Machu Picchu tickets in Aguas Calientes 2026
Tickets to Machu Picchu have limited availability, so they tend to sell out quickly. Unfortunately, many travelers are unable to book their tickets online in time. However, there is an alternative: 1,000 tickets are made available daily for in-person purchase in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town. Below, find out how to get one of these tickets and get ready to live the unforgettable experience of visiting the Inca wonder.
- What should I do if I couldn’t reserve a ticket online?
- How to get last-minute tickets to Machu Picchu?
- Which tickets can I buy in Aguas Calientes?
- Which tickets are only available online?
- Is it better to buy online or in person?
- Requirements to purchase a Machu Picchu ticket
- Tips and recommendations
- Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu tickets
Aguas Calientes landscapes
Mistakes and tips for your visit to Machu Picchu
- A total of 4,500 tickets are available daily to enter the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Of these, 3,500 can be booked online, while the remaining 1,000 are purchased in person in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- During the high season (June 19 to November 2), capacity increases to 5,600 tickets, with 4,600 available online and 1,000 for in-person purchase.
- Tickets can be reserved up to one year in advance, especially on websites such as Ticketmachupicchu. Although it is common for tickets to sell out weeks or months in advance—especially during high season—booking ahead is very important.
- If despite this you were unable to find availability, the last option is to travel to Aguas Calientes in advance and purchase one of the 1,000 daily tickets sold in person.
How to get tickets in person for Machu Picchu?
- If you were unable to reserve your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, the last alternative is to buy one in person in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). To do this, it is essential to arrive beforehand, at least traveling one day in advance.
- The ticket office is very close to the town’s main square. There are only six types of tickets available for sale, so it is very important to try to get one as early as possible the day before you plan to visit Machu Picchu.
- Whether you travel during regular or high season, the number of tickets available for in-person purchase in Aguas Calientes remains the same: 1,000 tickets.
Machu Picchu Town
Where is the ticket office in Aguas Calientes?
The official in-person ticket sales point for Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes is the Ministry of Culture office / Cultural Center, located on Av. Pachacútec s/n, just a few steps from the Main Square. Here, 1,000 tickets to the Inca citadel are sold daily, mainly for the following day. It is recommended to arrive very early, and you must present your original passport or identity document to make the purchase.
Which tickets can I buy in Aguas Calientes?
- The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu offers ten types of entrance tickets, which vary in availability depending on the season. From June 19 to November 2 (high season), all ten ticket types are available, while from November 3 to June 18 (regular season), only six types are available.
- When traveling to Aguas Calientes to buy tickets in person, regardless of the season, you will only find availability for six types of tickets. Discover their main features:
| In-person ticket sales to Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Ticket | Number of in-person tickets | Number of online tickets | Schedules | Included circuit | Route description | Restrictions |
| Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) | 50 tickets | 300 tickets |
| Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Panoramic Route | Tour of the panoramic circuit and hike to Machu Picchu Mountain. | Suitable for all ages. |
| Upper Terrace Classic Photo Ticket (Route 1B) | 100 tickets | 850 tickets |
| Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Panoramic Route | Tour of the panoramic circuit and the upper terrace. | Suitable for all ages. |
| Classic Designed Ticket (Route 2A) | 600 tickets |
|
| Circuit 2 – Machu Picchu Classic Route | Tour of the classic circuit. | Suitable for all ages. |
| Lower Terrace Classic Ticket (Route 2B) | 100 tickets |
|
| Circuit 2 – Machu Picchu Classic Route | Tour of the classic circuit and the lower terrace. | Suitable for all ages. |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket (Route 3A) | 50 tickets | 350 tickets |
| Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty Route | Tour of the royalty circuit and hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain. | Only suitable for visitors over 12 years old. |
| Royalty Designed Lower Temples Ticket (Route 3B) | 100 tickets |
|
| Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty Route | Tour of the royalty circuit and the lower temples. | Suitable for all ages. |
Which tickets are only available online?
- In Aguas Calientes, only six types of Machu Picchu tickets can be purchased, while the remaining four can only be reserved online.
- Additionally, these tickets belong to the high season, so they are only available at certain times of the year, such as: January 1, April 2 to 5, June 19 to November 2, and December 30 and 31.
| Machu Picchu tickets available only online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Ticket | Number of online tickets | Schedules | Included circuit | Route description | Restrictions |
| Inti Punku Gate Ticket (Route 1C) | 130 tickets |
| Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Panoramic Route | Tour of the panoramic circuit and hike to Inti Punku Gate. | Suitable for all ages. |
| Inca Bridge Ticket (Route 1D) | 80 tickets |
| Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Panoramic Route | Tour of the panoramic circuit and hike to the Inca Bridge. | Only suitable for visitors over 12 years old. |
| Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern Ticket (Route 3C) | 50 tickets |
| Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty Route | Tour of the royalty circuit and hike to the Temple of the Moon. | Only suitable for visitors over 12 years old. |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket (Route 3D) | 40 tickets |
| Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty Route | Tour of the royalty circuit and hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain. | Only suitable for visitors over 12 years old. |
Is it better to buy online or in person?
- Buying tickets online will always be the most recommended option, as it allows you to secure your entry to Machu Picchu in advance at your preferred time and with the ticket of your choice. In addition, you avoid long lines and the uncertainty of whether you will be able to get a ticket or not.
- On the other hand, buying tickets in person in Aguas Calientes should only be considered as an alternative plan if you were unable to book in time or if you are traveling spontaneously. There is always the risk of not being able to obtain one of the daily tickets, especially for the most requested routes.
Mountains of Aguas Calientes
Requirements to purchase a Machu Picchu ticket
- If you plan to purchase your Machu Picchu ticket in person in the town of Aguas Calientes, it is important to consider certain requirements to complete your purchase without issues.
- First, you will need to present your valid and current identity document or passport. This document is essential because tickets are issued with the visitor’s personal information.
- It is also important to note that payment is made at the same sales point, where cash or card are accepted as payment methods. Finally, remember that in-person tickets are very limited, so arriving early is essential to secure availability.
Discounts on Machu Picchu tickets
When purchasing Machu Picchu tickets, you can access several discounts, whether buying online or in person in Aguas Calientes. Reduced rates apply to: minors (3–17 years old), undergraduate students, and citizens of Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador. Additionally, children under 3 years old and war veterans can enter Machu Picchu for free. Just remember to present your identity documents when booking the tickets and upon entering the Inca citadel.
Discounts on Machu Picchu tickets
- To avoid having to buy tickets in person in Aguas Calientes, we recommend purchasing them online at least one month in advance. However, if you want one of the most popular options (Classic Circuit or Huayna Picchu Mountain), you should book up to three months ahead.
- Remember that in-person tickets in Aguas Calientes are sold for entry on the following day, so it is necessary to travel to this town in advance.
- The town of Aguas Calientes offers high-quality tourist services, and you can also explore various attractions to make your stay more memorable.
- Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) is four hours from Cusco. To get there, you first travel by car to Ollantaytambo (2 hours) and then take the classic train journey (2 hours) to the town.
- After arriving in Aguas Calientes, you only need to travel to the Inca citadel on a short 30-minute ride on the town’s eco-friendly buses. There is also the option of walking, although the route is long and more recommended for the return trip.
- During the high season months (May, June, July, and August), you should purchase your tickets further in advance. These dates coincide with the best weather conditions in Machu Picchu, making them ideal for hiking routes and outdoor plans to enjoy the vast landscapes.
- The rainiest months in Machu Picchu are December, January, and February. During this period, you can find tickets more easily. Additionally, if you want a quieter and more immersive trip with greener landscapes, it is a great time to visit.
- With Ticketmachupicchu, you can book your tickets to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu up to one year in advance. Contact our advisors to learn about available travel packages and make your experience in this world wonder unforgettable.
Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu tickets
1) What should I do if I couldn’t reserve a Machu Picchu ticket online?
If you were unable to find ticket availability online, you still have an alternative. Every day, 1,000 in-person tickets are made available in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). To get one, you must travel at least one day in advance and go early to the official ticket office.
2) Can I buy Machu Picchu tickets in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, 1,000 tickets are sold daily in person in Aguas Calientes. This option is ideal for those who were unable to book tickets online in advance.
3) Where is the official ticket office in Aguas Calientes?
In-person ticket sales are carried out at the Ministry of Culture / Cultural Center office, located on Av. Pachacútec s/n, just a few steps from the Main Square. It is the only authorized official sales point in Aguas Calientes.
4) How far in advance should I arrive in Aguas Calientes to buy my ticket?
We recommend arriving at least one day before your visit, as in-person tickets are mainly sold for entry on the following day. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of finding availability for your preferred route.
5) What types of tickets can I buy in person in Aguas Calientes?
Only six types of tickets are sold in Aguas Calientes year-round, including popular routes such as the Classic Designed Circuit (Route 2A) and Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A), although these tend to sell out quickly.
6) Which tickets can only be purchased online?
There are four tickets available exclusively online, such as Inti Punku Gate, Inca Bridge, Temple of the Moon, and Huchuy Picchu Mountain. These are mainly available during high season and have very limited availability.
7) Is it better to buy tickets online or in person?
Buying online is always the safest option, as you can choose your preferred ticket and schedule in advance. In-person purchase should only be considered as an alternative plan, as there is a risk of not finding availability.
8) Are there discounts available for Machu Picchu tickets?
Yes, there are discounts for minors, university students, and citizens of Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador. To access the discount, you must present your documentation at the time of purchase and upon entry. Remember that children under 3 years old enter for free.
9) What happens if I arrive late and tickets are sold out?
If daily tickets are sold out, it will not be possible to enter that day. In that case, the best option is to purchase tickets for the following day. You will always find availability, but possibly not for your preferred date or route.
10) What else can I do in Aguas Calientes while waiting for my visit to Machu Picchu?
The town of Aguas Calientes offers high-quality tourist services such as hotels, bars, and restaurants. It also has attractions like the artisan market, hot springs, and diverse nature for hiking. It is an excellent place to relax before or after your visit to Machu Picchu.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Igor T.“Stunning landscapes“
“The perfect harmony between Inca constructions and nature is astonishing—every منظر made me stop. I would return just to see once again the magical panoramas of Machu Picchu.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 28, 2026