Machu Picchu Tickets: What You Need To Know In 2026

Everything You Need To Know About Machu Picchu Tickets

Is It Necessary To Buy A Ticket In Advance – And How Far In Advance Is Best?

While many of the other must-see sites in Cusco can be booked the same day as your visit, Machu Picchu must be planned in advance. The most popular destination in all of Peru, millions of tourists visit here every year – and it’s common for there to be large crowds. This means that the ticket-buying process must be done at least three days in advance of your arrival as a minimum. We highly suggest booking your ticket a couple of months in advance to guarantee your ideal dates and circuits. Here you can see all of the current Machu Picchu Circuits and what each one permits during your entry.

If you want to learn how to buy the Machu Picchu ticket in the new platform Click here. 

How To Buy The Machu Picchu Ticket

There are three main ways of purchasing your Machu Picchu admission ticket, depending on when and how you plan to visit the legendary ancient Inca citadel.

The most common way is purchasing online on the official Machu Picchu website, where you can select your day way in advance – and is the most ideal given you can comfortably guarantee the day that you want. The other independent way is to buy them physically within the town square or Aguas Calientes, which is the town below the ruins. This is a last-resort option though given you’ll be relying on luck that tickets haven’t yet sold out.

The third and final option is to instead head on a Machu Picchu Overnight Tour Package. This is best for those who don’t want to stress about booking tickets online and worrying about circuits, where we will sort this all out for you. The benefit here is that we will already have our own allocation of Machu Picchu tickets which increases the chance of you getting your dream trip dates, where you’ll also have an expert guide, accommodation and all private transport included in your tour with us.

Do Machu Picchu Tickets Sell Out?

While total admissions for a day can be up to more than 5000, it’s certainly possible that tickets can sell out for any individual day. This is most likely in the busy high tourist season – which runs from June until September – and if planning to come then, it’s worth booking your ticket at least two months in advance. It’s much less likely that tickets sell-out during the shoulder or wet seasons (October until May) – however even then it can happen so it’s always best to purchase your entrance ticket in advance.

Important Factors To Consider When Choosing To Buy A Machu Picchu Ticket

Seasonal Demand And Crowds

Having briefly touched upon this earlier, seasonal demand is the biggest variable that can impact your chances of getting your ideal day for your Machu Picchu ticket. The dry season is by far the most popular time for tourists to visit Machu Picchu, which begins in June and ends in September. If you’re planning to visit around these months, then make sure you book your tickets at least a couple of months in advance to be safe – given admission tickets at the most popular periods can sometimes sell-out weeks in advance.

Large crowds are much less likely during the shoulder and wet seasons, which run from October until May for Machu Picchu. The only exception is the Christmas period which can see a temporary surge of both domestic and international tourists – however the rest of this season is much quieter. For this reason you don’t need to book so far in advance for your visit here, although we’d still recommend around a month in advance just to be safe with your preferred day and circuit.

Choosing The Best Time Of Day For Your Machu Picchu Visit

Another important point to mention is the time of day you visit. Your admission ticket is valid for a certain timeslot within the day – and different times of the day have different advantages which is worth knowing about. 

• The early morning (6:00am-9:00am) is the very best, where the site will be at its overall quietest. 
• The second best time is the later afternoon (14:00pm-16:00pm) where crowds start to fall as the big tourist buses filled with day trip passengers begin to leave back to Cusco. 
• Finally, the midday visits of 10:00am-14:00pm tend to be the busiest time of day for visiting Machu Picchu.

Choosing To Hike The Inca Trail Along With Machu Picchu

Those who want the most unforgettable experience can consider hiking the four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek – which includes days of camping in the Andes trek following the same ancient stone path that the Inca once took to reach this sacred site.

Now it’s important to know that as well as your Machu Picchu admission ticket, you’ll also need the Inca Trail permit – which has only 500 allowances each day. This means you’ll need to book both together at least 3-4 months in advance given how popular both of these unforgettable experiences are.

The best way to guarantee your spot is to book Our Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Hike, which includes all permits, meals, lodging, expert tour guides and all private transport and tours.

Getting To Machu Picchu And Preparing For Your Visit

Unless you are choosing to hike the Inca Trail which we covered in the last section, most likely you will be arriving into the town of Aguas Calientes before your visit to Machu Picchu. Usually tourists take either the train or buses from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to get here, and we personally suggest heading on the Overnight Machu Picchu Tour so you can visit the ruins early on the next day before the large crowd buses arrive.

You can of course also head on the One Day Machu Picchu Tour, and in many cases this may be the best option for you. This includes if you are in a rush to see the ruins, or generally don’t have much time to spend in and around the Cusco region during your trip. Here we will leave early from Cusco and take the train to Machu Picchu, and be back in the city around the late afternoon.

Before leaving for your trip, make sure to have your Machu Picchu admission ticket both printed out and with the email confirmation on your phone (backups are always a good idea just in case you lose one or your battery runs out). You’ll also need your passport to enter, and we also suggest bringing water and using the restrooms before your visit – given it’s a large site and can take a couple of hours to explore, and also as you cannot return after leaving.

The Different Machu Picchu Circuits

Circuit 01:  Machu Picchu Mountain Route

The Machu Picchu Route is perfect for those wanting to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the site without exploring the lower sections of the citadel. This shorter circuit allows access to the Mountain Mountain, a hike that takes approximately three hours round trip.

Things To Know

• With these tickets, you will not be able to access the lower section of Machu Picchu, which includes the main temples such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
• This ticket is available year-round, both during the rainy season and the dry season.
• This ticket is ideal for people who have a strong passion for adventure, as it involves approximately three hours of hiking both uphill and downhill.
• With this ticket, you will not be permitted entry into the guardhouse; however, you will still be able to take a panoramic picture from the upper terrace, which offers a view comparable to that from the guardhouse.
• With this ticket, you will be able to visit a small section of Machu Picchu, primarily focusing on the upper area for panoramic photographs.

Entry time

There are only two available schedules: the first is from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., and the second is from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Price

• Adult: 200 Peruvian soles($60 US Dollars)
• Students: 118 Peruvian Soles($40 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 118 Peruvian Soles($40 US Dollars).

Circuit 01: Upper Terraces Route

The Upper Terrace Route is perfect for visitors who want to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu without exploring the lower sections of the citadel. This short circuit allows access exclusively to the upper terrace, offering two locations where you can capture the classic panoramic photo.

Things To Know

• This ticket does not justify its cost as it only grants access to a limited section of Machu Picchu
• This ticket will still be available upon your arrival in Cusco, except during the periods of Happy Easter, Independence Day (July 20th – 31st), Christmas, and New Year.
• This ticket is purchased by people who only have access to Circuit 3. They buy two tickets in order to visit the entire citadel. With Circuit 1, they explore the upper part, while with Circuit 3, they visit the lower part.
• This ticket is available throughout the entire year, encompassing both the rainy season and the dry season.
• These tickets do not grant access to the lower area of Machu Picchu, which encompasses the primary temples, including the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
• With this ticket, you will not be granted access to the guardhouse. However, you will still have the opportunity to capture a panoramic photo from the upper terrace, which provides a view similar to that of the guardhouse.

Entry time

There are ten time slots available for upper terrace tickets. The first slot begins at 6:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM. The available schedules are as follows: (6:00 – 7:00), (7:00 – 8:00), (8:00 – 9:00), (9:00 – 10:00), (10:00 – 11:00), (11:00 – 12:00), (12:00 – 13:00), (13:00 – 14:00), (14:00 – 15:00), and (15:00 – 16:00).

Price

• Adult: 152 Peruvian soles($45 US Dollars)
• Students: 77 Peruvian Soles($25 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 70 Peruvian Soles($21 US Dollars)

Circuit 01: Sun Gate Route

The Sun Gate Route is ideal for those who wish to experience stunning panoramic views of the site without venturing into the lower areas of the citadel. This shorter circuit provides access to the Sun Gate, with a hike that takes about two hours for a round trip.

Things To Know

• This ticket is ideal for those who wish to undertake an additional, relatively easy hike and view Machu Picchu from a different perspective.
• This ticket is available exclusively during the dry season, which spans from June 1st to October 15th.
• These tickets do not provide entry to the lower section of Machu Picchu, which includes some of the site’s most significant structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
• With this ticket, you will not be granted access to the guardhouse itself. However, you will still have the opportunity to capture a panoramic photo from the upper terrace, which offers a view comparable to that of the guardhouse.
• With this ticket, you will trek a portion of the Inca Trail that is typically covered by those completing the 4-day and 2-day Inca Trail hikes.
• With this ticket, you will have the opportunity to visit the location where people historically left their offerings before entering Machu Picchu during the Inca period.
• These tickets grant access to two locations where you can capture panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Entry time

There are two schedules: the first is from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., and the second is from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Price

• Adult: 152 Peruvian soles($45 US Dollars)
• Students: 77 Peruvian Soles($25 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 70 Peruvian Soles($21 US Dollars)

Circuit 01: Inka Bridge Route

The Inca Bridge Route offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the site without descending into the lower sections of the citadel. This shorter path leads to the Sun Gate and typically requires around two hours for a round trip hike.

Things To Know

• This ticket is perfect for people looking to embark on an additional, moderately simple hike while enjoying the views of the Hidroeléctrica Valley.
• This ticket is available only during the dry season, which extends from June 1st to October 15th.
• These tickets do not grant access to the lower section of Machu Picchu, which features some of the site’s most important structures, including the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
• With this ticket, you will not be allowed to enter the guardhouse. However, you will still have the chance to take a panoramic photo from the upper terrace, which provides a view similar to that of the guardhouse.
• These tickets provide entry to two distinct vantage points that offer breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Entry time

There are two schedules: the first is from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., and the second is from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Price

• Adult: 152 Peruvian soles($45 US Dollars)
• Students: 77 Peruvian Soles($25 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 70 Peruvian Soles($21 US Dollars)

Circuit 02: Classic Design Route

Circuit 02: Lower Terrace Route

Similar to the Classic Designed route, this alternative path offers a slightly different experience. Visitors still have the opportunity to explore most of the ruins in both the upper and lower sections of Machu Picchu, and they will still be able to take the iconic photograph of the site. This circuit also takes approximately two hours and thirty minutes to complete.

Things To Know

• With this ticket, you will have the privilege of exploring both the upper and lower sections of Machu Picchu,
• Although the ticket provides access to both the upper and lower sections of Machu Picchu, it is important to note that certain specific areas, including the Temple of the Condor and the Sundial, are not covered by this admission.
• This ticket is the second most highly recommended option, frequently leading to its rapid sell-out.
• To ensure the successful acquisition of this ticket, it is imperative to make your reservation at least three months in advance.
• This ticket is available throughout the entire year, accommodating visitors during both the rainy and dry seasons.
• This ticket is perfect for those looking to thoroughly explore Machu Picchu. It offers complete access to all parts of the site, enabling visitors to fully engage with the rich history and stunning landscapes of this ancient Incan city.
• With this ticket, you will not be allowed entry into the guardhouse; however, you will still have the chance to take a classic photograph from the lower terrace, located directly beneath the guardhouse.

Entry Time

There are ten slots available for upper terrace tickets. The first slot begins at 6:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM. The available schedules are as follows: (6:00 – 7:00), (7:00 – 8:00), (8:00 – 9:00), (9:00 – 10:00), (10:00 – 11:00), (11:00 – 12:00), (12:00 – 13:00), (13:00 – 14:00), (14:00 – 15:00), and (15:00 – 16:00).

Price

• Adult: 152 Peruvian soles($45 US Dollars)
• Students: 77 Peruvian Soles($25 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 70 Peruvian Soles($21 US Dollars)

Circuit 3: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route

This ticket provides access to the lower section of Machu Picchu, including notable sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Temple of the Condors, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirror. Additionally, it offers a viewpoint from the agricultural sector, enhancing the overall experience of the site. The ticket also includes a hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain, a journey that typically requires about two hours for a round trip.

Things To Know

• With this ticket, you will not have access to the upper section for taking postcard photos of Machu Picchu.
• People planning to hike the Inca Trail over four days typically book Huayna Picchu in advance. As a result, the second shift often fills up three to four months ahead of time.
• To secure this ticket successfully, it is advisable to make your reservation a minimum of three months ahead of time.
• This ticket remains available throughout the entire year, catering to visitors during both the rainy and dry seasons.
• This ticket is ideal for those who wish to embark on an additional hike at Machu Picchu and capture photographs of the site from a unique perspective.

Entry Time

Circuit 3: Royalty Design Route

This ticket provides a tour of the lower section of the Machu Picchu citadel, granting access to several significant ruins. These include notable sectors such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca’s House, Water Fountains, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor. The tour has a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Things To Know

• This ticket does not provide entry to the upper section for taking postcard-style photographs of Machu Picchu.
• This ticket is available throughout the entire year
• With this ticket, you will have access to royal areas, including the Temple of the Sun, the Inca’s House, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Three Windows, among others.

Entry Time

There are ten slots available for Royaly Deigned tickets. The first slot begins at 6:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM. The available schedules are as follows: (6:00 – 7:00), (7:00 – 8:00), (8:00 – 9:00), (9:00 – 10:00), (10:00 – 11:00), (11:00 – 12:00), (12:00 – 13:00), (13:00 – 14:00), (14:00 – 15:00), and (15:00 – 16:00).

Price

• Adult: 152 Peruvian soles($45 US Dollars)
• Students: 77 Peruvian Soles($25 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 70 Peruvian Soles($21 US Dollars)

Circuit 3: Gran Cavern Route

This ticket includes a visit to the Inca structures in the lower part of Machu Picchu, offering views from the agricultural sector. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to explore the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon, situated on Huayna Picchu mountain.

Things To Know

• This ticket does not grant access to the upper section for photographing postcards of Machu Picchu
• This ticket is available exclusively during the dry season, from June 1st to October 15th.
• This ticket is ideal for those interested in visiting the Temple of the Moon, which involves a round trip of approximately three hours.
• You can still purchase this ticket upon arriving in Cusco, except during holidays like Holy Week, Independence Week around July 28th, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Entry Time

There are ten slots available for Royaly Deigned tickets. The first slot begins at 6:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM. The available schedules are as follows: (6:00 – 7:00), (7:00 – 8:00), (8:00 – 9:00), (9:00 – 10:00), (10:00 – 11:00), (11:00 – 12:00), (12:00 – 13:00), (13:00 – 14:00), (14:00 – 15:00), and (15:00 – 16:00).

• Adult: 200 Peruvian soles($60 US Dollars)
• Students: 118 Peruvian Soles($40 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 118 Peruvian Soles($40 US Dollars).

Circuit 3: Huchuy Picchu Route

This ticket grants access to the lower section of Machu Picchu, encompassing the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Temple of the Condors, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirror, while also providing a vantage point from the agricultural sector. Additionally, it includes a hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, which takes approximately one hour for the round trip.

Things To Know

• This ticket does not permit access to the upper section for taking photographs of postcards of Machu Picchu.
• This ticket is solely available during the dry season, which runs from June 1st to October 15th.
• This ticket is perfect for individuals looking to hike Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

Entry time

There are two schedules available for visiting Huchuy Picchu Mountain: the first is from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, and the second is from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.

Price

• Adult: 152 Peruvian soles($45 US Dollars)
• Students: 77 Peruvian Soles($25 US Dollars)
• Child (8 to 17 years old): 70 Peruvian Soles($21 US Dollars)

Frequently Asked Questions About Organising Your Machu Picchu Tickets

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about sorting and purchasing your Machu Picchu admission ticket, as well as anything else important that you need to know while planning your visit.

Can I Buy Machu Picchu Tickets At The Gate?

It’s important to know that you cannot buy tickets to Machu Picchu at the entrance gates themselves into the sacred site. You must either buy them online in advance (most recommended to guarantee your preferred route and dates), or buy them in the main square of the Aguas Calientes town – although admission tickets are limited and are subject to demand. 

How Much Is An Entrance Ticket To Machu Picchu?

The Machu Picchu admission ticket tends to cost between $60-80 for an adult, which depends on the route you choose and also if heading during peak tourist seasons or the quieter low season. Discounts are available for students and children, and young children of under 3 years old have no cost. Please remember that this ticket does not include transport from the town of Aguas Calientes, which must be booked separately.

Do Tickets To Machu Picchu Sell Out?

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu selling out is a frequent occurrence, and especially during the peak tourist seasons (which are generally between the months of June and September). For this reason we highly recommend booking your ticket at least a couple of months in advance for your preferred dates, or getting in touch with us for a private tour where we will handle the purchasing of the Machu Picchu entrance tickets for you.

Can You Get Last Minute Tickets To Machu Picchu?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a last-minute ticket in Aguas Calientes. The process involves queuing in the morning and then again in the afternoon. You will receive a ticket for the following day rather than the same day, which means you will need to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes. However, this approach is not advisable as you will not know the specific circuit or the time of your entry to Machu Picchu. Additionally, during holidays, it may require staying for two nights to secure a ticket.

Can I Enter Machu Picchu 1 Hour Earlier Or Later Than The Time Indicated On My Ticket?

It is possible to enter Machu Picchu up to 45 minutes later than your scheduled time during the dry season (June 1st to October 15th) and up to 30 minutes later during the rainy season (October 16th to May 31st). However, entry is not permitted before the scheduled time.

Which Tickets To Machu Picchu Sell Out The Fastest?

The Classic-designed route and the lower terrace route are the two tickets that sell out quickly, as they allow access to both the upper and lower parts of Machu Picchu. These tickets provide the most comprehensive tours of the site.

Is There A Student Discount?

Yes, there is a discount for buying a Machu Picchu ticket. Children aged 3 to 17 get a 50% discount. Students up to 25 years old also get a discount, but they must show a valid student ID. See the example below.

Overview Of Machu Picchu Tickets

And that’s all for this guide on purchasing a Machu Picchu admission ticket, and everything else that you need to know.

One of the world’s most famous ancient ruins, Machu Picchu is one of the main UNESCO sites – and millions visit the iconic citadel each year. Booking your Machu Picchu ticket in advance is extremely important to guarantee your preferred dates and circuits, and in this guide we’ve covered the most important things for you to know in order to have the most smooth and enjoyable trip here.

Are you looking for the most comfortable and simple way of visiting Machu Picchu? Here at AB Expeditions we operate our Overnight Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco, which includes private transport, the scenic train ride, a hotel stay, your Machu Picchu ticket and much more!