The tourist ticket for Machu Picchu is the official and mandatory document that allows access to the archaeological park of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. The Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco is the institution responsible for the administration and sale of the tourist ticket for Machu Picchu. Learn about the importance of this admission ticket for your visit to Machu Picchu.
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There are 10 different Machu Picchu tickets, and each one offers a different visit to the Inca citadel, as well as alternative routes outside Machu Picchu. Here we show you what they are and their main differences.
Important: Each tourist ticket is unique and non-transferable, so it is essential to enter each visitor’s first name, last name, and document number correctly.
This circuit offers a panoramic view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, with the main attraction being the panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Guard House. However, you will not have access to the interior of the Inca citadel.
This ticket includes a walk along the upper terrace of Machu Picchu. You will visit the Guard House, where you can take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. It also includes the hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, with a walk of approximately 4 hours (including ascent and descent). Throughout the entire route, you will be surrounded by vegetation, making it perfect for trekking lovers.
General information
With this ticket, you will be able to walk along the upper terrace of Machu Picchu, where you can get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guard House. In addition, you can tour the Guard House sector and remain in the upper terrace esplanade to get the best panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.
General information
With this tourist ticket, in addition to walking along the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and getting the classic postcard photo from the Guard House sector, it includes the 2 hour hike (including ascent and descent) to the Sun Gate or Intipunku; this place was used by the Incas to observe the winter solstice.
General information
This entry ticket covers the upper terrace of Machu Picchu; besides allowing you to take the classic Machu Picchu photo from the Guard House, you can also take the 1-hour hike (including ascent and descent) to the Inca Bridge, a structure built on the edge of the mountain that connected Machu Picchu with the jungle towns.
General information
This circuit covers most of Machu Picchu, which is why it is the most recommended. Reservations require a minimum of 4 months in advance since, being the most complete, it has the highest demand.
This circuit is the most complete, as it covers most of Machu Picchu and also offers the classic Machu Picchu photo from a platform below the Guard House. You will visit the inside of Machu Picchu on a walk that lasts no more than 3 hours.
General information
This ticket is the second option for 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 Guard House. You will visit important sites such as the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, and many more.
General information
With this circuit, you will have the opportunity to reach the top of Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains, which are iconic in the classic photo of Machu Picchu. In addition, you will be able to explore surprising and less-visited places.
This circuit offers the opportunity to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel. In addition, you will be able to take a three-hour hike, including ascent and descent, to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain. From there, you will enjoy stunning views of Machu Picchu and admire the archaeological remains at the summit.
General information
With this ticket, you will have access to sites built exclusively for Inca royalty. However, it is important to mention that it does not include the opportunity to take the classic Machu Picchu photo. Nevertheless, from the agricultural sector, you can get a picture similar to the postcard view. The walk lasts approximately 2 hours, during which you will immerse yourself in the full Inca history.
This ticket allows you to visit exclusive places in Machu Picchu, such as the Temple of the Condor, the Water Mirrors, the Twelve Windows, and the Sacred Rock, among others. In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore the mysterious Temple of the Moon, a structure inside a natural cave in the middle of Huayna Picchu Mountain. However, it is important to keep in mind that this ticket does not include the chance to capture the classic Machu Picchu photo.
With this ticket, in addition to the tour through the Inca royalty sector, you can also hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, which is located next to Huayna Picchu Mountain. However, it does not include the classic Machu Picchu photo.
Tickets to Machu Picchu can be purchased online and in person only in Machu Picchu Pueblo. At CuscoPeru.com, we help you purchase your tickets safely with our sales agent, who will be happy to assist you.
You must log in to the ticket sales website and indicate the date you will visit Machu Picchu, the time you will enter, provide your personal information, and follow all the steps until the payment is completed.
Tickets may be purchased upon presentation of the original and valid passport and/or national identity document.
High season: It usually runs from late June to early November. You will have access to routes such as Inca Bridge or Intipunku Gate; however, Huayna Picchu tickets sell out more quickly.
Low season: It usually runs from early November to late June; you will find fewer tourists at the archaeological sites and popular places in Machu Picchu; however, some places such as Mandor are often restricted due to the rainy season.
Admission 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. every day. These tickets are valid for entry on the day following the purchase.
ATTENTION: It is important to point out that looking for tickets in the town of Aguas Calientes is not recommended because you must first stand in line starting at 8:00 a.m. We recommend purchasing your tickets at CuscoPeru.com three months in advance, so you can secure your entry safely and easily.
Tours that include a visit to Machu PicchuTickets to Machu Picchu sell out quickly, especially during the high season. Therefore, it is important to buy them in advance to make sure you get the desired date and time for your visit.
It is recommended to purchase tickets at least 2 months in advance. In addition, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu during the months of June, July, August, and September, it is advisable to book at least 4 months in advance.
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain, where you will visit the Guard House and be able to get the “classic postcard photo,” includes a hike of approximately 4 hours (including ascent and descent). Throughout the entire route, you will be surrounded by vegetation, and it is perfect for trekking lovers.
With the goal of preserving the archaeological park of Machu Picchu and making visits more organized, new regulations went into effect starting June 1, 2024. Here we mention the most important ones:
Remember that Machu Picchu is a World Wonder, an iconic and heavily visited place, so it is important to respect the site and follow the established rules and regulations to preserve its beauty and authenticity.
Buying a ticket to Machu Picchu can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you through the process:
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