Machu Picchu Entry Tickets

The Machu Picchu tourist ticket is the official and mandatory document that allows access to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. The Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco is the institution in charge of managing and selling the Machu Picchu tourist ticket. Learn about the importance of this entrance ticket for your visit to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Tickets 2026

There are 10 different Machu Picchu tickets available, each offering a unique way to visit the Inca citadel, as well as alternative routes outside Machu Picchu. Below, we explain what they are and their main differences.

Important: Each tourist ticket is unique and non-transferable, so it is essential to correctly enter the first name, last name, and ID or passport number of each visitor.

Circuit 1: Panoramic

This circuit offers a panoramic view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Its main highlight is the panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House. However, it does not allow access to the interior of the citadel.

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain

This ticket allows you to explore the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and visit the Guardian’s House, where you can take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. It also includes the hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, with an approximate duration of 4 hours round trip (ascent and descent). Throughout the route, you will be surrounded by lush vegetation, making it ideal for trekking enthusiasts.

General information

• Entrance time: Two time slots, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours, including ascent and descent.
• Restrictions: No restrictions.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace

This ticket allows you to explore the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and take the classic postcard photo from the Guardian’s House. You may also walk around the Guardian’s House area and remain on the upper terrace esplanade to capture the best panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.

General information

• Entrance time: 10 time slots, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
• Restrictions: No restrictions.

Route 1-C: Intipunku (Sun Gate)

This ticket includes access to the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and the classic photo from the Guardian’s House area, plus a 2-hour round-trip hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), which the Incas used to observe the winter solstice.

General information

• Entrance time: 4 time slots, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours, including ascent and descent.
• Restrictions: Available only during high season.

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge

This route includes the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and the classic photo from the Guardian’s House, as well as a 1-hour round-trip hike to the Inca Bridge, a structure built along the edge of the mountain that once connected Machu Picchu with jungle settlements.

General information

• Entrance time: 10 time slots, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Restrictions: Only for visitors 18 years and older.

Circuit 2: Classic

This circuit covers most of Machu Picchu, making it the most recommended option. Reservations require a minimum of 4 months in advance due to high demand.

Route 2-A: Designed Classic

This is the most complete circuit, covering most of Machu Picchu and offering the classic photo from a platform below the Guardian’s House. You will explore the interior of Machu Picchu on a walk lasting no more than 3 hours.

• Entrance time: 10 time slots, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
• Restrictions: No restrictions.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace

This ticket is the second option within Circuit 2. This route is almost identical to ROUTE 2-A, with the only difference being a detour that allows you to quickly reach the lower terrace of the Guardian’s House. You will visit important areas such as the Temple of the Condor, the viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun, and many more.

General information

• Entrance time: There are 10 entrance time slots, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Duration: The route lasts approximately 3 hours.
• Restrictions: There are no restrictions.

Circuit 3: Royalty

This circuit gives you the opportunity to reach the summits of Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu, both iconic in the classic Machu Picchu photo, while also exploring lesser-visited and fascinating areas.

Ruta 3-A: Montaña Wayna Picchu

Este circuito brinda la oportunidad de explorar la parte baja de la ciudadela inca. Además, podrá realizar una caminata de tres horas, entre ascenso y descenso, hacia la cima de la montaña Huayna Picchu. Desde allí, disfrutará de una vista privilegiada de Machu Picchu y podrá apreciar los restos arqueológicos en la cima.

Datos generales

• Horario de ingreso: Son 2 horarios de ingreso, desde las 7:00 a.m. a las 9:00 a.m.
• Tiempo de recorrido: El recorrido dura 5 horas aproximadamente, más el ascenso y descenso a la montaña.
• Restricciones: Solo para mayores de 18 años.

Ruta 3-B: Realeza Diseñada

Con este boleto, tendrás acceso a recintos construidos exclusivamente para la realeza inca. Sin embargo, es importante mencionar que no incluye la oportunidad de tomar la foto clásica de Machu Picchu. No obstante, desde el sector agrícola, podrás obtener una imagen similar a la postal. La caminata dura un aproximado de 2 horas donde te sumerges en toda la historia inca.

• Horario de ingreso: Son 10 horarios de ingreso, desde las 6:00 a.m. a las 15:00 p.m.
• Tiempo de recorrido: El recorrido dura 2 horas aproximadamente.
• Restricciones: No tiene ningún tipo de restricción.

Ruta 3-C: Gran Caverna

Este ticket te permite visitar lugares exclusivos de Machu Picchu, como el Templo del Cóndor, los Espejos de Agua, los Doce Vanos y la Roca Sagrada, entre otros. Además, tendrá la oportunidad de explorar el misterioso Templo de la Luna, una construcción dentro de una cueva natural en medio de la montaña Huayna Picchu. Sin embargo, es importante tener en cuenta que este ticket no incluye la oportunidad de capturar la foto clásica de Machu Picchu.

• Horario de ingreso: Son 2 horarios de ingreso, desde las 7:00 a.m. a las 8:00 p.m.
• Tiempo de recorrido: El recorrido dura 4 horas aproximadamente.
• Restricciones: Solo mayores de 18 años

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain

This route includes a visit to the Inca royalty sector and a hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, located next to Huayna Picchu. It does not include the classic Machu Picchu photo.

• Entrance time: 4 time slots, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Restrictions: No restrictions.

How to Buy a Machu Picchu Tourist Ticket

Machu Picchu tickets can be purchased online or in person only in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Online Purchase

You must log in to the official ticket sales platform, select your visit date and entrance time, enter your personal information, and complete the payment process.

In-Person Purchase

Tickets can be purchased by presenting your passport and/or national ID document.

Authorized Offices

Tickets can be purchased in Machu Picchu Pueblo at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Cultural Center office, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. These tickets are valid for entry the following day.

ATTENTION: Buying tickets directly in Aguas Calientes is not recommended, as visitors must line up from 8:00 a.m. to receive an appointment ticket before purchasing in the afternoon.

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Discounts on Machu Picchu Tickets

• Minors between 3 and 17 years old, presenting an original and valid Passport and/or National ID (DNI).
• Members of the Andean Community only: Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador.
• All students up to 25 years old, presenting a valid university student ID.

How far in advance should I buy my Machu Picchu ticket?

Machu Picchu tickets sell out quickly, especially during the high season. For this reason, it is important to purchase them in advance to secure your preferred date and time of visit.

It is recommended to purchase tickets at least 2 months in advance. In addition, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu during June, July, August, and September, it is advisable to book at least 4 months in advance.

Regulations for 2026

In order to preserve the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park and ensure a more organized visit, new regulations came into force on June 1, 2024. Below are the most important ones:

• Ten (10) entrance time slots have been established for most circuits (from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).
• The maximum length of stay within the Machu Picchu citadel (Llaqta) is three (3) hours from entry to exit, except for tickets that include alternative routes.
• Failure to comply with the allowed visiting time will result in immediate removal from the site.
• Valid identification documents for foreign visitors are: passport, foreign resident ID, or diplomatic ID.
• Foreign students at the undergraduate level must present their original, valid student ID and passport with the corresponding visa issued by the Peruvian Consulate, Embassy, or the National Superintendence of Migration.
• Visitors belonging to the Andean Community of Nations pay the same rate as Peruvians and must present their original national ID.
• The valid document for Peruvian visitors is the original national ID (DNI).
• Peruvian students up to the undergraduate level must present a valid student ID issued by SUNEDU.
• Tour guides may enter the citadel with a maximum of sixteen (16) visitors per group and must carry an official identification flag at all times.

Remember that Machu Picchu is a World Wonder, an iconic and highly visited site. Therefore, it is essential to respect the site and comply with the established rules and regulations to preserve its beauty and authenticity.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu

• To enter the citadel, you must present your ticket and a valid identification document. The maximum allowed visiting time is three hours, and re-entry is not permitted.
• You can choose between three circuit options to start your visit; however, Circuit No. 2 is the most complete and highly recommended.
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park.
• Climbing on walls or other structures within the Inca city is strictly prohibited.
• Writing, carving, or marking floors, walls, stones, or structures is forbidden and subject to penalties.
• Do not remove stone materials, plants, or flowers from the site.
• Do not dispose of solid or liquid waste.
• Backpacks with a capacity greater than 20 kg are not allowed.
• Professional filming or photography equipment for commercial purposes is not permitted without prior authorization from the Regional Directorate of Culture of Cusco.
• Feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited.

Tips and Recommendations for Buying Your Machu Picchu Tourist Ticket

Buying a Machu Picchu ticket can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you through the process:

• Plan ahead: Machu Picchu is a very popular destination and tickets sell out quickly, especially during the high season. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your visit several months in advance.
• Choose the right ticket type: There are three circuit options available for Machu Picchu, which vary in visit duration and areas you can explore. Make sure to select the option that best fits your preferences and needs.
• Hire a guide: Hiring a guide can greatly enrich your experience at Machu Picchu. Guides are knowledgeable about the site’s history and culture and can provide valuable insights.
• Stay informed about regulations: Before your visit, familiarize yourself with the current rules and recommendations for Machu Picchu, including entry restrictions and safety measures.
• Prepare physically: Machu Picchu is located at high altitude, and exploring the site involves walking and climbing stairs. Make sure you are physically prepared, especially if you plan to hike any of the mountains. Wearing comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing is essential.
• Confirm your transportation: Before selecting your visit date and time, confirm your transportation by bus and train, your arrival time in Aguas Calientes, and allow enough time for the bus ride to the entrance, as tickets are only valid for the selected time slot.