Machu Picchu continues to amaze, and this year 2026 will be no exception. Every year, new changes are made to enhance the visitor experience, providing a more authentic and enjoyable visit while preserving the Historical Sanctuary. Additionally, there are new visiting hours and a greater number of tickets, 10 in total. Each of these tickets, in addition to the usual route, includes one of the three circuits that divide the Inca city. Discover what Machu Picchu will be like in 2026 and plan one of the best moments of your life.

• What are the requirements to enter Machu Picchu in 2026?
• What are the visiting hours for Machu Picchu?
• Is it mandatory to have a tour guide at Machu Picchu?
• What are the Machu Picchu circuits in 2026?
• Recommendations for your visit to Machu Picchu in 2026
• Frequently asked questions

Tourists exploring Machu Picchu circuit 3

What are the requirements to enter Machu Picchu in 2026?

If you are planning your trip to Machu Picchu and want to have all the updated information, here are the requirements to visit Machu Picchu in 2026.

• The reservation for the Machu Picchu ticket must be made online and months in advance. It is recommended to do it a month before, although if you want one of the most popular tickets, such as the Huayna Picchu Mountain or the classic circuit, you should book it three months in advance.
• During the high season (June to November), 5600 tickets are available per day, while for the rest of the year (regular season), only 4600 tickets are available.
• It is also possible to purchase tickets on the same day of your visit or the day before in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), as 1000 tickets are made available for in-person purchase daily. This should be your last option, as the chances of finding a ticket are very low.
• There are 10 types of tickets to visit Machu Picchu, which are divided into the 3 circuits that segment the Inca city (panoramic route, classic route, and royal route).
• To enter, you will need your passport or identity document. The details on the document must match those registered in the reservation. If you are under 18, a university student, or a citizen of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, or Colombia, you will be eligible for a discount on your entrance fee.
• Some more difficult routes, such as climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the Inca Bridge, and the Temple of the Moon, are only available to those over 12 years old.

Visitors finishing the circuit 3 tour at Machu Picchu

What are the visiting hours for Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including Sundays and holidays, from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Discover the visiting hours for all ticket types:

• Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) – Offers two entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM / Entrance to the mountain route from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM / Entrance to the mountain route from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

• Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B) – Available in ten entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
  • Group 3: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Group 4: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Group 5: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
  • Group 6: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
  • Group 7: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
  • Group 8: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
  • Group 9: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
  • Group 10: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) – Available in four entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM / Entrance to the Inti Punku route from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM / Entrance to the Inti Punku route from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Group 3: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM / Entrance to the Inti Punku route from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
  • Group 4: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM / Entrance to the Inti Punku route from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D) – Available in four entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM / Entrance to the Inca Bridge route from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM / Entrance to the Inca Bridge route from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
  • Group 3: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM / Entrance to the Inca Bridge route from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
  • Group 4: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM / Entrance to the Inca Bridge route from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

• Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) – Available in ten entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
  • Group 3: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Group 4: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Group 5: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
  • Group 6: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
  • Group 7: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
  • Group 8: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
  • Group 9: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
  • Group 10: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

• Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) – Available in ten entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
  • Group 3: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Group 4: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Group 5: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
  • Group 6: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
  • Group 7: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
  • Group 8: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
  • Group 9: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
  • Group 10: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A) – Offers two entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM / Entrance to the Huayna Picchu route from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM / Entrance to the Huayna Picchu route from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Machu Picchu Lower Temples or Royalty Designed (Route 3B) – Available in ten entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
  • Group 3: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Group 4: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Group 5: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
  • Group 6: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
  • Group 7: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
  • Group 8: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
  • Group 9: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
  • Group 10: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C) – Offers two entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM / Entrance to the Great Cave route from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM / Entrance to the Great Cave route from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) – Offers two entry times

  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM / Entrance to the Huayna Picchu route from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM / Entrance to the Huayna Picchu route from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

Is it mandatory to have a tour guide at Machu Picchu?

• It is not mandatory to have a tour guide at Machu Picchu, but it is highly recommended for any of the three circuits.
• Guides are responsible for providing visitors with all the information about the structures that make up the Inca city of Machu Picchu, as well as offering historical context and references that enrich the experience.
• Additionally, the guide is responsible for completing the established circuit at Machu Picchu, ensuring you don’t miss any details.
• During the tour, you should protect the Machu Picchu buildings. The guide ensures the preservation of the citadel and the well-being of the visitors.
• When booking a tour of Machu Picchu, it is common for the guide to be included. However, if you are traveling on your own, there are guides at the entrance who can accompany you during your visit.

Tour guide service at Machu Picchu

What are the Machu Picchu circuits in 2026?

To offer a better experience for tourists at Machu Picchu, the ten available tickets are grouped into 3 circuits, each covering different areas of Machu Picchu. It is important to note that not all tickets are available year-round, as during the regular season (November 3 to June 18), only six tickets are available. During the high season (June 19 to November 2), all ten entry tickets are available. Below is all the precise information about the circuits, tickets, and more.

• Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route

  Circuit 1, also known as the panoramic route, takes you through the upper part of the Inca citadel, where you can visit the Guardian’s House and the upper terraces. This is where the classic Machu Picchu postcard photo is taken. With any of these tickets, you can enjoy the same views, although each one includes additional routes. Therefore, the experience in Circuit 1 is generally contemplative. The panoramic route has 4 tickets available for visiting Machu Picchu.

  • Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) – This ticket includes a hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, in addition to the tour through Circuit 1. The journey to the mountain is a bit long (2 hours), but it is quite easy, ideal for a family trip. Along the way, you can enjoy the region’s vast biodiversity, as well as a panoramic view of the entire Machu Picchu citadel.
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B) – This ticket offers a lighter tour, taking you to the upper terrace, where you can take the classic Machu Picchu photo. It is an ideal spot to rest and contemplate the beauty of the archaeological site.
  • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) (High Season Only) – This ticket includes a hike to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), as well as a tour through Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu. The hike is short and light, around 1 hour, taking you on a gentle ascent to this magical structure. From Inti Punku, you’ll see an impressive angle of Machu Picchu and the surrounding biodiversity.
  • Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D) (High Season Only) – This ticket takes you to the magical Inca Bridge, along with the tour through Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu. It’s a short walk with some stairs and sections close to cliffs. When you reach the bridge, you will see it in the distance, blending into the vegetation – a truly stunning view.

• Circuit 2 – Classic Machu Picchu Route

  This is probably the most detailed and informative circuit at Machu Picchu. Circuit 2, the classic route, takes you through the middle sector of the Inca citadel. Along the way, you’ll visit the Sun Temple, the Sacred Plaza, the Water Mirrors, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Three Windows. It’s an immersive route, and having a guide is highly recommended to not miss any details.

  • Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) – This ticket allows a complete tour of some of the most important temples and buildings in Machu Picchu (Sun Temple, Sacred Plaza, Water Mirrors, Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Three Windows). It’s one of the most in-demand tickets, which is a sign of the great experience this route offers.
  • Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) – This ticket also allows you to explore some of the most important Inca structures (Sun Temple, Sacred Plaza, Water Mirrors, Sacred Rock, and Temple of the Three Windows). You’ll also visit the lower terrace, from where you can capture a shot very similar to the classic Machu Picchu postcard.

• Circuit 3 – Royalty Route of Machu Picchu

  The journey through Circuit 3, the Royalty Route, takes you to the lower part of Machu Picchu. It’s an informative and visually rich route, as it passes through some of the most important structures, along with a section that connects you with nature. During the tour, you will visit the Sun Temple, the Inca House, the Condor Temple, the agricultural terraces, and the royal tomb. This is also a route that can be much more valuable with a guide.

  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A) – This ticket takes you to the most iconic mountain of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, in addition to the tour through Circuit 3. It’s a thrilling journey with steep paths, but promises to be one of the best short adventures in the world. The hike can be completed in 2 hours and requires a stable physical condition. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
  • Machu Picchu Lower Temples or Royalty Designed (Route 3B) – This ticket offers a more immersive and detailed tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. You’ll explore the lower area along with the Sun Temple, Inca House, Condor Temple, agricultural terraces, and the royal tomb.
  • Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C) – This ticket takes you to the mystical Temple of the Moon, a structure inside a cave surrounded by abundant vegetation, which adds to the beauty of the landscape. The tour lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing you to learn more about the biodiversity surrounding Machu Picchu. It also includes the tour through Circuit 3.
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) – This ticket includes a journey to Huayna Picchu Mountain, the small mountain of the Machu Picchu sanctuary, in addition to the tour through Circuit 3. The adventure is short, taking about an hour to reach the top of Huayna Picchu, where you’ll experience an unforgettable view of the entire area. It’s an ideal ticket for those looking for a short, surprise-filled adventure.

*Available only in the high season (June 19 to November 2)

Recommendations for your visit to Machu Picchu in 2026

To ensure a better travel experience at Machu Picchu in 2026, we will provide you with a list of tips and recommendations to better prepare you for your visit.

• Booking your ticket should be the first step in your journey, remember to do it at least a month in advance. If you want to visit Huayna Picchu or the classic route, book 2 to 3 months ahead.
• To have a better experience at Machu Picchu, you should acclimatize during the first days of your trip to avoid altitude sickness.
• Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level, surrounded by typical jungle-edge vegetation.
• If you visit Machu Picchu between April and October, you’ll find clear weather, perfect for taking classic photos. However, it is also a period with more visitors.
• From November to March, there is a higher chance of rain, which gives the Inca citadel a more magical appearance. Also, during these months, there are fewer visitors.
• There are two seasons in Machu Picchu with different numbers of available tickets: During the high season (June 19 to November 2), there are 10 tickets, while in the regular season (November 3 to June 18), only 6 tickets are available.
• Spend the night in Aguas Calientes for a more immersive experience at Machu Picchu, allowing you enough time to explore all the mysteries of this incredible place.
• Take time to appreciate and reflect on the magical landscapes you’ll encounter; some say they are the most beautiful in the world.
• Alongside Ticketmachupicchu, you can book your ideal trip to Machu Picchu. Consult our advisors for all the available options.

Photos of Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is Machu Picchu open in 2026?

  Yes, Machu Picchu will remain open throughout 2026, including Sundays and holidays. The visiting hours are from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• 2) Do I need to be vaccinated to enter Machu Picchu?

  No, the vaccination certificate is not required to enter Machu Picchu in 2026.

• 3) Is the entrance to Machu Picchu suitable for everyone in 2026?

  Yes, but it is important to check the restrictions of some tickets. Certain routes limit entry only to people over 12 years old.

• 4) What does the entrance to Machu Picchu include?

  The entrance to Machu Picchu only allows you to tour the Inca citadel, although some tickets include additional hiking routes.

• 5) Is Huayna Picchu mountain open in 2026?

  Yes, the hike to the top of Huayna Picchu will be open throughout 2026. We recommend purchasing your entry ticket 2 to 3 months in advance.

• 6) How is the route to Huchuy Picchu mountain?

  This ticket allows you to access Circuit 3, which covers the lower part of Machu Picchu. It also includes a short 1-kilometer route to the top of Huchuy Picchu mountain.

• 7) What are the hours of Machu Picchu?

  Machu Picchu is open every day of the year from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• 8) Can I buy my Machu Picchu ticket at any time of the year?

  Yes, you can purchase any of the 10 available tickets for Machu Picchu up to a year in advance.

• 9) Is Machu Picchu mountain open in 2026?

  Yes, Machu Picchu mountain will be open throughout 2026. The route to the summit is approximately 2 kilometers long.

• 10) Which ticket will give me the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu in 2026?

  The classic postcard photo can be taken from various angles across all available routes, but the Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) offers the opportunity to capture the most iconic view, as all four tickets in this circuit take you to the Guardian’s House.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Gisela O.

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“Excellent service and fast response. We were able to purchase the tickets for Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu without any problems. We were well advised and also received information about transportation. Now we just have to enjoy it on our trip. Highly recommend this agency.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 21, 2026