Visiting Machu Picchu allows visitors to experience different activities, as it not only involves exploring enigmatic constructions, but also enjoying dreamlike landscapes and hiking through its diverse geography. There are ten types of tickets in total, so everyone can choose their ideal option. Discover which are the most popular options and find the best route for you.

• How many circuits are there in Machu Picchu?
• The most popular tickets to Machu Picchu
• Which Machu Picchu ticket should you choose?
  • Best tickets for photos
  • Best tickets for hiking
  • Best tickets for first-time visitors
• Which is the hardest ticket to get in Machu Picchu?
• Mistakes and tips for your visit to Machu Picchu
• Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu tickets

Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

How many circuits are there in Machu Picchu?

The ten Machu Picchu tickets follow strict routes within one of the three circuits that divide the Inca citadel. Each circuit passes through a section of the citadel: the upper part, the middle part, and the lower part. Additionally, beyond following the designated circuit, some tickets extend the experience through hiking routes that lead to constructions or mountains surrounding the Historic Sanctuary.

Panoramic Circuit

It runs through the upper sector of the Inca citadel, where wide terraces, Inca trails for hiking, and the famous Guardian’s House are located, the place where the classic postcard photo is taken. Circuit 1 is short, focused only on panoramic access to appreciate the constructions and geography from a distance. The four tickets that allow you to explore this circuit are:

• Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket (route 1A) – Covers the panoramic circuit and grants access to the Machu Picchu Mountain route.
• Upper Terrace Classic Photo Ticket (route 1B) – Only includes the panoramic circuit.
• Inti Punku Gate Ticket (route 1C) – Combines the panoramic circuit with the route to Inti Punku.
• Inca Bridge Ticket (route 1D) – Includes the panoramic circuit and access to the Inca Bridge.

Classic Circuit

The classic experience covers the middle sector of the Inca site, where most of the main constructions are located. The route also passes through the lower terrace and large areas where historical structures can be seen, such as: the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Main Plaza, and several Qolqas. The two tickets that include the classic circuit are:

• Classic Designed Ticket (route 2A) – Includes the full classic circuit and access to the Temple of the Sun.
• Classic Lower Terrace Ticket (route 2B) – Allows you to explore the classic circuit with entry to the Lower Terrace sector.

Royalty Circuit

The Royalty circuit route runs through the lower sector of the Inca citadel, where many of the important temples and structures are located. Among the most notable are: the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Temple of the Condor, and the agricultural terraces sector.

• Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket (route 3A) – Passes through the royalty circuit and includes access to the Huayna Picchu mountain route.
• Royalty Designed Lower Temples Ticket (route 3B) – Only includes the royalty circuit.
• Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern Ticket (route 3C) – Covers the royalty circuit and includes access to the Temple of the Moon route.
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket (route 3D) – Includes the royalty circuit and access to the Huchuy Picchu mountain route.

Machu Picchu under the mist

The most popular Machu Picchu tickets

• The popularity of Machu Picchu tickets can be determined by how far in advance they sell out, even though each option has a different number of tickets available per day.
• Depending on the season of your visit, there will be different availability of routes and tickets. During the high season (June 19 to November 2), all ten tickets are available and the visitor capacity is 5,600 per day. During the rest of the year, only six tickets are available and the capacity is 4,500 visitors per day.
• Discover the main features of Machu Picchu tickets and learn which ones are the most popular.

Which Machu Picchu ticket should you choose?

The diverse experiences in Machu Picchu allow visitors to choose the one that best suits their preferences. Among the most sought-after experiences in the Inca citadel are the following options:

Best tickets for photos

It runs through the upper sector of the Inca citadel, where wide terraces, Inca trails for hiking, and the famous Guardian’s House are located—the spot where the classic postcard photo is taken. Circuit 1 is short, focused only on panoramic access to appreciate the constructions and geography from a distance. The two tickets that allow you to explore this circuit are:

• Upper Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B) – Available all year round
• Inti Punku Gate Route (1C) – Available only in high season (June 19 to November 2)

Best tickets for hiking

Hiking options are among the most extensive experiences you can have in the Inca site. Most lead to mountains, where you can explore the area’s typical biodiversity and some scattered Inca structures. Highly recommended for young travelers and those traveling solo.

• Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) – Available all year round
• Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) – Available all year round

Best tickets for first-time visitors

An ideal first impression of Machu Picchu is to explore its main constructions immersively. Routes through the urban area are the best way to understand the architecture and historical context of each structure. They are also great options for families or group travel.

• Classic Designed Route (2A) – Available all year round
• Royalty Designed Lower Temples Route (3B) – Available all year round

Landscapes of the world wonder

Which is the hardest ticket to get in Machu Picchu?

• The hardest tickets to obtain in Machu Picchu are those that include the classic circuit: Classic Designed route (2A) and Classic Lower Terrace route (2B). This is because they must be booked at least three months in advance, especially during high season.
• Other tickets that require booking well in advance, at least two months ahead, include: Huayna Picchu Mountain route (3A), Royalty Designed Lower Temples route (3B), and in high season, Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern route (3C) and Huchuy Picchu Mountain route (3D).

Where to buy Machu Picchu tickets?
Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary tickets are mainly purchased online, as it allows you to book in advance and choose your preferred route and schedule. Additionally, for those who were unable to book tickets in time, 1,000 tickets per day can be purchased in person in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). For this, it is recommended to travel in advance, at least one day before your planned visit to the Inca citadel.

Mistakes and tips for your visit to Machu Picchu

• Do not leave ticket reservations to the last minute; you can purchase tickets at any time of the year through the Boletomachupicchu website.
• In-person ticket purchases in the town of Aguas Calientes are only available for regular season tickets. There are 1,000 spots available throughout the year.
• All three circuits are available year-round, although two routes from the panoramic circuit and the royalty circuit are only available during high season.
• Tickets can also be purchased in the city of Cusco, although availability is the same as online.
• High season tickets and visitor capacity are also available on December 30, December 31, and January 1.
• If you are looking for the classic photo, make sure to choose routes from the panoramic circuit before purchasing.
• The Inca site offers a wide range of experiences for all types of visitors; even the royalty circuit provides an accessible experience for people with reduced mobility.

Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu tickets

• 1) Which Machu Picchu ticket should I choose?

  We recommend choosing your ticket based on the type of experience you are looking for. If you prioritize exploring Inca constructions, opt for the classic circuit; if you prefer panoramic views, choose the upper circuit; and if you are looking for an experience through the urban sector with hiking routes, the royalty circuit is a good alternative.

• 2) What is the most popular Machu Picchu ticket?

  The classic circuit tickets, Classic Designed route (2A) and Classic Lower Terrace route (2B), are the most requested. They offer a complete tour of the main constructions, so they tend to sell out earlier.

• 3) How many circuits are there in Machu Picchu?

  There are three main circuits: panoramic route, classic route, and royalty route. Each one covers a different sector of the citadel and offers distinct experiences in terms of views, included constructions, and difficulty level.

• 4) What is the best ticket for taking photos in Machu Picchu?

  We recommend choosing tickets from the panoramic circuit, such as the Upper Terrace Classic Photo route (1B) or the Inti Punku Gate route (1C). Both offer scenic views and the opportunity to capture the classic photo of the Inca site.

• 5) Which ticket should I choose if I like hiking?

  If you are looking for hiking experiences, mountain options such as Machu Picchu Mountain (route 1A) or Huayna Picchu (route 3A) are the most recommended. They provide a more extensive experience with privileged views from above.

• 6) What is the best ticket if it is my first time in Machu Picchu?

  We suggest tickets from the classic circuit (2A or 2B), as they allow you to explore the main Inca constructions and gain a broader understanding of the history of the archaeological site in a single visit.

• 7) Which ticket is the hardest to get?

  The classic circuit routes are usually the hardest to book. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your purchase at least three months in advance, especially during high season.

• 8) How far in advance should I buy my ticket?

  Ideally, tickets should be booked between one and three months in advance, depending on the route. The most in-demand options require more advance planning to secure availability.

• 9) What is the difference between the Machu Picchu circuits?

  The panoramic circuit offers general views from above, the classic circuit covers the main structures, and the royalty circuit focuses on temples in the lower sector of the citadel.

• 10) How many tickets are available per day?

  The number varies depending on the season. During high season, there is greater availability (5,600 tickets) and more routes enabled (10 ticket types), while in the regular season, capacity is lower (4,500 tickets) and fewer routes are available (6 ticket types).

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Becky L.

“The panoramic route is perfect if you're looking for great photos“

“I bought the upper terrace ticket and the views were very impressive. It’s not a long route, so you can take your time to take photos without any rush.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 27, 2026