Machu Picchu, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, is one of the most popular bucket list destinations in the world. With more than a million visitors a year, the popular UNESCO Heritage Site has a complex system for purchasing an entrance ticket.
If you’re planning on visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll have to do some research before you buy your ticket. There are 10 different tickets to choose from and each one gives you a completely different experience. It’s essential to understand the process for buying Machu Picchu tickets so you can choose the right one for you.
I’ll show you the step-by-step process for purchasing your Machu Picchu entry ticket from how to choose the right ticket to what you need to do once you arrive. By the end, you should have all the information you need for getting your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
What to Know before Buying a Ticket For Machu Picchu
Taking a trip to Machu Picchu involves a lot of planning. The visiting system to Machu Picchu has changed several times over the last few years and it can be a bit confusing. Once upon a time, you could by a single ticket and visit the entire main complex.
The Ministry of Culture, along with UNESCO, has come up with a system of circuits and routes, limiting where you’re able to visit. You’ll have to first choose a circuit and then choose a route within that circuit. This new system was put in place to try to limit the amount of foot traffic at Machu Picchu to prevent damage.
So, before you book those plane tickets to Peru you’ll need to secure your entry ticket for Machu Picchu first. Tickets are limited to a specific number of visitors per day and you’ll want to make sure there’s availability for the day you want to go before you book your flight.
How many Machu Picchu Tickets are there per day?
There are between 4500 – 5600 Machu Picchu admission tickets available each day, depending on the season. During the high season (June-November), up to 5600 tickets are available. Less tickets are available during the low season (November-May). While that sounds like a LOT of tickets, they can sell out quickly.
With three circuits that include 10 different routes, you’ll need to understand the Machu Picchu Circuits so you can choose the right ticket ensuring you get to see and do what you’re interested in. The visiting system has changed several times over the last 5 years and it can be confusing.
On top of choosing a circuit and route, you’ll also have to narrow down your visit to a specific time slot. Visits are staggered throughout the day to limit the number of visitors at one time. You have to enter Machu Picchu at the time you choose and you’ll have a specific time limit for completing your visit. So yeah, it’s a lot to figure out.
Should I buy my tickets in advance?
Yes, you absolutely should buy your tickets before arriving. The most popular routes at Machu Picchu sell out fast so buying your ticket early is essential. I’ll talk more about where and how to purchase a Machu Picchu entry ticket below. Again, tickets sell out early so you should buy them as soon as you’ve decided to go.
What are the Options for a Machu Picchu Entry Ticket?
Most people that visit Machu Picchu go without knowing what all there is to see and do. They just know they want to see it! But, the Inca citadel actually has distinct areas and with the new circuit and route system, you kind of have to know what’s there so you can choose the right ticket.
I’ve written an in depth post about the Machu Picchu Circuits to help people understand their options, but I’ll give a brief summary here. I encourage everyone to read about those circuits and routes so you can choose the right one and not miss out on something you want to see.
Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes
There are three circuits that includes ten unique routes and you have to decide which one you want to do. Some routes only give you access to the main citadel while other routes give you access to the citadel plus a hike on a mountain or to an important Incan site.
Circuit 1
Circuit 1 is known as the Panoramic Circuit and takes you to the upper platform of Machu Picchu giving you amazing panoramic views of Machu Picchu. It includes 4 different routes, with three of those routes involving hikes while one involves just the upper platform area.
- Route 1A: Upper platform area + Machu Picchu Mountain hike
- Route 1B: Upper platform
- Route 1C: Upper platform + Sun Gate hike
- Route 1D: Upper platform + Inca Bridge hike
Circuit 2
Circuit 2 is known as the Classic Circuit because you get that classic Machu Picchu postcard view that you see everywhere. There are only two routes on circuit 2 and neither of them include a hike. You’ll have access to the middle platform area.
- Route 2A: Middle platform
- Route 2B: Middle platform + partial Upper platform for a slightly higher view
Circuit 3
Circuit 3 is known as the Royalty Circuit and gives you access to the lower platform where you’ll have a close-up look at sacred temples and royal residences. There are 4 routes on Circuit 3 and four of them include a hike.
- Route 3A: Lower platform + Wayna Picchu Mountain hike
- Route 3B: Lower platform
- Route 3C: Lower platform + Great Cavern hike
- Route 3D: Lower platform + Huchuy Picchu Mountain hike
Which Machu Picchu Circuit Is Best?
It all depends on what you want to see and do. The most popular Machu Picchu ticket is Circuit 2. This ticket allows you to see most of Machu Picchu, including getting that classic photo. This is the circuit that typically sells out the quickest. But, the best circuit for you really depends on what you want to see and do.
If you want to take one of the hikes, then you’ll have to purchase a ticket for one of the routes on either Circuit 1 or 3. Unfortunately, no matter which ticket you choose, you won’t see all of Machu Picchu on just a single ticket. You do have the option of purchasing more than one ticket so you can see more of Machu Picchu.
My recommendation is to plan to spend at least 2 nights at Aguas Calientes and purchase at least 2 tickets. One ticket for circuit 2 which gives you access to the majority of the main citadel and one ticket for either circuit 1 or 3 giving you even more access to the main citadel plus a hike.
You can do 2 tickets on the same day if you’re short on time but you will have to coordinate the times of your tickets carefully.
What you need before you Buy
You’ll need to gather some things before you start to buy your Machu Picchu entry ticket. Of course you’ll need to choose your route and the day or days you want to visit Machu Picchu. But, to purchase the ticket for Machu Picchu, you’ll need the following:
- Date you want to visit – choose a few alternative dates just in case your preferred date isn’t available
- Choose the route or routes you want to see
- Passports of everyone traveling to Machu Picchu
- Credit card
- Email address
Where to buy your Machu Picchu Ticket
There are several ways to purchase your Machu Picchu entry ticket, but purchasing them in advance is only available online. I cannot stress enough how important it is to purchase your tickets first, and then plan your entire trip to Peru around your Machu Picchu dates.
Purchase online
There is only ONE official website for purchasing your Machu Picchu admission tickets and that is through the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Their main site also has more information about the circuits and history of the research and archaeology of Machu Picchu if you want to learn more before you visit.
Purchase in person
If you somehow find yourself in Peru and didn’t plan to visit Machu Picchu but suddenly decided you wanted to visit, there are up to 1000 tickets released every day for purchase IN PERSON ONLY in Aguas Calientes, the town just below Machu Picchu.
Ticket availability is released online and can be purchased starting at 6am for entry into Machu Picchu for the following day. The cool part is, you can see in real time what is still available as they’re being sold. The site is continuously updated as the tickets are purchased so if you’re standing in line, you can refresh to make sure your desired tickets are still there.
The lines can be long for this option so you’ll want to get there first thing in the morning. The tickets are sold at Centro Cultural Machu Picchu (the Ministry of Culture cultural center) located on Avenida Pachacutec near the main square in Aguas Calientes.
Visit Machu Picchu on a tour
There are different ways to visit Machu Picchu if you prefer to let someone else handle all the details. You can take a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu and all travel arrangements and your Machu Picchu entry ticket is taken care of.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can take the popular 4 day Inca Trail Trek that includes meals, your entry ticket to Machu Picchu, and more. It’s a great way to experience Peru and Machu Picchu! There’s many different Machu Picchu hikes to choose from if you want to travel the path of the Incas.
Let’s get to the actual steps to purchase your Machu Picchu ticket online.
Step 1
You’ll need to gather your information needed for purchasing your tickets. This includes your passport, dates you want to visit, and the circuit and route you want tickets for. You’ll need this information for everyone you’re buying tickets for.
Next, head to the official Machu Picchu ticket site and create an account. Everyone that purchases tickets for Machu Picchu has to register for an account. Don’t worry, it’s a secure site and since it’s the only way to buy them in advance, there’s no way around it.
After you hit “register” at the bottom, you’re going to be asked to enter your nationality, your home country, and your passport number. Your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is tied to your passport number. When you arrive to Machu Picchu, your ticket will be scanned and you’ll show your passport.
The passport information you enter online must match your passport so be sure to check your number carefully when you type it in.
NOTE
When you choose your nationality, “Peruvian” may or may not stay in the box no matter what you choose. Don’t worry about it, it still works fine.
Also, if you’re looking for your country in the drop down list, for example USA, you won’t find it at the bottom of the list near the letter “U”. Since this is a Spanish speaking country, the original site is in Spanish and United States of America in Spanish is “Estados Unidos” so you’ll find it closer to the top with the letter “E”.
The rest of the page is fairly straight forward. You’ll enter your name, email address (your ticket will be emailed to you), and cell phone number (optional). Hit “send code” and a code will come to your email or cell number, enter it in the blank to validate.
Then, create your password, check the boxes that you agree to the terms and conditions, and that’s it. You’re now ready to move on to choosing your ticket.
Step-By-Step Guide to Purchasing your Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
Now that you’ve registered, you can head back to the main page and login. That’s where you’ll find your ticket options.
Step 1 – Choose a Circuit
First, you’re going to choose the circuit you want out of the three that are available. For this example, I’m going to choose Circuit 1.
Step 2 – Choose a Route
Once you’ve chosen your circuit, you’ll choose the route you want to see. You should only see the routes that correspond to the circuit you’ve chosen. For Circuit 1, there are 4 different routes to choose from.
Step 3 – Select your date
Next you’re going to choose the date you want tickets for. This is where you might need some backup dates if you’re preferred date isn’t available. If your date isn’t available, you will either not be able to click the date or you might see a grayed circle like you see below.
If you are able to choose a date, you still might see that no tickets are available, like in the photo below. It shouldn’t let you choose the date if it’s all sold out but websites are sometimes glitchy. You’ll have to find another date.
Step 4 – choose your time slot
Just keep clicking through the dates until you find one that has the tickets you’re looking for. Now, you might find tickets available for your selected date, but you might have wanted the earliest time of 6am to enter. You can see below that that time slot has sold out. You can either choose another time slot or look for another date.
Just keep clicking through dates until you find what you want. This is where booking your tickets as soon as possible will work to your advantage.
Step 5 – select your origin
The next step is choosing whether you’re a Peruvian citizen, a citizen of Cusco, a foreigner, or a citizen of a neighboring Andean community (Equador, Bolivia, or Colombia). There’s different pricing for different citizens.
Step 6 – choose the number of tickets
Once you’ve chosen your origin, you’ll see the pricing options available to you. You’ll choose the one that applies by clicking the plus sign for the number of tickets you want. You can only purchase 5 tickets at a time. If you need more than 5 tickets, you’ll need to start a new session.
You may or may not see the number increase when you hit the plus sign (I didn’t), but you’ll see the tickets in your cart when you choose “go to cart”.
Step 7 – Enter visitor data
After you’ve hit “go to cart” you’ll be taken to the reservation page. You’ll see the route you’ve chosen as well as the date and time slot you chose. Make sure those are correct because you won’t be able to change it once you’ve paid.
You’ll also see on the left side the number of people you’re buying tickets for. You’ll hit the drop down arrow and fill out each persons individual information.
You’re going to fill out the home country, passport number, names, birthdate, and sex of each person you’re buying tickets for. This information MUST match your passport exactly so be sure to check everything carefully. If you get to the entrance and it doesn’t match, they might not let you in.
Step 8 – Make your payment
After you’ve entered everyone’s information you’ll hit continue to go to the payment page. You can pay with a credit card or pay through paypal. Again, the site can be glitchy so if your card is declined you may have to try again or try a different browser.
Once you make your payment you’ll receive an email confirmation and your ticket will show up in your inbox within 48 hours.
You need to print your Machu Picchu entry ticket out and bring it with you. Do not assume you’ll be able to bring it up on your phone when you get to the entrance because you might not have cell service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Machu Picchu open?
Machu Picchu is open from 6am to 5:30pm, however you will have a time slot for your visit. If your ticket says 7am, you need to show up at 7am. You will have a small grace period of about 30 minutes but if you show up late, you might be out of luck. I wouldn’t chance it.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
You can expect it to be pretty busy from June through August which is the high season. This is also the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and when a lot of people go on vacations so it might get crowded during this time.
Remember, South America is in the Southern Hemisphere so June through August is their winter months. It won’t be too cold during the day though. You should have temperatures in the 60’s or 70’s. It will be cold at night and in the early morning so you’ll need to dress in layers.
November to March is the rainy season. There aren’t as many crowds during this time. If you want a ticket with one of the hikes, the only ones open all year are Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A) and Wayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A).
Is there an airport near Machu Picchu?
No, the closest airport is in Cusco which is 3 hours away. You’ll fly into Cusco and either take a train, bus, or hire a driver to take you to the town of Aguas Calientes which is 10 minutes away from Machu Picchu.
Are there any refunds on tickets?
No.
Are children and pets allowed into Machu Picchu?
Children, yes. Pets, no. Children aged 3 and under get free entry to Machu Picchu.
What happens if tickets are sold out?
If there aren’t any tickets for the day you want to visit, you’ll have to choose another day. Only a certain amount of tickets are sold per day and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Is it safe to buy the tickets online?
Yes, as long as you are purchasing from the official Peru website. There may be other sites selling or reselling tickets so if you’re buying from one of those then I can’t really say for sure.
Do I have to print the ticket or can I show my phone?
You have to print your Machu Picchu ticket and bring it with you. You also need to bring your passport with you. They will check that the information you entered online from your passport matches your passport. There’s also a special stamp at Machu Picchu that you can stamp in your passport too.
What happens if I lose my ticket?
When you buy your ticket online, you’ll see a booking number. You can enter that booking number on the official site and re-print your tickets. Be sure to keep your e-mail receipt so you’ll have that booking number.
Do I have to hire a guide?
There were some new rules put in place in 2019 and one of those rules was that you had to have a guide to enter. I’ve read that that is still true AND I’ve read that it’s not necessary now. So, it’ll be a surprise.
When you get to the Machu Picchu entrance there will be dozens of guides waiting to offer you their service. If it turns out you have to have one then you can hire one right there on the spot. If you don’t need one then it’s up to you. You’ll get a lot of great information about what you’re looking at if you do hire a guide.
I’m looking for tickets for next year but I’m not seeing any available.
Tickets for the next year will be availalbe online sometime in November or December of the current year. You’ll have to keep checking the website to see if they’re available.
Can i see Machu Picchu and hike Huyana Picchu in one day?
Yes, it’s definitely possible. Climbing Huyana Picchu (aka Wayna Picchu), Huchuy Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountains should only take a few hours. Just choose a time to climb the mountain that will give you enough time to see the grounds.
I came to Peru last minute, can I still buy a ticket for Machu Picchu?
Possibly. Chances are good there will still be a few tickets left for the grounds. You can go online at anytime and check. There’s also the option of buying one in Aguas Calientes when they release 1000 tickets per day.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
Read my article about How To Travel to Machu Picchu From Cusco in 2023.
