Planning a visit to Machu Picchu can be surprisingly complicated, particularly when it comes to entrance tickets. The Peruvian government limits the number of visitors who can enter each day, and different tickets provide access to different circuits and experiences. Tickets can sell out well in advance, especially during the busiest periods of the year.
If you are planning your visit independently, it is therefore important to understand the different ticket options, when and where tickets can be purchased, and what to do if advance tickets are no longer available.
In this guide, Proyecto Peru explains the different Machu Picchu circuits, the options available if you have been unable to secure a ticket in advance, and how a lack of tickets can affect some of our Machu Picchu tours.
General Ticket Information
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are strictly controlled by the Peruvian government, with limits placed on the number of people who can enter each day. Most visitors book their tickets online months in advance, with these tickets being non-refundable and non-transferable. 1,000 additional tickets are sold each day in the town of Aguas Calientes, which is where most people stay before visiting the historic citadel. The additional tickets are sold for entry the following day.
There are several different types of ticket, each giving a different Machu Picchu experience.
The Panoramic Circuit (Circuit 1)
This route does not enter the primary ruins, but instead heads to the upper terraces giving panoramic views and the classic postcard sights. There are several variants.
-1a Machu Picchu Mountain – This route can be challenging due to the uphill trek
-1b The Upper Terrace – This easier route is great for photos
-1c The Sun Gate/Inti Punku – High season only
-1d The Inca Bridge – High Season only
The Classic Circuit (Circuit 2)
This is the most popular route and the one that sells out the fastest. It combines a tour of the city with iconic viewpoints. There are two versions, 2-A and 2-B, with the latter having a panoramic view from a lower terrace.
The Royal Circuit (Circuit 3)
This is both the least challenging of the tours and also the best option for those considering side hikes. The route goes through the lower part of the city and focuses on the cultural history of the city. There are 4 variants
-3a Includes Huayan Picchu, the steep peak behind the citadel
-3b The standard route. It has less stairs than the other circuits
-3c Available in high season only. This route is the same as 3b but adds the Great Cavern by the Temple of the Moon
-3d Available in high season only, the circuit adds the small hill of Huchuy Picchu
When buying tickets online you can see availability for each circuit and purchase the one that appeals to you most. If you buy your ticket in person the day beforehand, then the choice may be limited. There may also be a mandatory additional cost for a guide.
If you are visiting Machu Picchu as part of the Inka Trail you will enter via the Sun Gate and have your entrance tickets included in your trek. Standard circuit prices are currently 152 soles with circuits 1a and 3a having a higher price of 200 soles. There are reduced rates for students, children and citizens of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia.
Visiting Machu Picchu Without Advance Tickets
If you wish to visit Machu Picchu but were unable to buy tickets in advance, you will need to try and purchase one of the 1,000 tickets released each day in Machu Picchu. These tickets are sold one day in advance, and sold purely on a first-come first-served basis. You should be prepared to queue from early in the morning and potentially have to spend more than one night in Aguas Calientes, especially during the high season. You must have your passport with you at the time of purchase and entry to Machu Picchu.
If the only tickets available are for Circuits 1 or 3 and you are not part of a guided group for that circuit then you will also be obligated to pay for an official guide at a cost of $50 USD. This cost can be split if you are travelling with others.
Booking Tours without advance Machu Picchu Tickets
If you have been unable to secure entrance tickets it is still possible to book our Machu Picchu tours. The tour cost is reduced by the price of the entry ticket. The cost of two additional nights in Aguas Calientes is added. ($40 USD for a private room per night or $20 USD per person per night for a shared room).
The prices for each of these tours is:
-Salkantay Trek without Machu Picchu ticket – $335 USD plus 2 nights additional accommodation
– Machu Picchu by Train without Machu Picchu ticket – $325 USD plus 2 nights additional accommodation
– Machu Picchu by Minibus without Machu Picchu ticket- $125 USD plus 2 nights additional accommodation
In each case, if you purchase tickets for circuit 1 or 3 you will be required to pay $50 USD for a guide. This may be split if you are not travelling alone.
Please note that if you are travelling by minibus, it is important that you purchase tickets with an early entry time (between 7am and 9am) as the transport leaves to return at 2:30pm. If your entry ticket is later it will be necessary to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes.
For all tours if you are able to buy a ticket on the first day, you have the option to return to Cusco after the first night, however the second night of accommodation is non-refundable.
Proyecto Peru cannot guarantee the availability of tickets in Aguas Calientes. We are unable to offer refunds in the unlikely event you are unable to visit the citadel due to tickets being unavailable or for any other reason outside of our control
Important information
While this information is correct at the time of publication, the Peruvian government may alter regulations at any time with no notice and without communicating such changes to Proyecto Peru. While we endeavour to provide updates where possible, any changes and their communication are outside of our control. Similarly the government may close the citadel site or trek routes due to weather conditions, for preservation or for any other reason without prior notice. In such circumstances Proyecto Peru will endeavour to offer alternatives dates or experiences where possible.
Planning Your Visit to Machu Picchu?
If you are unsure which circuit is right for you, have been unable to secure an entrance ticket, or simply want help organising the rest of your journey, Proyecto Peru can help.
We offer several ways to visit Machu Picchu, including the Salkantay Trek, our train and minibus options, and other experiences from Cusco. If advance tickets are no longer available, we can also explain the alternatives available and help you plan your trip around the tickets you are able to obtain
Visit our Machu Picchu tours page or contact us at tours@proyectoperucentre.org and we will help find the option that works best for you.