How to Buy Tickets for Machu Picchu in Peru

Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the most famous destination in Peru and is often the sole reason many people plan a trip to this South American country. Of course, there are many other attractions to visit in Peru, but not seeing the renowned ruins of Machu Picchu would be a big mistake. Besides admiring the incredible ruins of the Inca Empire, visiting Machu Picchu also allows you to enjoy the spectacular view of the Andes.

A place like Machu Picchu raises high expectations, so it is essential to carefully plan your visit to ensure an excellent experience. One of the most important steps is securing tickets for Machu Picchu, as you can’t imagine how quickly they can sell out. This is why this guide on how to buy tickets for Machu Picchu has been created to help you plan your trip.

If you’re in a hurry. How to buy tickets for Machu Picchu: it is almost impossible to get tickets for Machu Picchu in person, so we highly recommend that you book tickets for Machu Picchu in advance here or book a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Between these two, the guided tour is the better option, as it allows you to learn more about the history of this fascinating wonder of the world.

The best ways to buy tickets for Machu Picchu

Options for buying tickets

With an extraordinary place like Machu Picchu, which is a fundamental stop on every itinerary in Peru, it’s understandable that there are several ways to obtain tickets. Here we will guide you in choosing where to buy tickets for Machu Picchu, outlining the different available options, their advantages, the best purchase points, and the importance of booking them in advance.

In line in person (not recommended)

A general rule to follow for very popular tourist attractions is to not wait until the same day to buy tickets. This is especially important for Machu Picchu, as tickets often sell out months in advance and you risk being disappointed.

If you decide to take the risk, it is essential to know that it is not possible to purchase tickets at the main entrance of Machu Picchu Instead, you need to go to the cultural center of Cusco or to Aguas Calientes and check the ticket availability. Due to this system, there are no options to skip the line to enter Machu Picchu.

Book online (recommended)

Instead of risking missing the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, we highly recommend booking tickets well in advance online. You may also want to check ticket availability and plan your trip accordingly. You can book all types of tickets, including those with special mountain hikes, through the official government website.

However, it is important to note that many sections of the site, including the ticket booking page, are only available in Spanish. Remember that tickets purchased through the official site cannot be transferred or refunded, so if your plans change, you will have to bear the costs.

To avoid this issue, we recommend using our partner to book your tickets. Although a bit more expensive, these tickets are very easy to book and allow you to cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the agreed date and receive a full refund. You can book the following tickets:

• Machu Picchu Ticket (ruins only)
• Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Ticket
• Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket

Book a guided tour

Although the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu will not disappoint if visited alone, it is not the most effective way to learn about the site and its history. For this reason, it is advisable to book a guided tour of Machu Picchu with a professional guide who can help you understand the meaning of this extraordinary place. Tours can be arranged personally in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, but it is preferable to do so well in advance of the planned visit date. For this reason, we recommend booking a tour with a tour guide and transfer from Aguas Calientes.

Book a day trip from Cusco

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu requires more than just obtaining tickets. It is necessary to organize transportation to the site from Aguas Calientes and reach it, probably from Cusco, the main tourist destination in this area of Peru, where there are many activities to do.

Those who do not want to worry about all this might consider booking a day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Although it is a long day, a day trip allows you to experience everything the site has to offer even if you have little time available, without worrying about logistics and simply enjoying the experience.

Useful information for visiting Machu Picchu

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

Getting the right tickets for Machu Picchu is not the only important part of planning your visit. It is essential to understand when you will go, as this can greatly affect your experience. Knowing the busiest periods and the best times to visit can help you plan, however, the ideal time to visit is when you manage to get tickets.

Machu Picchu and other attractions in Peru are busiest from May to August due to good weather, but this means lower ticket availability and the need to book in advance. To avoid the crowd and enjoy still pleasant weather for outdoor activities, consider visiting from September to November.

During the morning hours, the ruins of Machu Picchu are very crowded, especially because entry at dawn is one of the most sought-after experiences and at that time all hikers arrive from the Inca Trail. However, this also means the site is quieter in the afternoon, making it the perfect time to visit Machu Picchu and take better, more emotionally impactful photos.

Opening hours of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is open every day of the year to visitors. The ruins are open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last entry to the site at 2:00 PM. Regarding each of the mountains that can be hiked, they are open from 7:00 AM and close at 2:00 PM for Huayna Picchu and at 3:00 PM for Machu Picchu Mountain.

There are visits throughout the day in a morning session and an afternoon session, and visits are limited to four hours, with exceptions made for tickets that include one of the mountain hikes as they require time to complete.

How to get to Machu Picchu

The entry point for tourists to Machu Picchu is located in the small mountain town of Aguas Calientes. From here, it is possible to take a bus that goes to Machu Picchu, the preferred mode of transport for visitors who do not intend to hike. It is also possible to reach the entrance of the Machu Picchu ruins on foot from Aguas Calientes. However, the route can take from 1.5 to 2 hours, which might mean leaving very early in the morning. So how do you get to Aguas Calientes? There are several options, including taking the train from the city of Cusco or from the town of Ollantaytambo, or taking a bus to Ollantaytambo and then boarding the train from there.

Both routes take about four hours from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, while the journey from Ollantaytambo takes only about 1.5 hours. There are also more complicated options that include long hikes or multiple shared modes of transportation, but the simplest solution, outside private transport or an organized tour, is to take the train.

How are tickets for Machu Picchu regulated?

If you’re wondering how tickets work to visit Machu Picchu, don’t worry as you’re not alone. However, it is important to understand the system in order to maximize the experience. Tickets for Machu Picchu are divided into two categories. First, there is the general admission ticket which allows you to explore the Machu Picchu ruins.

The other type of ticket includes admission to the ruins and one of the site’s special mountain hikes. Each hike leads to a different viewpoint, offering a better overall view of the ruins. Among the available mountain viewpoints are Huayna Picchu, also known as Waynapicchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or Montaña, and Huchuy Picchu, which is one of the initial stages of the route to reach the summit.

When booking tickets, you will need to select the desired time from those available. It is essential to arrive on time; otherwise, access to the site may not be possible. In order to manage the number of visitors and preserve the site, a daily ticket limit has been established for each ticket category.

How much do tickets for Machu Picchu cost?

Now that we have covered how tickets work, let’s take a look at the different prices for Machu Picchu. Below you will find the ticket prices as shown on the official government website.

Regular tickets for the Machu Picchu ruins, as well as tickets that include access to Huchuy Picchu, cost S/152 for adults, S/77 for students and S/70 for minors aged 3 to 17. Tickets that include the hike to Huayna Picchu o Machu Picchu Mountain cost S/200 for adults, S/125 for students, and S/118 for minors.

There are also significant discounts for visitors from certain countries, particularly Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Regular tickets for citizens of these countries cost S/64 for adults, S/32 for students, and S/32 for minors.

The best hotels for Machu Picchu

Since there is no accommodation directly near the Machu Picchu ruins, many visitors prefer to stay in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. As the gateway to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes offers many lodging options despite its small size. It won’t be difficult to find accommodation that suits your needs, but here are some recommendations to help you get started.

An unmissable opportunity for those seeking luxurious and charming accommodation is the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. This five-star hotel offers spacious rooms and suites furnished in authentic Andean style, as well as half-board, a spa, and a cozy library. Anyone looking for comfortable lodging without spending a fortune might be interested in the Rupa Rupa High Jungle Eco B&B. The rooms are equipped with all essential comforts and the terrace where the included breakfast is served offers a splendid view of the surrounding mountains.

Travelers looking for budget options will find numerous solutions around Aguas Calientes, such as the fun and colorful Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu. This hostel offers dormitories and private rooms at affordable prices, a fantastic included breakfast, and a bar where you can spend time.

Safety rules at Machu Picchu

As a monument of great importance in Peruvian culture, but also extremely delicate, there are rules that visitors must observe at Machu Picchu.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is necessary to present the original passport before accessing the site. Additionally, there are rules regarding permitted items inside, including drones, tripods, bulky backpacks, and most importantly, food which is prohibited.

In case you forget, there is a small supervised deposit area where you can leave items for a fee. Beyond this, most of the site’s rules are based on common sense and aim to ensure the respect this historic place deserves.

Visiting Machu Picchu with a disability

Since Machu Picchu is a remote ruin located atop a mountain, it is no surprise that accessibility is not one of its strengths. However, this does not mean it is completely impossible to visit if you have a mobility impairment or another disability.

After the introduction of some accessibility measures in 2019, it was established that wheelchair users can explore the site but may need assistance from their companions to move around certain areas, especially in the higher parts. Unfortunately, visitors in wheelchairs will not be able to climb any of the mountains to enjoy the views as they require steep stairs.

Curiosities about Machu Picchu

What is Machu Picchu?

The ruin of a fortified city dating back to the time of the Inca Empire and located in the mountains of Peru is known as Machu Picchu.

When was Machu Picchu built?

The construction of Machu Picchu was carried out in the 15th century, according to archaeological experts.

How old is Machu Picchu?

It is estimated that Machu Picchu was inhabited by the Inca peoples between 1420 and 1530, which means the ruins are about 500 years old.

Who built Machu Picchu?

The city of Machu Picchu was built by the Inca Empire, likely during the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Inca ruler.

Why was Machu Picchu built?

According to archaeologists, Machu Picchu was built by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui as a residence or refuge for the royal family.

Where is Machu Picchu located?

Machu Picchu is located in the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba province, in the southern Andes Mountains of Peru. Now that you have all the necessary information on how to visit the site, organizing your trip and getting tickets for Machu Picchu will be simple. I hope you understand the importance of planning your visit in advance.

Machu Picchu in brief

Machu Picchu is definitely one of the wonders of the world that every traveler should have the opportunity to visit at least once in their lifetime. Although organizing a trip to this remote and captivating destination may seem intimidating, by following the tips in this guide you will be able to successfully plan your visit and fully enjoy the experience.

Make sure to book your tickets well in advance, choose the best time for your visit, and consider a guided tour to optimize your time at Machu Picchu. With careful planning, you will be able to immerse yourself in the extraordinary history and majestic beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.