Machu Picchu last minute

Machu Picchu is the top destination tourists consider when visiting Peru. For this reason, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu often sell out weeks or even months in advance.

It’s very likely that while planning your trip, you’ve faced the issue of ticket unavailability. Then the questions arise: Are there no tickets left for Machu Picchu? Is it impossible to visit one of the 7 wonders of the modern world?

Don’t worry. There is an effective solution: buying Machu Picchu last-minute tickets. This alternative allows you to fulfill the dream of visiting the most famous Inca citadel in the world, even if you didn’t book in advance.

What are last-minute Machu Picchu tickets?

Last-minute Machu Picchu entrance tickets are tickets that can be purchased in person one day before the visit, exclusively at the Ministry of Culture office located in the town of Aguas Calientes.

Sales take place at the Machu Picchu Cultural Center, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and are limited to 1,000 tickets per day. These tickets are in addition to those offered on the Ministry’s official online platform and are intended to meet the demand of travelers who were unable to book in advance.

It’s important to note that these tickets are only sold for the following day. It is not possible to buy them and enter Machu Picchu on the same day, so a minimum amount of planning is required, including staying overnight in Aguas Calientes to access this option.

How does it work?

To get these tickets, you need to follow a very specific itinerary. Here’s how you can do it.

If you're in the city of Cusco, it's important to leave early in the morning to catch the first train to Aguas Calientes. This will give you a better chance of getting in line around 7:00 a.m. at the Cultural Center and securing a ticket.

Keep in mind that tickets are sold based on availability. So, if you want a ticket for Circuit 2, which is the main route, you should go directly to the ticket line.

This line will assign you a queue number for ticket purchase starting at 3:00 p.m. Remember, only 1,000 tickets are available daily. If your number is 1001, you’ll have to buy your ticket the next day and enter Machu Picchu the day after that. These numbers are handed out to each person in line, so if you're traveling in a large group, it's important that all members are present.

Along with the queue number, you’ll also receive an estimated time to return and buy your ticket, starting from 3:00 p.m. This system helps avoid crowding and makes the process faster and easier.

Once you're in the second line to purchase tickets, the staff at the ticket window will ask for your passport or ID. This is because ticket purchases are strictly personal, and everyone must be present at the time of purchase.

Since this is the last option for many travelers to visit Machu Picchu, some people start lining up hours before the office opens. You may see tourists at the door as early as 4:00 a.m.

So, if you want a better chance of getting your last-minute Machu Picchu ticket and plan to stay in Cusco for several days, we recommend going to Aguas Calientes the night before. That way, you can start lining up at 6:00 a.m., when the Cultural Center opens.

Last-minute Machu Picchu ticket price

The sale of last-minute Machu Picchu tickets is carried out exclusively in Peruvian soles (PEN), the official currency of Peru. This measure aims to streamline the in-person purchase process at the Machu Picchu Cultural Center, located in Aguas Calientes.

Ticket prices vary depending on several factors:

• Season (high or low)
• Type of entrance (Llaqta, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu)
• Visitor’s origin (Peruvian national, foreign tourist, or member of the Andean Community)

If you want a clear reference for costs and to better organize your travel budget, you can check the updated information on the official website of the Ministry of Culture:

• Tu Boleto

Benefits of booking with CuscoPeru.com

When we decide to take a trip, what we want most is to enjoy each destination without worrying about logistical details. Booking your tour with a specialized agency like CuscoPeru.com not only simplifies the entire process, but also allows you to relax and fully enjoy the experience.

Here are the main benefits of booking your visit to Machu Picchu with us:

Hotel pickup in Cusco: One of the main challenges for travelers is finding reliable transportation early in the morning. With CuscoPeru.com, we pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. At the end of the tour, we also take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

We handle all necessary tickets:

• Official entrance to Machu Picchu: Depending on daily availability, we cover the cost of your entrance ticket.
• Train ticket with optimized schedule: We select train times that ensure your entry to Machu Picchu is available and well-coordinated.
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu citadel: Included for a smooth and comfortable ascent to the archaeological site.

This way, you won’t have to worry about choosing schedules, checking availability, or making separate payments. Everything is included in your reservation.

Permanent assistance with a specialized guide: We have professional guides who will accompany you throughout the entire journey. From your arrival at the train station in Aguas Calientes to the guided tour inside Machu Picchu, you’ll receive personalized attention. In addition, our guide will assist you in obtaining the queue number at the Cultural Center in Aguas Calientes and accompany you during the afternoon ticket purchase, offering support at every step.

Hotel in Aguas Calientes included: After managing the tickets, the best option is to spend the night in Aguas Calientes, both for comfort and budget efficiency. With CuscoPeru.com, your reservation includes:

• One night in a hotel according to the category you choose.
• Full breakfast at the selected hotel’s café.

This allows you to rest properly and be ready for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

What to do in Aguas Calientes?

Aguas Calientes, the small town located at the foot of Machu Picchu, is not only the gateway to the Inca citadel but also a charming place full of activities to enjoy in the afternoon. If you stay the night before your visit to Machu Picchu, here are some options to make the most of your time:

• Hot Springs: The name Aguas Calientes comes from the hot springs located just a 7-minute walk from the main square. This spot offers warm pools ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking or for acclimatizing before your visit to Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu Butterfly Sanctuary: About a 40-minute walk from the town center, you’ll find the Machu Picchu Butterfly Sanctuary, a space dedicated to the conservation of over 500 butterfly species. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of the Machu Picchu National Reserve and its ecosystem.
• Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum: If you continue walking about 15 more minutes from the butterfly sanctuary, you’ll reach the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum, which displays archaeological pieces, ceramics, and tools found during the first excavations of Machu Picchu. This visit is an excellent historical introduction before touring the Inca citadel.
• Mandor Waterfall: For nature lovers and long hikes, Mandor Waterfall is a must-see. Following the train tracks on a walk of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at this beautiful spot surrounded by lush vegetation. Note that the trail is not lit, so it’s recommended to return before nightfall.
• Alcamayo Waterfalls: If you prefer a shorter walk, the Alcamayo Waterfalls are a great alternative. Just 20 minutes from town you’ll reach the first waterfall, and with less than 10 more minutes, you’ll find the second. The trail is surrounded by nature and you can spot remnants of the Inca past along the way.
• Explore the town of Aguas Calientes: If you’re looking for a relaxing activity before your visit to Machu Picchu, you can simply stroll through the town. You’ll find carved stone sculptures made by Cusco artists, craft shops, and a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy Peruvian cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere.

Discover the magic of Machu Picchu with our Last-Minute Machu Picchu Tour.
From the heart of Cusco to the majestic Inca citadel, we’ll take you through breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and unforgettable experiences. [learn more here]