Discover the different Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket options and explore the iconic Inca sanctuary. Learn about the best circuits, ticket types, and tips to make the most of your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

where to Buy Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket?

You can book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket directly through the website https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/ and at authorized sales points in Cusco (Calle Garcilaso s/n (Ministry of Culture of Peru office) in Aguas Calientes (Ministry of Culture of Peru office: Av Pachacutec s/n, just steps from the Main Square of Aguas Calientes).

It is advisable to make your reservations in advance, especially during peak season (June to October), or if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you should book at least 3 to 4 months in advance to ensure a successful visit.

What is the opening hours?

It opens at 6:00 am

It closes at 5:00 pm

Circuits for Machu Picchu!

The Ministry of Culture of Peru and the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu updated this information on May 20, 2024, regarding new circuit options to visit Machu Picchu. There are 10 new routes:

1. Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – 4 Routes

• Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route
• Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route
• Route 1-C: Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Inca Route
• Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route

1. Circuit 2 (Classic) – 2 Routes

• Route 2-A: Designed Route
• Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route or Llaqta Circuit

1. Circuit 3 (Royalty) – 4 Routes

• Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Route
• Route 3-B: Designed Route
• Route 3-C: Great Cave Route
• Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route

With the current daily visitor capacity of 5,600 visitors per day, during the peak season (April – October), a 30-minute tolerance is allowed for entry to Machu Picchu, and in the low season (November – May), 45 minutes; after that time, visitors will not be able to enter the Machu Picchu llaqta, except for force majeure circumstances following the protocol.

Additionally, it is recommended for visitors to make reservations in advance and respect their assigned times to ensure a satisfactory experience and contribute to the preservation of the cultural heritage.

CIRCUIT I OR PANORAMIC

Note: It is not allowed to enter the Machu Picchu llaqta, you will only have a panoramic view from the Guardhouse or main observatory, or the classic photo!

1.- Route 1-A:

Machu Picchu Mountain Route

• Maximum stay time: 7 hours
• Details: This is the highest peak in the area (3,082 meters); the hike to the mountain takes 3 hours (round trip); from the top, you will have a panoramic view of the Machu Picchu Citadel and Huayna Picchu mountain.

2.- Route 1-B:

Upper Terrace Route

• Maximum stay time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Details: This route only offers a view from the observatory.

3.- Route 1-C:

Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Inca Route

• Maximum stay time: 4 hours
• Details: This route takes you only to the SUN GATE, which is the arrival point for visitors who take the famous Inca Trail.

4.- Route 1-D:

Inca Bridge Route

• Maximum stay time: 3 hours
• Details: This route provides the classic view of Machu Picchu and a view of an Inca bridge located on a cliff.

CIRCUIT II OR CLASSIC

Note: This ticket allows you to have a panoramic view of the citadel as well as a full visit to the Machu Picchu llaqta!

1.- Route 2-A:

Designed Route

• Maximum stay time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

• Places to visit:
• Upper Platform
• Dry Pit, Tectonic Fault
• Temple of the Sun Viewpoint
• Granite Chaos
• Temple Plaza
• Intiwatana Pyramid
• Sacred Rock
• 12 Windows
• Eastern Deposits
• Water Mirrors Complex
• Temple of the Condor
• Pisonay Plaza
• Archaeological Reserve

2.- Route 2-B:

Lower Terrace Route or Llaqta Circuit

• Maximum stay time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

• Places to explore:
• Dry Pit, Tectonic Fault
• Temple of the Sun Viewpoint
• Granite Chaos
• Temple Plaza
• Intiwatana Pyramid
• Sacred Rock
• 12 Windows
• Eastern Deposits
• Water Mirrors Complex
• Temple of the Condor
• Pisonay Plaza
• Archaeological Reserve

CIRCUIT III OR ROYALTY

Note: This is a shorter and less crowded circuit (no panoramic views), and depending on the route, you may have the option to choose between two mountains, Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu!

1.- Route 3-A:

Huayna Picchu Route

• Maximum stay time: 6 hours

• Places to explore:
• Temple of the Sun
• Inca House Complex
• Sacred Rock
• 12 Windows
• Eastern Deposits
• Water Mirrors Game
• Temple of the Condor
• Pisonay Plaza
• Archaeological Reserve
• Featuring Huayna Picchu Mountain (reach it with a 2-hour hike)

2.- Route 3-B:

Designed Route

• Maximum stay time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

• Places to explore:
• Temple of the Sun
• Inca House Complex
• The 12 Windows
• The Warehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Water Mirrors
• Pisonay Plaza

3.- Route 3-C:

Great Cave Route

• Maximum stay time: 7 hours
• Details: This route takes you to the Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cave. This cave is located behind Huayna Picchu mountain and is only accessible during the high season.

• Places to explore:
• Temple of the Sun
• Inca House Complex
• The 12 Windows
• Sacred Rock
• The Warehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Water Mirrors
• Pisonay Plaza
• Temple of the Moon

4.- Route 3-D:

Huchuy Picchu Route

• Maximum stay time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Details: No classic view, it enters the central area of the Machu Picchu citadel and features the Huchuy Picchu viewpoint.
• Places to explore:

• Temple of the Sun
• Inca House Complex
• The 12 Windows
• Sacred Rock
• The Warehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Water Mirrors
• Pisonay Plaza

PRICE OF ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU

Note: Prices are in local currency (Soles), the exchange rate from soles to dollars may fluctuate between 3.50 and 3.80.

VISIT REGULATIONS

The “Sustainable Use and Visitor Regulations for the Conservation of the Inca City Llaqta Machu Picchu” was created in 2017 to protect and promote the sustainable use of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity, recognized by UNESCO. These regulations establish all the conditions visitors must follow and are updated periodically according to the circumstances.

The schedules, entry times, and allowed visit circuits in the citadel are regulated by this rule. It is important to take the following into account:

1. Make sure to have a tour guide with you when entering. They must accompany you throughout the entire tour, from start to finish.
2. Each group of visitors cannot exceed 16 people.
3. Present your ticket and original passport upon entry.
4. Stay on designated trails and do not stray from them.
5. Avoid feeding the wild animals you encounter in the sanctuary.
6. Do not make loud noises, such as shouting, whistling, or clapping.
7. Do not litter; carry everything you bring with you.
8. Avoid leaning on the walls or structures of the site.
9. Smoking or vaping is prohibited in the area.
10. Drones are not allowed within the site.
11. Do not perform obscene acts while in the site.
12. Street vending is not allowed inside the citadel.
13. Avoid jumping, tumbling, or other activities that could disturb the nature of the site.

Additionally, keep in mind that:

• Ticket validity: Tickets to Machu Picchu are only valid for the indicated date and cannot be used on earlier or later days. They are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Visit circuits: You and the tour guide can only visit the circuit indicated on the ticket. Restricted and closed areas within the citadel are not open to the public.
• Identification document: Carry your identification document, as it will be requested at each entry point during your visit. An acceptable document includes a passport, immigration card, or diplomatic ID card. For citizens of the Andean Community (CAN) or Mercosur, a valid DNI is acceptable. International students must present the original identity document from their university.

RESTRICTIONS DURING THE VISIT TO MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu is a protected site with restrictions on what you can bring. Here is a list of items you should avoid bringing:

• Large and heavy luggage
• Tripods, selfie sticks, and camera stabilization equipment
• Drones
• Umbrellas and portable seats
• Alcoholic beverages or illegal substances
• Weapons and sharp objects
• Food and cooking utensils
• Baby strollers (you can use a baby carrier instead)
• Musical instruments or speakers
• Banners, signs, advertising clothing, costumes, or similar items
• Trekking poles
• Footwear with hard soles (rubber-soled footwear is recommended)