When to book tickets to Machu Picchu?
The wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, is located in Peru, and the journey can be challenging. In this blog, we want to help you plan your trip. We also want to explain the new entrance tickets and some that you can purchase once you arrive in Cusco or Machu Picchu Pueblo. Join us to learn more about each ticket option and the best time to book your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
- How to plan my trip to Machu Picchu?
- The new entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Can I book before traveling to Machu Picchu?
- On-site reservations for entering Machu Picchu
- The journey to Machu Picchu
- Other details for traveling to Machu Picchu
- Frequently asked questions
Panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the Guardian’s House
How to plan my trip to Machu Picchu?
Any type of travel is always a great opportunity to gain new experiences and memories. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the following aspects when planning your trip to Machu Picchu:
Plan your travel dates
It is important to plan and decide on the date of your trip to Machu Picchu. This step is essential as it allows you to better organize activities and explore additional destinations.
Research more about Machu Picchu
Visiting Machu Picchu involves some logistical challenges. It is located 100 kilometers from Cusco, in the high jungle. Additionally, entrance tickets have different availabilities and time slots.
Set a budget for your trip
To avoid overspending on activities, it is crucial to establish a travel budget. It is also recommended to have some extra cash for unexpected expenses or to buy souvenirs.
Book all transportation in advance
Getting to Machu Picchu requires choosing a travel option, as there are several available. If you plan to take the train, it is important to book your ticket in advance, selecting a schedule that aligns with your entrance ticket to the citadel.
Plan your itinerary
It is essential to organize all activities leading up to your visit, during your stay at the destination, and for your return or any additional trips. Having an itinerary will help you save time, manage expenses, and make the most of your travel experience.
Prepare all necessary documents
Not all travelers will need a visa to enter Peru. However, remember that to visit Machu Picchu, you must present your ID or passport. This is required to validate your entrance ticket and prevent fraud or identity impersonation.
Pack appropriately
Pack according to the number of days you plan to spend on your Machu Picchu trip. If you have a longer journey, keep in mind that hotels often provide luggage storage without requiring a room reservation. This tip applies to all destinations you plan to visit.
Observing the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu
The new entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
There are now 3 different circuits, each with specific tickets. Below, we explain each one:
Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route – The tickets for this circuit or routes are:
- Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A).
- Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B).
- Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) (only in high season).
- Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D) (only in high season).
Circuit 2 or Classic Route – The tickets for this circuit or routes are:
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Designed Classic (Route 2A).
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B).
Circuit 3 or Royalty Route – The tickets for this circuit or routes are:
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A).
- Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B).
- Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) (only in high season).
- Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) (only in high season).
The most in-demand tickets that sell out the fastest are:
- Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B).
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Designed Classic (Route 2A).
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B).
- Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B).
Can I book before traveling to Machu Picchu?
Absolutely! In fact, we strongly recommend it to everyone planning to visit Machu Picchu. Below, we provide a table with the recommended timeframes for booking your tickets so that everything goes according to plan:
| Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu | Recommendation for booking |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) | This Machu Picchu entrance ticket must be booked one or two months in advance. This ticket includes the option to take the short hike to the top of the highest mountain. It requires a significant amount of effort. |
| Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B) | This entrance ticket to Machu Picchu must be booked one or two months in advance. Also, keep in mind that this ticket is for those who want a relaxing experience and easy access. |
| Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) (only in high season) | Reservations must be made one or two months in advance. This ticket only allows entry during peak season or on certain convenient dates. It offers an easy hike followed by a moderately challenging hike to Inti Punku. Ideal for those seeking new perspectives of Machu Picchu. |
| Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D) (only in high season) | This ticket is only valid during peak season or on certain dates as deemed convenient. It allows for a single tour of both the upper platform and the route to the Inca Bridge. Ideal for those seeking simple new adventures in Machu Picchu. |
| Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed (Route 2A) | Valid year-round, this ticket is one of the most sought-after options, so you should book two or three months in advance to secure your preferred time. The tour takes you inside the Inca citadel, allowing you to see most of the temples up close. This ticket is ideal for most people. |
| Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B) | Valid year-round, this ticket is one of the most sought-after, so you should book two to three months in advance to secure your preferred time. The tour begins near the upper platform and delves deeper into the Inca citadel. This ticket is ideal for most people. |
| Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A) | This Machu Picchu entrance ticket must be booked two to three months in advance. It allows you to tour the lower part of Machu Picchu and then continue the hiking route to the very summit of Huayna Picchu, following Inca trails and other Inca structures. |
| Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) | This Machu Picchu entrance ticket must be booked two to four months in advance. The route allows you to explore the lower part of Machu Picchu, visit some of the temples, and visit the wide esplanades that connect them. It is ideal for those who want to enter the citadel and enjoy a relaxing experience. |
| Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) (only in high season) | This Machu Picchu entrance ticket must be booked one to two months in advance. It follows the hike from the Sacred Rock and descends Huayna Picchu to reach the Temple of the Moon. The route follows Inca trails and other Inca structures, in addition to visiting a sacred site. |
| Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) (only in high season) | This Machu Picchu entrance ticket must be booked one to two months in advance. Continue the hike from the Sacred Rock to the summit of Huchuy Picchu, following Inca trails, and also have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from another angle. |
Where do Machu Picchu entrance tickets arrive?
If you book online, your tickets will be sent to your email once the payment is processed. The ready-to-use tickets will be delivered to the email used for booking and payment. If you book in person, you will receive a printed ticket immediately. Remember that you must present your ID or passport to enter Machu Picchu.
On-site reservations for entering Machu Picchu
It is also possible to make on-site reservations for Machu Picchu entry tickets. However, not all available tickets can be reserved this way, and availability is limited to certain schedules. Let’s take a look.
- For the Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) ticket, only 200 tickets can be reserved in person.
- For the Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Superior Terrace (Route 1B) ticket, only 100 tickets can be reserved in person.
- For the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) ticket, reservations can only be made online.
- For the Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D) ticket, reservations can only be made online.
- For the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Designed Classic (Route 2A) ticket, only 250 tickets can be reserved in person.
- For the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B) ticket, only 250 tickets can be reserved in person.
- For the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (Route 3A) ticket, only 200 tickets can be reserved in person.
- For the Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) ticket, only 100 tickets can be reserved in person.
- For the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C) ticket, reservations can only be made online.
- For the Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route) ticket, reservations can only be made online.
Reservations can be made at the following offices:
- Casa Museo Garcilaso, near Plaza Regocijo in Cusco. Office hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Casa de la Cultura in Machu Picchu Pueblo, near the district’s main square. Office hours: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The journey to Machu Picchu
- Trips to Machu Picchu usually start from Cusco.
- There are different ways to reach Machu Picchu, including:
- Hiking routes.
- Train travel.
- Traveling by bus to Hidroeléctrica and then continuing on foot.
- The distance from Cusco to Machu Picchu is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles).
- During the trip, you enter the high jungle of Cusco, where the Inca citadel is located.
- Traveling by train allows for a round-trip journey in a single day.
- Once in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you can ascend to the archaeological site by eco-friendly buses or on foot.
These are some of the ways to reach Machu Picchu
Other details for traveling to Machu Picchu
- Be sure to book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket in advance, make your payment, and then arrange for the other services you will need.
- There are various train services, from budget-friendly options to luxury trains.
- Before visiting Machu Picchu, you can also explore nearby sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Pack only the essentials for your trip. Most journeys are round trips.
Frequently asked questions
1) What types of tickets are available for Machu Picchu?
There are several types of entrance tickets, categorized into three main experiences or circuits. The most popular option is the Classic Route. In total, there are up to 10 different entry tickets.
2) How much does a Machu Picchu ticket cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the season. For example, the general entrance ticket costs around 152 PEN, while the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket costs approximately 200 PEN. Prices vary by ticket type. Find the full ticket price details here.
3) How far in advance should I buy my ticket?
It is recommended to purchase tickets at least 3 months in advance for Huayna Picchu. For other tickets, booking 3 to 4 weeks in advance is advisable.
4) Can I buy my ticket in Cusco?
Yes, you can buy your ticket in Cusco, but it is best to do so at least 3 days in advance. However, availability may be limited.
5) Is it safe to buy the ticket online?
Yes, it is safe to buy tickets online through the official Ministry of Culture website. Just ensure you are purchasing from a trusted site.
6) What documents do I need to buy a ticket?
You will need your national ID, passport, and/or foreign resident card. An email address is also required to receive the confirmation and ticket.
7) Can I change the date of my ticket?
No, date changes are not allowed. Instead, you must cancel your ticket and attempt to book a new one for your desired date. Cancellations may incur penalties if you request a refund.
8) Which Machu Picchu entry ticket has the most availability?
The ticket with the most availability—but also the one that sells out quickly—is the Machu Picchu Classic Route ticket.
9) When might I be unable to get a ticket for Machu Picchu?
If you try to book at the last minute or attempt an on-site reservation, securing your preferred ticket and schedule may be difficult.
10) Are online purchases safe?
Yes, as long as you verify that the payment conditions are secure and that you are making the purchase on a verified website.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Helen S.“An unsurpassed adventure“
“Machu Picchu is one of the destinations I always wanted to visit. At first I was afraid to make the trip, but a travel agency helped me and I was able to make the trip with total security. Thanks to them, my trip was unforgettable.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 7, 2025