FAQs about the Ticket Machu Picchu

Know the types, prices, hours, discounts, changes and purchase of the ticket to Machu Picchu. The questions that follow below were mainly asked by tourists who wish to purchase their ticket. They try to resolve all doubts about the ticket to the Inca city.



What is the best entrance to Machu Picchu and what are its hours?
Most tourists choose the ‘Machu Picchu Solo’ ticket because it is the only one that allows you to do any of the four available circuits in the Inca citadel. This ticket offers up to nine different times: from 6 am, 7 am, 8 am and so on until 2 pm (last entry time). This ticket is also the cheapest to the Inca citadel. There are other tickets with similar prices such as: the Machupicchu + Huchuypicchu ticket or the Machupicchu + Inca Bridge ticket.

Questions about prices, types and schedules:

1. What is the ticket to Machu Picchu for?

Obviously the ticket is used to enter Machu Picchu. However, it is important to clarify that the ticket does not include any train, bus, tour guide service or any other service that is not the entrance to the Inca city.


2. What does each type of Machu Picchu ticket include?

  • a) The Machu Picchu Solo ticket which includes only the entrance to the Inca city.
  • b) The ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu that includes the entrance to both the Inca city and the Waynapicchu mountain.
  • c) The ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain that includes the entrance to both the Inca city and the Machupicchu mountain.
  • d) The ticket Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu that includes the entrance to the Inca citadel, as well as the hike to the small mountain Huchuypicchu.
  • e) The Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge ticket which includes admission to the Inca citadel, as well as the little-known Inca bridge of Machupicchu.
  • f) Finally, there is an optional ticket, the Machu Picchu Museum ticket that includes admission to the Machupicchu site museum ‘Manuel Chávez Ballón’.

3. What is the entrance time of the Machupicchu Only ticket?

Ticket Machu Picchu Only

  • Entry from six in the morning.
  • Entry from seven in the morning.
  • Entry from eight in the morning.
  • Entry from nine in the morning.
  • Entry from ten in the morning.
  • Entry from eleven in the morning.
  • Entry from twelve in the morning.
  • Entry from one in the afternoon.
  • Entry from two in the afternoon.

4. What is the entrance time of the Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu ticket?

Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

  • Group 1 – Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. The entrance to the Waynapicchu mountain is from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Group 2 – Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 a.m. The entrance to the Waynapicchu mountain is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Group 3 – Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. The entrance to the Waynapicchu mountain is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Group 4 – Entrance to Machu Picchu from 9 a.m. The entrance to the Waynapicchu mountain is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 11 a.m.

5. What is the entrance time of the Machupicchu + Mountain ticket?

Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain

  • Group 1 – Entrance to Machupicchu from 6 a.m. Access to the mountain is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Group 2 – Entrance to Machupicchu from 7 a.m. Access to the mountain is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.

6. What is the entrance time of the Machupicchu + Huchuypicchu ticket?

Boleto Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu

  • Entry from six in the morning. Access to the mountain is from seven to eight in the morning.
  • Entry from seven in the morning. Access to the mountain is from eight to nine in the morning.
  • Entry from eight in the morning. Access to the mountain is from nine to ten in the morning.
  • Entry from nine in the morning. Access to the mountain is from ten to eleven in the morning.
  • Entry from ten in the morning. Access to the mountain is from eleven in the morning to noon.
  • Entry from eleven in the morning. Access to the mountain is from noon to one in the afternoon.
  • Entry from noon. Access to the mountain from one to two in the afternoon.
  • Entry from one in the afternoon. Access to the mountain is from two to three in the afternoon.

7. What is the entrance time of the Machupicchu + Inca Bridge ticket?

Ticket Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge

  • Entry from six in the morning. Access to the Inca Bridge is from seven to eight in the morning.
  • Entry from seven in the morning. Access to the Inca Bridge is from eight to nine in the morning.
  • Entry from eight in the morning. Access to the Inca Bridge is from nine to ten in the morning.
  • Entry from nine in the morning. Access to the Inca Bridge is from ten to eleven in the morning.
  • Entry from ten in the morning. Access to the Inca Bridge is from eleven in the morning to noon.
  • Entry from eleven in the morning. Access to the Inca Bridge is from noon to one in the afternoon.
  • Entry from noon. Access to the Inca Bridge is from one to two in the afternoon.
  • Entry from one in the afternoon. Access to the Inca Bridge is from two to three in the afternoon.

8. How much do the tickets to Machu Picchu cost?

If you buy the ticket through the website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru, you will find the regular prices. However, if they buy from a tourism agency, the prices are the same, only with an extra commission. This commission is charged by tourist agencies since they generally offer discounts as well as a faster and uncomplicated service.


9. Until what time can I stay in Machu Picchu with the ticket?

Until a few years ago there was no visit limit. However, the new rules in Machu Picchu establish a visit limit. These times are relative since no one will require you to leave the place, although it is advisable to keep them in mind as they help control the flow of tourists.

  • Ticket Machupicchu Solo – 4 hours of visit maximum.
  • Ticket Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu – 6 hours of visit maximum.
  • Ticket Machupicchu + Mountain – 7 hours of visit maximum.
  • Ticket Machupicchu + Huchuypicchu – 5 hours maximum visit.
  • Ticket Machupicchu + Inca Bridge – 4 hours maximum visit.
  • Ticket Machupicchu Museum – No time limit.

10. My entry says ‘from 8 am’. Can I enter earlier?

No. The new entry and exit times in Machu Picchu establish an exact entry time. For example, if the ticket says ‘entrance to Machupicchu from 8 in the morning’, the tourist cannot enter at 6 or 7 in the morning but from eight, as established by their schedule. The same is true for all types of tickets.


11. What is the best ticket to Machu Picchu?

Choosing some type of ticket depends on the experience that the tourist wants. Most want to tour the archaeological site and take the classic postal photo. For this, the ‘Machupicchu Solo’ ticket is enough. Instead, there are other visitors looking to add incredible hikes to it. To do this, they must choose the ‘Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu’ ticket or the ‘Machupicchu + Mountain’ ticket.


12. How many people can enter Machu Picchu?

It is estimated that Machu Picchu offers admission to 3 thousand people a day. This amount is distributed in your five entrance tickets, as well as the visitors who enter through the Inca Trail.


Questions about the purchase

13. How to buy my Machu Picchu ticket?

To buy the ticket to Machupicchu you just have to follow the following steps: a) check if there is availability in the type of ticket on the date and time of your preference, b) complete your personal information and c) make the payment with credit or debit cards. You will receive the ticket in your email (in PDF format) ready to be printed.


14. Where to buy the entrance to Machu Picchu?

The entrance to Machu Picchu can be purchased online or in person in the city of Cusco. You can enter the website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru or through the website of an authorized tourism agency. If you do it in person, you must go to one of the following authorized offices:

  • Maruri Street 324, Cusco. (Baffled Directorate of Cusco Culture).
  • Calle Garcilaso s/n, Cusco. (Baffled Directorate of Cusco Culture).

15. Is it safe to buy the ticket online?

Like any internet service, there are very safe places and also websites that are not serious and, therefore, are not secure. It is recommended to buy the Machu Picchu tickets on a website that has internet security systems (that have the lock symbol in their URL address). If the website has these security systems, the site is safe.


16. What is the official website for ticket sales?

The official website for ticket sales to Machu Picchu is: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.


17. How long before buying the tickets?

These are the entrances to Machu Picchu and the time in advance with which the tickets must be purchased.

  • Machupicchu Solo Ticket – 3 or 4 weeks before.
  • Ticket Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu – 3 or 4 months before.
  • Ticket Machupicchu + Mountain – 3 or 4 weeks before.
  • Ticket Machupicchu + Huchuypicchu – 3 or 4 weeks before.
  • Ticket Machupicchu + Inca Bridge – 3 or 4 weeks before.
  • Ticket Machupicchu Museum – It can be purchased the same day.

18. Can I buy the ticket to Huayna Picchu in Cusco?

No. The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket is in high demand, so the only way to buy it is online and with due anticipation. If you do it in the city of Cusco two or three days before, you will not get availability.


19. How to pay for my Machu Picchu ticket?

In Boleto Machu Picchu, as well as in other Machupicchu ticket sales websites, credit or debit cards are accepted such as: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and also PayPal. After making the payment, the tickets will be received in your email after 24 hours on weekdays; or 48 hours on weekends.


20. Does the payment of the Machu Picchu ticket include taxes?

Yes. In Ticket Machu Picchu the taxes are already included in the rates, so tourists will not have to make any extra payment for their ticket.


21. How long do I have to pay for my Machu Picchu ticket?

After successfully registering the reservation by requesting a ticket; tourists must pay for the ticket as soon as possible. If not, someone else can request the same ticket and get it. Remember that the availability of all tickets is limited.


22. Is there an extra cost to pay for the ticket with cards?

Yes. Anywhere in the world there is an extra cost to pay for a service online. The cost depends on the type of card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc. In Ticket Machu Picchu, for example, the shipping cost with credit or debit cards is approximately 5% of the value of the ticket.


23. Can I buy the ticket for next year?

Yes. In Ticket Machu Picchu you can secure tickets for next year. You just have to make the purchase (on any date) and wait until December for the tickets to be sent. Remember that not all tourism agencies offer this benefit.


Questions about discounts:

24. What are the discounts offered by the Machu Picchu ticket?

There are 3 different types of discounts: a) for university students, b) for children under 18 years of age and c) for citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia). If the tourist is a university student (or a minor) and, in addition, is a citizen of the mentioned countries; then the discount is even greater.


25. What documents do I need to buy the Machu Picchu ticket with discounts?

Each type of discount requires a verification document at the time of purchase. These are the necessary documents, depending on the type of discount:

  • University students – Current university card that validates their undergraduate studies.
  • Minors – Passport or identity document that validates their age.
  • Citizens of the Andean Community of Nations – Passport, identity document or foreigner’s card that validates their nationality or residence (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia).

26. Can I get a university discount to Machu Picchu with the ISIC card?

No. The ISIC card (International Student Identity Card) is no longer valid to obtain discounts on the Machu Picchu ticket for students. Now the only valid document is the current university card issued by your country.


27. My husband is an older adult. Do you have a discount in Machu Picchu?

No. Unfortunately, older adults do not have any type of discount on the entrance to Machupicchu.


28. Do people with disabilities have a discount at Machu Picchu?

No. Unfortunately, people with disabilities do not have any type of discount on the purchase of the Machupicchu ticket.


29. I am a foreigner residing in Peru. Can I access the discount?

Yes. Foreigners residing in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia; access to the discount of the ticket to Machu Picchu by agreement with the Andean Community of Nations. To do this, it is necessary to make the purchase with your current immigration card.


30. Do babies and children enter Machu Picchu for free?

Yes. Both babies and children under 3 years of age enter Machu Picchu for free simply by presenting their identity document or passport at the entrance gate. They enter accompanied by their father, mother or guardian.


31. Can I visit Huayna Picchu if I am under 18 years of age?

Only people over 12 years old can enter the Huayna Picchu mountain. Minors between the ages of 13 and 18 must enter with a person over the age of 18.


Questions about changes and cancellations:

32. Can another person enter Machu Picchu in my place?

No. Changes or modifications of the entrance to Machu Picchu are not allowed, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Culture of Peru (entity that governs the entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu).


33. Can I cancel an already purchased ticket?

Yes. The cancellation process for a purchased ticket must be carried out at least 72 hours in advance before entering Machu Picchu that appears on the ticket. The procedure has a single penalty of 70% of the value of the ticket (refund of 30% of the value paid). The return is made by the same means of payment that was used. Sending money takes what the payment gateway has (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, PayPal). That takes about 1 month.

34. Can I change the entry date of my Machu Picchu ticket?

No. Changes or modifications of the entrance to Machu Picchu are not allowed, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Culture of Peru (entity that governs the entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu). It is recommended to choose the date of your visit with certainty.


35. Can I sell my ticket to Machu Picchu?

No, the ticket is non-transferable. It is recommended to choose the date and visitor data appropriately.


36. What happens if the tourism agency makes a mistake when registering my data?

The entrance to Machu Picchu is not subject to changes in the date or ownership of the ticket. However, if the error at the time of registration occurs on the part of the tourism agency; the tourist is entitled to a new entry.


37. Can I request cancellation of my ticket if I bought through the official website?

No, the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru does not allow cancellations or refunds, once the purchase has been made.


Questions tourists ask:

38. Can I stay all day in Machu Picchu with a ticket?

No. The new rules in Machupicchu establish visiting hours so you can no longer stay all day in the place. In the case a visitor wants to stay there all day, it is recommended to buy more than one ticket for the same day and at different times.


39. Does the ticket to Machu Picchu allow me to leave and return?

No. Only the ‘Machu Picchu + Mountain’ ticket allows you to leave and re-enter the archaeological site for the only time. The other tickets do not allow it. It is recommended to go to the restrooms before entering; in order to carry out the tour without urgency.


40. Is it true that in June it is more difficult to get tickets?

Sí. The high tourist season (May, June and July) is the time of greatest demand for tickets to Machu Picchu. June is one of the months with the most tourists touring the Inca city, so it is recommended to buy tickets online several weeks or months in advance.


41. When do they start selling tickets to Machu Picchu?

Every year, the Ministry of Culture of Peru establishes the sale of tickets from December.. For example, visitors who want to purchase a ticket for January 2025 must make their purchase in December 2024. It is recommended to be among the first to do so, since there is great demand to get the first tickets.


42. Can I visit only the Huayna Picchu mountain?

No. The entrance ticket to the Huayna Picchu mountain also includes the entrance to the Inca city of Machupicchu through Circuit 4 (lower part of the Inca citadel). This ticket is called ‘Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu’ and cannot be purchased separately.


43. What do I do if I can’t find a ticket available?

The cases of lack of availability occur mainly with the ‘Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu’ ticket, which must be purchased 3 or 4 months before. If they do not find availability, all that remains is to look for another date on which there is availability. The same happens with the other tickets: if they do not find free spaces, it is best to look for another later date.


44. What do I do if I lose my ticket to Machu Picchu?

If you bought the ticket through the internet, you simply have to print it again from your email (the tickets are sent there in PDF format). On the other hand, if you bought the ticket in person; You must go to an authorized office and request a copy of the ticket.


45. Can I present my Machu Picchu ticket on my cell phone?

No. The current regulation in Machupicchu states that the ticket must be printed. In addition, the visitor must show the identity document, passport, university card or document with which they made the purchase.


46. Is it necessary to share my personal data during the purchase?

Yes. During the purchase of the ticket to Machupicchu it is necessary to register some of the personal data of the tourist, such as: full names, email, date of birth, number and type of document. These data are protected and have the sole purpose of recording the purchase of the ticket.


47. How long is the ticket valid for?

The ticket is only valid for the day and time chosen. That is, you cannot use it on a different day. For example, if you chose to enter Machupicchu on December 25 from 8 in the morning; You will not be able to do it that day from 6 in the morning or a day before (or after).


48. With which ticket to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu?

The tickets ‘Machupicchu Solo’, ‘Machupicchu + Mountain’ and ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’ allow you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu (which is taken from the sector of the House of the Guardian).


49. With which ticket can I visit the Intihuatana?

The Intihuatana is in the high and religious sector of Machu Picchu. The Intihuatana can be visited with the entrance ‘Machupicchu Solo’ and ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’.


50. With which ticket can I visit the Intipunku?

Currently, access to the Intipunku from Machu Picchu is not allowed (this construction is located 2 kilometers uphill). You can only visit the Intipunku (the Puerta del Sol) with the Inca Trail route, either in the 4 or 2 day version.


51. With which ticket can I visit the Temple of the Moon?

The Temple of the Moon is an Inca temple located on the Huayna Picchu mountain, so the visit is with the entrance ‘Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu’. However, access to this mysterious construction is closed until further notice.


52. With which ticket can I visit the Inca Bridge?

The Inca Bridge is a rustic Inca building made in one of the limits of the citadel. It can only be visited with the ticket ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’.


53. How is circuit 1 of Machu Picchu?

This circuit offers a tour of the upper and lower sector of the Inca citadel. This tour includes the main buildings such as: the Main Temple, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Temple of the Condor and the Water Fountains. In addition, it allows the visit to the area of the platforms and terraces in the highest part, from where you can get the classic postcard photo of Machupicchu). The tour takes approximately 2 hours.


54. How is circuit 2 of Machu Picchu?

This circuit, the most recommended, offers a complete tour of the upper and lower sector of the Inca citadel. It includes the main Inca buildings such as: the Main Temple, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor and the Water Fountains. It also includes the classic postcard photo from the Guardian’s House. The circuit lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.


55. How is circuit 3 of Machu Picchu?

This circuit allows you to take a tour of the lower nuclear area of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It does not include the classic postcard photo but it does include constructions such as: the Inka House, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Water Mirrors and the agricultural zone. The circuit lasts 1 hour 30 minutes on average.


56. How is circuit 4 of Machu Picchu?

This circuit allows you to take a tour of the lower nuclear area of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It does include the classic postcard photo before ascending the Machupicchu mountain. In addition, it includes constructions such as: the Inka House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the agricultural zone and the Sacred Rock. The circuit lasts 1 hour 30 minutes on average.


57. What is the best circuit of Machu Picchu?

Circuit 2 is the most recommended in Machu Picchu since it allows you to visit most of the Inca constructions, as well as get the classic postcard photo from the Guardian’s House.


58. What circuit in Machu Picchu is ideal for older adults?

Older adults can do circuit 3 or circuit 4, which allows a moderate walk and the opportunity to rest on a bench with a view of the lower part of Machu Picchu.


59. Can I visit Machu Picchu in a wheelchair?

Although it is difficult due to the mountainous geography with stairs of Machu Picchu, it is possible with the help of a specialized tourism agency or people who provide support to tourists in wheelchairs.


60. Can I use a drone in Machu Picchu?

Drones are not allowed in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.


61. Are there bathrooms in Machu Picchu?

There are no bathrooms inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site, but there are at the entrance gate. It is recommended to go to the restrooms before entering the Inca citadel.


62. What objects are prohibited in Machu Picchu?

During the visit to Machu Picchu, any type of advertising material, firearms or sharp objects, umbrellas, pushchairs or other objects that hinder easy transit through the Inca trails are prohibited. It is also not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages.


63. What activities are prohibited in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is considered a sacred place, so noise that disturbs the religious character of the citadel is not allowed. Nudity, music and recording professional videos without prior authorization are also prohibited.


64. Does the entrance to Machu Picchu include a guide or transportation?

No, the entrance to Machu Picchu does not include tour guide service or any type of transportation. These services are purchased separately.

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 30, 2023