Can I get tickets to Machu Picchu at the last minute?
The truth is that getting a last-minute ticket to Machu Picchu isn’t the best option. However, it’s still possible to get a ticket just a few days before your trip to Peru. You can buy your ticket in Cusco or online in less than 24 hours. Discover all the secrets to finding a last-minute ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Can I buy a ticket to Machu Picchu at the last minute?
- And in the case of a tour to Machu Picchu?
- Can you get the Huayna Picchu ticket a few days before?
- Can I get last-minute tickets online?
- How to get admission tickets to Cusco?
- What tickets are available to enter Machu Picchu?
- More information about Machu Picchu tickets
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tourists observing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
The peak tourist season at Machu Picchu is between April and October. Reserve your tickets online in advance. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to get tickets at the last minute during these months. It’s recommended to purchase them online several days in advance, especially for routes to Huayna Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, and the classic circuits.
Can I buy a ticket to Machu Picchu at the last minute?
- Machu Picchu tickets can be purchased up to three days before your visit. If purchased later, there is a risk of availability.
- Tickets can be purchased days in advance online. Another option is to purchase tickets in Cusco. However, the purchase must be made three days in advance.
- If you buy your ticket at the last minute, you’ll probably only find a panoramic route at Machu Picchu, although it’s an ideal experience if you just want to visit it on a simple tour.
And in the case of a tour to Machu Picchu?
- Travel agencies offer 1- or 2-day tours to Machu Picchu. These services must be booked at least 3 days in advance.
- Travel agencies need your passport or ID to purchase your Machu Picchu ticket for you.
- During peak tourist season, tours should be booked online well in advance. Otherwise, you risk missing out on Machu Picchu.
- If you want a tour with the best ticket to Machu Picchu, you must book at least three months in advance.
Tour guide in Machu Picchu
Can you get the Huayna Picchu ticket a few days before?
- The entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain is the most popular ticket to Machu Picchu. This type of ticket must be purchased online up to three months in advance.
- This ticket cannot be purchased in Cusco unless the visitor returns to Huayna Picchu 3 months later.
- During peak tourist season, admission to Huayna Picchu must be purchased up to 4 months in advance.
- The ticket required to visit is Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A).
Can I get last-minute tickets online?
- Purchasing a ticket to Machu Picchu online is the best option for getting last-minute entry.
- To purchase tickets online at the last minute, the first step is to check ticket availability.
- If you find tickets available, just enter your personal information and pay by credit card.
- In less than 24 hours, visitors can get their Machu Picchu ticket online.
- By purchasing it through our agency, you’ll have more options available for your Machu Picchu adventure.
How to get admission tickets to Cusco?
- Buying a ticket to Machu Picchu in Cusco at the last minute is risky and far from safe.
- If you purchase your ticket the day before, the Machu Picchu entrance may no longer be available.
In any case, tickets can be purchased at the following authorized locations:
- At the Garcilaso House: Garcilaso Street s/n Cusco – Peru.
- In Aguas Calientes: Av. Pachacutec s/n Cusco – Peru.
What tickets are available to enter Machu Picchu?
- On your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll find up to ten types of tickets depending on the season of your visit.
- During the regular ticket season at Machu Picchu, you’ll find six types of routes, which run from November 3rd to June 18th.
- During peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu, we can choose from ten types of tickets, this season runs from June 19th to November 2nd.
| Ticket | Circuit | Difficulty | Approx. duration. | Attractions | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu with Mountain (Route 1A) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Average | 5 – 6 hours | Ascending Machu Picchu, panoramic views and a classic photo from Casa del Guardian | All year |
| Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Panoramic views and classic photo from Casa del Guardian | All year |
| Machu Picchu with Inti Punku (Route 1C) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Average | 4 hours | Hike to Inti Punku, panoramic views and a classic photo from Casa del Guardian | Peak season |
| Machu Picchu with Inca Bridge (Route 1D) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Average | 4 hours | Hike to the Inca Bridge, panoramic views and a classic photo from Casa del Guardian | Peak season |
| Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) | Circuit 2 (Classic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Historical tour of the main temples and buildings of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) | Circuit 2 (Classic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Historical tour of the main temples and buildings of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | High | 5 – 6 hours | Ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain and a tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | Low | 3 hours | Tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu with Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | Average | 4 – 5 hours | Hike to the Temple of the Moon and a tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | Peak season |
| Machu Picchu with Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | Average | 4 hours | Ascent to Huchuy Picchu Mountain and a tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | Peak season |
More information about Machu Picchu tickets
- To purchase a ticket to Machu Picchu, your passport must be valid at least until you leave Peru. This document is the only one valid for the purchase.
- The minimum time to purchase the Huayna Picchu ticket is 3 months.
- The minimum time to purchase the Machu Picchu ticket is 3 days.
- If you’re traveling during peak tourist season, purchase your train tickets, hotel, bus, and guide in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can I buy train tickets at the last minute?
It’s not advisable to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu at the last minute because you run the risk of not finding any available tickets. You can buy tickets online or in Cusco up to three days in advance.
2) Can bus tickets be purchased in Cusco?
Bus tickets to Machu Picchu can be purchased in Cusco at the last minute. If you’re traveling on your own, you can go to the ticket office in Aguas Calientes and purchase them on the day of your visit.
3) Can I find a guide at the gate of Machu Picchu?
On the day of your visit to Machu Picchu, you can find tour guides at the entrance. Remember that a guided tour of Machu Picchu is mandatory.
4) Is it safe to wait until you travel to Cusco to find accommodation?
It’s not recommended to search for a hotel in Cusco at the last minute. The services you prefer may not be available. You can book online if you’re visiting at the last minute.
5) Is it possible to purchase an Inca Trail tour in Cusco?
Unfortunately, the Inca Trail is not accessible at the last minute. Entrance tickets must be purchased online up to four months in advance. Remember that the Inca Trail is only accessible with entrance tickets.
5) How far in advance should I purchase the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?
Ideally, you should book at least one month in advance. However, if you want a ticket on the most popular routes, you’ll need to book three or four months in advance.
6) Can I get tickets to Machu Picchu at the last minute?
Yes, it’s possible, but it’s not recommended. Tickets often sell out several weeks in advance, especially during peak season. However, if there are spots available, you can purchase them online, even on the same day.
7) Is it better to buy tickets online or in Cusco?
Shopping online is safer and faster. You can check availability in real time and secure your ticket.
8) How far in advance should I purchase the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?
Ideally, you should book at least one month in advance. However, if you want a ticket on the most popular routes, you’ll need to book three or four months in advance.
9) Do the tours include admission to Machu Picchu?
Yes, most tours include admission. However, like entrance tickets, these must be reserved in advance.
10) Can I get tickets to Huayna Picchu at the last minute?
It’s highly unlikely, as this route sells out up to 3 or 4 months in advance, especially during peak season.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Elisa J.“A place that takes your breath away“
“Machu Picchu is more impressive than I imagined. The history, the landscape and the energy of the place combine in a magical experience. Definitely one of the most special destinations in the world.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 28, 2025