Machu Picchu ticket and guide service
Machu Picchu offers 10 different tickets to get to Machu Picchu, so a guided service is required to learn more about Machu Picchu. Although Circuit 2 currently offers a more complete tour with its two routes, the new routes and new tickets can offer new experiences. The experiences are greatly enriched by the presence of official tour guides that can be hired in Machu Picchu. However, for some new routes it may not be necessary to hire one at all. In this blog, we will tell you everything related to Machu Picchu and the guided service. Let’s get started!
- Machu Picchu ticket in regular season
- Machu Picchu tickets in high season
- The guide service in Machu Picchu?
- Is a guide essential for visiting Machu Picchu?
- Tickets to enter with a guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tourist couple admiring Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is located on the top of a mountain. To gain entry, you must travel by bus, train, and then bus again. After that, you must show the reserved ticket along with your passport or identity document. Only after this validation will you be able to enter.
Tickets can be booked online, through the official Peruvian government website, and also through travel agencies or websites that often offer complete packages to discover this wonder of the world.
The trips will normally start in Cusco or Ollantaytambo. If you start in Cusco, you can choose to travel by bus and train (Bimodal Service) and from Ollantaytambo the direct train trip. However, and to avoid getting tangled up in so many tickets, a travel agency usually offers everything you need to get to Machu Picchu such as:
- The train ticket to reach Machu Picchu Pueblo (sometimes by bimodal service).
- The ticket to travel on the ecological buses to the access area to Machu Picchu.
- The entrance ticket to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Assistance of a tour guide with an authorized and verified guide license.
- The bus ticket to return to Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.
- Finally, the train ticket or bimodal service to return to Cusco.
- They can also help you acquire a hotel either in Cusco or Machu Picchu Pueblo.
It is important to purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu months in advance, especially during the high season. It is normal to make reservations months in advance, the recommended advance notice to purchase tickets is 2 to 3 months. Below are more details about entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu ticket in regular season
Tickets to enter Machu Picchu during the regular season are considered to be tickets that can be reserved throughout the year, but the tour can only be done from October 16 to May 31. But not throughout the year, since the rest of the tickets, from the high season, are only added. The regular season tickets are the following:
| Ticket or entry route to Machu Picchu | This is the route with this ticket |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard Photo | It allows you to climb to the upper platform and see Machu Picchu from the different viewing points offered. It is also possible to see part of the routes that can be done from this platform. One of the obligatory points of this route is to visit the Guardian’s House . In addition to taking the classic postcard photo. |
| Machu Picchu + Mountain | This is one of the tickets that includes a short hiking route. The destination will be nothing more than the highest point of Machu Picchu. The views from this place and also during the ascent are truly incredible. The hike can take approximately 6 hours. Something that benefits from this ticket is that you are allowed to visit and walk around the upper platforms and take the classic postcard photo. |
| Machu Picchu Classic Circuit | This is one of the most complete tours that can be done to get to know the Inca citadel. The tour begins at the main entrance and ascends through the upper platforms until reaching the main access point. From there you can see the main temples and appreciate the main differences between the architectural styles. The tour reaches close to the Sacred Rock and ends in the lower area of Machu Picchu. |
| Machu Picchu Classic Circuit (Lower Terrace) | Another of the most complete circuits and therefore most requested by tourists. The route begins from the main entrance and ascends the platforms until reaching near the upper platform. From there, you can take the classic postcard photo and continue with the tour of the main temples, passing through the Main Plaza and contemplating the wide religious and ceremonial esplanades. The tour ends passing through the lower area, the sacred rock and the ancient warehouses or colcas. |
| Machu Picchu + Royal Route or Lower Temples | This is another of the tours that best suited tourists. Today, it is quite a long walk because it allows you to enter the Inca citadel. Everything starts from the agricultural area, passing through the main temples in the lower area. You can also get another perspective of the wide esplanades in relation to the main temples in the upper area of Machu Picchu. The tour also allows you to see the Sacred Rock and then proceed to leave. |
| Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu | This is one of the most popular routes and one with the highest demand from tourists. Although this route has changed slightly, it is still feasible for many, especially for those who know the greatness of this route. It covers part of the Qhapac Ñam that allows you to reach the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain. There you can find Inca constructions and truly impressive views of the entire mountain range. Likewise, it will be possible to have a route similar to that of the Royal Route. |
Machu Picchu tickets in high season
Tickets to enter Machu Picchu during the regular season are considered to be tickets that can be reserved throughout the year, but the tour can only be done from June 1 to October 15. Below, we show you which tickets are added to the list we mentioned above.
| Ticket or entry route to Machu Picchu | This is the route with this ticket |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge | This ticket is available during the high season. It allows you to go up to the top platform, so you can take the famous postcard photo. It also allows you to take a walk around all the viewpoints on the top terrace before heading towards the Inca Bridge. The route is along Inca paths and allows you to reach a construction that is quite similar to a bridge made of logs and stones that led to routes that would lead to the low jungle. After an explanation, a tour and photographs, it is time to start the return trip along the same path. |
| Machu Picchu + Inti Punku | It allows you to follow the original route of the entrance to Machu Picchu that connects with the 4-day or 2-day Inca Trail route. In this way, you reach the famous Inti Punku, an Inca construction that leads to one of the best views of Machu Picchu. In addition, along the way you can find other Inca constructions and ceremonial stones of great value. This route can only be done in high season. However, as we mentioned, it is the original step of the Inca Trail in any of its variations. The walking time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. |
| Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu | This route follows the paths that connect Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu. During this path you take a slight detour towards this mountain. The destination will be a small hill where you can find remains of Inca constructions and also beautiful views of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The hike is easy to do despite the fact that it is a steep slope. The journey time is approximately 1 hour. You can also have an easy tour of the Inca citadel. |
| Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern | Another route that goes beyond the Inca citadel. After a brief tour of Machu Picchu following the lower sector, it is time to continue the route to Huayna Picchu and take a detour. The walk in this case is descending and for approximately 2 hours. The destination is the construction of a temple that lies under a large stone that gives the impression of being a cave. It is a destination quite different from the rest, but it can only be done during the high season. |
The guide service in Machu Picchu?
- It is important to know that the guide service is not included in the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- You can hire a tour guide at the entrance or long before.
- Some travel agencies offer guided tours among their services, so you no longer have to worry about anything.
- There are also some agencies that can help you contact a guide for your tour in case you have already booked everything else.
- It is recommended to take the Machu Picchu tour to receive all the information about the place and learn more about the site.
Guided tour in Machu Picchu
Is a guide essential for visiting Machu Picchu?
A guided tour of Machu Picchu is considered one of the best cultural experiences in the world. Although it is now mandatory to enter the Inca city with a guide, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy everything that a guide can offer you during your visit to Machu Picchu. The guided tour lasts approximately two hours.
A good guide will make your visit to Machu Picchu not only a visual delight, but also an experience for all your senses. A guide will help you understand the meaning of each structure and enclosure of the Inca city, will explain the reason for its remote location, will tell you stories and legends that have survived to this day, will tell you the recent history of Machu Picchu and its great importance for humanity as one of the greatest cultural legacies in the world. In addition, a guide will make your tour of the Inca city more pleasant and organized.
Tickets to enter with a guide
- Machu Picchu Classic Circuit – Ideal for children and seniors because the tour is easy to follow. The guide will take you on the correct route and explain the importance of each of the Inca sites.
- Machu Picchu, Classic Circuit (Lower Terrace) – It is recommended to do it with the whole family. The tour will take you through the main buildings and the guide will explain how they were built, the importance of the site and its current influence.
- Machu Picchu + Royal Route or Lower Temples – This can also be done with the whole family. The tour begins from the agricultural area with beautiful views from inside the Inca citadel.
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu – It is recommended to do this route with a guide to help you along the route and also to understand the importance of the route and the buildings that can be seen at the top of the place.
- Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern – It is recommended to do this route with a guide so that you can learn more about the religious world of the Incas and the Andean worldview.
Enjoying the view of the Inca citadel Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is it necessary to take the tour with a tour guide?
It is not really necessary to take a tour. However, to have a better understanding of the place, it is advisable to do so with a tour guide.
2) How do I know that the person I contact is an authorized guide?
Tour guides must wear appropriate clothing and also, very importantly, a card showing their details and their Machu Picchu guide license.
3) What type of guiding service do you offer?
Guided tours in Machu Picchu are usually private. This service is a bit more expensive, however, it is possible to do it on a shared basis to do the tour with other tourists, but the prices are also cheaper.
4) Can I find a guide for any entry time?
Yes, guides are usually waiting at the entrance area from the earliest times. You can also contact a travel agency to take the tour with a tour guide.
5) Do the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu include any other services?
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu do not include any other services. Therefore, to make the trip you must book train tickets, bus tickets and even the guide service.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Mili T.“Excellent“
“We bought the tickets and hired a guide for the visit to Machu Picchu, everything was fast and excellent. Eddy (our guide) was very well prepared and really made our visit very interesting. The service was always very friendly during all the emails we sent.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 17, 2025