How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets: A Step-By-Step Guide

Find out everything you need to know for how to buy Machu Picchu tickets quickly and easily.

You’ve made an exciting choice and booked your flight to Peru—get ready for breathtaking mountains, ancient ruins, and vibrant local culture. Now, it’s time to secure your tickets to Machu Picchu, an absolute must for any trip to Peru.

While it’s undeniably a popular destination, skipping it would mean missing out on one of the world’s most iconic sites. Even if you usually avoid tourist hotspots, Machu Picchu is truly unmissable.

Machu Picchu, often called the “Lost City of the Incas,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, this ancient citadel was built in the 15th century and is a marvel of Incan architecture, featuring temples, terraces, and breathtaking views of surrounding peaks.

Visiting Machu Picchu offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Inca civilization while surrounded by the natural beauty of Peru’s cloud forests.

When it comes to visiting Machu Picchu, securing your tickets in advance is essential. Tickets cannot be purchased at the entrance to the site, so it’s important to plan ahead.

There are several types of tickets to choose from, depending on what you want to see and it’s also important to note that ticket availability can be limited, especially during peak season, so booking early ensures you don’t miss out.

Keep in mind that entry is timed and you’ll need to select your visit window when purchasing tickets. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about buying tickets to Machu Picchu.

*This ‘how to buy Machu Picchu tickets’ post may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Planning to visit Cusco? Read Cusco Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in the Inca Capital

Buying Entrance to Machu Picchu Tickets: The Basics

Before planning your visit to Machu Picchu, there are a few key things you need to know to ensure a smooth experience:

• Buy your tickets in advance: Tickets are not sold at the entrance, and availability is limited- you will need to book a ticket in advance, either online or in person at an authorized vendor in Peru.
• Book early: Aim for at least two months ahead, especially during peak season.
• Choose your ticket type: You will need to decide on a circuit and route before you book- Huayna Picchu hike, or Machu Picchu Mountain—each offers a different experience. Some routes are only available in high season (July-Octoer) so you might want to plan accordingly.
• Time slots are mandatory: You’ll need to select a specific time to enter the site when purchasing your ticket.
• Bring your passport: You’ll need it to enter the site, so make sure it’s handy on the day of your visit.

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When to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets

When it comes to buying tickets for Machu Picchu, timing is important. Ideally, you’ll want to secure your spot around two months ahead of your visit, especially if you’re eyeing a popular hike like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

If you’re planning to visit during peak season—typically between June and August—it’s smart to book even earlier, as tickets tend to sell out quickly. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing out on the experience altogether, so don’t leave this iconic adventure to chance.

Getting ahead of the game ensures you won’t be scrambling to find availability or stuck with less desirable time slots.

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Machu Picchu Circuits & Routes (Ticket Types)

Starting in June 2024, Machu Picchu will feature multiple circuits or routes for visitors to explore. Within the three main circuits, there are also smaller routes to choose from. You’ll need to select your preferred route before purchasing your entry ticket.

Circuit 1: The Panoramic Route

Circuit 1 takes you along the upper terraces of Machu Picchu, providing those iconic, panoramic views of the site that most travelers dream of. This route is ideal for visitors who want the best photo opportunities and a sweeping perspective of the ancient ruins.

Along the way, you’ll pass by key sites like the Guardhouse, terraces, and various viewpoints that offer unobstructed vistas of the surrounding Andes.

This route also gives visitors access to Machupicchu Mountain, Intipunku Gate, and Inka Bridge, both of the latter are only accessible in high season.

The routes available on Circuit 1 are:

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Circuit 2: Machu Picchu Classic Route

For those who want a deeper dive into Machu Picchu’s history and architecture, Circuit 2 offers a comprehensive route and a classic tour of the internal citadel.

It includes a visit to the famous, sacred areas within the citadel. You’ll still get those sweeping views but with more emphasis on exploring the core structures and key archaeological sites inside the city.

The routes available on Circuit 2 are:

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Circuit 3: Machu Picchu Royal Route

Circuit 3, also known as the “Royal Route,” offers a more intimate exploration of Machu Picchu, focusing on the lower sections of the citadel.

While it may not provide the sweeping, panoramic views (without Wayna Picchu option) seen on other circuits, it takes you deep into the heart of Machu Picchu’s agricultural and residential areas, giving you a closer look at the daily life and ingenious design of the Inca civilization.

This route is perfect for visitors who want a quieter experience, away from the crowds that tend to gather at the more popular vantage points. You’ll walk through the terraces used for farming, which are a testament to the Inca’s mastery of agriculture at high altitudes.

The lower terraces are less visited but provide a fascinating insight into the workings of Machu Picchu’s agricultural system, where crops were cultivated to sustain the inhabitants.

Route 3-A on Circuit 3, does give you the option to climb Wayna Picchu, the towering peak that forms the iconic backdrop of Machu Picchu. This hike is one of the most popular in the area, offering a thrilling and steep ascent with stunning views of the entire citadel below.

Climbing Huayna Picchu is an exhilarating experience, but it’s not for the faint of heart—it involves steep, narrow steps and exposed edges that add to the adventure.

However, the effort is well worth it. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the intricate layout of Machu Picchu.

The routes available on Circuit 3 are:

Machu Picchu Mountains: Which to Book?

If you’re a hiker or active traveler you might be interested in hiking one of Machu Picchu’s mountains. When planning your visit to Machu Picchu, you have three mountain options to choose from (optional): Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu.

Each offers a unique experience, with varying levels of difficulty and views.

Huayna Picchu

The most famous and sought-after hike, Huayna Picchu is the towering peak behind the main ruins. It’s a short but steep and challenging climb, with narrow paths and dramatic drop-offs.

The rewards are huge—sweeping, bird’s-eye views of Machu Picchu. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted, and tickets are limited and sell out quickly. This is the hike that I did when visiting.

• Pros: Incredible views, historical significance, relatively short hike.
• Cons: Very steep and narrow paths; not suitable for those with a fear of heights or mobility issues.

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Machu Picchu Mountain

A longer, less steep hike, Machu Picchu Mountain is perfect for those who prefer a more gradual ascent. While it’s not as intense as Huayna Picchu, it still offers breathtaking views from a higher altitude.

The hike takes around 2-3 hours, making it a more leisurely option, but it requires stamina due to the longer trail.

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Huchuy Picchu

The lesser-known and easiest of the three, Huchuy Picchu is located near Huayna Picchu and offers a more accessible option for those who want a shorter, less strenuous hike.

While the views aren’t as expansive, it’s a great choice for those who want a taste of the adventure without the physical challenge.

• Pros: Short, easy hike; accessible to most visitors; great for those with time constraints.
• Cons: Less dramatic views compared to the other two mountains, only available in the high season.

Each of these mountains offers a different way to experience Machu Picchu’s stunning landscapes, so your choice will depend on your fitness level, the type of view you’re after, and how much time you want to spend hiking.

For those who don’t want to hike and prefer a more cultural and historic approach to the ruins, know that the mountain routes are completely optional and you’ll want not to choose them when booking your ticket.

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How to Buy Macchu Picchu Tickets

While it’s possible to buy Machu Picchu entrance tickets in person in Cusco, it’s highly recommended to purchase them in advance during the peak season (June to September), as tickets often sell out quickly.

If your schedule is tight or you’re traveling during this busy period, booking ahead is a smart move and you can do so by buying your Machu Picchu tickets online.

Although buying directly is the most budget-friendly option, using a trusted reseller like Viator offers a hassle-free experience, with instant confirmation and no need for check-in.

Alternatively, you can opt for an affordable guided tour from Cusco or even Aguas Calientes, which often includes both your bus and entrance tickets, however the quality of these is questionable.

Buying Tickets via the Machu Picchu Official Site

Tickets can be purchased through the official Ministerio de Cultura website, which is available in both Spanish and English.

To book your tickets, simply visit the website, which is user-friendly. Begin by selecting your preferred Circuit, date of visit, and time slot.

Then, enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. Once you’ve completed your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a reservation code. This code is important for checking in and accessing your tickets later.

When you’re ready to check in and download your tickets, return to the Ministerio de Cultura website. Click on ‘Check-in’ from the menu on the left, enter your reservation code, and you’re all set. It’s recommended to print your tickets for convenience.

Buying Tickets from Resellers

If you prefer a more convenient option, purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets from a reseller like Viator can save you time and effort. These platforms offer instant confirmation, often with no need to navigate check-in processes.

While slightly more expensive than buying directly, resellers provide added flexibility, and many packages include extras like guided tours or bus transfers from Aguas Calientes, making the experience seamless, stress-free, and generally easier to book Machu Picchu tickets.

Find some of the best entry tickets and tours below:

Read more: How To Get To Machu Picchu

How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets in Cusco

For those traveling during the low season and want to wait for the best weather day to visit Machu Picchu, you can also buy tickets in person on arrival in Cusco.

In Cusco, you can purchase tickets at the Ministerio de Cultura, located at Casa Garcilaso on Calle Garcilaso, near Plaza Regocijo and close to the Museo de Chocolate.

The office is open Monday to Saturday from 7AM to 8PM. Tickets are also available at another location on Calle Maruri 340.

Make sure to bring your passport along with either cash or a credit card to complete your purchase.

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In summary, planning ahead is crucial when visiting Machu Picchu. Booking tickets early ensures availability, especially during peak season, and gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred route or mountain hike.

Resellers offer a convenient alternative for those who prefer an easy, confirmed booking experience. Make sure to bring your passport, check local requirements, and prepare to experience one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological wonders.

If you have any questions or queries about how to get tickets to Machu Picchu then please comment below. I would love to help you out.

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