A trip to Machu Picchu is a long-awaited, even dreamed-of day for many visitors. When visiting, whether with a tour or on your own, visitors must choose from one of ten new ticket types. These allow you to take one of the circuits and, optionally, different types of hiking trails, such as Huayna Picchu, Inti Punku, Huchuy Picchu, and more. The type of ticket you choose depends on the type of trip you want: first-time travel, traveling with friends, traveling with seniors, and more. Learn a simple guide to the perfect ticket type for you.

• The trip to Machu Picchu for the first time
• The trip to Machu Picchu with children
• The trip to Machu Picchu with older adults
• The trip to Machu Picchu with friends
• The trip to Machu Picchu for the second time
• Frequently Asked Questions

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu

The ten types of tickets to Machu Picchu
There are ten types of tickets to Machu Picchu: a) Machu Picchu with Mountain ticket (Route 1A), b) Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace ticket (Route 1B), c) Machu Picchu with Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C), d) Machu Picchu with Inca Bridge ticket (Route 1D), e) Machu Picchu Classic Designed ticket (Route 2A), f) Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace ticket (Route 2B), g) Machu Picchu ticket with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A), h) Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty ticket (Route 3B), i) Machu Picchu ticket with Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) and j) Machu Picchu ticket with Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D). All ticket types allow visitors to take one of three circuits to the Inca citadel: Circuit 1, which is a simple route to the Guardian’s House viewpoint; Circuit 2, which includes a route through the upper reaches of Machu Picchu; and Circuit 3, which includes a visit to the royal temples in the lower reaches of the Inca citadel. Each ticket type has different schedules. Some tickets are only available during the peak tourist season, from June 19 to November 2. The tickets that are available throughout the year are: a) Machu Picchu with Mountain ticket (Route 1A), b) Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace ticket (Route 1B), c) Machu Picchu Classic Designed ticket (Route 2A), d) Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace ticket (Route 2B), e) Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A) and f) ticket Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B).

The trip to Machu Picchu for the first time

If you’re visiting Machu Picchu for the first time, the best option is to choose the entrance to the classic Machu Picchu circuit.

This ticket is the most popular option for visiting Machu Picchu, as it allows you to take the second circuit, also known as the classic circuit . It offers the most comprehensive tour of the archaeological site, visiting most of the Inca temples and stone structures.

Includes: the Guardian’s House (where the classic photo is taken), the Temple of the Sun (seen from the top), the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Sacred Fountains and the agricultural sector (terraces where there are llamas).

If you’re traveling to Machu Picchu for the first time, it’s also recommended to be accompanied by a professional tour guide. Each of the stone structures has legends describing its significance and function. A guide also provides a clear explanation to better understand the importance of the Inca citadel.

The tour to Machu Picchu with a professional tour guide through circuit 2 lasts two hours and thirty minutes on average.

The Classic Designed Machu Picchu ticket (Route 2A) has the following costs and discounts:

Circuit map 2 Designed route (Classic Route)

The trip to Machu Picchu with children

If you visit Machu Picchu with children, two excellent options are to choose tickets a) Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) and b) Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A).

If your child enjoys hiking, is active, and is interested in history, the classic route offered by Circuit 2 is the best option. This ticket is the most popular choice for visiting Machu Picchu because it allows you to take Circuit 2. It includes: the Guardian’s House (where you can take the classic photo), the Temple of the Sun (seen from the top), the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Sacred Springs, and the agricultural sector (terraces where llamas roam).

If your child gets bored easily, you can choose the Machu Picchu Lower Temples or Designed Royalty ticket, which includes circuit 3 of Machu Picchu. This circuit allows you to visit the lower temples, such as the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Doors site, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Springs, and the agricultural area (a postcard photo of Machu Picchu). This circuit takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

It is recommended to take this tour with a professional tour guide. The guide can be very entertaining for the group, especially for children. Guides know how to capture the little ones’ interest by explaining each of the stone structures and the history behind them.

Both the Machu Picchu Classic Designed ticket and the Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace ticket include a visit to the agricultural sector at the bottom of the archaeological site. There, in addition to taking a postcard photo of Machu Picchu, children can have their photos taken next to llamas, which is very entertaining for them.

The Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) ticket has the following costs and discounts:

Map of Machu Picchu Temples of the lower part

The trip to Machu Picchu with older adults

For senior citizens visiting Machu Picchu, depending on their physical condition, you can choose between two types of tickets: a) Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) and b) Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B).

If the senior is not in good physical health, has difficulty climbing several sections of stone steps, or is overweight, it is best to choose the Machu Picchu Lower Temples or Designed Royalty ticket offered by Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu. This circuit allows you to visit the lower temples, such as the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Doors site, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Springs, and the agricultural area (a postcard photo of Machu Picchu). This circuit takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

However, if seniors are unable to complete this route on foot, which takes an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes, they can take a seat at the first viewpoint along the route. From there, they can admire Machu Picchu and its main Inca buildings. They may stay as long as they wish, alone or accompanied by their tour guide. They may then return via the same route they came in, which is accessible to all.

On the other hand, if the senior is in reasonable physical condition and feels capable of ascending stone steps on some sections of the route, they can choose the Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace ticket. This ticket includes access to Circuit 2, which includes: the Guardian’s House (where the classic photo is taken), the Temple of the Sun (seen from the top), the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Sacred Springs, and the agricultural sector (terraces where llamas are kept).

Unlike the Designed Classic Machu Picchu ticket (Route 2A), the Lower Terrace Classic Machu Picchu ticket (Route 2B) does not require a final ascending section, as the visit to the Guardian’s House area is made only via a lower terrace. This makes the hike easier for seniors. The result is almost the same, as this viewpoint offers an incredible postcard-perfect photo of Machu Picchu.

Whether you’re taking Circuit 3 or Circuit 2, it’s recommended to take this tour with a professional tour guide. The guide will help seniors complete the route in the most convenient way possible. Furthermore, the guides are knowledgeable in first aid and know the best way to evacuate the archaeological site in case of any emergency.

The Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace ticket has the following prices and discounts:

Map of the route through the lower terrace of Machu Picchu

The trip to Machu Picchu with friends

If you’re visiting Machu Picchu with friends, especially if they’re older than 12, hiking to Machu Picchu is recommended. According to experts, the most exciting and memorable route is the one included in the “Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)” ticket.

The Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A) includes Circuit 3 during the visit to the Inca citadel. This Circuit 3 offers a tour of the lower part of the archaeological site, including: the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Doors, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Springs, and the agricultural area (a postcard photo of Machu Picchu). Circuit 3 takes an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

But the most striking feature of this ticket is that it includes the hiking route to the top of Huayna Picchu . This hike is uphill for almost 2 kilometers until reaching 2,693 meters above sea level at the top of this mountain. From there, you have a scenic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. A young visitor, on average, can complete this hike in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu ticket is available year-round, but only for people over 12 years old.

The ticket to Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) has the following prices and discounts:

Route to Huayna Picchu mountain

The trip to Machu Picchu for the second time

If you’re visiting Machu Picchu with friends for the second time, it’s best to choose a different adventure, especially in Machu Picchu. Then one of the best options is the “Machu Picchu with Mountain (Route 1A)” ticket.

The Machu Picchu with Mountain (Route 1A) ticket includes Circuit 1 of the tour to the Inca citadel. This tour includes a visit to the Guardian’s House, where tourists can take the famous postcard photo of Machu Picchu.

But the most striking feature of this ticket is that it includes the hiking route to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain. This hike is uphill for almost 2.5 kilometers until reaching 3,082 meters above sea level at the top of this mountain. This is the most challenging hiking route at Machu Picchu. An average visitor can complete the hike to the summit in two hours or a little more.

The Machu Picchu with Mountain ticket is available year-round but only for tourists over 18 years of age.

The Machu Picchu with Mountain ticket has the following prices and discounts:

Map of the route to Machu Picchu mountain

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How many types of tickets are there to visit Machu Picchu?

  There are currently ten types of tickets, each designed for a specific itinerary within the archaeological site. Choosing the ideal ticket depends on the type of experience you want: whether it’s your first time, whether you’re traveling with children, seniors, or friends, or whether you’re looking for a more adventurous visit.

• 2) What is the best ticket for a first visit to Machu Picchu?

  The best option for first-time visitors to Machu Picchu is the Classic Designed Machu Picchu ticket (Route 2A). This includes circuit 2, which allows you to visit the main temples, viewpoints, and Inca buildings.

• 3) Can I visit Machu Picchu with small children?

  Yes, it is possible to visit Machu Picchu with children. The recommended routes are the Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) or Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) tickets if you are looking for a shorter hike.

• 4) What ticket is recommended for seniors?

  For seniors, the Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) ticket is recommended if you want a quiet tour, without many steps, or Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B).

• 5) Are there hiking trails included in some tickets?

  Yes, some tickets include hiking trails as part of the experience. For example, the ticket with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) includes a hike with spectacular views, ideal for groups of young friends.

• 6) Can you take good photos with any type of ticket?

  Yes, all tickets offer panoramic views of Machu Picchu. However, the Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) or Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) tickets include access to the Guardian’s House, where the most classic photo of the archaeological site can be taken.

• 7) Are there discounts for entering Machu Picchu?

  Yes, there are discounts for university students, minors under 18, and citizens of Andean Community countries (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia).

• 8) Is it safe to hike the trails to the Machu Picchu mountains?

  Routes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are safe, but require good physical condition and responsibility.

• 9) How far in advance should I buy my ticket to Machu Picchu?

  We recommend purchasing tickets at least two months in advance, especially if you plan to take part in any of the hiking trails, as they have limited capacity and high demand.

• 10) What is the best season to visit Machu Picchu?

  The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when there is less rain and the weather is clearer.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Valentino L.

“History, landscapes and energy“

“Machu Picchu is a fantastic place, I keep its great history, the beautiful pictures with amazing landscapes, and the energy that radiates one does not know from where.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 2, 2025