Can I stay in Machu Picchu all day?
Machu Picchu is a tourist destination that can only be visited by 5,600 people per day, during 10 different times. Tours of the archaeological site typically last two hours and 30 minutes, although many tickets allow you to include additional hikes, which can extend your stay. Discover all Machu Picchu tickets, along with their schedules and the amount of time you can spend exploring the Inca citadel.
- Is it possible to stay in Machu Picchu all day?
- Ticket times at Machu Picchu
- Buildings and temples you should see in Machu Picchu
- Tips for an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tourist touring circuit 2 of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a tourist destination that doesn’t allow many people to visit at once; only 5,600 tickets are issued daily, all in the interest of its preservation and care. For this reason, the Inca citadel is explored in three different entry routes, better segmenting visitors and avoiding crowds. This also helps ensure a more authentic experience.
Is it possible to stay in Machu Picchu all day?
- If you purchase an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu through one of its three circuits, you will only be able to stay for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Within the three enabled circuits there are ten tickets available: Circuit one – four tickets, circuit two – two tickets, circuit three – four tickets.
- There are some tickets that also include an additional hike, which allows you to stay longer at Machu Picchu. These can extend your stay up to 6 hours.
- Additionally, Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- If you’re looking to stay in Machu Picchu as long as possible, you can choose to do the following:
If you want to extend your stay at Machu Picchu and also explore more areas, you can choose to purchase two different tickets. The average stay with a ticket that only covers the archaeological site is 2 hours and 30 minutes, although if you add another ticket that takes you to a new circuit for a different experience, you can stay longer.
The most recommended way to spend more time in Machu Picchu is the following:
- 1st ticket: Machu Picchu Classic Designed – Tour time 2 hours 30 minutes.
- 2nd ticket: Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu – Travel time 5 hours.
This way, you’ll get to know Machu Picchu on two different circuits. You’ll also add the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, which allows you to stay 7 hours and 30 minutes or even a little longer.
Panoramic view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Ticket times at Machu Picchu
When purchasing your ticket to Machu Picchu, you’ll notice that there are up to ten types of tickets, depending on the season. All of them are segmented by time slot to better organize visitor capacity, and each one also has an average length of stay. Discover all the features and the length of stay you can expect with your tickets to Machu Picchu. (The best time to visit Machu Picchu)
| Tickets to Machu Picchu | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Circuit | Availability | Length of stay | Schedules |
| Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | All year | Approximately 6 hours |
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| Machu Picchu Upper Terrace or Classic Photo (Route 1B) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | All year | Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes |
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| Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | High season (June 19 – November 2) | Approximately 4 hours |
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| Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | High season (June 19 – November 2) | Approximately 4 hours |
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| Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | All year | Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes |
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| Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) | Circuit 2 – Panoramic Route | All year | Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes |
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| Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) | Circuit 3 – Royal Route | All year | Approximately 6 hours |
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| Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temple (Route 3B) | Circuit 3 – Royal Route | All year | Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes |
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| Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route 3C) | Circuit 3 – Royal Route | High season (June 19 – November 2) | Approximately 5 hours |
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| Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) | Circuit 3 – Royal Route | High season (June 19 – November 2) | Approximately 5 hours |
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Ticket seasons to Machu Picchu
There are two ticket seasons for Machu Picchu: high season and regular season, each with a different number of tickets. Learn more about them:
Regular Season: 6 types of tickets, from November 3 to June 18
- Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)
- Machu Picchu + Upper Terrace or Classic Photo (Route 1B)
- Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)
- Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)
- Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temples (Route 3B)
High season: 10 types of tickets, from June 19 to November 2
- Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)
- Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D)
- Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route 3C)
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3D)
Buildings and temples you should see in Machu Picchu
During your tour of Machu Picchu, depending on the tour included in your ticket, you’ll be able to see many important buildings and temples. Find out which sites are the most important and whether your admission ticket includes them:
| Most important buildings in Machu Picchu | ||
|---|---|---|
| Constructions | Function | Circuit |
| The Temple of the Sun | The most important temple in Machu Picchu and the only one with a semicircular shape, its main function was to serve as a place of worship to the sun. Its windows were designed with such precision that, during the winter solstice, the sun’s rays entered directly into the interior, marking key dates. |
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| The Main Temple | With a U-shaped structure and a large central table, this temple was one of the most important, as the most important ceremonies were held there. The highest authorities, along with priests and nobles, met here to make decisions. |
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| The Temple of the 3 Windows | Famous for its size and the perfection of its carving, this place has three large windows strategically oriented to allow sunlight to enter, providing a view of the mountains and the Urubamba River. |
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| The Sacred Rock | Although there are many other large rocks at Machu Picchu, this one is particularly unique due to its large size and similarity to the contours of one of the mountains in the background. It is believed to have been a place of worship for the snow-capped mountain Pumasillo, from where tributes and offerings were made. |
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| The Temple of the Condor | This temple served as a place of worship for the condor, a sacred animal in the Inca worldview. In Andean culture, condors are believed to be representatives or manifestations of mountain deities. For this reason, they built this structure, which combines stone walls and natural rocks to create its shape. |
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| The House of the Inca | It is a residence that served as the home of the Inca or his family at Machu Picchu. It features a fine structure with its own access to water, bathrooms, and terraces with viewpoints overlooking the agricultural area. |
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| Three Covers | This architectural complex is composed of several rooms connected by large doors. This space functioned as workshops where residents crafted ceramics, textiles, and utensils necessary for life in Machu Picchu. It is located in the urban and agricultural part of the archaeological site, where it also served as a storage facility. |
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| The Water Mirrors | This room features two carved stone bowls on the floor. It is believed that the Incas used them there, when filled with water, to see the moon and stars reflected in them. It may also have been related to astronomical observations and rituals linked to the agricultural and religious calendar. |
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| Guardian’s House | Built high above the residential area of Machu Picchu, the guardian’s house provided oversight of the agricultural and urban areas. It also served as a place of rest and recreation, given its large area. |
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| Royal Tomb | It is a structure atop a tower; it is believed that the royal tomb was intended for the burials of the Inca nobility. This site features fine carvings that may represent mountains. The site also has some buildings that show evidence of offerings, reinforcing its sacred symbolism. |
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| The Temple of the Moon, the Great Cavern | This cave got its name because the moonlight fills the area at night. The site gained significance due to its association with mountain worship, as well as its opening facing the sunset during the equinoxes. |
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| The Inti Punku | This stone enclosure is at the highest point of Machu Picchu. In Inca times, it was the gateway. Inti Punku means “Gate of the Sun,” as it is from here, and thanks to its structures, that the first rays of the sun are received. The views from this spot allow you to experience Machu Picchu from a different angle. |
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| Inca Bridge | It’s an ancient stone structure with wooden planks that served as an alternative entrance to Machu Picchu. It’s believed to have been a defensive point, given that it’s a narrow path along cliffs, where the planks could be removed for defense. |
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Tips for an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every day of the year, including holidays.
- Buy your tickets at least a month in advance, although if you want one of the most popular tours, such as the classic circuit or Huayna Picchu mountain, do so three months in advance.
- If you visit Machu Picchu for the whole day, it is best to spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- You can purchase your ticket to Machu Picchu online with our authorized travel agency.
- Remember that to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you can choose to take the Consettur bus (the classic option), although there is also a way to get there on foot for a much more immersive experience.
- If you want to learn more about Machu Picchu, visit the town of Aguas Clientes, where you’ll learn more about the biodiversity surrounding this site.
- If you’re visiting Machu Picchu all day, don’t forget to bring a rain poncho, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks, and reusable bottled water.
- Peak season for tickets runs from June 19 to November 2, when all ten tickets are available.
- The regular ticket season runs from November 3 to June 18, with only six types of tickets available, but they are the most classic.
- The best way to visit Machu Picchu for a full day is to purchase two separate tickets that allow you to hike additional trails.
Visitor contemplating the buildings of Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long can I stay in Machu Picchu?
The standard tour of the archaeological site lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, unless you have an additional hiking route included in your ticket. If so, you can stay up to 6 hours, depending on the route.
2) Which ticket should I choose if I want to stay longer?
Tickets that include hikes, such as “Machu Picchu + Mountain” or “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu,” allow you to stay longer, up to 6 hours of visit.
3) Can I buy two tickets to stay longer?
Yes, many people buy two tickets at different times. This allows you to visit the citadel in the morning and then take a different walk or tour in the afternoon.
4) What time does Machu Picchu open and close?
The archaeological site opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Regardless of which ticket you have, you must always leave before closing time.
5) What are the entry hours?
There are ten entry times, between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., depending on the type of ticket you purchase. Each group enters within a one-hour window.
6) What is the difference between the Machu Picchu circuits?
Each tour covers different areas. Tour 1 is panoramic and covers the upper section; Tour 2 is the most informative and covers the middle section; while Tour 3 shows the lower section and less-crowded buildings.
7) Can I choose which temples to visit with any ticket?
No, each ticket is linked to a specific circuit. For example, if you want to visit the Temple of the Sun or the Temple of the Three Windows, you must choose a Circuit 2 ticket.
8) What are the most popular tickets?
The most popular Machu Picchu tickets are those that include the classic circuit and the hike to Huayna Picchu. If you want one, it’s best to buy them three months in advance.
9) How can I make the most of my day in Machu Picchu?
It’s best to sleep in Aguas Calientes the night before, arrive early to Machu Picchu, and purchase two tickets: one classic and one that includes a hike. This way, you’ll have a more complete experience.
10) When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
It depends on the season of your visit. Peak season offers more tickets and hiking options, but also more tourists. Low season is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Joanna D.“Must be on your list“
“It is a wonderful place that should be on your bucket list (mandatory). I don't know how to tell you how wonderful it is, so I will tell you how to get there. Leaving the Aguas Calientes train station and crossing the handicraft market, you can find buses that leave every 15 minutes and go through a bumpy road; they leave you right at the entrance to Machu Picchu. In my opinion the best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the afternoon, I think there are less people.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 20, 2025