Tourist ticket for Machu Picchu 2026

The tourist ticket for Machu Picchu is the essential document for entering the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, one of the seven wonders of the world. This access is managed by the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco and is regulated by a daily capacity system, with entrances organized by circuits and specific time slots. Knowing these details is key to planning your visit and ensuring your entry without problems.

Machu Picchu Tickets 2026

Currently, Machu Picchu entrances are organized into tourist circuits that determine the route within the citadel, following specific paths that allow for visitor flow control. In total, there are 10 types of tickets, each with distinct characteristics, offering different experiences both within the Inca citadel and on alternative routes outside of Machu Picchu. Below, we present the different types and their main differences.

Important: Each tourist ticket is personal and non-transferable. Please ensure you correctly enter the full name and identification number of each visitor, as any errors could prevent entry to Machu Picchu.

Circuit 1: Panoramic

This circuit offers panoramic views of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and its sacred mountains, following routes that lead to the highest areas. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes and a unique perspective of the surroundings, although access to certain internal areas may be limited depending on the chosen route.

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain

This route allows you to ascend Machu Picchu mountain, offering impressive views from its summit of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Pumasillo, as well as panoramic views of the entire landscape surrounding the Inca city.

General information

• Check-in time: 2 time slots, 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Tour duration: Max. 7 h (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 3.8 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: High, recommended for people with good physical endurance.
• Terms and conditions: No specific restrictions.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace

The main attraction of this route is its viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. It also allows you to appreciate the geological formation known as the Vilcabamba Batholith and the winding course of the Vilcanota River. It’s an excellent spot for capturing panoramic photos and the classic shot of the citadel.

General information

• Check-in time: 10 time slots, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
• Tour duration: Max. 2 h and 30 m (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: 1.6 km approx. (round trip)
• Physical exertion: Medium, ideal for most visitors.
• Terms and conditions: No specific restrictions.

Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway (available only in High Season)

This route leads to the iconic Intipunku Gate, the ancient entrance to the city via the Inca Trail. From this point, you can appreciate this important route and enjoy a panoramic view of the Inca city from a unique perspective.

General information

• Check-in time: 4 time slots: 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00
• Tour duration: Max. 4 h (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 3.4 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: Medium, ideal for most visitors.
• Terms and conditions: Available only during peak season

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge (available only in High Season)

This route leads to the Inca Bridge, built of stone and wood. From here, you can admire the beautiful Vilcanota Valley.

General information

• Check-in time: 4 time slots, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00
• Tour duration: Max. 3 h (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 2.6 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: Medium, ideal for most visitors.
• Terms and conditions: Available only during peak season, for ages 18 and over.

Inca City of Machu Picchu: Circuit 1
Source: Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco

Circuit 2: Classic

This circuit is unique in that it integrates the tour of the terraces in the middle zone with the urban sector of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will visit ancient residential areas and ritual sites linked to astronomical observation. It offers two routes that require moderate physical exertion.

Route 2-A: Classic Designed

This route allows you to explore the main areas of the city’s urban zone. It begins in the agricultural area, from where you get a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, and continues to Llaqta Punku (the main entrance), the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the reflecting pools. It’s ideal for capturing the classic Machu Picchu photograph.

General information

• Check-in time: 10 time slots, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
• Tour duration: Max. 2 h and 30 m (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 2.5 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: Medium to High, requires a certain level of physical fitness.
• Terms and conditions: No specific restrictions.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, ascending to the lower terrace, which offers a privileged view of Machu Picchu and the opportunity to capture the classic photo. It then continues to Llaqta Punku (the main entrance), the area of ​​quarries used in construction, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirrors.

General information

• Check-in time: 10 time slots, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
• Tour duration: Max. 2 h and 30 m (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 2.7 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: Medium to High, requires a certain level of physical fitness.
• Terms and conditions: No specific restrictions.

Inca City of Machu Picchu: Circuit 2
Source: Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco

Circuit 3: Royalty

It consists of four routes and is characterized by its exploration of the most sacred and important sites linked to the Inca royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, and the Temple of the Condor, among others. In general, the circuit requires little physical effort; however, if you choose to climb Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or head towards the Great Cave, the level of difficulty and the duration of the trek increase considerably.

Route 3-A: Wayna Picchu Mountain

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, offering a classic photo opportunity very close to the city. It then allows visitors to explore the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Three Portals area. From there, the path continues towards Huayna Picchu mountain, offering breathtaking views of the city. On the return journey, you can visit the Temple of the Condor.

General information

• Check-in time: 2 time slots, 7:00 and 10:00
• Tour duration: Max. 6 h (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 2.4 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: High, recommended for people with good physical endurance.
• Terms and conditions: Over 18 years old

Route 3-B: Designed Royalty

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, where you can admire the terraces and take the classic photograph near the urban area. It continues past the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Three Portals area, and the Temple of the Condor. Additionally, a section of the circuit is accessible for people in wheelchairs or those requiring assistance.

General information

• Check-in time: 10 time slots, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
• Tour duration: Max. 2 h and 30 m (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 1.3 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: Medium, ideal for most visitors.
• Terms and conditions: No specific restrictions.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern (available only in High Season)

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, where you can admire the terraces and take the classic photograph near the urban area. It continues past the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Three Portals area. From this point, the path leads to the Great Cavern, and on the return journey, you can visit the Temple of the Condor.

General information

• Check-in time: 2 time slots, 8:00 and 9:00
• Tour duration: Max. 7 h (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 3 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: High, recommended for people with good physical endurance.
• Terms and conditions: Available only during peak season, for ages 18 and over.

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain (available only in High Season)

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, where you can admire the terraces and capture the classic photograph very close to the urban area. It then continues past the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Three Gateways area. From there, the path leads to Huchuy Picchu mountain, whose summit offers panoramic views of the Inca city and its surroundings. On the return journey, you will visit the Temple of the Condor.

General information

• Check-in time: 2 time slots, 9:00 and 11:00
• Tour duration: Max. 3 h and 30 m (ascent and descent)
• Travel distance: Approx. 1.7 km (round trip)
• Physical exertion: Medium, ideal for most visitors.
• Terms and conditions: Available only during peak season

Inca City of Machu Picchu: Circuit 3
Source: Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco

Full Summary:

*Available only during peak season

Where to buy tickets to Machu Picchu 2026

There are two official ways to buy tickets to Machu Picchu in 2026: online and in person.

Buy online

Online purchases are made through the official government platform (tuboleto.cultura.pe). This is the safest method to guarantee access.

To make the purchase, you must enter the ticket sales platform, select the circuit you wish to visit, the route of your tour, the date of your visit to Machu Picchu, choose the entry time, complete your personal data, and follow the indicated steps until the payment is completed.

In-person purchase at Machu Picchu Pueblo

There is also the option of purchasing tickets in person, which is only available at offices authorized by the Ministry of Culture of Peru, located in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). This method is usually used when it was not possible to purchase tickets online beforehand.

Authorized sales offices

The main point of in-person sales is the Machu Picchu Pueblo Cultural Center office. Tickets purchased are valid for entry on the day after the purchase.

How in-person shopping works

The purchase process follows these conditions:

• Tickets are sold directly at the box office.
• It is mandatory to present an identity document or a passport
• Availability is subject to a limited number of slots assigned daily.

It is recommended to arrive early due to high demand; queues often form early in the morning.

Important limitations

In-person purchases have restrictions that must be considered:

• Availability is not guaranteed for all dates
• The available circuits may be limited.
• There is not always access to entrances with mountains (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
• It may require waiting in lines or managing turns.

Price of tickets to Machu Picchu

General rates

Prices vary depending on:

• Nationality (Peruvian / foreign)
• Age (adult, student, minor)
• Type of payment slip

In general, rates for foreigners are higher than for Peruvian residents.

Below is a table showing the available circuits and routes, along with their respective prices.

*Routes 2A and 2B are the most requested

Discounts available

Discounts are available for:

• University students up to 25 years old, presenting their valid university ID.
• Minors between 3 and 17 years old with an original and valid passport or ID card.
• Citizens of Andean Community countries: Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador.

General provisions for entering Machu Picchu 2026

Entry to Machu Picchu is subject to a series of regulations established by the authorities to control the flow of visitors and protect the cultural heritage. These rules apply to all visitors without exception.

Entry shifts

Access to the citadel is organized through established shifts throughout the day:

• There are up to 10 entry shifts in most circuits
• The hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Each visitor must enter at the time indicated on your ticket.

Timekeeping is mandatory, and entry is not permitted outside of the assigned shift.

Length of stay

The time allowed inside Machu Picchu is limited:

• The visit has a maximum duration of approximately 3 hours; some routes that include alternative circuits may have a longer duration.
• Time begins from the moment of entry

Failure to comply with the established time may result in the immediate removal of the visitor.

Valid identity documents

To enter, it is mandatory to present a valid original document that matches the ticket details.

Foreign visitors

• Passport
• Foreigner’s card

Peruvian visitors

• Valid physical National Identity Document (DNI)

Visitors from the Andean Community

• Passport or Identification Card current
• They have access to rates similar to those of Peruvian citizens.

Conditions for students

Students who qualify for special rates must meet specific requirements:

Foreign students

• Valid university ID card
• Passport
• Valid visa issued by Peruvian authorities

Peruvian students

• Valid university ID card issued by SUNEDU

Entry with a tour guide

Guided access is also regulated:

• Groups can consist of a maximum of 16 people
• The guide must be properly authorized
• The guide must use a visible identification item (such as a flag).

Rules and prohibitions for visiting Machu Picchu

To enter and explore Machu Picchu, visitors must comply with the following rules and restrictions established by the authorities:

• Present your admission ticket along with a valid identity document
• Please respect the maximum stay time (approximately 3 hours)
• Re-entry is not permitted once the site has been left.
• Follow the assigned route throughout the entire route
• No alcoholic beverages allowed.
• Do not climb or lean on walls or archaeological structures
• Do not make inscriptions, marks, or damage to stones or constructions
• Do not remove elements from the site, such as stones, plants, or flowers.
• Do not throw solid or liquid waste inside the premises
• Do not carry large backpacks (limited capacity)
• No professional photography or filming equipment allowed without authorization
• Do not feed wild animals

Failure to comply with these provisions may result in penalties, including immediate expulsion from the archaeological site.