Rock
• 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.

Circuit 3 Entry Times

Route Huayna Picchu Mountain

• 1st shift: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6:00 am / Huayna Picchu from 7:00 am to 8:00 am
• 2nd shift: Entry to Machu Picchu from 8:00 am / Huayna Picchu from 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Route Lower Machu Picchu

• Morning: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00; 10:00, 11:00
• Afternoon: 12:00, 13:00, 14:00

Route The Great Cavern

• Morning: 7:00, 8:00

Route Huchuy Picchu Mountain

• Regular: 11:00, 12:00

Opening times: Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm.

Machu Picchu Ticket Prices

How much are the Machu Picchu Tickets? 

Prices in Peruvian Soles:

*The exchange from USD to Peruvian soles may vary between 3.5 and 3.8.

Machu Picchu Tickets 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 rule above. You have to consider the following 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 and your 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.

Entry Tolerance Period

You are only granted a certain period of time to access Machu Picchu after the time indicated on your ticket. The grace periods are based on the season:

• High season (June 1st to Oct 15, December 30th and 31st): 45 minutes
• Regular season: 30 minutes
• Machu Picchu Mountains (Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu and Montaña): No time tolerance

For example, If your entry time is at 6:00 am, you have a 30-minute tolerance to access Machu Picchu.

›› For more information, see the 2024 Machu Picchu ticket regulations.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions - Machu Picchu Tickets

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.

When buying your Machu Picchu tickets on the Official Site, select the "General Rate" (Tarifa General) and then choose your desired route. Since the website is not available in English, below are the equivalent names for your convenience:

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 tickets available. However, we recommend booking Machu Picchu tickets early for the best entry times.

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!