Complete guide for a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Discover how to organize the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable experience at the Inca archaeological sanctuary, whether arriving via the legendary Inca Trail, taking a comfortable train ride, or exploring one of the alternative trekking routes that surround this wonder of the world.
- What tickets do I need to travel to Machu Picchu?
- What are the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu?
- What documents are required to enter Peru?
- How to get to Machu Picchu?
- Discounts for visiting Machu Picchu
- How can I make the most of my trip to Machu Picchu?
- What is the weather like in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- How to avoid altitude sickness?
- Health and Safety Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tourists in Machu Picchu
How far in advance should I purchase my Machu Picchu ticket?
Only 5,600 tickets are available daily to visit Machu Picchu, which is why demand is so high. You can purchase 4,600 tickets online, while the remaining 1,000 are available daily in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). It’s best to purchase your tickets online a month in advance, although if you want to purchase the most popular tickets (the classic circuit and Huayna Picchu mountain), you’ll need to do so three months in advance.
What tickets do I need to travel to Machu Picchu?
To plan the best trip to Machu Picchu, you’ll need to make your reservations months in advance. This way, you’ll be able to secure the best-quality services, tickets for the route of your choice, and the ideal time slots. The tickets you’ll need once you arrive in Cusco are:
Transportation to Ollantaytambo
While you don’t need an entrance ticket to travel to Ollantaytambo, it is one of the steps required to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu a reality. Most transportation options charge approximately 10 soles to take you to this magical town, where the train station is located for your continued journey. The trip takes approximately two hours.
Train ticket to Aguas Calientes
Train tickets must be booked at least one month in advance if you want the desired schedule and service. During the trip to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), you’ll be surrounded by incredible landscapes amidst the mountains and along the Urubamba River. You’ll also see the vegetation change as you transition to the jungle brow region. The journey takes almost two hours.
Bus ticket to Machu Picchu
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, the last transportation you’ll need to get to Machu Picchu is the Consettur bus. Tickets can be reserved in advance or on-site. Tickets don’t have a set time; you just have to wait in a short line to board the bus, which departs every 20 minutes. The trip takes only 25 minutes, crossing magnificent landscapes.
Entrance to Machu Picchu
The ticket to Machu Picchu must be booked at least one month in advance. It’s the first ticket you should reserve when planning your trip. Keep in mind that there are 10 types of tickets (depending on the season of your trip), some more popular than others. Therefore, you should keep in mind that certain tickets will require purchase up to three months in advance (the Classic Diseñada ticket, the Classic Lower Terrace ticket, and the Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket).
PeruRail train at Ollantaytambo station
What are the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu?
There are 10 tickets available to enter Machu Picchu, distributed across three circuits to better segment visitors and better preserve the archaeological sanctuary. Whether you want to find all the tickets will also depend on the season of your visit. Discover all the details about Machu Picchu tickets and choose the best one for you.
Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A)
This ticket allows you to explore the upper reaches of Machu Picchu on a panoramic tour. It also includes the hiking trail to Machu Picchu Mountain (the site after which the archaeological site is named). This ticket also allows you to stay for up to 6 hours.
- Included circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
- Prior reservation: 1 month in advance
- Availability: All year round
- Difficulty: Medium
- Restrictions: Suitable for all audiences
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 6:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 8:00 am
Machu Picchu Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Ticket (Route 1B)
This ticket covers only the upper part of Machu Picchu. It’s a panoramic and contemplative route where you can get that classic postcard photo. You’ll also have access to the upper terrace, where you can relax and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire archaeological site. This ticket allows you to stay inside the archaeological sanctuary for two hours and 30 minutes.
- Included circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
- Prior reservation: 1 month in advance
- Availability: All year round
- Difficulty: Low
- Restrictions: Suitable for all audiences
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 6:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 7:00 am
- Group 3: Entry at 8:00 am
- Group 4: Entry at 09:00 am
- Group 5: Entry at 10:00 am
- Group 6: Entry at 11:00 am
- Group 7: Entry at 12:00 pm
- Group 8: Entry at 1:00 pm
- Group 9: Entry at 2:00 pm
- Group 10: Entry at 3:00 pm
Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Route 1C)
This ticket also covers the upper part of the Inca citadel and includes a hike to the Intipunku (Sun Gate). An impressive structure perched high on a mountain. This ticket allows you to stay inside Machu Picchu for four hours.
- Included circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
- Prior reservation: 1 month in advance
- Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)
- Difficulty: Low – Medium
- Restrictions: Suitable for all audiences
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 8:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 09:00 am
- Group 3: Entry at 10:00 am
- Group 4: Entry at 11:00 am
Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket (Route 1D)
This ticket covers the upper reaches of Machu Picchu on a panoramic tour. It also includes access to the hiking trail to the Inca Bridge, a mystical structure nestled on the slopes of a mountain. With this ticket, you can stay at the archaeological sanctuary for four hours.
- Included circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
- Prior reservation: 1 month in advance
- Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)
- Difficulty: Low – Medium
- Restrictions: Suitable for ages 12 and up
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 8:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 09:00 am
- Group 3: Entry at 10:00 am
- Group 4: Entry at 11:00 am
Machu Picchu Classic Designed Ticket (Route 2A)
This ticket allows you to tour the middle section of Machu Picchu, including its main buildings and temples. Among them are the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, the reflecting pools, and the Temple of the Three Windows. This ticket also allows you to stay inside the archaeological site for two hours and a half.
- Included circuit: Circuit 2 – Classic Route
- Prior reservation: 3 months in advance
- Availability: All year round
- Difficulty: Low
- Restrictions: Suitable for all audiences
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 6:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 7:00 am
- Group 3: Entry at 8:00 am
- Group 4: Entry at 09:00 am
- Group 5: Entry at 10:00 am
- Group 6: Entry at 11:00 am
- Group 7: Entry at 12:00 pm
- Group 8: Entry at 1:00 pm
- Group 9: Entry at 2:00 pm
- Group 10: Entry at 3:00 pm
Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B)
This ticket allows you to tour the middle section of Machu Picchu, including the lower terrace, where you can take an unforgettable photo. You can also explore its buildings and temples, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, the reflecting pools, and the Temple of the Three Windows. This ticket allows a 2-hour and 30-minute stay inside the archaeological site.
- Included circuit: Circuit 2 – Classic Route
- Prior reservation: 3 months in advance
- Availability: All year round
- Difficulty: Low
- Restrictions: Suitable for all audiences
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 6:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 7:00 am
- Group 3: Entry at 8:00 am
- Group 4: Entry at 09:00 am
- Group 5: Entry at 10:00 am
- Group 6: Entry at 11:00 am
- Group 7: Entry at 12:00 pm
- Group 8: Entry at 1:00 pm
- Group 9: Entry at 2:00 pm
- Group 10: Entry at 3:00 pm
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket (Route 3A)
This ticket allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel, along with some of the most notable buildings and temples. It also includes the most famous hiking route, heading to Huayna Picchu Mountain. This ticket allows you a five-hour stay inside Machu Picchu.
- Included circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
- Prior reservation: 2 months in advance
- Availability: All year round
- Difficulty: Medium – high
- Restrictions: Suitable for ages 12 and up
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 7:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 09:00 am
Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temples Ticket (Route 3B)
This ticket allows you to tour the lower part of Machu Picchu, including some of its most important buildings and temples, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, terraces, the royal tomb, and agricultural areas. This ticket also allows you to stay inside the archaeological site for two hours and a half.
- Included circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
- Prior reservation: 2 months in advance
- Availability: All year round
- Difficulty: Low
- Restrictions: Suitable for all audiences
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 6:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 7:00 am
- Group 3: Entry at 8:00 am
- Group 4: Entry at 09:00 am
- Group 5: Entry at 10:00 am
- Group 6: Entry at 11:00 am
- Group 7: Entry at 12:00 pm
- Group 8: Entry at 1:00 pm
- Group 9: Entry at 2:00 pm
- Group 10: Entry at 3:00 pm
Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon Ticket (Route 3C)
This ticket allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel, along with some of the most notable buildings and temples. It also includes the hike to the Great Cavern, an impressive structure within a cave. This ticket allows you to stay inside Machu Picchu for five hours.
- Included circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
- Prior reservation: 2 months in advance
- Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Restrictions: Suitable for ages 12 and up
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 7:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 8:00 am
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket (Route 3D)
This ticket allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel, along with some of the most notable buildings and temples. It also includes the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, the second most famous mountain in the area. With this ticket, you can stay inside Machu Picchu for five hours.
- Included circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
- Prior reservation: 2 months in advance
- Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Restrictions: Suitable for ages 12 and up
- Schedules:
- Group 1: Entry at 09:00 am
- Group 2: Entry at 11:00 am
Please note that peak season tickets (June 19th to November 2nd) are also available on December 30th and 31st each year. This way, you can spend New Year’s Eve visiting the wonder of Machu Picchu.
What documents are required to enter Peru?
Visa
- Most countries in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania do not require a visa to enter Peru. You can also check directly to see if your country is eligible for this benefit.
- If your country is a member of the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia), you can enter Peru with only your ID or passport.
- Minors will need to enter Peru accompanied by their parents or guardians.
Passport
- Tourists entering Peru with their passport must have a stamp for entry into a country of the Andean Community of Nations.
- To enter Machu Picchu, it is important to carry your passport or your country’s identity document.
University ID
- University students who carry their university ID receive a discount on the price of their Machu Picchu ticket.
Alien Registration Card
- Foreigners residing in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, or Bolivia can also purchase a discounted ticket to Machu Picchu. To do so, they must present their current immigration card when purchasing the ticket and entering the Inca citadel.
Group of friends visiting Machu Picchu
How to get to Machu Picchu?
There are three ways to get to Machu Picchu, each offering a great adventure: the Inca Trail, the train, and the alternative route via Hydroelectric Power Station. Learn more about each of these options:
| Routes to get to Machu Picchu | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route | Characteristics | Duration | Difficulty level | Additional details |
| Train from Ollantaytambo | First, you travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by car and then take a train to Aguas Calientes. From there, you take a bus to Machu Picchu. | 2 hours by car to Ollantaytambo + 2 hours by train to Aguas Calientes + 30 minutes by bus to Machu Picchu. | Low |
|
| Classic Inca Trail | It’s one of the most popular hiking trails in the world. It’s an immersive adventure along trails used by the Incas, where you’ll discover archaeological sites and unforgettable landscapes. Overnight stays are spent in camps. | 4 days, traveling 39 kilometers. | High |
|
| Route through Hydroelectric | The route begins in Cusco with a car ride to Santa Teresa, then to the hydroelectric station. From there, the hike to Aguas Calientes begins. Afterward, a bus ride to Machu Picchu is taken. | 5 hours by car to Hidroeléctrica + 2 hours of hiking to Aguas Calientes + 30 minutes by bus to Machu Picchu. | Average |
|
Other hikes to Machu Picchu
- Salkantay Trail: The classic Salkantay Trail trek spans 5 days of camping and immersive adventures through incredible landscapes. It’s an alternative route to the Inca Trail; during the final days, you also travel along the hydroelectric route to reach the wonder of Machu Picchu.
- Short Inca Trail: This is the shorter version of the classic Inca Trail. This option has greater availability and is only available for two days. Still, it allows you to enjoy the best of this legendary route, filled with archaeological sites and immersive adventures.
- Lares Trek: An adventure steeped in tradition and Andean landscapes, the Lares Trek is a lighter experience, but still extends over four days. It combines hiking routes with a final trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu by train, ideal for a family trip.
Discounts for visiting Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu offers three types of discounts on admission tickets:
Discount for university students
- This discount is available to university students under 25 years of age pursuing undergraduate studies.
- Tickets must be purchased with a valid university ID.
Discount for minors
- Tourists between the ages of 3 and 17 at the time of their visit to Machu Picchu are eligible for this discount.
- Tickets can be purchased with a valid passport or ID.
Discount for citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN)
- This discount is available to tourists from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia, as well as foreign residents of those countries.
- Tickets can be purchased with an ID card, passport, or foreigner’s card.
Tourists on a sunny day in Machu Picchu
How can I make the most of my trip to Machu Picchu?
- Machu Picchu is home to mysterious structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Temple of the Condor. Take your time to explore them.
- Bring a camera with plenty of available memory.
- Arrive on time at the entry time printed on your Machu Picchu ticket. If you arrive late, you won’t be able to enjoy all the attractions.
- If you want to climb Huayna Picchu, you should book your ticket in advance and arrive as early as possible.
- Hire the services of a good tour guide in your preferred language. A good guide can make all the difference in a perfect visit to the Inca City.
- Most tourists arrive in the morning. Visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon offers more beautiful scenery and a tour with fewer tourists around.
What is the weather like in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- Machu Picchu is located at the edge of the Peruvian jungle. The climate is subtropical: it rains at any time, and the sun can reach temperatures of 25°C during the day.
- The rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu is from November to March. During these months, rainfall is heaviest, so you should bring a poncho and raincoats.
- The dry season is from April to October. Most tourists prefer to come during these months because the skies are blue and the sun is shining.
- Whatever the time of year, wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, including a rain poncho in case of heavy rainfall.
Guiding friends in Machu Picchu
How to avoid altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness (also called soroche) is a physical discomfort suffered by people who suddenly ascend to high altitudes like Cusco.
- This discomfort is due to low oxygen pressure. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nausea, and shortness of breath.
- Altitude sickness is more noticeable in the city of Cusco because it is located at 3,400 meters above sea level. Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level.
- It is recommended to acclimatize to the city of Cusco on the first day.
- You can find altitude sickness pills at any pharmacy. We recommend drinking coca tea or coca candies.
Health and Safety Tips
Safety in Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and the tourist areas of Cusco are monitored by the tourist police 24 hours a day.
- However, as anywhere in the world, it is recommended that tourists keep an eye on their belongings.
Health in Machu Picchu
- Hygiene is very important for maintaining good health in Machu Picchu. Try to eat in places that meet cleanliness standards.
- In Machu Picchu, protect yourself from the heat with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- If you plan to climb Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, stick to the trails and don’t risk your life for a photo near the cliffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best route to get to Machu Picchu?
The classic route to Machu Picchu is by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), as it’s the fastest and most convenient way to get there. It takes approximately two hours and passes through dreamy landscapes.
2) What is the train ride to Machu Picchu town like?
The trip is very comfortable, and there are many types of services that can add extra comfort to your trip, all of which allow you to enjoy a journey filled with beautiful views.
3) What is the cheapest route to get to Machu Picchu?
The cheapest option to get to Machu Picchu is via the hydroelectric power station. First, you take a 5-hour drive to Hidroeléctrica and then a 2-hour hike to Machu Picchu Town.
4) What is the classic Inca Trail tour like?
It’s one of the most popular hikes in the world, covering historic trails filled with archaeological sites and incredible landscapes for four days. It’s a highly immersive experience that culminates upon reaching Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku gate.
5) How many tickets are available for Machu Picchu?
5,600 tickets are issued daily for entry to Machu Picchu. Of the total, 4,600 can be purchased online, and 1,000 can be purchased in person in Aguas Calientes.
6) Which ticket will allow me to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu?
All tickets for Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) allow you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
7) What are the opening hours of Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last entry time is at 3 p.m.
8) Is it advisable to spend the night in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, since it allows you to leave early after a rest to visit the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu. It’s the best option for exploring it at a leisurely pace and also making the most of the day in the town of Aguas Calientes.
9) What are the two ticket seasons at Machu Picchu?
There are two ticket seasons in Machu Picchu:
- High season: All 10 types of tickets are available (from June 19 to November 2)
- Regular Season: Only 6 types of tickets are available (November 3 to June 18)
10) What are the most popular tickets to Machu Picchu?
The most popular tickets to Machu Picchu are:
- Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)
- Machu Picchu Classic Upper Terrace (Route 2B)
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)
Advice from people who have been there
By: Ricardo P.“An impressive historical treasure“
“Machu Picchu is a place that impacts from the first moment. The perfection of its constructions and the mountains that surround it make the visit unique. It is a place that remains engraved in the memory.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 26, 2025