Machu Picchu is constantly reinventing itself, offering more immersive experiences within the Inca citadel. Now, there is a total daily availability of 4,500 tickets during the regular season, which are divided into different routes and circuits that segment the Wonder of the World. Additionally, the high season has been officially established, where there is an increase in the availability of routes and daily entry tickets (5,600). Discover all the information about tickets and capacity for each season at Machu Picchu.

• A new way to visit Machu Picchu
  • New circuits and entry tickets
• Machu Picchu’s climate seasons
• The official regular season at Machu Picchu
• The official high season at Machu Picchu
• How long can I stay inside Machu Picchu?
• Where to make reservations?
• More frequently asked questions

Couple of Visitors at the Wonder of the World

A new way to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu in 2026 has been reorganized to provide a better experience for visitors while also protecting the archaeological site. Now, there are a total of ten types of tickets, all of which include one of the three circuits that divide the citadel, with specific routes offering different perspectives and levels of difficulty.

New circuits and entry tickets

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route

The panoramic circuit allows you to explore the upper platforms of Machu Picchu, offering the best panoramic views, perfect for taking the classic postcard photo of the Inca citadel. It offers four tickets:

• Route Machu Picchu Mountain (1A): Includes the panoramic circuit and the hiking route to Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Route Upper Terrace Classic Photo (1B): Provides access to the upper terrace and the panoramic area of the Guardian’s House.
• Route Inti Punku Gate (1C): Includes the panoramic circuit and the hiking route to Inti Punku Gate.
• Route Inca Bridge (1D): Includes the panoramic circuit and the hiking route to the Inca Bridge.

Circuit 2: Classic Route

The classic circuit covers the central part of the citadel, including visits to the most iconic temples and structures of Machu Picchu. It offers two tickets:

• Classic Designed Route (2A): Passes through the central sector of the Inca citadel, where the main archaeological structures are located.
• Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B): Passes through the central sector of the Inca citadel and the lower terrace, where the main archaeological structures are located.

Circuit 3: Royalty Route

The royalty circuit focuses on the lower sector of the Inca citadel, where some of the most important buildings and plazas of the Historic Sanctuary are located. It includes four routes:

• Route Huayna Picchu Mountain (3A): Includes the royalty circuit and the hiking route to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Royalty Designed Route Lower Temples (3B): Visits temples located in the lower section.
• Route Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (3C): Includes the royalty circuit and the hiking route to the Temple of the Moon.
• Route Huchuy Picchu Mountain (3D): Includes the royalty circuit and the hiking route to Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

Circuits in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu’s climate seasons

When visiting Machu Picchu, you will find two climate seasons, which are also related to tourist traffic. Discover their main characteristics:

• Dry season (April to October)

  Climate: This period corresponds to the dry season in the Andean region, where the weather features clear skies and sunny days. It is ideal for hiking and fully enjoying the scenic views.

  Tourist influx: This is the busiest time, especially in June, July, and August, due to regular vacations and favorable weather.

  Advantages:

  • Low chance of rain.
  • Well-defined and safe trails.
  • Full panoramic views.

  Disadvantages:

  • Higher visitor numbers.
  • Tickets must be booked months in advance.

• Rainy season (November to March)

  Climate: During the rainy season, there is a higher chance of precipitation. The rains can be light or heavy, affecting the experience at the archaeological site.

  Tourist influx: These months see fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience, along with lower prices.

  Advantages:

  • Fewer people, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
  • Lower costs for tourist services.
  • Easier ticket reservation.

  Disadvantages:

  • Slippery paths and occasional trail closures like the Inca Trail.
  • Unpredictable weather.
  • Frequent rain.

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu

The official regular season at Machu Picchu

When does it start?

• The regular season at Machu Picchu will take place before and after the high season.
• That is, the regular season will start on November 3rd and end on June 18th.
• During the regular season, there are six different tickets available.

Which tickets can be reserved?

• The tickets that can be reserved during the regular season at Machu Picchu are:
  • Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A)
  • Upper Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B)
  • Classic Designed Route (2A)
  • Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A)
  • Royalty Designed Lower Temples Route (3B)

When can I make a reservation?

• These tickets must be reserved in advance. Below are the estimated timeframes:
  • Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) should be reserved 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
  • Upper Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B) should be reserved 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
  • Classic Designed Route (2A) should be reserved 3 months in advance.
  • Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) should be reserved 3 months in advance.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) should be reserved 2 months in advance.
  • Royalty Designed Lower Temples Route (3B) should be reserved 2 months in advance.

What is the daily availability?

Tourists on the upper terrace of Machu Picchu

The official high season at Machu Picchu

When does it start?

• The high season at Machu Picchu will take place in the middle of the year and some months after.
• That is, the high season will start on June 19th and end on November 2nd.
• During the high season, you can find ten tickets. Four more than in the regular season.
• On January 1st, from April 2nd to 5th, and on December 30th and 31st, you will also find tickets for the high season.

Which tickets can be reserved?

• During the high season, there is greater availability of tickets and also new entry tickets.
• The tickets added during the high season are:
  • Inti Punku Gate Route (1C)
  • Inca Bridge Route (1D)
  • Temple of the Moon or Great Cave Route (3C)
  • Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D)

When can I make a reservation?

• High season tickets should be reserved further in advance. Below is more detailed information on the timeframes for each ticket:
  • Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A), must be reserved 1 month in advance.
  • Upper Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B), must be reserved 2 months in advance.
  • Inti Punku Gate Route (1C), must be reserved 1 month in advance.
  • Inca Bridge Route (1D), must be reserved 1 month in advance.
  • Classic Designed Route (2A), must be reserved 3 to 4 months in advance.
  • Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B), must be reserved 3 to 4 months in advance.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A), must be reserved 3 months in advance.
  • Royalty Designed Lower Temples Route (3B), must be reserved 2 to 3 months in advance.
  • Temple of the Moon or Great Cave Route (3C), must be reserved 1 month in advance.
  • Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D), must be reserved 2 months in advance.

What is the daily availability?

Tourists entering through the main gate of Machu Picchu

How long can I stay inside Machu Picchu?

The time you can spend exploring Machu Picchu depends on the ticket you reserved. Below are the allowed durations for each of the ten routes of the Inca citadel:

• Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) – The hike to the mountain, along with the time spent at the upper platform, totals 6 hours.
• Upper Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B) – The tour of the upper platform takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Inti Punku Gate Route (1C) – The hike to Inti Punku, along with the time at the upper platform, totals 4 hours.
• Inca Bridge Route (1D) – The hike to the Inca Bridge, along with the time at the upper platform, totals 3 hours.
• Classic Designed Route (2A) – The tour of the classic circuit takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) – The tour of the classic circuit, along with the Upper Terrace, takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) – The hike to Huayna Picchu, along with the visit to the lower temples, totals 6 hours.
• Royalty Designed Lower Temples Route (3B) – The tour of the lower section of Machu Picchu takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Temple of the Moon or Great Cave Route (3C) – The hike to the Temple of the Moon, along with the visit to the lower temples, totals 5 hours.
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) – The hike to Huchuy Picchu, along with the visit to the lower temples, totals 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Friends observing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Where to make reservations?

Ticket reservations can be made both in person and online, with the online option being highly recommended as it allows you to select tickets more easily and check real-time availability. To make an online reservation, you can visit the official Ministry of Culture website or our website, boletomachupicchu.com, where you can also find information about other services for your trip to Machu Picchu.

If you prefer to make a reservation in person, you can do so at the offices located in Cusco or Machu Picchu Pueblo, with the following addresses:

• Casa Garcilaso de la Vega S/N near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
• Avenida Hermanos Ayar S/N near the Plaza de Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What are the new entry circuits to Machu Picchu?

  The new circuits are divided into three main categories:

  • Circuit 1: Panoramic (viewpoints and classic photos).
  • Circuit 2: Classic (central route, like the Sun Temple).
  • Circuit 3: Royalty (sacred areas and more challenging hikes, like Huayna Picchu).

• 2) How can I buy tickets to Machu Picchu?

  Tickets can be purchased through the official site tuboleto.cultura.pe, or through authorized travel agencies like Boletomachupicchu.com.

• 3) What is included in each ticket type?

  Each ticket includes access to a specific circuit, with additional options such as:

  • Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Huayna Picchu.
  • Inca Bridge.
  • Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
  • Temple of the Moon.

  It is important to note that Machu Picchu tickets, in any of the 10 cases, do not include other services such as train tickets, bus tickets, or guided tours of the Inca citadel.

• 4) How many tickets do I need to buy to visit more than one circuit?

  Each ticket is valid for one circuit only. If you want to visit more than one circuit, you need to buy separate tickets for each one.

• 5) Is a guide required to do the circuits?

  No, but it is highly recommended. With a professional guide, you will have a more informed and safe tour, discovering the context behind each historical structure of Machu Picchu.

• 6) How long does each circuit take?

  • Circuit 1: 2-3 hours (depending on pace and photo stops). This doesn’t include hiking routes.
  • Circuit 2: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Circuit 3: 3-4 hours, especially if it includes hikes like Huayna Picchu or the Temple of the Moon.

• 7) Which tickets include access to Huayna Picchu?

  Only the ticket for the Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) includes access to this adventure. It has two different entry times, and only 350 tickets are available daily. It is recommended to reserve this ticket more than two months in advance.

• 8) What are the hours of Machu Picchu?

  The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The first entry time for tickets is at 6:00 AM, and the last entry is at 3:00 PM.

• 9) What restrictions exist for visitors?

  • No food, drones, trekking poles (except for medical reasons), or large backpacks are allowed.
  • You can bring small snacks and drinks, but please do not leave any waste behind.
  • Entry must be made at the time indicated on your ticket. Normally, there is a 30-minute wait, but in some cases, it can extend to 45 minutes.

• 10) Are there any discounts available?

  Yes, there are considerable discounts for:

  • University students (with valid student ID and under 25 years old).
  • Children under 12 years old.
  • Citizens of the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia).
  • People with disabilities and war veterans (only Peruvians) can also enter for free.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Samx C.

“Truly amazing“

“It is truly amazing, but seeing it in person with your own eyes surpasses any of the 10,000 photos you have seen of Machu Picchu. Standing on one of its mountains, viewing it from above and getting a complete sense of how vast it is, is why it was chosen as one of the wonders of the modern world. A place to take some time and enjoy it, or rather, feel it, I would say.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 17, 2026