Get your Machu Picchu ticket in 3 simple steps
Machu Picchu is a destination that continues to amaze, even if you are traveling for the second time. That’s why, in this blog, we will tell you about the safe ways to book your ideal trip to the Inca citadel. It is now easier than ever to plan a trip to Machu Picchu, so we’ve outlined three simple steps: how to make the reservation, make the payment, and then simply enjoy the experience with all the necessary services. The best part is that you can do it all from the comfort of your home. Let’s get started!
- Step 1: Make the reservation
- Step 2: Make the payment
- Step 3: Get all the necessary services and travel!
- The one-day itinerary to Machu Picchu
- Important details to consider
- Frequently asked questions
Step 1: Make the reservation
Next, we’ll explain all the details on how to make your reservation virtually and from the comfort of your home. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about reserving tickets to Machu Picchu.
Where to book?
- The ideal way to book tickets to Machu Picchu is online, although it can also be done in person.
- By booking online, you can secure the most requested tickets in advance, avoiding purchasing when they are sold out.
- You can also book a tour package, along with all the necessary information for your trip to Machu Picchu.
- If you only want the tickets to Machu Picchu, you can book them through Ticketmachupicchu or via the Tuboleto page from the Ministry of Culture.
- It is also possible to make in-person bookings, though it depends on how early you do it.
- Some tickets to Machu Picchu may sell out months or weeks in advance, so it’s not recommended to buy them in person.
- The last option for purchase is Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), where a thousand tickets are available daily. We recommend traveling a day before your visit to secure one of these tickets.
Which tickets can I reserve?
- You can reserve up to 10 tickets, although some are only available during the high season.
- The regular season tickets are:
- Machu Picchu + Mountain (route 1A)
- Machu Picchu Classic Terrace Photo (route 1B)
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Designed (route 2A)
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Lower Terrace (route 2B)
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (route 3A)
- Machu Picchu Lower Temples Royal Designed (route 3B)
- The tickets added for the high season are:
- Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (route 1C)
- Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (route 1D)
- Machu Picchu + Moon Temple or Great Cave (route 3C)
- Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (route 3D)
- The high season runs from June 19 to November 2.
- The regular season is the rest of the year.
- High season tickets are also available on January 1, April 2 to 5, and December 30 and 31.
- You can make reservations for tickets for any date of the year.
- To book in person in Cusco, visit the office at calle Garcilaso s/n Cusco – La Casa Garcilaso, located 2 blocks from Plaza de Armas, in Cusco’s Historic Center.
- To book in person in Machu Picchu Town, visit the Cultural Center Office at Calle Hermanos Ayar S/N. located one block from the Plaza de Armas of the district.
How far in advance should I make the reservation?
| Machu Picchu + Mountain (route 1A). | 1 month in advance. |
| Machu Picchu Classic Terrace Photo (route 1B). | 1 to 2 months in advance. |
| Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (route 1C) – High season. | 1 month in advance. |
| Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (route 1D) – High season. | 1 month in advance. |
| Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Designed (route 2A). | 2 to 3 months in advance. |
| Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Lower Terrace (route 2B). | 2 to 3 months in advance. |
| Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (route 3A). | 2 months in advance. |
| Machu Picchu Lower Temples Royal Designed (route 3B). | 2 months in advance. |
| Machu Picchu + Moon Temple or Great Cave (route 3C) – High season. | 1 month in advance. |
| Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (route 3D) – High season. | 2 months in advance. |
Which tickets are the most in demand?
The most in-demand tickets are those belonging to the Classic Circuit or Circuit 2, as well as some of the routes we will mention below. The order in which we list them shows the top 5 most requested tickets, starting with the one that has the highest demand.
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Designed (route 2A)
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Lower Terrace (route 2B)
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (route 3A)
- Machu Picchu Lower Temples Royal Designed (route 3B)
- Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (route 3D)
Step 2: Make the payment
Now, it’s time to make the reservation and confirm it by making the payment for the ticket(s) you’ve reserved.
Check the reservation details
- It’s important to check the details and the ID number (DNI or passport) of the reservations made in the forms.
- It’s also essential to confirm and ensure the date and time of entry.
- Likewise, you should know the route you’ll take to make sure the tour matches your expectations. You can find all the information about the 3 new Machu Picchu Circuits.
Choose the payment method that suits you best
- The method of payment via digital means will depend on each tourist or customer.
- The accepted payment methods are linked to various gateways or forms of payment.
- These include cards affiliated with Visa, MasterCard, DinnersClub. PayPal payments are also accepted.
- Payments must be made within the time frame indicated on the ticket. Otherwise, the reservation will be lost.
Confirmation response
- Once the payment is made, you will receive a confirmation email for the payment.
- You will also receive information about when the ticket will be sent to you. Usually, this takes 24 hours.
- Once the waiting time is over, you will receive an email with all the tickets you reserved attached.
- It is important that the email you use for the reservation is active to avoid any errors or loss of tickets.
The ticket ready to use
- Finally, everything will be ready for your trip to Machu Picchu.
- Remember, you will need to book additional services to complete your trip to Machu Picchu.
- One of the most recommended options is to contact a travel agency so you don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting to Machu Picchu.
Entry to Machu Picchu
To enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you will be asked for your entry ticket along with your identity document or passport to validate and confirm the identity of the person entering, thus preventing errors or impersonation. To do some of the hiking routes, you will need to fill out your information in the visitor’s book, which is essential to maintain strict control and ensure the safety of visitors.
Step 3: Get all the necessary services and travel!
Where is Machu Picchu located?
- Machu Picchu is located in the district of Machu Picchu Town, also known as Aguas Calientes.
- Machu Picchu is 100 kilometers away from Cusco.
- The climate in Machu Picchu is subtropical, meaning it has humidity, occasional rains, and warmth.
What services do I need to visit Machu Picchu?
- There are three ways to get to Machu Picchu: by train, hiking the Inca Trail, or via the alternative route through Hidroelectrica.
- The most conventional way is by train, which usually departs from Ollantaytambo (1 hour 30 minutes from the city of Cusco).
- You can also choose to take the Inca Trail hiking route, which involves four days of unforgettable adventure.
- Lastly, there’s the Hidroelectrica route, which combines a 5-hour drive to Santa Teresa and a short 2-hour walk to Aguas Calientes town.
- If you choose the classic train ride, you will need the following:
- Transportation to the selected train station, usually Ollantaytambo.
- Train ticket, where you can choose the service that suits your needs and schedule.
- Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, you will need to purchase a bus ticket to reach the Inca citadel.
- Finally, you will need a guided tour of the citadel to enjoy a more informed and safe adventure.
- You will also need to purchase return tickets (it is recommended to walk down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town as it is free and easy).
The one-day Machu Picchu trip itinerary
| Approximate times | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 AM | Departure from your hotel |
| 4:20 AM | Arrival at the train station (it’s also possible to depart by bus). |
| 5:40 AM | Train departure from Ollantaytambo station |
| 7:00 AM | Arrival at Machu Picchu Pueblo train station |
| 7:10 AM | Board the eco-friendly buses |
| 7:30 AM | Arrival at the entrance of Machu Picchu |
| 8:00 AM | Entry to Machu Picchu |
| 10:30 AM | Exit from the Inca site of Machu Picchu |
| 10:40 AM | Return by eco-friendly buses to Machu Picchu Pueblo |
| 11:00 AM | Free time to explore the town, walk around, and have lunch |
| 3:00 PM | Departure to the train station |
| 4:20 PM | Train departure back to Cusco |
| 8:00 PM | Approximate arrival in Cusco |
Things to keep in mind
- You can book your Machu Picchu tickets as early as the year before your visit through the Ticketmachupicchu website.
- During the regular season (November 3rd to June 18th), only six tickets will be available; the rest of the time, all 10 tickets are accessible.
- Traveling to Machu Picchu over two days provides a more immersive experience. You’ll be able to explore the attractions of Aguas Calientes, rest enough, and enjoy a more relaxed and unhurried tour of the Inca citadel.
- Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, from Monday to Sunday, from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- When you book a tourist package to Machu Picchu, you only need to worry about enjoying the experience. Ask our sales advisors about all the options you have to make your trip unforgettable.
- You can find much more important information about trips to Machu Picchu on our website, in the tips for getting to Machu Picchu section.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) When should I book my Machu Picchu tickets?
It is important to book your Machu Picchu tickets 1 or 2 months in advance, especially if you want to enter one of the most popular routes. This will ensure the day and time of your preference.
2) How can I buy tickets for Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu tickets can be purchased in two ways. The first is virtually through the Ticketmachupicchu website. Alternatively, you can buy one of the thousand daily tickets available for sale in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village).
3) Is it necessary to book tickets in advance, or can I buy them at the entrance?
No, tickets are not sold at the entrance of Machu Picchu. The best way to acquire tickets is to reserve them in advance. If you did not acquire a ticket beforehand, your last option will be to check availability at the Aguas Calientes ticket office.
4) What ticket options are available to visit Machu Picchu?
There are a total of 10 tickets for Machu Picchu. These 10 tickets are only available during the high season, which runs from June 19 to November 2. During the rest of the year, it’s the regular season and only 6 tickets are offered. However, on some high-demand dates, these tickets may be made available (e.g., January 1, April 2-5, and December 30-31).
5) What is the cancellation and refund policy for tickets?
Due to the policies of the Ministry of Culture of Peru, changes or modifications are not allowed. However, ticket cancellations are possible. If you booked through TicketMachupicchu.com and wish to cancel, you must request the change at least 3 business days before the date of entry. Upon cancellation, there will be a 70% penalty of the amount paid for the ticket.
6) Are there any discounts for students, children, or local residents?
Yes, undergraduate students and those under 25 years old receive a promotional rate. Children also receive a discount on their entrance tickets. The only people who don’t pay are children under 3 years old, people with disabilities, and war veterans. Local residents with a DNI showing Cusco as their city of residence also receive discounts and special days where the ticket is free.
7) What documents do I need to present when purchasing or entering with my ticket?
You will need to present your identity document or passport when filling out the forms. It is important to ensure that the information is filled out correctly so the ticket validation can be completed smoothly and quickly. Also, before entering, you must show your entrance ticket along with your ID to be validated by the Machu Picchu security personnel.
8) What are the opening hours for Machu Picchu?
The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary is open every day of the year, from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
9) What is the cheapest option to travel to Machu Picchu?
The route via Hidroelectrica station is considered the cheapest way to reach Machu Picchu. You will only need to pay for the car ride to Santa Teresa, as the subsequent walk is free.
10) Can I buy tickets for Machu Picchu at any time of the year?
Yes, through the Ticketmachupicchu website, you can book tickets for Machu Picchu throughout the year, and if necessary, for the following year. Remember to always make your reservations in advance.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Manuel C.“Quick and efficient service“
“Very good and efficient service from boletomachupicchu.com. Easy to reserve tickets and quick delivery. In just a few hours, you’ll have the tickets at your home. In short, highly recommended. Now just wait for the day to see the Inca wonder, Machu Picchu, and enjoy it.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 4, 2026




