The Machu Picchu ticket in National Holidays – Peru
The National Holidays of Peru are celebrated every July, especially on the 28th, a highly anticipated date for Peruvians, as many take advantage of the public holidays to travel and discover new destinations. In this context, visiting Machu Picchu becomes one of the best options during these days, as the festive atmosphere and national celebrations provide a unique experience when exploring the main tourist attractions of Cusco. In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know to plan your trip to Machu Picchu during the National Holidays. Let’s get started!
- When are Peru’s National Holidays?
- How are the National Holidays celebrated in Peru?
- How are the National Holidays celebrated in Cusco?
- How are the National Holidays celebrated in Machu Picchu?
- How to buy a Machu Picchu ticket on July 28th?
- How far in advance should you buy a Machu Picchu ticket on July 28th?
- What time should you choose to visit Machu Picchu?
- Things to consider when traveling to Machu Picchu during National Holidays
- Questions and answers about Machu Picchu in July
Reenactment at the Machu Picchu archaeological park
The high season at Machu Picchu
The peak tourist season at Machu Picchu occurs in June, July, and August. These dates coincide with the National Holidays, as well as major events like the Inti Raymi, the Cusco Jubilee Festivals, and Corpus Christi. This is why it is very important to book your tickets 2 to 3 months in advance. This will ensure your place at the world wonder and allow you to enjoy cultural events that will make your trip even more memorable.
When are Peru’s National Holidays?
- Peru celebrates its National Holidays every July 28th. On this date, the proclamation of independence, which took place in 1821 after nearly 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, is commemorated.
- The festivities begin a few days before and usually extend until July 29th. The streets fill with colors, and every experience during your trip becomes more meaningful with the additional activities taking place.
How are the National Holidays celebrated in Peru?
- In Peru, one of the main traditions during the National Holidays is the hoisting of the flag in every city square across the country.
- Most schools, organizations, and institutions hold parades and school marches during the National Holidays, filling the main streets of cities with color.
- All of Peru’s military forces also participate in a large parade called the ‘Grand Military Parade’, creating a great festive atmosphere.
- Tourists and local residents often take advantage of these public holidays to enjoy domestic tourism. Machu Picchu, of course, is the top destination on the list.
Grand military parade for National Holidays – Peru
How are the National Holidays celebrated in Cusco?
- Cusco celebrates Peru’s National Holidays with various festivals, the main ones being gastronomic fairs where you can enjoy typical regional dishes such as: Chiri Uchu, roasted pig, guinea pig, puchero, and more.
- In Cusco, as in the rest of Peru, there are school parades, institutional marches, military parades, and flag hoisting.
- The Plaza de Armas in Cusco becomes filled with residents and tourists for the activities taking place there, offering a different atmosphere from the usual in the city.
- Folk dance parades and serenades also fill the streets, dressing the city in red and white during these days.
- Cusco’s nights also carry special joy during the National Holidays. Many Peruvian and foreign visitors enjoy themselves at the city’s bars and clubs, adding even more value to their travel experience.
| BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO DURING NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN CUSCO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activity | Type of Experience | Ideal for | Duration | Why it’s worth it during National Holidays |
| City Tour in Cusco (Qoricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay) | Cultural, historical, and scenic | First-timers in Cusco | Half-day (5 hours) | The city fills with a festive atmosphere and traditional celebrations. |
| Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary | Cultural, historical, and scenic | All travelers | Full Day (18 hours) | The weather and scenery at Machu Picchu are perfect, allowing you to fully enjoy every structure and landscape on the route. |
| Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero) | Cultural, historical, and scenic | Families and couples | Full Day (12 hours) | The villages along the route are livelier, with more cultural activities during these dates. |
| 7 Colored Mountain (Vinicunca) | Hiking and natural landscapes | Adventurers | Full Day (14 hours) | The weather is usually very stable in July, ideal for hiking. |
| Humantay Lake | Hiking and natural landscapes | Adventurers | Full Day (14 hours) | A perfect place to escape the festive noise and connect with nature. |
| Community and experiential tourism tour | Authentic cultural | Curious travelers | 2 days (recommended) | Experiencing Andean traditions during these dates is more meaningful and profound. |
Parades for National Holidays in Cusco
How are the National Holidays celebrated in Machu Picchu?
- Peru’s National Holidays coincide with the high tourist season in Machu Picchu (June, July, and August), so the Inca city fills with visitors from all over.
- July 28th is the day when the most Peruvian tourists visit Machu Picchu.
- You may encounter long lines to enter, but the view you’ll have when you enter the Inca citadel is unforgettable, especially visiting it during the best time of the year.
- In Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), parades, fairs, and other cultural events are often organized, filling the streets with joy.
- Additionally, tourist services (restaurants, cafés) offer shows of Peruvian music and traditional cuisine from all regions.
National Holidays – Special ceremony at the top of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park
How to buy a Machu Picchu ticket on July 28th?
- July 28th is one of the most difficult dates to obtain a ticket to enter Machu Picchu.
- To get a ticket for that day, visitors must purchase it online at least 3 months in advance.
- You can purchase your ticket through our official sales website (Ticketmachupicchu) or the Ministry of Culture’s website.
- The ten available tickets have different prices, times, capacity, and availability.
- Remember that Peruvians have a promotional rate. That means they can book their tickets from 64 PEN per adult for any of the Machu Picchu routes and circuits.
- Minors and undergraduate students from any nationality can also access discounts.
- The price for Peruvian undergraduate students starts at 32 PEN for any of the entries.
- Children under 3 years old and war veterans have free entry. However, they will need to make a reservation.
- Ticket reservations should be made through the Ministry of Culture’s website or authorized travel agencies.
- You can also find tickets in person in Cusco and Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes). However, it is very unlikely to find availability in person.
- Booking tickets in person is quite complicated, as there may be queues, and you may not always find the ticket you want. In Aguas Calientes town, 1,000 in-person tickets are available daily. It is recommended to travel a day earlier to ensure availability.
Enjoying the incredible view of the Inca citadel
How far in advance should you buy a Machu Picchu ticket on July 28th?
Currently, there are ten types of tickets to Machu Picchu, including one for each of the three circuits that divide the Inca citadel. Each one offers a different experience from various sections, so here are the main features of the tickets.
| ENTRY TICKET | ADVANCE TIME | CIRCUIT | EXPERIENCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) | 1 month in advance | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | Take a tour of the upper terrace, then hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain. Enjoy stunning views of the entire area. |
| Upper Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B) | 2 months in advance | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | Take a tour of the upper terrace and capture the best postcard photo from the main viewpoint of the citadel. |
| Inti Punku Gateway Route (1C) | 1 month in advance | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | Tour the upper terrace and capture the best postcard photo. Continue your journey to Inti Punku, where you can enjoy beautiful views and see new Inca constructions. |
| Inca Bridge Route (1D) | 1 month in advance | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | Tour the upper terrace and capture the best postcard photo. Continue your journey to the Inca Bridge, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Inca citadel and its legacy. |
| Classic Designed Route (2A) | 3 months in advance | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | Visit the main temples, then walk through the wide plazas and temples in the lower area of Machu Picchu. |
| Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) | 3 months in advance | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | Visit the main temples, then walk through the wide plazas and temples in the lower area of Machu Picchu. Also, explore the lower terrace and capture a photo similar to the classic postcard photo. |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) | 2 months in advance | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | Enter the citadel from the lower area, then hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu, the most popular mountain at Machu Picchu. |
| Royalty Designed Lower Temples Route (3B) | 2 months in advance | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | Enter Machu Picchu from the lower area and explore the temples in this sector along with the large plazas of the citadel. |
| Moon Temple or Great Cave Route (3C) | 1 month in advance | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | Enter the citadel from the lower area, then hike along the lower part of Huayna Picchu, enjoying more Inca constructions and the famous Moon Temple. |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) | 2 months in advance | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | Enter the citadel from the lower area, then hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu, where you can enjoy stunning views of the citadel. |
What time should you choose to visit Machu Picchu?
Currently, tickets have entry times starting from 6:00 AM until 3:00 PM. However, not all tickets have these ten available times. Below are some of the best options to visit Machu Picchu during the long National Holidays weekend in Peru.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu at the best times (tips and recommendations):
- The best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the morning, as all tickets have a time slot during these hours.
- To access in the early morning hours, it is recommended to spend the night in Machu Picchu Town.
- You can also enter starting at 9:00 AM on same-day trips from Cusco. However, you will need to take the first train departure.
- The best times for hiking routes in Machu Picchu are as follows (only available in the morning):
| HIKING ENTRIES AT MACHU PICCHU | CIRCUIT | HIKING TIME | ENTRY TIMES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 5 hours |
|
| Inti Punku Gateway Route (1C) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 4 hours |
|
| Inca Bridge Route (1D) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 3 hours |
|
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | 5 hours |
|
| Moon Temple or Great Cave Route (3C) | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | 5 hours |
|
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | 4 hours |
|
- In the afternoon hours, only four routes will be available.
- Afternoon hours are quite convenient and also allow for a one-day trip to Machu Picchu.
- The tickets for immersive and more relaxed tours of the main constructions are as follows (all have 10 available entry times):
| CLASSIC MACHU PICCHU ENTRIES | CIRCUIT | ROUTE HIKING TIME | ENTRY TIMES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 2 hours |
|
| Classic Designed Route (2A) | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | 2 hours 30 minutes |
|
| Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | 2 hours 30 minutes |
|
| Royalty Designed Lower Temples Route (3B) | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | 2 hours 30 minutes |
|
Things to keep in mind if traveling to Machu Picchu during the National Holidays
- After reserving your ticket to Machu Picchu, it is recommended to also book your train tickets, bus, hotel, and other services.
- The experience in the Inca citadel is much more memorable when accompanied by a professional guide, as it offers a more informed and safe tour.
- During the July trip, it is advisable to make reservations at least three months in advance if you want one of the most popular tickets.
- Purchasing a tourist package to Machu Picchu provides the comfort of focusing solely on enjoying the experience. This also requires advanced booking to secure the ticket you prefer.
- In the various restaurants in Cusco and Machu Picchu, you can enjoy the best of Peruvian gastronomy. Some of the most popular dishes are: lomo saltado, cuy chactado, ají de gallina, rocoto relleno, and more.
- July presents the best weather season at Machu Picchu, so you won’t have to worry about rain and will be able to enjoy the scenery fully.
- Taking the Inca Trail is another memorable way to explore the Historic Sanctuary. This is a four-day hiking experience that ends with a visit to Machu Picchu. It also requires booking in advance, at least 5 months before.
- The first and last entry times to the Inca citadel allow you to enjoy a more immersive experience, avoiding crowds.
Motherland in the great military parade for National Holidays
Frequently Asked Questions about Machu Picchu in July
1) Is July the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, the best weather for visiting Machu Picchu is in July. The days are warm, and the chances of rain are minimal. It is ideal for outdoor activities and hiking routes.
2) What is the weather like in Cusco in July?
The weather in Cusco in July is mild with sunny days, but it gets quite cold at night. The temperature ranges from a low of 0ºC to a high of 20ºC.
3) What events take place in Machu Picchu in July?
July is a month full of festivities in Cusco and Machu Picchu. On July 7th, Machu Picchu celebrates its anniversary as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From July 15th to 18th, the festival honoring the Virgin of Carmen is held in Paucartambo. Finally, on July 28th and 29th, the National Holidays of Peru are celebrated.
4) What should I pack for Cusco in July?
If traveling to Cusco in July, don’t forget to bring lightweight and comfortable clothes for the day, as well as warm clothing for the night. For each tour, bring a hat, sunscreen, rain poncho, plenty of water, and mosquito repellent.
5) What to do in Cusco during Peru’s National Holidays?
You can take many tours during the best time of the year, and in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, civic parades with typical dances and other events are organized to celebrate Peru’s Independence (July 28th).
6) Is it cheap to visit Machu Picchu in July?
July is a high season month in Cusco and Machu Picchu. It is recommended to book all services online and in advance to get better rates. Booking services last minute can be more expensive.
7) Is there availability for Machu Picchu in July?
July is a month with high demand for tickets and other tourist services. It is recommended to buy Machu Picchu tickets one or two months in advance. For the most popular tickets (Classic Circuit or Huayna Picchu Mountain), at least 3 months ahead.
8) Are there hotels available in Machu Picchu in July?
Hotels, like other tourist services in Cusco and Machu Picchu, should be booked in advance. This way, you can ensure availability for your preferred service.
9) Is July high season at Machu Picchu?
Yes, from June 19th to November 2nd is considered high season at Machu Picchu. During these months, tickets are available, and there is a larger number of tickets available.
10) Can I travel to Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco?
It is possible to travel to Machu Picchu from Cusco in one day. If you want to explore it in the morning, you will need to start early, but if you plan to visit in the afternoon, you can start after breakfast.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Sofía M.“Culture and tradition at its peak“
“National Holidays in Cusco is a vibrant celebration full of parades, music, and traditional dances. The atmosphere is unique, with decorated streets and great pride in the history of Peru. An unforgettable experience!“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 13, 2026