Machu Picchu Ticket: Entry Schedules

Entrance times to Machu Picchu are an important consideration when visiting the Inca city, as times vary depending on the ticket purchased. Upon entering Machu Picchu citadel, each visitor must present the entrance ticket, which is the official document issued by the INC (National Institute of Culture).

The National Institute of Culture (INC) manages this global wonder, issuing tickets for Machu Picchu and setting the daily limit of visitors allowed at the site.

Due to the large number of visitors, especially in the morning, there were long queues that never seemed to end, impacting the traveler's experience.

In 2018, the Peruvian Government, through the INC, opted to adjust the entrance times and limit the maximum number of visitors per shift. This change helped to effectively preserve this world wonder for future generations.

MACHU PICCHU TICKET TYPES

There are five types of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu that travelers can purchase:

• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel only  
• Entrance ticket to the Llaqta + Huayna Picchu mountain
• Entrance ticket to the Llaqta + Machu Picchu mountain
• Entrance ticket to the Llaqta + Huchuy Picchu mountain
• Entrance ticket to the Llaqta + Inka Bridge

The Inca citadel is also known as "Llaqta," which in Quechua means land.

MACHU PICCHU TICKET ENTRANCE TIMES

To conserve the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park and improve the organization of visits, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP, established new provisions through ministerial resolution No. 216-2018-MC, effective since 2019.

The opening hours for Machu Picchu citadel in 2024 are from 06:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel only  

This ticket is the most commonly used by tourists visiting Machu Picchu, offering 10 different entrance times to the Inca citadel, from the opening at 6:00 am until 3:00 pm. It allows a stay of up to 3 hours within the Inca citadel.

Entrance ticket to the Llaqta + Huayna Picchu mountain

This ticket is highly sought after due to its popularity, combining circuit 4 with the trekking route to Huayna Picchu mountain. It offers 4 entrance times in the mornings only.

This ticket allows you to stay 6 hours within the Inca citadel, taking into account that the ascent and descent of the mountain take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. If you visit the Temple of the Moon, the visiting time increases by 1 hour.

Entrance ticket to the Llaqta + Machu Picchu mountain

This ticket offers an alternative if Huayna Picchu is not available, including the hike to the top of Machu Picchu mountain, with only 2 morning entrance times available.

With this ticket, you are allowed a stay of up to 8 hours, considering that the ascent and descent take nearly 3 hours and 30 minutes, leaving about 1 hour to enjoy at the summit.

Entrance ticket to the Llaqta + Huchuy Picchu mountain

This recently enabled ticket includes the trekking route to the summit of Huchuy Picchu mountain, with 5 entrance times available for Machu Picchu. It allows a stay of up to 5 hours within the Inca citadel, considering that the ascent and descent of Huchuy Picchu mountain take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Entrance ticket to the Llaqta + Inka Bridge

This ticket allows you to explore the Inca citadel and visit the Inka Bridge, with 9 entrance times available from 7 am to 3 pm. You can enjoy up to 5 hours within the citadel, considering that the walk to the Inka Bridge takes about 30 minutes.

CIRCUITS AT MACHU PICCHU

There are 4 circuits available for touring the Inca citadel, yet each offers a different view of the site:

• Circuit 1: This circuit provides the opportunity to explore both the upper and lower parts of the archaeological site, visiting most of the prominent constructions. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
• Circuit 2: This circuit expands on the areas explored in Circuit 1, adding additional zones and enriching the experience. It is especially suitable for those seeking a more comprehensive visit to the Inca citadel. You also have the option to take the route to the Inka Bridge. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
• Circuit 3: This circuit allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel, with a tour duration of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Circuit 4: Like Circuit 3, it tours the lower part of Machu Picchu. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.









CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU

• The maximum allowed time for visitors to stay in the Llaqta of Machu Picchu is four (4) hours from their entry, except in cases where it is combined with alternative routes. It is recommended to review the stay time for each ticket.
• Failure to comply with the stay time results in the immediate removal of visitors.
• Valid documents for FOREIGN VISITORS are: their passport, foreigner ID, or diplomatic ID.
• FOREIGN STUDENTS up to undergraduate level must show their original and valid student ID along with their passport.
• The valid document for PERUVIAN VISITORS is the original DNI.
• PERUVIAN STUDENTS, up to undergraduate level, must present their valid ID issued by SUNEDU or the Ministry of Education.
• Visitors who are MEMBERS OF THE ANDEAN COMMUNITY (CAN) must present their original ID or identity document.
• Tour guides can only enter the citadel with a maximum of sixteen (16) visitors per group and must carry an identification flag.

RESTRICTIONS AT MACHU PICCHU

• It is forbidden to carry and/or consume alcoholic beverages within the Archaeological Park.
• Do not climb on walls and other constructions of the Inca City.
• Do not make inscriptions on floors, walls, stones, etc., under penalty of sanction.
• Do not remove samples of lithic material and/or plants or flowers.
• Do not dispose of solid and/or liquid waste.
• Do not carry backpacks with a capacity greater than 20 kg.
• Entry with commercial filming or professional photography equipment is prohibited without prior authorization.
• Feeding the wildlife is strictly prohibited.
• Failure to comply with any restrictions results in the immediate removal of the visitors.