Why buy tickets Machu Picchu in advance?
The availability of Machu Picchu entry tickets is quite unpredictable. This is mainly because it constantly varies as more and more people decide to visit Machu Picchu. There are a total of 10 entry tickets to the Inca citadel, but only during the high season. During most of the year, or the regular season, various types of tickets can be found. Each tour experience is very different, and availability changes daily. That’s why, in this blog, we want to emphasize the importance of booking in advance.
- Start Your Adventure Before Arriving in Cusco
- Plan More Activities in Cusco
- You Might Not Get Tickets
- The Relief of Having Everything Ready
- Find Affordable Services
- Secure Your Train Tickets
- Frequently Asked Questions
Panoramic view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with mist
Start Your Adventure Before Arriving in Cusco
- Planning your trip is essential to having a great vacation in Machu Picchu or Cusco.
- Good planning allows for better time management, as you will know exactly what to do upon arrival.
- There are also several museums and activities you can enjoy as soon as you arrive in Cusco.
- One of the best options is to contact a travel agency, as they usually offer various tour packages.
- Book all your services, such as hotels and transportation, in advance to avoid the stress of last-minute arrangements.
- A key advantage is that you can reserve the entry ticket you want at the time that best fits your planned activities.
- Machu Picchu entry tickets have limited availability and can sell out weeks in advance.
- The best recommendation is to book and purchase your Machu Picchu entry ticket 1 to 2 months in advance.
Main Square of Cusco City
Plan More Activities in Cusco
- In Cusco, you can visit various destinations that are usually combined with a trip to Machu Picchu.
- You can also choose in advance, on your own, the destinations to visit or the activities to do in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- Managing all your expenses by planning activities and even making early reservations will help you save more money.
- What can I do in Cusco? From hikes to natural destinations to tours of archaeological sites and museums.
- From Cusco, you can do several activities and visit different destinations, such as:
| Destinations Near Cusco | Description |
|---|---|
| The Sacred Valley | A geographical area with stunning landscapes and a very pleasant climate. This place has hotels and restaurants that allow thousands of tourists to stay longer. |
| Ollantaytambo | An archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley, consisting of several terraces and remains of Inca structures. It is one of the districts that still preserves the Inca urban organization. |
| Písac | An Inca archaeological site located at the entrance of the Sacred Valley. Among its ruins, the Inca temples and numerous terraces stand out, perched on top of a mountain. Písac offers breathtaking landscapes. |
| Chinchero | The archaeological site of Chinchero is located in the highlands of the Sacred Valley. Here, you can find the remains of an Inca palace and what was once a citadel. It is also home to one of the most beautiful colonial churches in Cusco. |
| Tipón | Tipón features some of the best-preserved archaeological remains showcasing the Incas’ advanced hydraulic engineering. This site was considered one of the most impressive temples dedicated to water in all of Cusco. |
| Andahuaylillas | Andahuaylillas is a district located in the South Valley. It is one of the oldest districts in Cusco and is home to one of the most astonishing churches in the world. |
| Maras and Moray | In the highlands of the Sacred Valley, you can find one of Cusco’s traditional districts, Maras. Near this place, you can visit the Maras Salt Mines and the Circular Terraces of Moray. |
| Piquillaqta | Also located in the South Valley, Piquillaqta is one of the best-preserved pre-Inca sites. It was a Wari citadel that still holds impressive constructions. |
You Might Not Get Tickets
It is important to book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance. This is because tickets sell out very quickly. Below, we show you which tickets sell out the fastest. Let’s start with the ones that are almost immediately unavailable.
- Machu Picchu Classic Route Ticket.
- Machu Picchu Classic Route Ticket (lower terrace).
- Machu Picchu + Lower Temples Ticket.
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket.
- Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard Photo Ticket.
- Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket.
- Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket.
- Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket.
- Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon Ticket.
- Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket.
If you are unable to book the ticket you want, you can try to purchase it in person. However, this is only recommended for those who absolutely want to take a specific tour they couldn’t book online. The best option is to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance to avoid any risks.
2 Reasons to Buy Your Machu Picchu Ticket in Advance
- 1) Guaranteed Availability: Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Buying in advance guarantees your entry on your desired date.
- 2) Better Time Slot Options: Purchasing early gives you more flexibility to choose the time slot that best fits your schedule. Tickets are divided into different time slots, and early morning visits tend to be less crowded.
The Relief of Having Everything Ready
One of the best ways to avoid stress is to have everything ready even before starting your trip. This is mainly for the following reasons:
- More Security – By booking in advance, you can even arrange transportation to your hotel, allowing you to start your adventure smoothly.
- Just Focus on Enjoying – Since everything is set up, activities and services will follow a scheduled itinerary.
- Richer Experiences – You can fully dedicate yourself to enjoying the trip, exploring Cusco or Machu Picchu, and sharing unforgettable moments with your companions.
- Save Time – With everything planned in advance, your itinerary will run smoothly. You’ll arrive at your destinations on time and, most importantly, safely.
A family of tourists enjoying their visit to Machu Picchu
Find Affordable Services
Sometimes, you can find great discounts on the essential services needed to travel to Peru and then to Machu Picchu. Let’s take a look:
- Once you have a confirmed travel date and have booked your Machu Picchu ticket, you may find several discounts.
- Get discounts on flight tickets. It’s well known that booking flights in advance is usually cheaper.
- Hotels in Cusco may also offer lower prices for early reservations.
- Some travel agencies offer discounted trips to other destinations.
- For train tickets to Machu Picchu, you can also find better prices if you book in advance.
What Types of Hotels Can Be Found in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo?
In Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will find a wide range of hotels. In Cusco, you can even find luxury and first-class hotels with a 5-star rating. These types of hotels are also available in the Sacred Valley. Meanwhile, in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you can find high-quality hotels, although the highest rating available is 4 stars.
Secure Your Train Tickets
Believe it or not, train tickets sometimes sell out, especially for the most in-demand schedules, which are usually in the early morning. By booking in advance, you can choose one of these time slots and avoid the hassle of finding a ticket. Below are more details about the trains to Machu Picchu.
- Once you have booked your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, proceed to book your train ticket.
- Some of the available services include the bimodal and direct trip options. The bimodal service starts in Cusco with a bus ride before boarding the train.
- There are several train stations, but all of them pass through the Ollantaytambo station, a mandatory stop on the way to Machu Picchu.
- If you choose to depart from Ollantaytambo, you can explore this archaeological site before continuing your journey—of course, if you plan ahead.
- Regarding train tickets to Machu Picchu and their prices, you will also find better deals if you purchase them in advance.
Vistadome Observatory train ticket to Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I buy Machu Picchu entrance tickets?
There are two ways to purchase Machu Picchu entrance tickets. The first and safest option is to buy them online. This method ensures you get the ticket for the date and time that best suits you. The second option is to buy them in person, which is less recommended because you might not find the ticket or route you want.
2) How far in advance should I book to secure my visit to Machu Picchu?
It is recommended to book at least one month in advance. This timeframe will allow you to find time slots close to your preferred schedule. However, the best option is to book and purchase your ticket at least two months in advance.
3) What are the different types of Machu Picchu tickets available?
There are 10 different tickets available during peak season. During this time, four additional tickets are added to the regular six available in the low season. Here’s an overview:
4) What happens if I don’t use my Machu Picchu entrance ticket?
If you don’t use your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, unfortunately, you will miss out on experiencing one of the world’s wonders and also lose the money you paid for the ticket. There are no refunds for unused tickets. Additionally, Machu Picchu tickets are non-transferable.
5) What can I do if tickets are sold out for my desired date?
The best option is to look for a ticket within the same Circuit to have a similar experience. Another option is to book for a date close to your original choice. It is not advisable to purchase tickets from unreliable sources or from people offering them near the entrance area.
6) Can I change the date of my ticket after purchasing it?
Unfortunately, ticket dates cannot be changed. If you need to reschedule, the only option is to cancel your ticket in time to request a refund. However, a penalty fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Esteban C.“My best trip“
“I have really enjoyed Cusco and Machu Picchu with my partner. She was of the idea of planning everything in detail and even booking in advance. Thanks to that I was even able to visit other destinations in Peru such as Arequipa and Puno.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 17, 2025