The Ultimate Guide to Secure Your Machu Picchu Tickets!

Have you ever tried to book Machu Picchu tickets, only to find your dream date is completely sold out? We’ve been there too, and it’s a gut punch.

Thanks to a visitor management system that now caps daily entry between 4,500 and 5,600 people, getting your Machu Picchu tickets locked in early has never been more important. Miss the window, and you could be watching those ancient stone terraces from a distance, not from inside them.

We put this guide together to walk you through every step: the official booking platforms, the right circuits for your trip, and the pitfalls that catch travelers every year. Let’s go through it all together so your Peru adventure starts on the best possible note.

Guide to Machu Picchu Tickets Key Takeaways

• Book Machu Picchu tickets at least two to four months in advance on https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/llaqta_machupicchu to avoid sold-out dates and scams.
• Daily visitor limits range from 4,500 to 5,600. Only 1,000 last-minute tickets are sold onsite for the next day between 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
• Entry slots are strict, with a maximum grace period of 30 to 45 minutes. Each ticket is non-refundable and non-changeable.
• Foreign adult tickets cost approximately $40 to $55 USD depending on the circuit. Students and children pay less, while Andean Community visitors receive reduced rates.
• Entry requires matching original passports or IDs with your ticket. Digital copies or incorrect details result in denied admission.
• Single-use plastics are banned at the site. Bring a refillable water bottle or you will be turned away at security.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Machu Picchu Tickets

Consider the ticket availability, preferred entrance choice, and pricing before purchasing Machu Picchu tickets.

Ticket Availability

Tickets for Machu Picchu are on sale online. You can choose to purchase them directly from the Peruvian Government website or have a travel agency do it for you. You will need to check if there are any available for your travel dates before you buy them. Head over here to the government site (in spanish) or better yet you can ask us via our chat below or contact us for easier booking. There are various circuits and entry times to choose from and each admission has limited availability. This means that the most popular circuits and entry times may run out fast, so it’s good to get yours early.

The ticket for Circuit 2A and 2B are the most popular as they are the most complete route and are guided for early morning group visits. Many people want it, so we suggest you get this one 3 or 4 months before your visit.

Preferred Entrance Choice

You need to pick your entrance ticket choice for Machu Picchu. There are many good ones. The most liked option is the Circuit 2 Admission also known as Llacta Machu Picchu Circuit 2A or 2B which gives you access to most of the site. But some people might want more. If you plan to do the additional hikes inside the ruins they you may want to add the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike or the Huayna Picchu Hike as an additional entrance. Note that these extra hikes are only done early in the morning so it is best to either do your Circuit 2A or 2B tour at 6AM – 7AM and then do the hikes from 8AM or 9AM onward.

Others like adding Huchuy Picchu or the Inca Bridge to their list. The number of these special tickets is small, so get one early if you want it! If you wish to see Huayna Picchu, buy your ticket three or four months before your trip as it is the most popular additional hike at Machu Picchu. Want to know the best circuit times for touring Machu Picchu? Keep reading below.

Machu Picchu Tickets Price

Ticket costs can change based on where you come from. If you are a student, or under 18 years old, you get to pay less. People living in Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru also get tickets at lower prices.

From 2025 onward, the price for the Classic Circuit (2A or 2B) is 152 soles which is about $40 USD for international travelers. For locals the price is 32 soles. For CAN travelers from Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador the price is 32 soles. International students pay 77 soles, while local and CAN students pay 16 soles. The current exchange rate in Peru is about 3.70 soles per 1 US dollar.

The Admission to hike Huayna Picchu or Mountain (Montaña) costs more; 200 soles or roughly $52 USD. International students pay 125 soles. While locals or CAN countries pay 112 soles.

Keep your budget ready before making your online ticket purchase! Don’t like reading, here’s a video summary:

Steps to Purchase Machu Picchu Tickets Online

To purchase Machu Picchu tickets online, you need to visit the official ticket platform, choose your circuit, route, visit time, fill in your information, validate it, verify your reservation, and make the payment.

Visit the Official Ticket Platform

To buy a Machu Picchu ticket, go to the official site. The right web address is https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/. This site belongs to Peru’s Culture Ministry. It is safe and trusted for all ticket sales.

You will see prices in Peruvian soles on this platform. But don’t worry! They also accept Visa & MasterCard payments from other countries. View how many soles you can currently get for one US dollar here.

If this is all still too much to take in then just contact Karikuy Tours and take all the stress out of planning a trip to Peru. 🙂

Choose your Machu Picchu Circuits

Tickets for Machu Picchu and its mountains are already on sale, so it’s time to choose the best time to visit. Consider the type of ticket you want and the experience you’re looking for.

There are three circuits to choose from with different routes available:

• Circuit 1 – The Panoramic Circuits
  • Circuit 1-A – Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Circuit 1-B – Superior Terrace
  • Circuit 1-C – Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
  • Circuit 1-D – Inca Bridge
• Circuit 2 – The Classic Circuit
  • Circuit 2-A – Classic Designed Route
  • Circuit 2-B – Inferior Terrace
• Circuit 3 – The Royal Circuit
  • Circuit 3-A – Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Circuit 3-B – Classic Royal Route
  • Circuit 3-C – The Great Cave
  • Circuit 3-D – Huchuy Picchu Mountain

The current most popular choice is Circuit 2, which allows you access to explore most of the magnificent citadel. This admission gives you the best vantage point for photography as well as most in depth tour. As most group tours require this admission for the 2 hour guided tour this admission is usually first to sell out.

If you want a more challenging adventure, consider adding hikes up Huayna Picchu or Montaña to your itinerary. It’s important to note that tickets for these options tend to sell out quickly, especially for Huayna Picchu. Keep reading to see what your options are if your date is sold out.

Machu Picchu Circuit Maps

Not sure what route to choose? here you can download the Machu Picchu maps for each circuit so you can see where the routes take you through out the site.

• Circuit 1 – The Panoramic Circuits
  • Circuit 1-A MAP – Download PDF – Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Circuit 1-B MAP – Download PDF – Superior Terrace
  • Circuit 1-C MAP – Download PDF – Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
  • Circuit 1-D MAP – Download PDF – Inca Bridge
• Circuit 2 – The Classic Circuit
  • Circuit 2-A MAP – Download PDF – Classic Designed Route
  • Circuit 2-B MAP – Download PDF – Inferior Terrace
• Circuit 3 – The Royal Circuit
  • Circuit 3-A MAP – Download PDF – Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Circuit 3-B MAP – Download PDF – Classic Royal Route
  • Circuit 3-C MAP – Download PDF – The Great Cave
  • Circuit 3-D MAP – Download PDF – Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Choose your Machu Picchu Time to Visit

Tickets for Machu Picchu and its mountains are already on sale, so it’s time to choose the best time to visit. Consider the type of ticket you want and the experience you’re looking for.

Please note that each admission has their own entrance times with the morning visits selling out first. This doesn’t mean that it’s best to go in the morning. Quite the contrary it can be foggy or overcast in the mornings. Sunrise at Machu Picchu is never guaranteed and depends on the weather. So when is the best time to go to Peru and Machu Picchu? We recommend from 8 AM to 2 PM during the dry season (April to September) and from 10AM to 3PM during the wet season (October to March). The Entrance time for each admission is as follows:

• Circuit 1 – The Panoramic Circuits
  • Circuit 1-A – Machu Picchu Mountain – 7AM and 9AM Only
  • Circuit 1-B – Superior Terrace – Hourly From 6AM to 3PM
  • Circuit 1-C – Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – Hourly from 8AM to 11AM
  • Circuit 1-D – Inca Bridge – Hourly from 8AM to 11AM
• Circuit 2 – The Classic Circuit
  • Circuit 2-A – Classic Designed Route – Hourly From 6AM to 3PM
  • Circuit 2-B – Inferior Terrace – Hourly From 6AM to 3PM
• Circuit 3 – The Royal Circuit
  • Circuit 3-A – Huayna Picchu Mountain – 7AM and 9AM Only
  • Circuit 3-B – Classic Royal Route – Hourly From 6AM to 3PM
  • Circuit 3-C – The Great Cave – 7AM and 9AM Only
  • Circuit 3-D – Huchuy Picchu Mountain – 10AM and 12PM Only

Fill in Your Information

To purchase Machu Picchu tickets online, you will need to fill in your information on the official ticket platform. This includes providing details such as your full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.

It is important to double-check this information for accuracy before submitting it. Make sure that the passport number you enter matches the one you will be using when visiting Machu Picchu.

Providing correct and complete information is crucial for a smooth ticket reservation process.

Validate Your Information

Before finalizing your Machu Picchu ticket purchase online, it is crucial to validate your personal information. Make sure you enter accurate details such as your name, passport number, and nationality.

Double-check everything before proceeding to the next step. This is important because any mistakes can lead to issues later on, such as being denied entry. Please note that as of 2024 Machu Picchu admissions are no longer refundable nor interchangeable. The entry times cannot be modified and you must purchase a whole new admission if you wish to make any changes.

By validating your information, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when visiting this incredible Inca city.

Make the Payment

To confirm your Machu Picchu tickets online, you will need to finalize payment. After filling in your information and verifying your reservation, you will be directed to the payment page.

This is where you will choose your preferred method of payment, such as Visa or MasterCard. It’s important to note that prices and ticket types have changed since the closure due to Covid-19, so make sure you check the latest rates before making a payment.

Keep in mind that all tickets for Machu Picchu have limited availability, so it’s best to buy them in advance. The most popular ticket option is the Machu Picchu Circuit 2, but if you’re interested in visiting Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain as well, it’s recommended to purchase that specific ticket 3 or 4 months ahead of time.

Once you’ve made the payment successfully, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket attached. Make sure to keep this e-ticket handy as it will be required for entry into Machu Picchu on your chosen date and time slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you curious about ticket pricing, visiting hours, or the best circuit for exploring Machu Picchu? Find answers to these and more in our Frequently Asked Questions section. Keep reading to plan your visit smoothly!

Ticket Pricing

Machu Picchu ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket you choose. The Circuit 2 Admissions costs 152.00 soles (40.00 USD), while the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket and the  Huayna Picchu ticket both cost 200.00 soles (52.00 USD).

If you’re a student, you can get discounted rates at 77 soles (23.00 USD). Children between the ages of 3 and 17 also pay slightly less at 70 soles. These are important facts to keep in mind when planning your visit to Machu Picchu.

Visiting Hours

The visiting hours for Machu Picchu vary depending on the ticket you purchase. The site is open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM, but there are specific time slots available for entry. You can choose either the morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM) or afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) session.

It’s important to plan your visit accordingly and arrive at the designated time slot on your ticket to ensure a smooth experience. Take note that these visiting hours apply to both the citadel of Machu Picchu and the additional attractions like Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, which offer stunning views of the Inca city.

Remember to check the availability when purchasing your tickets online so you can secure a spot during your preferred visiting hours.

Best Circuit for Visiting

There are different circuits available for visiting Machu Picchu, each offering a unique experience. As we have mentioned already Circuit 2 is the most popular with the classic view. Add the Huayna Picchu additional hike and explore both the main ruins and the iconic mountain.

Both those tickets are in high demand, so it’s important to purchase it in advance, preferably 3 or 4 months ahead. Another option is the Machu Picchu Only circuit, which gives you access to the main archaeological site without any additional hikes, but has the best photo opportunities.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the natural surroundings, you can choose circuits like Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu + Huchuy Picchu. Each circuit offers its own highlights and attractions, so consider your preferences and physical abilities when choosing the best one for your visit to Machu Picchu as well as coordinate your time.

Necessity of Advanced Purchase

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when visiting Machu Picchu, it is highly recommended to make an advanced purchase of your tickets. The capacity at Machu Picchu has been lowered over the years due to preservation, so there’s limited availability for entry.

By purchasing your tickets in advance, you can secure your desired visit time and preferred entrance choice, especially if you’re interested in exploring Huayna Picchu or any other mountain within the site. Machu Picchu does sell out, we have included options below in case this is the case and you find yourself without Machu Picchu admission.

Additionally, with the availability of spaces constantly changing, purchasing your tickets early will help guarantee that you don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this incredible Inca city.

How to Buy Tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain

To buy tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain, you can do it online or through Karikuy Tours. On the official website make sure you choose Circuit 3 and route 3A for Huayna Picchu, note there are only two admission times. It’s best to purchase this ticket a several months in advance because it’s really popular.

Keep in mind that all tickets have limited availability, so it’s a good idea to check before buying them.

How to Buy Tickets for Children and Students

If you’re traveling with children or if you’re a student, there are special rates for Machu Picchu tickets. Children between the ages of 3-17 can get tickets for 70 soles (23.00 USD).

For university students and citizens of the Andean Community countries (Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru), there are discounts available as well, as low as 16 soles per person. When purchasing tickets online through the official website or at Cusco offices, make sure to provide the necessary identification to prove eligibility for these discounted rates.

The government is incredibly strict when applying the student discount to Machu Picchu admissions. The Student ID must include photo, the university name, valid issue date and name of student. Below is an example of a valid and not valid student ID.

Keep in mind that once purchased any personal information used to purchase the admission cannot be changed, your name and passport information should be the same as found on your Passport.

Refund Policies

As of 2024 Machu Picchu admissions are non refundable and non interchangeable. If you have to make any changes the Ministry of Culture will make you buy a new admission. This can be a problem especially if your plans change and you are already in Peru. Advanced tickets will be sold out and you will have to purchase walk-in admissions, more on this below.

So, make sure to double-check your plans and consider any potential changes before purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets. Be prepared to spend a night in Aguas Calientes and queue in line to purchase walk-in admissions if you have to make any changes.

Machu Picchu Tickets Sold Out? You Have Options

Since the new government regulations came into effect it has become harder to acquire Machu Picchu tickets in advance. These new measures however help protect the site, and keep the number of travelers down, ensuring the site remains intact for future generations to enjoy. So if you were not able to secure Machu Picchu tickets in advance, don’t worry, you have options.

Contact Karikuy Tours

With over 17 years experience, getting customers to Machu Picchu is top priority. Contact Karikuy Tours and you will have a list of options the same day to make sure you get to see the famous citadel, not to mention take the stress out of planning everything yourself. But hey, that’s totally fine as well, and if you prefer that route then here is what you can do.

Last Minute Machu Picchu Tickets at Aguas Calientes (Walk-In Tickets)

(UPDATED as of January, 2025) There is a pool of 1,000 tickets that the government makes available to last minute travelers. These are Machu Picchu tickets that cannot be sold by travel agencies. The trick here is to arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) the day before you will be going up to Machu Picchu. We recommend getting to Aguas Calientes early as you can to give you a better chance of getting tickets.

During the low season (August to March) you will get admissions for the following day with entrance times from 9 AM to 12 PM admissions and during the high season (April to July) expect getting entrance times from 12PM to 2PM. The most popular circuits like circuit 2 sell out first.

If you buy Machu Picchu tickets the day before this can only be done in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) tickets go on sale from 2 PM to 10 PM, but you have to get to Aguas Calientes early as be prepared to wait in a long line to get admission to the site. Its first come, first serve, so the earlier you arrive to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets the better your chance to get the entrance time that you want, the earlier entrance times selling out quicker of course.

If you decide to purchase your Machu Picchu ticket the same day you enter the ruins, be aware that if tickets sold out the day before there will be none available, if there are any available then the ticket office for same day ticket sales opens at 5:30AM and you will have to be among the first to have the best chance to secure them the same day.

Book the 4 Day or Two Day Inca Trail

The 4 Day Classic Inca Trail and the 2 Day Short Inca Trail have special Machu Picchu tickets included. These are admissions that are not available to be sold independently outside of these treks. While the 4 Day Classic Inca Trail can sometimes be sold out in advance. The 2 Day Shorter Inca Trail is more readily available and gives you a great chance book your admissions in advance or even last minute and still visit the ruins early in the morning.

Buy Alternative Circuits

Machu Picchu Tickets for Circuit 2 is the most popular admission and the first to sell out. This admission is the most complete giving you access to the longest circuit around the site. However when this is unavailable consider the other options available to you. The second most popular Machu Picchu ticket to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu is the Circuit 1B. This admission will take you to the upper terraces where you can get the classic photo shots of Machu Picchu, this is also a lighter route for hikers, but you will not enter the main complex.

When all else fail we recommend the Circuit 1A – Machu Picchu ticket with Machu Picchu Mountain Hike. This admissions gives you access to the area where you can take a classic photo of Machu Picchu as you have access to the higher part of the ruins. You will also have the chance to hike up to Machu Picchu Mountain to get an impressive overhead view of the ruins.

If you tend to be a last minute traveler, check out this video:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Machu Picchu Tickets

When buying Machu Picchu tickets, it is important to avoid common mistakes such as visiting the incorrect website or providing incorrect personal information.

Incorrect Website

Be careful when purchasing Machu Picchu tickets online because there are some incorrect websites that might trick you. To avoid scams, make sure to use the official website provided by the Peruvian authorities.

This is the only legitimate platform to buy your tickets. Don’t be fooled by other websites claiming to sell tickets. Stick with the official one to ensure a smooth and secure ticket-buying experience for your visit to this incredible Inca city. Alternatively we can also help you book your admission.

Unsuccessful Payment

If you encounter an unsuccessful payment when purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets online, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure you have entered the correct payment information, including your card number and expiration date.

Double-check for any typos or errors. If everything is entered correctly and the payment still fails, check with your bank to ensure that they haven’t blocked the transaction for security reasons.

It’s also essential to have sufficient funds in your account to cover the ticket price. If all else fails, try using a different payment method or contact the official ticket platform for assistance.

Printing the Wrong Page

One common mistake to avoid when buying Machu Picchu tickets is printing the wrong page. After completing your ticket purchase online, you will receive a confirmation email with important information about your reservation.

Make sure to carefully read this email and click on any provided links for ticket printing instructions. Many travelers have extra fingers and make the mistake of accidentally printing the confirmation email instead of the actual ticket. Your Machu Picchu admissions should look like this with your own information of course:

To avoid this, follow the instructions in the email and print out the correct page that contains your official Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Remember, you must present this printed ticket at the entrance gate to gain access to Machu Picchu, so double-check before you leave home to ensure you have printed the right page.

Buying the Wrong Ticket

To avoid buying the wrong ticket for Machu Picchu, it’s important to carefully consider your options. The most popular ticket is the Machu Picchu Circuit 2A or 2B, but there are other Circuits available. Make sure if you want a detailed guided tour of the ruins then Circuit 2 is the one to purchase.

Make sure you check which ticket suits your preferences before purchasing. It’s also a good idea to double-check the availability of spaces to visit Machu Picchu and any restrictions that might apply. If you prefer to hike over touring them Circuit 1 with Machu Picchu Mountain or Circuit 3 with Huayna Picchu is recommended.

And don’t forget to take advantage of discounts if you’re a minor, university student, or citizen of the Andean Community countries.

Incorrect Personal Information

When purchasing Machu Picchu tickets online, it’s important to provide accurate personal information. Double-check your name, passport number, and other details before submitting the form.

Incorrect information can lead to issues at the entrance gate or even denied entry. Take your time and ensure that all the information you enter is correct to avoid any problems on your visit day.

Non-refundable Flight Purchase without Ticket Confirmation

If you purchase a flight to Machu Picchu without confirming your ticket, it can be a big problem. Your flight may not be refundable if you don’t have a valid ticket for entry. It’s important to make sure you have confirmation of your ticket before buying your flight.

This way, you won’t lose money if something goes wrong with your ticket reservation. Double-checking is always a good idea to avoid any unnecessary complications or disappointments during your trip to Machu Picchu.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing Machu Picchu tickets online is a straightforward process. Remember to consider factors like ticket availability, preferred entrance choice, and pricing.

Follow the steps outlined on the official ticket platform, fill in your information accurately, and make your payment securely. Avoid common mistakes like using incorrect websites or providing inaccurate personal information.

Furthermore you can hire a tour operator like Karikuy Tours to help book the tickets for you. By following these tips, you’ll be ready to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu!