The citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the best travel destinations in the world, and the best way to enter it is through an advance reservation online. This is due to the large number of travelers who want to visit the Wonder of the World. However, other adventurers prefer to purchase tickets once in the city of Cusco. Here are some reasons why it is better to book the Machu Picchu ticket in advance.

• Easy and quick purchase of your Machu Picchu ticket
• Save time by booking your entry online
• Ensure your entry to Machu Picchu without issues
• Guaranteed access to Huayna Picchu mountain
• Avoid scams when buying your ticket in advance
• Better plan your trip to Machu Picchu
• Important information and recommendations
• Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the reasons why it is better to book the Machu Picchu ticket

Easy and quick purchase of your Machu Picchu ticket

Booking the Machu Picchu ticket is just a click away. Nowadays, more people make their reservation online. The reason is the simplicity of the process. There are three simple steps to follow to get the much-desired ticket to the Wonder of the World.

• Step 1: Choose one of the 10 types of tickets, according to the season of your visit, available for Machu Picchu. Also, select the day and time of your preference. Finally, fill in your personal information.
• Step 2: Make the payment for your reservation quickly and securely via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, or Paypal (this platform accepts credit or debit cards).
• Step 3: Print the electronic ticket you will receive in PDF format in your email. This ticket must be presented on the day of your entry to Machu Picchu.

Book your tickets in advance
Getting your tickets online is the best option to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu, although it is important to keep in mind that you must do it in advance. The most recommended is to do it 1 month before, although if you want one of the most popular tickets (classic circuit or the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain), you will need to do it 2 to 3 months ahead.

Save time by booking your entry online

• The other way to get the Machu Picchu ticket is to do it in person at one of the authorized offices in Cusco, where it is very unlikely to find a ticket, as these sell out weeks in advance. This can be a bit frustrating due to the long lines that form. That valuable time on your vacation could be better spent visiting the attractions Cusco offers, such as Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, among others.
• The last option is to go to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) and purchase one of the 1000 daily tickets available for visitors who could not book their entry in advance.
• But to avoid the risk of finding or not finding a ticket in Aguas Calientes, the best option is to book it online, so you can choose in advance the circuit, route, day, and time of your preference.

Ensure your entry to Machu Picchu without any issues

• Booking the Machu Picchu ticket guarantees entry to the Inca Citadel no matter what. The only thing to keep in mind is to do it well in advance. On the other hand, booking during the trip itself may result in no tickets being available for the desired day. This is especially common during Cusco’s high tourist season (from June to August).
• Having your ticket beforehand ensures you won’t have to wait in long lines, allows you to better plan your itinerary, and keeps you informed by knowing which route you will follow and all the attractions you will see along with your ticket.

Guaranteed access to Huayna Picchu mountain

• Huayna Picchu is the mountain that crowns the Inca City in the classic postcard photos. The adrenaline felt when climbing its steep trails is the most requested attraction by visitors when visiting the Wonder of the World.
• The only way to get an entrance ticket is through an advance reservation of 2 to 3 months. This is due to the high demand for tickets and the limited daily visitor capacity (only 350 virtual entries and 50 in-person entries per day).
• This adrenaline adventure is available with the Huayna Picchu Mountain route ticket (3A), which is only available for people over 12 years old due to the slight risks involved in this route.

Huayna Picchu Mountain in the background

Machu Picchu entry times
Each Machu Picchu ticket has its own entry time, which can range from 6:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Also remember that the historic sanctuary closes at 5:00 PM and that your tickets are non-transferable and you cannot change the reservation date.

Avoid scams when buying your ticket in advance

• Booking an online ticket to Machu Picchu is safe. The ticket you receive via email, which you must print and present at the entrance to the Wonder of the World, is reliable. Buying a ticket online guarantees entry to Machu Picchu without problems.
• There have been cases of visitors scammed with fake tickets to the Inca Citadel due to last-minute needs to enter the Inca Citadel. Do not purchase a ticket that is not distributed by the Ministry of Culture’s official ticket office or an authorized travel agency such as Boletomachupicchu.

Plan your Machu Picchu trip better

• Booking tickets to Machu Picchu allows you to better plan your dream trip. The most important thing to keep in mind, after getting the ticket to the Inca Citadel, is to book train tickets to the Inca Citadel well in advance. This is the main way to access the Wonder of the World if you do not want to do the Inca Trail or take the hike via the Hydroelectric route.
• Train tickets must be reserved as soon as you get the Machu Picchu ticket. Once the tickets to the Inca city and train tickets are booked, the rest to plan are plane tickets, hotels, and more. Good planning lets you enjoy the trip better.
• If you want to avoid all kinds of stress when planning your Machu Picchu trip, you can book a tour package or tour with us. We will have the entire itinerary perfectly planned for you—consult our advisors for all available options (contact).

Important Information and Recommendations

• Machu Picchu has a daily capacity of 4,500 visitors during the regular ticket season (June 19 to November 2) and 5,600 during the high ticket season (November 3 to June 18).
• University students under 25 years old and citizens belonging to the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia) have discounts on their tickets by proving their age, nationality, or studies.
• Remember to book your tickets at least 1 month in advance, although if you want one of the most popular routes, you will need to do it up to 3 months beforehand.
• Depending on the date of your visit, you will find different weather at Machu Picchu. From November to March there is a higher probability of rain with warmer weather, while from April to October the sky is clearer and the temperature colder.
• When traveling to Machu Picchu, due to its altitude (2,430 meters above sea level), you should acclimate beforehand in the city for the first few days to avoid suffering from altitude sickness during your trip.
• There are a total of 10 tickets available at the Inca citadel, although availability depends on the season:
  • Regular ticket season (June 19 to November 2)
    • Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A)
    • Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Route (1B)
    • Classic Designed Route (2A)
    • Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B)
    • Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A)
    • Royalty Designed Route or Lower Temples (3B)
  • High ticket season (November 3 to June 18)
    • Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A)
    • Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Route (1B)
    • Inti Punku Gateway Route (1C)
    • Inca Bridge Route (1D)
    • Classic Designed Route (2A)
    • Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B)
    • Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A)
    • Royalty Designed Route or Lower Temples (3B)
    • Great Cave or Temple of the Moon Route (3C)
    • Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D)
• High season tickets are also available on December 30 and 31.
• Remember that with Boletomachupicchu you can book your ideal trip to Machu Picchu, consult with our advisors all the options you have to make your trip unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How far in advance should I book my Machu Picchu ticket?

  It is recommended to book your ticket at least one month before your trip. If you want to access highly requested routes like Huayna Picchu or the classic circuit, do so two or three months in advance to secure your adventure.

• 2) Can I buy my Machu Picchu ticket in Cusco or Aguas Calientes?

  Yes, but you risk not finding available tickets, especially during the high season. In Aguas Calientes, 1,000 daily tickets are released for last-minute purchases, although the safest option is to buy your ticket online before traveling.

• 3) What do I need to buy my ticket online?

  You need to have your valid ID or passport at hand and select the date and time of your visit. Once the purchase is confirmed, you will receive your electronic ticket in PDF format by email.

• 4) How many types of tickets are there for Machu Picchu?

  Currently, there are 10 types of tickets depending on the season. Each offers different routes and experiences, such as the classic tour, the hike to Machu Picchu mountain, entry to Huayna Picchu, or access to special places like the Inca Bridge or the Temple of the Moon.

• 5) What is the difference between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu?

  Machu Picchu is the Inca citadel that everyone visits, while Huayna Picchu is the mountain seen in the classic photos. Climbing Huayna Picchu is an adventure with spectacular views, but only 400 people per day can enter, so advance reservation is essential.

• 6) What other tickets should I book for my trip to Machu Picchu?

  Besides your Machu Picchu entrance, it is important to book train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. It is also recommended to secure flights and accommodation as soon as possible to avoid inconveniences.

• 7) Are there discounts on the Machu Picchu entrance fee?

  Yes, university students under 25 years old, minors, and citizens of the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia) receive reduced rates by presenting proof of eligibility. Also, children under 3 years old enter free.

• 8) How many visitors can enter Machu Picchu each day?

  Capacity depends on the season. During the regular season, 4,500 visitors are allowed daily, while during the high season up to 5,600 visitors per day can enter.

• 9) What is the weather like at Machu Picchu?

  From November to March, Machu Picchu has a higher chance of rain and warm temperatures, while from April to October the weather is dry and cold, ideal for hikes and panoramic photos.

• 10) Do I need to acclimate before visiting Machu Picchu?

  Yes, it is highly recommended to spend at least one or two days in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu. This will help you acclimate and avoid altitude sickness, allowing you to fully enjoy your visit.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Carolina C.

“Amazing experience!“

“Well... what else can I say. Simply wonderful. The setting definitely makes you feel something special. A great connection with nature and the architecture of the place. Personally, we toured the city, Huayna Picchu, and the Sun Gate. To hike Huayna Picchu you need to book in advance online, as there is a limited number of people allowed per day.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 29, 2025