The Tickets You’ll Need in Cusco
Cusco is the best destination in South America and one of the best destinations in the world. While it has many tourist attractions, the most important is Machu Picchu. To visit them, you must purchase the respective entrance tickets. The best way to do so is online, although you can also do so in Peru. These are the tickets you’ll need in Cusco to enjoy an incredible trip.
- All tickets to visit Cusco: comparison
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Train tickets to Machu Picchu
- Bus tickets to Machu Picchu
- Tickets for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Cusco Tourist Ticket
- Cusco Religious Circuit Ticket
- Frequently Asked Questions
Postcard photo of Machu Picchu
All tickets to visit Cusco: Comparison
| Machu Picchu Ticket | Peru Rail / Inca Rail Train | Bus Consettur | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Cusco Tourist Ticket | Religious Circuit Ticket | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist attractions | Machu Picchu | Train to Machu Picchu (Cusco – Aguas Calientes) | Bus to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu) | Machu Picchu, Wiñayhuayna, Phuyupatamarca, Sayaqmarca, Patallaqta | Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Tipón, Piquillacta, museums of Cusco and more | Cathedral, San Blas, Archbishop’s Palace, San Cristóbal |
| Types of tickets |
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| Uphill bus and downhill bus | Inca Trail 4 days and Inca Trail 2 days |
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| Advantages | They can be easily purchased online and in person. | It can be easily purchased online and in person. | You can buy it online or in person without any problems, it leaves every 10 minutes. | They can be easily purchased online through a travel agency. | The ticket offers admission to up to 16 tourist attractions in Cusco. | The ticket allows you to visit the main Christian temples in Cusco. |
| Disadvantages | Limited availability. | Only tourist trains are sold to foreign tourists. | Queues form to board the bus. | Availability is very limited. | Purchase is only in person. | Purchase is only in person. |
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
There are 10 types of tickets to Machu Picchu. All include admission to the Inca archaeological site. All types of tickets must be reserved in advance. This is especially true for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket, which must be purchased online three to four months in advance .
Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) – Entrance to the Inca city on circuit 1, as well as to Machu Picchu mountain
- Group 1: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 6 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., while admission to Machu Picchu Mountain is from 8 a.m.
- Group 2: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., while admission to Machu Picchu Mountain is from 10:00 a.m.
Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Superior Terrace Ticket (Route 1B) – Entrance to the Inca city on circuit 1
- Group 1: Admission is from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Group 2: Admission is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Group 3: Admission is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Group 4: Admission is from 9 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m.
- Group 5: Admission is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Group 6: Admission is from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Group 7: Admission is from 12 pm to 1 pm.
- Group 8: Admission is from 1 pm to 2 pm.
- Group 9: Admission is from 2 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
- Group 10: Admission is from 3 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Route 1C) – Entrance to the Inca city on route 1, as well as to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate)
- Group 1: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. (Access to Inti Punku is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
- Group 2: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Access to Inti Punku is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
- Group 3: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Access to Inti Punku is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- Group 4: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. (Access to Inti Punku is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Machu Picchu Ticket + Inca Bridge (Route 1D) – Entrance to the Inca city on circuit 1, as well as to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu
- Group 1: Entrance to the archaeological site begins at 8 a.m. (Access to the Inca Bridge is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.).
- Group 2: Entrance to the archaeological site begins at 9 a.m. (Access to the Inca Bridge is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.).
- Group 3: Entrance to the archaeological site begins at 10 a.m. (Access to the Inca Bridge is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
- Group 4: Entrance to the archaeological site begins at 11 a.m. (Access to the Inca Bridge is from 12 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
Machu Picchu Classic Designed Ticket (Route 2A) – Entrance to the Inca city on circuit 2
- Group 1: Admission is from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Group 2: Admission is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Group 3: Admission is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Group 4: Admission is from 9 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m.
- Group 5: Admission is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Group 6: Admission is from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Group 7: Admission is from 12 pm to 1 pm.
- Group 8: Admission is from 1 pm to 2 pm.
- Group 9: Admission is from 2 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
- Group 10: Admission is from 3 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B) – Entrance to the Inca city on circuit 2
- Group 1: Admission is from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Group 2: Admission is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Group 3: Admission is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Group 4: Admission is from 9 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m.
- Group 5: Admission is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Group 6: Admission is from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Group 7: Admission is from 12 pm to 1 pm.
- Group 8: Admission is from 1 pm to 2 pm.
- Group 9: Admission is from 2 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
- Group 10: Admission is from 3 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket (Route 3A) – Entrance to the Inca city on route 3, as well as to Huayna Picchu mountain
- Group 1: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., while admission to Huayna Picchu is from 9 a.m.
- Group 2: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., while admission to Huayna Picchu is from 11 a.m.
Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty Ticket (Route 3B) – Entrance to the Inca city on circuit 3
- Group 1: Admission is from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Group 2: Admission is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Group 3: Admission is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Group 4: Admission is from 9 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m.
- Group 5: Admission is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Group 6: Admission is from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Group 7: Admission is from 12 pm to 1 pm.
- Group 8: Admission is from 1 pm to 2 pm.
- Group 9: Admission is from 2 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
- Group 10: Admission is from 3 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave Ticket (Route 3C) – Entrance to the Inca city on circuit 3, as well as to the Temple of the Moon
- Group 1: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., while admission to the Temple of the Moon is from 9 a.m.
- Group 2: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., while admission to the Temple of the Moon is from 10 a.m.
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket (Route 3D) – Entrance to the Inca city on circuit 3, as well as the Huchuy Picchu mountain
- Group 1: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., while admission to Huchuy Picchu is from 12 a.m.
- Group 2: Admission to Machu Picchu is from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., while admission to Huchuy Picchu is from 1 p.m.
Machu Picchu Gallery
Train tickets to Machu Picchu
The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. You can purchase your train ticket through the Peru Rail or Inca Rail websites, the only two train companies that operate the route to Machu Picchu.
Peru Rail trains
It has 4 services that depart from 4 stations in Cusco: San Pedro, Poroy, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
- Expedition Train: Tourist train that offers onboard service and all the amenities for a pleasant trip.
- Vistadome Train: A tourist train offering comfort, panoramic windows, complimentary snacks and drinks, a dance show, and an alpaca fashion show:
- Sacred Valley Train: A premium tourist train that includes all amenities, including a gourmet lunch, dining car, observation car – bar, and more.
- Hiram Bingham Train: A luxury train that includes a gourmet lunch, champagne, drinks, an open bar, a dining car, a bar car, an observation car, a music show, a bus, a tour guide, and admission to Machu Picchu.
Inca Rail trains
It has 4 train services that depart from 3 stations: Cusco, Poroy and Ollantaytambo.
- The Voyager Train: A tourist train that includes all the comforts on board as well as complimentary drinks and snacks.
- The 360º Train: A tourist train with all the amenities, panoramic windows, an observation car and a bar, as well as snacks and hot drinks.
- The First Class Train: An exclusive train that includes all onboard amenities, including snacks, drinks, a gourmet lunch, a welcome cocktail, an observation car, live music, and an observation balcony.
- The Private Train: A luxury train operated only by request for the tourist and their companions. Includes: welcome champagne, gourmet menu with regional wines, open bar, observation deck, and more.
Interior of the Expedition train
Bus tickets to Machu Picchu
- These bus tickets cover the Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes route .
- Tickets can be purchased at authorized offices in Cusco or in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Another option is to purchase bus tickets online through a travel agency.
- While it’s not mandatory to buy bus tickets (some tourists choose to walk), it’s best to purchase bus tickets and arrive at Machu Picchu with plenty of energy.
Consettur Bus Stop
Tickets for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is one of the most amazing ways to access Machu Picchu. It offers two versions: the classic version and the short version. The first is the most popular. To enter Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, you must reserve your entry ticket approximately six months in advance. Otherwise, it will be impossible to secure one of the coveted tickets to hike this route.
Classic Inca Trail
A 4-day, 3-night hiking route that covers 39 kilometers along the Inca trail network to reach Machu Picchu. It is recognized as one of the best long hikes on the planet. Tickets can be purchased online 5 or 6 months in advance through a travel agency.
Short Inca Trail
A short 2-day, 1-night trek that traverses only a portion of the Classic Inca Trail. It covers 10 kilometers to reach Machu Picchu. Tickets are purchased through a travel agency just days or weeks in advance.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
The Cusco Tourist Ticket allows you to visit most tourist attractions in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, as well as museums and other cultural sites in Cusco (it does not include admission to Machu Picchu). Tickets can be purchased directly in Cusco, Peru.
| Comprehensive Tourist Ticket | Partial Tourist Ticket 1 | Partial Tourist Ticket 2 | Partial Tourist Ticket 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Cusco Religious Circuit Ticket
The Cusco Religious Circuit Ticket includes admission to the four main churches and religious temples in Cusco. Tickets can be purchased directly in Cusco (at the Archbishop’s Palace).
Comprehensive Religious Ticket
Tourist ticket that includes a visit to the main churches in the city of Cusco:
- The Cathedral
- The Church of San Blas
- The Archbishop’s Palace
- The Church of San Cristobal.
- Cusco Cathedral Ticket: Entrance ticket to the Cusco Cathedral. Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- San Blas Church Ticket: Admission ticket to San Blas Church, located in the neighborhood of the same name. Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Archbishop’s Palace Ticket: Entrance ticket to the Church and Archbishop’s Palace of Cusco (former palace of the Inca ‘Inca Roca’). Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- San Cristóbal Church Ticket: Entrance ticket to Cusco’s first church. Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What ticket do I need to enter Machu Picchu?
To enter Machu Picchu, you need one of 10 types of tickets, which vary depending on the circuit and the places you wish to visit, such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, the Inca Bridge, or Inti Punku.
2) What is the most popular ticket to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu?
The ticket that allows access to the traditional panoramic view is “Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace” (Route 1B).
3) What does the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket include?
This ticket gives you access to both the citadel via circuit 3, as well as Huayna Picchu mountain. Remember that this ticket must be booked at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
4) Can I purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in person?
Yes, it’s possible to purchase them in person in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, but it’s not recommended due to very limited availability. The safest option is to reserve them online in advance.
5) How do I buy train tickets to Machu Picchu?
You can purchase them on the official pages of Peru Rail or Inca Rail, or also on the Railmachupicchu page.
6) Where do I buy bus tickets to Machu Picchu?
Bus tickets for the Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes route can be purchased in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, or through the Carmachupicchu website.
7) Is it mandatory to take the bus to Machu Picchu?
It is not mandatory, because there is also the option of walking up, which takes about 1 hour and a half of constant ascent.
8) What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a hiking route that leads to Machu Picchu along ancient Inca trails and can only be accessed with an authorized agency by booking the tour at least 4 or 5 months in advance.
9) What does the Cusco Tourist Ticket include?
This ticket allows entry to the main archaeological attractions and museums in Cusco and its surrounding areas, such as Sacsayhuamán, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and several other museums.
10) Where do I buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Tickets can be purchased in person in Cusco, or online at Boletocusco.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Danny P.“A dream come true“
“After many trips and places, Cusco seems to me of the best destinations in which I have been. It does not matter if the trip is long, expensive, if there are too many people or if the weather is not on your side. All the places that Cusco has to know, are incredible. The experience is wonderful. A dream come true.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 3, 2025