When you purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, you’ll discover a wide variety of options to enjoy its magic. There are ten tickets available in total, some available only during peak season (June 19 to November 2) and others available year-round. Each ticket will allow you to experience unique aspects of the site, but some will immerse you in more extensive adventures where you’ll discover more of Machu Picchu’s diversity. Discover them and live the best travel experience in the Inca citadel.

• Adventure routes in Machu Picchu
  • Ticket to the Machu Picchu Mountain route
  • Ticket to the Huayna Picchu Mountain route
  • Ticket to the Huchuy Picchu Mountain route
  • Ticket to the Great Cavern route
  • Ticket to the Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol route
  • Ticket to the Inca Bridge route
• Tips for your trip to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Classic photo of a tourist with Machu Picchu in the background

Adventure routes in Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu can be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have in your life, which is why when visiting it you should opt for more immersive routes, so you’ll get more than just a panorama of the place, and you’ll discover its biodiversity, architecture, and history along the way.

Of the ten types of tickets, six allow you to explore adventure routes. Among them, we can learn about options available only during peak season, such as the ticket to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate (Route 1C), the ticket to the Inka Bridge (Route 1D), the ticket to the Temple of the Moon or the Great Cave (Route 3C), and the ticket to Machu Picchu (Route 3D). Available only from June 19 to November 2. Find out the best time to travel to Machu Picchu .

But throughout the year, we have two options, which tend to be the most popular: the ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A) and the ticket to Huchuy Picchu (Route 3A). Each of these routes will take us to Machu Picchu for longer periods of up to 5 or 6 hours, unlike the traditional tickets, which usually take 2 or 3 hours.

Tourist couple doing the royal circuit

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience immersed in all its diversity, history, and architecture, the Inca Trail is ideal for you. With two- and four-day options, you’ll get to see privileged angles of Machu Picchu, along with hikes that will take us through the best of the surrounding landscape. This way, you’ll be able to discover more angles of this wonder, in addition to immersing yourself in one of the best experiences of your life.

Ticket to the Machu Picchu Mountain route

One of the most immersive experiences is the route to Machu Picchu Mountain. To visit, you must purchase a ticket for “Route 1A” at least two months in advance, regardless of the season.

The hike can take up to 3 hours (ascent and descent), allowing us to learn more about the biodiversity of Machu Picchu through a route that is considered of medium or low difficulty.

The panorama we will get from its summit, at an altitude of approximately 3,082 meters above sea level (the highest of all the mountains), is of the entire Inca citadel and its surroundings surrounded by nature.

In addition to the adventure up Machu Picchu Mountain, we can also explore the citadel via Circuit 1, known as the Panoramic Route for its breathtaking views.

Unlike the others, entry to this mountain is open to visitors of all ages, provided they follow and respect the rules of the area.

The Route 1A ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain is available year-round.

Machu Picchu Mountain Top

Ticket to the Huayna Picchu Mountain route

One of the most popular tickets to purchase is Route 3A to Huchuy Picchu, which allows you to embark on one of the most adventurous hikes of all. This ticket is one of the most popular, so reservations should be made two or three months in advance.

The trails can be covered in approximately 3 hours (ascent and descent), which take us to the most famous mountain in Machu Picchu and its paths, which are completely surprising.

Huayna Picchu rises to 2,693 meters above sea level, from where we can appreciate the wonder of Machu Picchu head-on and how this place blends seamlessly with nature.

Along with your tour, you can also visit the citadel on circuit 3, known as the Royal Route, which will take you to the main temples of the site.

Entrance to Huayna Picchu is only open to visitors over 12 years of age, given its difficulty, which is considered medium to high.

The route 3A ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain is available year-round.

Top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

Ticket to the Huchuy Picchu Mountain route

One of the easiest hikes in Machu Picchu is the “3D route” to Mount Huchuy Picchu, the smallest mountain in the area, next to Mount Huayna Picchu. This ticket is in high demand, so reservations should be made two or three months in advance.

The hike can take up to 2 hours and 30 minutes (round trip), and along the way, a leisurely walk will allow us to see privileged angles of Machu Picchu.

The height of Huchuy Picchu is 2,497 meters above sea level, which will offer us incredible landscapes, both at its summit and throughout the entire ascent.

This ticket also allows us to tour the citadel via circuit 3, known as the Royal Route, visiting the main temples of the site.

Admission to Huchuy Picchu Mountain is only available to people over 12 years of age, given its medium difficulty.

The 3D route ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain is only available during the high season (June 19 to November 2).

Ticket to the Great Cavern route

The most immersive hike in Machu Picchu is the one that takes us to the Great Cave or Temple of the Moon, on Route 3C. To purchase this ticket, you must book at least two months in advance.

The entire route can be completed in 3 hours (round trip), along paths that will take us to discover more of Machu Picchu’s biodiversity.

The Great Cavern is located 2,256 meters above sea level. The hike is not very steep, but due to its length, it is considered of medium difficulty.

Along with your visit to the Great Cave, you can also tour the citadel of Machu Picchu via Circuit 3, known as the Royal Route, seeing the main temples there.

Entrance to the route to the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon is available only to persons over 12 years of age.

The route 3C ticket to the Great Cavern is available only during the high season (June 19 to November 2).

Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern of Machu Picchu

Ticket to the Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol route

The hike to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, on Route 1C immerses us in an adventure as we ascend to the original entrance gate to Machu Picchu, which the Incas used. To reserve your ticket, you should plan to book at least one or two months in advance.

The journey to Inti Punku can take approximately two hours (round trip), and along scenic paths we will get to know the entire site in more detail.

Inti Punku is located at an altitude of 2,720 meters above sea level, along with an adventure that is considered of simple difficulty.

Along with the hike to Inti Punku, we can also visit the Inca citadel on Circuit 1, known as the Panoramic Route for its impressive views.

Entrance to the route to Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol is open to people of all ages.

The route 1C ticket to Inti Punku is available only during the high season (June 19 to November 2).

Road to Machu Picchu from Inti Punku

Ticket to the Inca Bridge route

This is one of the most mystical adventures in all of Machu Picchu, where we can explore the Inca Bridge along Route 1D. You can book this ticket 1 or 2 months in advance.

The hike to the Inca Bridge can take up to approximately 2 hours (round trip), along ravines that offer a completely new and surprising experience.

The Inca Bridge is located at an altitude of 2,450 meters above sea level, along with an adventure that is considered to be of easy difficulty.

Along with the hike to the Inca Bridge, we can also visit the Inca citadel on Circuit 1, known as the Panoramic Route for its impressive views.

Access to the route to the Inca Bridge is only available to persons over 12 years of age.

The route 1D ticket to the Inca Bridge is available only during high season (June 19 to November 2).

Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu

Tips for your trip to Machu Picchu

To get a more immersive experience at Machu Picchu through adventure routes, we’ll present a series of tips that will help you improve your trip and feel more prepared at all times. Discover them:

• Reserve your ticket to Machu Picchu at least two months in advance during the regular tourist season and three months in advance during the peak season to ensure your entry to the route of your choice.
• Peak season tickets are also available on December 30th and 31st.
• There are also much simpler travel experiences in Machu Picchu, such as those offered by Circuit 2, the classic routes.
• Before your trip to Machu Picchu, acclimatize during the first few days in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness and better enjoy your trip.
• Visiting Machu Picchu with a tour will enrich your experience by providing you with proper planning, extensive historical information, and safety at every step of the way.
• If you’re traveling to Machu Picchu during the rainy season (November–March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as the weather can change at any time.
• Visiting Machu Picchu during the dry season (April to October) will provide better, clearer weather, although there are usually also more visitors.
• For a more immersive travel experience, we recommend staying two days in Machu Picchu , so you can get to know the entire site in more detail.
• During all your trips around Cusco, remember to stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness and conserve your energy.
• Take advantage of your trip to Machu Picchu and calmly enjoy each of the landscapes you will find, its geography will allow you to have moments of introspection .
• To give greater value to your experience, give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) in every surprising moment of your trip, just as they do in the Andean culture.
• The regular ticket season for Machu Picchu runs from November 3rd to June 18th. During these months, you’ll find six types of routes for your visit.
• The peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu runs from June 19th to November 2nd, when more routes (10 in total) are available.
• Remember that you can book your trip or tour to Machu Picchu with Boletomachupicchu. Ask our advisors about all your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What adventure tickets can be purchased year-round?

  Tickets available year-round are Route 1A (Machu Picchu Mountain) and Route 3A (Huayna Picchu Mountain).

• 2) Which adventure tickets are available only during peak season?

  During the high season (from June 19 to November 2) routes 1C (Inti Punku), 1D (Puente Inca), 3C (Gran Cavern) and 3D (Huchuy Picchu) are enabled.

• 3) Which adventure route is the most physically demanding?

  The route to Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A) is considered the most demanding. Good physical fitness is required and is only open to those over 12 years of age.

• 4) What is the easiest hike among the adventure routes?

  The routes to Huchuy Picchu (3D), the Inca Bridge (1D) and Inti Punku (1C) are considered of low or medium difficulty.

• 5) How long does it take to complete an adventure route?

  The average hike time varies between 2 and 3 hours (round trip). However, routes like Machu Picchu Mountain can last up to 4 or 5 hours, depending on your pace.

• 6) What is the best time to do these routes?

  The dry season (April to October) is the best time for adventure trails, as the weather is more stable and the trails are in good condition.

• 7) Can I go hiking if I am traveling with children?

  Some routes, such as Machu Picchu Mountain and Inti Punku, allow accompanied minors to enter, as they are less difficult. However, routes such as Huayna Picchu, the Great Cave, and the Inca Bridge are restricted to those over 12 years of age.

• 8) What happens if it rains on the day of my visit?

  If you visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season (November to March), you should be prepared with waterproof clothing and a rain poncho. The entrance remains open except in extreme situations.

• 9) What is the difference between circuit 1 and circuit 3 in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 1, known as the Panoramic Route, offers panoramic views ideal for photography. Circuit 3, known as the Royal Route, allows for a closer look at the temples and structures of Machu Picchu.

• 10) What should I bring for an adventure tour in Machu Picchu?

  It is essential to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, appropriate footwear, comfortable clothing, and during the rainy season, a poncho or waterproof clothing.

Advice from people who have been there

Inti Punku

By: Rodrigo F.

“Una entrada llena de historia y vistas“

“Llegar a Inti Punku es emocionante. El camino es moderado, pero la vista de Machu Picchu desde este punto es simplemente espectacular. Saber que era la puerta de ingreso de los incas le da un valor especial.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 26, 2025