Machu Picchu Tickets 2025
There are 10 ticket types for Machu Picchu. Each offers a different way to visit the Inca citadel and, in some cases, includes alternate routes outside the inner citadel.
Important: Each ticket is unique and non-transferable. Make sure the full name and ID/passport number of every visitor are entered exactly as they appear on the document.
Circuit 1: Panoramic
This circuit offers panoramic views of the citadel, especially from the Guardhouse viewpoint. Note: this circuit doesn’t include entry to the inner citadel.
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
Covers the upper terraces and the Guardhouse, where you can take the classic postcard photo. It also includes the hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, which is approximately a 4-hour round-trip. You’ll walk through lush vegetation; great for trekking fans of all ages.
General Information
- Entry window: 7:00–9:00 a.m.
- Visit duration: up to 6 hours (includes the mountain hike)
- Restrictions: none
Route 1-B: Upper Terrace
Explore the upper terraces of Machu Picchu for sweeping panoramas from the Guardhouse area. You can remain at the upper-terrace viewpoint to capture your best wide shots.
General Information
- Entry windows: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Visit duration: about 2 hours
- Restrictions: none
Route 1-C: Intipunku (Sun Gate)
Includes the upper-terrace circuit plus a 2-hour round-trip hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku)—a spot the Incas used to observe the winter solstice.
General Information
- Entry windows: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Visit duration: about 4 hours (includes the Intipunku hike)
- Restrictions: none
Route 1-D: Inka Bridge
Covers the upper terraces and the classic Guardhouse photo stop, plus a 1-hour round-trip walk to the Inka Bridge—a cliff-side structure that once linked Machu Picchu to forest communities.
General Information
- Entry windows: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Visit duration: about 3 hours (includes the Inka Bridge hike)
- Restrictions: Ages 12+ only
Circuit 2: Classic
Circuit 2 covers most of the site, which makes it the most popular option. Due to high demand, plan to book ~5 months in advance.
Route 2-A: Classic (Designed) Route
This circuit is the most comprehensive as it covers the majority of Machu Picchu, including the classic photo of Machu Picchu from a lower platform near the Guardian's House. You will visit the interior of Machu Picchu on a walk that lasts no more than 3 hours.
General Information
- Entry windows: 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Visit duration: about 3 hours
- Restrictions: none
Route 2-B: Lower Terrace
The second option within Circuit 2. Very similar to Route 2-A, with a detour that reaches the lower terrace of the Guardhouse faster. Along the way you’ll visit key sites such as the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, and more.
General Information
- Entry windows: 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Visit duration: about 3 hours
- Restrictions: none
Circuit 3: Royalty Circuit
With this circuit, you can reach the summits of Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu—both peaks often featured in the classic Machu Picchu photo and explore standout, less-visited areas.
Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu (Wayna Picchu) Mountain
Explore the lower (urban) sector of the citadel and then hike about 3 hours round-trip to the summit of Huayna Picchu. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of Machu Picchu and see the archaeological structures located at the summit.
General Information
- Entry window: 7:00–9:00 a.m.
- Visit duration: about 5 hours total (including the mountain hike)
- Restrictions: Ages 12+ only
Route 3-B: Royalty (Designed) Route
This ticket grants access to areas built exclusively for Inca royalty. It doesn’t include the classic postcard photo stop, but you can get a similar viewpoint from the agricultural sector. Expect a walk of about 2 hours immersed in Inca history.
General Information
- Entry windows: 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Visit duration: about 2 hours
- Restrictions: none
Route 3-C: Grand Cavern
Visit exclusive locations such as the Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, Twelve Niches, Sacred Rock, and more. This route also includes the Temple of the Moon, a shrine inside a natural cave on Huayna Picchu Mountain. Note that this ticket does not include the classic postcard photo stop.
General Information
- Entry window: 7:00–9:00 a.m.
- Visit duration: about 4 hours
- Restrictions: Ages 12+ only
Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain
In addition to the Royalty sector circuit, hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu, which sits alongside Huayna Picchu. This option does not include the classic postcard photo stop.
General Information
- Entry window: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Visit duration: about 3 hours
- Restrictions: none
How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets?
You can buy tickets online or in person (in Machu Picchu Pueblo only).
Online Purchase
Sign in on the official ticket site, choose your visit date and entry time, enter your personal details, and follow the steps to pay.
In-Person Purchase
Present your passport or national ID.
Authorized Offices
Tickets are sold at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Cultural Center office, 3:00–10:00 p.m. daily. These tickets are valid for entry the day after purchase.
ATTENTION: Arrive around 8:00 a.m. to get a queue number; purchases are processed in the afternoon.
Tours that include a visit to Machu Picchu
Discounts on Machu Picchu Tickets
- Ages 3–17: valid, original passport or national ID (DNI) required.
- Andean Community (CAN) members only: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador.
- Students up to age 25: with a valid university ID.
How Far in Advance Should I Buy Tickets?
Machu Picchu tickets sell out quickly, especially in high season. Buy at least 2 months in advance; for June–September, book about 4 months ahead to secure your preferred date and time.
2025 Regulations
To keep visits orderly and protect the site, the following key rules have applied since January 1, 2019:
- Seven entry windows (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.).
- Maximum stay in the Llaqta (citadel): 3 hours from entry (except tickets that include alternate routes).
- Exceeding the time limit leads to immediate removal.
- Foreign visitors: passport, Foreigner ID (Carné de Extranjería), or diplomatic ID.
- Foreign undergraduate students: present a valid original student ID and passport with the appropriate visa (issued by a Peruvian consulate/embassy or the National Superintendency of Migrations).
- Andean Community (CAN) visitors: pay the Peruvian rate; show original ID.
- Peruvian visitors: original DNI required.
- Peruvian undergraduate students: valid SUNEDU-issued student ID.
- Licensed guides: up to 16 visitors per group and must carry an identification flag.
Remember: Machu Picchu is a New Seven Wonders site; please respect all rules to help preserve its beauty and authenticity.
What You Need to Know for Visiting Machu Picchu
- Bring your ticket and ID. Max stay: 3 hours. No re-entry.
- There are 3 circuits; Circuit 2 is the most complete.
- No alcohol inside the park.
- Do not climb walls or structures.
- No scratching/graffiti on floors, walls, or stones (sanctions apply).
- Do not remove rocks, plants, or flowers.
- Do not leave trash or pour liquids.
- No backpacks over 20 kg.
- No professional filming/photography for commercial use without a permit from DDC Cusco.
- Do not feed the wildlife.
Tips and Recommendations for Buying Your Ticket to Machu Picchu.
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:
- Plan ahead: Machu Picchu is a very popular destination and tickets sell out quickly, especially during high season. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your visit several months in advance to make sure you secure a ticket.
- Choose the right type of ticket: There are 3 circuit types available for Machu Picchu, which vary in the duration of the visit and the places you can explore. Make sure to select the ticket type that fits your preferences and needs.
- Hire a guide: Hiring a guide can enrich your experience at Machu Picchu. Guides are familiar with the site’s history and cultural aspects and can provide additional information and interesting perspectives.
- Learn about the regulations and recommendations: Before your visit, learn about the current regulations and recommendations for Machu Picchu. This may include entry restrictions and safety measures.
- Prepare physically: Machu Picchu is located at a high elevation, and exploring the site involves walking and climbing stairs. Make sure you are physically prepared for the visit, especially if you plan to ascend the mountains. Wearing comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing is also important.
- Confirm your transportation: Before selecting the date and time of your visit to Machu Picchu, confirm your bus and train arrangements, your arrival time in Aguas Calientes, and factor in the bus ride up to the entry point, because tickets can only be used at the selected time.
