Machu Picchu Tickets

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new tourist circuits have been created; Machu Picchu tickets must be purchased in advance to visit the enchanting Machu Picchu Citadel; it is essential to note that only a limited number of tickets are available each day. Because of this, we've compiled this travel guide with all the information you'll need to acquire the best shifts and circuits. On this page, you will find everything you need regarding Machu Picchu Citadel tickets, including when to purchase them, how much they cost, and what to expect upon arrival.

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 a wealth of information about Inca culture, religion, and daily life. In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and natural importance.

Machu Picchu tickets

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture manages Machu Picchu. To visit Machu Picchu, you must purchase tickets in advance, as the number of daily visitors is limited to protect the site's integrity. Remember that the ticketing process and regulations may change, so always refer to the official websites or consult local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Types of Tickets: There are several types of tickets available, which vary depending on the attractions included in the visit:

• Machu Picchu (General entry): Allows access to the main archaeological site through circuits 1,2 or 3.
• Inca Bridge + Machu Puicchu: Allows hiking to Inca bridge + Machu Picchu citadel through circuits 1 or 2
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: Includes access to circuit 4 + Huayna Picchu mountain
• Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain: Grants access to the Machu Picchu mountain + Circuit 3.
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu: Includes access to circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu mountain

Buying Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online through the official Ministry of Culture website or at authorized sales points in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Buying tickets well in advance is recommended, especially during the high season (May to September) or if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Planning Your Visit: It's essential to plan your visit carefully, considering transportation to and from the site, accommodations, and any other activities you may want to include. The train is the most popular means 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.

New tourist circuits in Machu Picchu

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

Visitors can choose three different circuits when purchasing the Machu Picchu Citadel tickets. These circuits were 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 every day, divided into 9 different shifts, and the cost is 50$ per person. The circuits' availability and routes may change, so always refer to the official websites or consult local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

• 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.

• 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 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 tickets + Inca Bridge

The new 2023 circuit allows hiking to the Inca Bridge + visiting the citadel through Circuit 1 or 2. There are 280 tickets available every day; the cost is 50$, and it is divided into different shifts. 

You can buy this ticket from: 

• 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

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 and a total of 100 tickets per day are available, and the cost is 75$ per person: 

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 at 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. There are 300 tickets available every day divided into 4 different shifts, and the cost is 75$ per person.

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. There are 200 tickets available divided into different shifts, and the cost is 50$ per person.

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

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. 

• For the Classic Inca Trail, we have 500 permits available daily, including the 4 days, 5 days, and Salkantay Inca Trail pemrits. Also, it's important to mention that this 500 includes porters, chefs, tour guides, and travelers. 
• For the Short Inca Trail, we have 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
• 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 recommend 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 for the best entry times. 

What is the cost of the Machu Picchu Citadel Tickets?

• Machu Picchu regular tickets: 50$
• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Tickets: 50$
• Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets: 75$
• Huayna Picchu Tickets: 75$
• Huchuy Picchu Tickets: 50$
• IncaTrail permits: Only available for Licensed Tour Operators

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 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
• Have it printed if you have Huyana Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu.
• 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.

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.

Similar pages: 

• Best time to hike the Inca Trail
• Inca Trail Packing List
• Inca Trail Ultimate Travel Guide