Machu Picchu Tickets 2024
There are 10 different Machu Picchu tickets, each offering a unique visit to the Inca citadel along with alternative routes outside of Machu Picchu. Here we present what they are and their main differences.
Important: Each ticket is unique and non-transferable, so it is essential to correctly enter the name, surname, and document number of each visitor.
Circuit 1: Panoramic
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 Guardian's House. However, you will not have access to the interior of the Inca citadel.
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
This ticket covers the upper terrace of Machu Picchu, visiting the Guardian's House where you will have the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. It also includes the journey to the summit of Machu Picchu mountain, with an approximate 4-hour hike (ascent and descent). Throughout the journey, you will be surrounded by vegetation and it is perfect for trekking enthusiasts of all ages.
General Information
- Entry Time: There are 2 entry times, from 07:00 a.m. to 09:00 a.m.
- Tour Duration: 6 hours, including the ascent and descent of the mountain.
- Restrictions: There are no restrictions.
Route 1-B: Upper Terrace
With this entry, you can explore the upper terrace of Machu Picchu where you will get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian's House. Additionally, you can tour the area of the guardian's house and stay on the upper terrace esplanade to get the best panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.
General Information
- Entry Time: There are 10 entry times, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: The visit lasts approximately 2 hours on average.
- Restrictions: There are no restrictions.
Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway
With this ticket, in addition to touring the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and having the classic postcard photo from the area of the Guardian's House, it includes a 2-hour hike (ascent and descent) to the Sun Gate or Intipunku, a location used by the Incas to observe the winter solstice.
General Information
- Entry Time: There are 10 entry times, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with the ascent and descent to the Intipunku.
- Restrictions: There are no restrictions.
Route 1-D: Inka Bridge
This entry covers the upper terrace of Machu Picchu, allowing you to capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian's House. You will also be able to hike for 1 hour (ascent and descent) to the Inka Bridge, a structure built on the edge of the mountain that connected Machu Picchu with the jungle villages.
General Information
- Entry Time: There are 10 entry times, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with the hike to and from the Inka Bridge.
- Restrictions: Only for visitors over 12 years of age.
Circuit 2: Classic
This circuit covers most of Machu Picchu, which is why it is the most recommended. Reservations require a minimum of 5 months in advance, as it is the most comprehensive and therefore in high demand.
Route 2-A: Classic Designed
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 Time: There are 7 entry times, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including the walk to and from the Inka Bridge.
- Restrictions: There are no restrictions.
Route 2-B: Lower Terrace
This ticket is the second option of circuit 2, this route is almost identical to ROUTE 2-A, the only difference being a detour that allows you to quickly reach the lower terrace of the Guardian's House. You will visit important enclosures such as the Temple of the Condor, the viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun, and more.
General Information
- Entry Time: There are 7 entry times, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
- Restrictions: There are no restrictions.
Circuit 3: Royalty
With this circuit, you will have the opportunity to reach the summit of Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains, both iconic in the classic photo of Machu Picchu. Additionally, you can explore amazing and less-visited places.
Route 3-A: Wayna Picchu Mountain
This circuit offers you the opportunity to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel. Additionally, you can take a three-hour hike, ascending and descending, to the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain. From there, you will enjoy a privileged view of Machu Picchu and can admire the archaeological remains at the summit.
General Information
- Entry Time: There are 2 entry times, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, plus the ascent and descent of the mountain.
- Restrictions: Only for visitors over 12 years of age.
Route 3-B: Royalty Designed
With this ticket, you will have access to enclosures built exclusively for the Inca royalty. However, it's important to note that it does not include the chance to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu. Nevertheless, from the agricultural sector, you can obtain an image similar to the iconic postcard. The walk lasts approximately 2 hours, immersing you in Inca history.
- Entry Time: There are 7 entry times, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
- Restrictions: There are no restrictions.
Route 3-C: Grand Cavern
This ticket allows you to visit exclusive locations in Machu Picchu, such as the Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, the Twelve Gaps, the Sacred Rock, and more. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the mysterious Temple of the Moon, a construction within a natural cave in the middle of Huayna Picchu mountain. However, it's important to keep in mind that this ticket does not include the opportunity to capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu.
- Entry Time: There are 2 entry times, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
- Restrictions: Only for visitors over 12 years
Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain
With this entry, in addition to touring the sector of the Inca royalty, you will be able to hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu mountain, which is situated alongside Huayna Picchu mountain. However, it does not include the classic photo of Machu Picchu.
- Entry Time: There are 2 entry times, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
- Restrictions: There are no restrictions.
How to Buy a Ticket for Machu Picchu?
Tourist tickets for Machu Picchu can be purchased online and in person only in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Online Ticket Purchase
You must log in to the ticket sales page and indicate the date of your visit to Machu Picchu, the time you will enter, provide your personal data, and follow all the steps indicated until the payment is completed.
In-Person Purchase
Entry tickets are acquired upon presentation of the Passport and/or National Identity Document.
Authorized Offices
Tickets can be purchased in Machu Picchu Pueblo, at the office of the Machu Picchu Pueblo Cultural Center, from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily. These tickets are valid for entry the day after purchase.
ATTENTION: it is important to note that you must line up early from 8:00 am to receive a service ticket to then make the ticket purchase at some point in the afternoon.
Discounts on Machu Picchu Tickets
- Minors aged between 3 to 17 years with a valid and original Passport and/or National Identity Document (D.N.I.).
- Members of the Andean Community only: Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador.
- All students up to the age of 25 years, presenting their university ID card
How Far in Advance Should I Purchase My Ticket to Machu Picchu?
Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out quickly, especially during the high season. Therefore, it is important to purchase them in advance to ensure you secure the desired date and time.
It is recommended to buy tickets at least 2 months in advance. Moreover, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu during the months of June, July, August, and September, it is advised to book at least 4 months in advance.
2024 Regulations
In order to preserve the archaeological park of Machu Picchu and make visits more orderly, new regulations were introduced effective from January 1, 2019, here we mention the most important ones:
- Seven (7) entry shifts have been created (from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm).
- The maximum duration of a visitor's stay in the Llaqta of Machu Picchu will be three (3) hours from their entry until their exit, except for entries that combine with alternate routes.
- Non-compliance with the time of stay results in the immediate removal of visitors.
- The valid documents for foreign visitors are: passport, foreigner ID card, or diplomatic ID.
- Foreign students up to the undergraduate level must identify themselves with their original valid ID and their passport with the respective visa granted by the Peruvian consulate, Embassy, or the National Superintendency of Migrations.
- Visitors from the Andean Community of Nations will pay the same rate as Peruvians and must present their original ID card or document.
- The valid document for Peruvian visitors is the original DNI.
- Peruvian students, up to the undergraduate level, must present their valid ID issued by SUNEDU.
- Tour guides may enter the citadel with a maximum of sixteen (16) visitors per group, must carry a flag for identification mandatorily.
Remember that Machu Picchu is a World Wonder, an iconic and highly visited site, so it is important to respect the site and follow the rules and regulations established to preserve its beauty and authenticity.
What You Need to Know for Visiting Machu Picchu
- To enter the citadel, you must present your ticket and ID document. The duration of stay is a maximum of three hours, and reentry is not permitted.
- You have 3 circuit options to start the tour, however, circuit No. 2 is the most complete and recommended.
- You cannot carry and/or consume alcoholic beverages within the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu.
- You should not climb on the walls and other constructions of the Inca city.
- Do not make inscriptions on the floors, walls, stones, etc., under penalty of sanction.
- Do not remove samples of lithic material and/or plants or flowers
- Do not throw solid and/or liquid waste.
- Do not carry backpacks with a capacity greater than 20 kg.
- Do not bring filming or professional photography equipment for commercial purposes. For this, you must process the necessary permit and authorization at the Regional Directorate of Culture of Cusco.
- Do not feed the wildlife.
Tips and Recommendations for Buying Your Tourist Ticket to Machu Picchu.
Purchasing a ticket to Machu Picchu can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you in the process:
- Plan ahead: Machu Picchu is a highly popular destination and tickets sell out quickly, especially during the high season. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your visit several months in advance to ensure you secure a ticket.
- Choose the right type of ticket: There are 3 types of circuits available for Machu Picchu, which vary in terms of the duration of the visit and the places you can explore. Make sure to select the type of ticket that fits your preferences and needs.
- Hire a guide: Hiring a guide can enhance your experience at Machu Picchu. Guides are knowledgeable about the history and cultural aspects of the site and can provide additional information and interesting insights.
- Learn about the regulations and recommendations: Before your visit, learn about the current regulations and recommendations for Machu Picchu. This may include entry restrictions, security measures, etc.
- Physically prepare: 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 transportation method, the arrival time at Aguas Calientes, and consider the bus travel time to the entry point because the tickets can only be used at the selected time.
