What tickets to buy to go to Machu Picchu without a tour?
Traveling to Machu Picchu without a tour and on your own is easier than you think. Just book your ticket online for the day you want. There are currently 10 types of tickets, which are divided into three Machu Picchu tour circuits. Some include additional hikes, others are only available during peak season. Discover all the details about admission to the historic sanctuary, and don’t forget to get train and bus tickets to make your trip an unforgettable experience.
- What is the trip to Machu Picchu with a tour like?
- What is a trip to Machu Picchu like without a tour?
- What tickets do I need to buy to go to Machu Picchu on my own?
- How to visit Machu Picchu without a tour?
- How to visit Huayna Picchu mountain without a tour?
- How to visit Machu Picchu mountain without a tour?
- How to visit Huchuy Picchu mountain without a tour?
- How to visit the Inca Bridge without a tour?
- How to visit the Inti Punku portal without a tour?
- How to visit the Temple of the Moon without a tour?
- How to hire a tour guide in Machu Picchu?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tourist couple photographing Machu Picchu in the mist
What is a full-day tour to Machu Picchu like?
The most popular Machu Picchu tour is the full-day service that begins and ends in the city of Cusco. This service includes hotel pickup, full transportation (first by van to Ollantaytambo, then by train to Aguas Calientes, and finally by bus to the Inca citadel), admission to Machu Picchu, a professional tour guide, and return to Cusco. Lunch is optional during the tour. The adventure begins around 5:00 a.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.
What is the trip to Machu Picchu with a tour like?
- Machu Picchu tours include everything: transportation, entrance fees, a tour guide, and meals (optional). So all you have to do is enjoy the tour.
- You can find one-day and two-day tours to Machu Picchu, as well as longer experiences like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek.
- When booking your Machu Picchu tour, you can choose your preferred entrance. Among the most popular are the classic circuit and the route to Huayna Picchu mountain.
- If you want the most popular tickets, it will also mean booking your Machu Picchu tour in advance, at least 2 or 3 months in advance.
- Tour prices vary depending on the number of days and the quality of service (train type, hotel, restaurant).
- Costs are higher compared to a visit without a tour, since the itinerary and planning are already made for your convenience.
- Tour experiences give you greater security, since you’ll know you’re not forgetting anything.
What is a trip to Machu Picchu like without a tour?
- Traveling to Machu Picchu without a tour is easy. Just book your entrance, train, and bus tickets to Machu Picchu online in advance.
- Tour guide services, food, hotel, and other expenses are the visitor’s responsibility.
- Traveling to Machu Picchu on your own is the most affordable way to experience the Wonder of the World.
- When planning your trip, you can choose the route of your choice, giving you greater freedom of action.
- You’ll need to plan your adventure well in advance so you don’t forget anything.
- You have greater freedom to make changes or cancellations.
Family of visitors in Machu Picchu
What tickets do I need to buy to go to Machu Picchu on my own?
There are three entrance fees required to visit Machu Picchu on your own: the Machu Picchu ticket, the train ticket, and the bus ticket.
Machu Picchu Tickets
- When you purchase your ticket to Machu Picchu, you’ll find that there are up to 10 types of routes, each offering a unique experience.
- There are three trail circuits, divided into segments. Some are distinguished by the additional hiking route they include.
- Some are only open during peak season, while others are available year-round. Discover their main features:
| Tickets to Machu Picchu | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Circuit | Additional walk | Availability | Schedules |
| Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route (Tour the upper part of Machu Picchu) | Route to Machu Picchu mountain | All year |
|
| Machu Picchu Upper Terrace or Classic Photo (Route 1B) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route (Tour the upper part of Machu Picchu) | Not included | All year |
|
| Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route (Tour the upper part of Machu Picchu) | Route to the Inti Punku portal | High season (June 19 – November 2) |
|
| Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route (Tour the upper part of Machu Picchu) | Route to the Inca Bridge | High season (June 19 – November 2) |
|
| Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) | Circuit 2 – Classic Route (Tour the middle part of Machu Picchu) | Not included | All year |
|
| Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) | Circuit 2 – Classic Route (Tour the middle part of Machu Picchu) | Not included | All year |
|
| Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) | Circuit 3 – Royal Route (Visit the lower part of Machu Picchu) | Route to Huayna Picchu mountain | All year |
|
| Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temples (Route 3B) | Circuit 3 – Royal Route (Visit the lower part of Machu Picchu) | Not included | All year |
|
| Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route 3C) | Circuit 3 – Royal Route (Visit the lower part of Machu Picchu) | Route to the Temple of the Moon | High season (June 19 – November 2) |
|
| Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route) | Circuit 3 – Royal Route (Visit the lower part of Machu Picchu) | Route to Huchuy Picchu mountain | High season (June 19 – November 2) |
|
Which Machu Picchu entrance should I choose?
If you’re visiting Machu Picchu on your own and want a day trip, it’s best to choose a ticket that offers time slots during the Inca citadel’s opening hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The tickets with 10 entry times are:
- Machu Picchu Upper Terrace or Classic Photo (Route 1B)
- Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)
- Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
- Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temples (Route 3B)
Train tickets to Machu Picchu
- There are two companies that offer train service to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail.
- Train reservations are made online. Prices vary depending on the service and quality of the train you choose.
- It is recommended to make a reservation one month in advance to choose the service and time of your choice.
- The most common boarding station is Ollantaytambo, but there are services that depart from Wanchaq or San Pedro stations in Cusco.
- PeruRail offers 4 types of train services:
- Expedition – Comfortable train with Andean-inspired decor. Daily departures at multiple times.
- Vistadome – Train with stunning views, on-board snacks, and a traditional dance show.
- Vistadome Observatory – Exclusive train with expansive views, observatory bar car, and snacks.
- Hiram Bingham – Luxury train that includes admission to Machu Picchu, also features a dining room, bar, onboard service, and a special lunch or dinner.
- Inca Rail also offers 4 types of train:
- The Voyager – A train with tables and large windows. It offers a pleasant journey with onboard service.
- The 360º – Train with panoramic windows. Featuring onboard service, music, and a show.
- The Prime – Train with dining car, VIP transfer, and gourmet experience with Andean flavors.
- The First Class – An exclusive train featuring music, tables, windows, a welcome cocktail, and other first-class onboard amenities.
- The Private – Luxury train for a private group (8 people). Featuring decorative details, gourmet lunch or dinner, and an open bar.
- PeruRail offers 4 types of train services:
The Local Train
To get to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), there is also the local train, which departs from the Ollantaytambo train station. The service is exclusively for Peruvians, is very affordable, but is also in high demand.
Bus tickets to Machu Picchu
- Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), it will only take a short walk to reach the historic sanctuary.
- To make this trip you need to get one of the Consettur bus tickets.
- Bus tickets can be booked online or purchased directly in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- The price for foreign adults is $24 (round trip). Children receive a discount.
- Bus service is also available for the return trip, with a ticket office and station just steps from the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel.
The bus ride
to Machu Picchu takes approximately 25 minutes (round trip). There’s also the option of walking, which takes two hours to climb steadily through steep steps amidst lush vegetation. The hike can be very tiring, so it’s best to take the bus up and walk back. This way, you’ll experience more of Machu Picchu’s biodiversity, and it’ll be much shorter and easier.
How to visit Machu Picchu without a tour?
- To visit Machu Picchu on your own, you need to reserve all three tickets: the entrance ticket, the train ticket, and the bus ticket.
- To make the 1-day trip to Machu Picchu on your own, you must follow these steps:
- Step 1: Travel by bus or minivan from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Step 2: Travel by train from Ollantaytambo station to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Step 3: Travel by bus from the town of Aguas Calientes to the gate of Machu Picchu.
- Step 4: Enter Machu Picchu during one of the morning shifts, ideally at noon.
- Step 5: Return to Cusco the same way you arrived.
Machu Picchu in Two Days
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you also have the option of spending the night there. There’s a wide range of hotels and top-quality services. This is an alternative to visiting Machu Picchu early the next day, better rested and at one of the best times of the day. This option also gives you the opportunity to explore more of the attractions in the town of Aguas Calientes.
How to visit Huayna Picchu mountain without a tour?
To visit Huayna Picchu on your own, you need to reserve the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) entrance ticket, as well as train and bus tickets.
Follow these steps to visit Huayna Picchu without a tour in 1 day:
- Step 1: Travel early in the morning by bus or minivan from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Step 2: Take one of the first trains leaving from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Step 3: Take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Step 4: Enter Huayna Picchu at either of its two entry times (7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.). The rest is up to you, just enjoy Machu Picchu and the mountain.
- Step 5: Return the same way.
A great option is to choose to spend the night before in Aguas Calientes and visit Huayna Picchu early at the best time and at a leisurely pace.
Incredible view from the top of Huayna Picchu
How to visit Machu Picchu mountain without a tour?
To visit Machu Picchu Mountain you need to purchase the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (Route 1A), as well as train and bus tickets.
Follow these steps to visit Machu Picchu Mountain without a tour in 1 day:
- Step 1: Travel early in the morning by bus or minivan from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Step 2: Take one of the first trains leaving from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Step 3: Take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Step 4: Enter Machu Picchu mountain at either of its two times (at 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning).
- Step 5: Return the same way.
A great option is to choose to spend the night before in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu Mountain first thing in the morning, since all their schedules are very early.
Tourist observing the citadel of Machu Picchu
How to visit Huchuy Picchu mountain without a tour?
To visit Huchuy Picchu, you must purchase the Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3C) ticket, as well as train and bus tickets. Please note that this ticket is only available from June 19th to November 2nd.
Follow these steps to visit Huchuy Picchu Mountain without a tour in 1 day:
- Step 1: Leave Cusco as early as possible to Ollantaytambo.
- Step 2: Travel to Aguas Calientes on the first trains leaving from Ollantaytambo.
- Step 3: Take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Step 4: Enter the Huchuy Picchu mountain at either of its two times (at 09:00 and 11:00 in the morning).
- Step 5: Return in the same way as the outward journey.
Top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain
How to visit the Inca Bridge without a tour?
To visit the Inca Bridge, you must purchase the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D) ticket, as well as train and bus tickets. Please note that this ticket is only available from June 19th to November 2nd.
Follow these steps to visit the Inca Bridge without a tour in 1 day:
- Step 1: Leave Cusco as early as possible to Ollantaytambo.
- Step 2: Travel to Aguas Calientes on the first trains leaving from Ollantaytambo.
- Step 3: Take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Step 4: Enter the Inca Bridge at any of its four times (at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning).
- Step 5: Return in the same way as the outward journey.
Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu
How to visit the Inti Punku portal without a tour?
To visit the Inti Punku entrance, you must purchase the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C), as well as train and bus tickets. Please note that this ticket is only available from June 19th to November 2nd.
Follow these steps to visit the Inca Bridge without a tour in 1 day:
- Step 1: Leave Cusco as early as possible to Ollantaytambo.
- Step 2: Travel to Aguas Calientes on the first trains leaving from Ollantaytambo.
- Step 3: Take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Step 4: Enter the Inti Punku portal at any of its four times (at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning).
- Step 5: Return in the same way as the outward journey.
Road to the Inti Punku of Machu Picchu
How to visit the Temple of the Moon without a tour?
To visit the Temple of the Moon, you must purchase the Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon ticket (Route 3C), as well as train and bus tickets. Please note that this ticket is only available from June 19th to November 2nd.
Follow these steps to visit the Inca Bridge without a tour in 1 day:
- Step 1: Leave Cusco as early as possible to Ollantaytambo.
- Step 2: Travel to Aguas Calientes on the first trains leaving from Ollantaytambo.
- Step 3: Take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Step 4: Enter the Temple of the Moon at either of its two times (7:00 and 8:00 in the morning).
- Step 5: Return in the same way as the outward journey.
A great option is to choose to spend the night before in Aguas Calientes and visit the Temple of the Moon early in the morning, since all of its opening hours are very early.
How to hire a tour guide in Machu Picchu?
- While you don’t need a ticket to hire a guide, you should know that visiting Machu Picchu with one is much better. It will add information to your tour that you wouldn’t otherwise know.
- You can book a tour guide through a travel agency online. The advantage is that you can choose the language and characteristics of the guide.
- Another option is to hire one at the entrance to Machu Picchu. The cost depends on the number of people in the group.
- The best option is to add it to your tour, although if you’re going on your own you can do it separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is it cheaper to travel to Machu Picchu with a tour or on your own?
Traveling to Machu Picchu on your own is definitely cheaper. Tours charge a fee for organizing the trip.
2) Is the train ride the only way to get to Machu Picchu without a tour?
No. It’s also possible to do it on your own via the alternative route to Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica. The trip is longer but the cost is much lower than traveling by train.
3) Is bus travel the only way to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
No. The other option is to hike up to the mountain where Machu Picchu is located. However, to avoid being tired when you arrive at the Inca City, the best option is to take the bus and hike down.
4) 1 or 2 day visit to Machu Picchu. Which should you choose?
Machu Picchu is a must-see attraction. If you have time, don’t hesitate to spend a night in Aguas Calientes and explore the Wonder of the World at your leisure.
5) Which Machu Picchu entrance should I choose?
The most difficult ticket to obtain due to high demand and limited availability is the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket. This ticket allows you to ascend Huayna Picchu. This adventure is recognized as one of the best short hikes in the world.
6) What is the appropriate entrance to Machu Picchu for traveling with children?
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tour is your best option. These include the “Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)” and “Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace” tickets. If you can’t get them, the “Machu Picchu + Designed Royalty or Lower Terrace Temple (Route 3B)” ticket is another great option.
7) How much does an entrance fee to Machu Picchu cost for Peruvians?
Most tickets cost 152 soles for foreign adults, 77 soles for university students, and 70 soles for children. Discounts are available for Peruvians and people from countries belonging to the Andean community of nations.
8) What are the opening and closing hours of Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.
9) Can I buy my ticket to Machu Picchu in Cusco?
Yes, there is a small supply of tickets available for purchase in the town of Aguas Calientes. However, because they are limited, the best option is always to buy online two or three months in advance.
10) Can I buy my train ticket in Cusco?
Yes, train tickets can be purchased in Cusco. However, the best option is always to buy them online in advance.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Fanny L.“Excellent!“
“Visiting Machu Picchu was incredible, the constructions and the landscape are from another planet. The trip was well organized and comfortable, with an excellent guide who explained everything in detail. Highly recommended.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 3, 2025