Machu Picchu Ticket — Entry Times

If you’ve decided to visit Machu Picchu, here’s everything you need to know about entry times and ticket types to help you plan your itinerary.

Entry times are crucial because they vary by ticket type. Upon entering the Machu Picchu citadel, every visitor must present their entry ticket, the official document issued by the INC.

The National Institute of Culture (INC) manages this Wonder of the World, issues Machu Picchu tickets, and sets the site’s daily visitor limit.

Because of the large number of visitors—especially in the morning—long queues used to form, which affected the visitor experience.

In 2018, the Peruvian government, through the INC, adjusted entry times and capped the number of visitors per time slot. These changes have helped preserve the site for future generations.

Types of Entry Tickets to Machu Picchu

There are ten ticket types travelers can purchase:

• Entry Ticket Circuit 1, Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
• Entry Ticket Circuit 1, Route 1-B: Upper Terrace
• Entry Ticket Circuit 1, Route 1-C: Intipunku (Sun Gate)
• Entry Ticket Circuit 1, Route 1-D: Inka Bridge
• Entry Ticket Circuit 2, Route 2-A: Classic (Designed)
• Entry Ticket Circuit 2, Route 2-B: Lower Terrace
• Entry Ticket Circuit 3, Route 3-A: Wayna Picchu Mountain
• Entry Ticket Circuit 3, Route 3-B: Royalty (Designed)
• Entry Ticket Circuit 3, Route 3-C: Great Cavern
• Entry Ticket Circuit 3, Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Entry Times for Machu Picchu Tickets

To preserve the archaeological park and improve visit management, MINCETUR, the Ministry of Culture, and SERNANP issued new rules under Ministerial Resolution No. 000207-2024-MC, which have been in force since June 1, 2024.

For 2025, the Machu Picchu citadel is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Machu Picchu Ticket — Circuit 1

Four tickets are sold under Circuit 1. This circuit is known as Panoramic because it provides a general, panoramic view of the citadel without access to interior structures. Depending on the specific ticket, you may also hike to key viewpoints outside the citadel. This circuit includes the classic postcard view of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 1 — Tickets & Entry Times

Circuit 2 — Overview

Circuit 2 is the most complete and recommended option: it lets you visit most interior areas of Machu Picchu and includes the classic postcard viewpoint. It does not include alternate routes outside the citadel. Because it is very popular, we recommend booking at least three months in advance.

Circuit 2 — Tickets & Entry Times

Circuit 3 — Overview

This circuit covers only the lower section of the citadel and does not include the classic postcard photo. However, you can add a hike to Wayna Picchu Mountain (Huayna Picchu) or Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

Circuit 3 — Tickets & Entry Times

Conditions for Entering Machu Picchu

• The maximum lengthof stay in the Machu Picchu Llaqta (citadel) is four (4) hours from entry, except when combined with alternative routes. Check the time limit for each ticket.
• Failure to comply with the time limit will result in immediate removal from the site.
• Foreign visitors: valid passport, foreigner ID card, or diplomatic ID.
• Foreign students (undergraduate): present a valid, original student ID plus a passport.
• Peruvian visitors: original DNI.
• Peruvian students (undergraduate): valid student ID issued by SUNEDU or the Ministryof Education.
• Andean Community (CAN) members: present an original ID card or identity document.
• Tour guides: maximum sixteen (16) visitors per group and an identification flag is mandatory.

Restrictions in Machu Picchu

• Carrying or consuming alcoholic beverages inside the Archaeological Park is prohibited.
• Do not climb on walls or other structures.
• Do not scratch, carve, or inscribe on floors, walls, or stones.
• Do not remove lithic material, plants, or flowers.
• Do not discard solid or liquid waste.
• Backpacks weighing more than 20 kg are not permitted.
• Professional filming/photography equipment for commercial purposes is not permitted.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Any violation may result in immediate removal from the site.