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The limit of visits to Machu Picchu – Know the shifts, schedules and more

Machu Picchu is constantly evolving, offering new ways to experience the Inca citadel. Now, there is a total daily availability of 5,600 tickets (for the high season), which are divided into different circuits and routes to explore Machu Picchu and its main attractions. Additionally, the high season has been officially established, increasing the daily ticket availability and maximum capacity. Below, you will find all the details about the new Machu Picchu tour routes.



Couple of Visitors at the Wonder of the World
Couple of Visitors at the Wonder of the World

A new way to visit Machu Picchu

Since June 1, 2024, the ticketing system for Machu Picchu has been reorganized to enhance the visitor experience and protect the archaeological site. Now, tickets are divided into three main circuits, each offering specific routes with different perspectives and difficulty levels.

The new circuits and entrance tickets

Circuit 1: Panoramic

This circuit allows visitors to explore the upper terraces of Machu Picchu, providing ideal panoramic views for the classic postcard photo. It includes four routes:

  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo Ticket: Access to the main viewpoints.
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket: Includes the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket: Allows access to the Inca Bridge.
  • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket: Access to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate.

Circuit 2: Classic

This circuit covers the central part of the citadel, including iconic structures such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple Plaza. It offers two routes:

  • Machu Picchu Classic Ticket: Tour through the main archaeological sectors.
  • Machu Picchu Classic (Lower Terrace) Ticket: Includes additional areas in the lower terraces.

Circuit 3: Royalty

This circuit focuses on sacred areas and offers more challenging hikes. It includes four routes:

  • Machu Picchu Lower Temples Ticket: Visit to temples located in the lower section.
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket: Access to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon Ticket: Includes the hike to the Temple of the Moon.
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket: Access to Huchuy Picchu Mountain.
Circuits in Machu Picchu
Circuits in Machu Picchu

Seasons to visit Machu Picchu

The regular season to visit Machu Picchu is divided into two main periods based on climate and tourist influx:

Dry Season (April to October)

Climate: This period corresponds to the dry season in the Andes, with clear skies and sunny days. It is ideal for enjoying panoramic views and taking photos.

Tourist Influx: This is the busiest time, especially in June, July, and August due to international vacations.

Advantages:

  • Lower chance of rain.
  • Well-defined and safe trails.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher prices for transportation and accommodation.
  • Need to book tickets months in advance.

Rainy Season (November to March)

Climate: This is the rainy season, with a higher probability of precipitation. Rain can be light or heavy, affecting the experience at the archaeological site.

Tourist Influx: Fewer tourists, making for a quieter experience and more affordable prices.

Advantages:

  • Fewer visitors, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
  • Lower costs for tourism services.

Disadvantages:

  • Slippery paths and occasional closures of routes like the Inca Trail.
  • More unpredictable weather.
  • Frequent rain.
Panoramic View of Machu Picchu
Panoramic View of Machu Picchu

The official regular season at Machu Picchu

When does it start?

  • The regular season in Machu Picchu will be before and after the high season.
  • That is, the regular season will start on October 16 and end on May 31.
  • During the regular season, you can find 6 types of tickets.

Which tickets can be reserved?

  • The tickets that can be reserved during the regular season of Machu Picchu are:
    • Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard.
    • Machu Picchu + Mountain.
    • Machu Picchu Classic Route.
    • Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace).
    • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
    • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples.

When can I reserve?

  • These tickets can be reserved well in advance. Below, we detail the earliest reservation times.
    • Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard, should be reserved 1 or 2 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Mountain, should be reserved 1 or 2 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu Classic Route, should be reserved 2 or 3 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace), should be reserved 2 or 3 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, should be reserved 2 or 3 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples, should be reserved 1 or 2 months in advance.

What is the daily availability?

Regular Season TicketsDaily Availability in Regular Season
Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard350 tickets
Machu Picchu + Mountain400 tickets
Machu Picchu Classic Route1350 tickets
Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace)1400 tickets
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu400 tickets
Machu Picchu + Lower Temples600 tickets
Total Available Tickets4500 tickets
Tourists on the upper terrace of Machu Picchu
Tourists on the upper terrace of Machu Picchu

The official high season at Machu Picchu

When does it start?

  • The high season in Machu Picchu occurs almost mid-year
  • That is, the high season will start on June 1 and end on October 15.
  • During the high season, you can find 10 types of tickets. Four additional tickets are added to the regular season tickets.

Which tickets can be reserved?

  • During the high season in Machu Picchu, more availability is added for the routes of the regular season, and new entrance tickets are also introduced.
  • The tickets added during the high season are:
    • Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge.
    • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu.
    • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku.
    • Machu Picchu + Moon Temple.

When can I reserve?

  • These tickets can be reserved well in advance. Below, we detail the earliest reservation times.
    • Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard, should be reserved 2 to 3 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Mountain, should be reserved 2 to 3 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu Classic Route, should be reserved 3 to 4 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace), should be reserved 3 to 4 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, should be reserved 2 to 3 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples, should be reserved 2 or 3 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge, should be reserved 1 or 2 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu, should be reserved 1 month in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Moon Temple, should be reserved 1 or 2 months in advance.
    • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku, should be reserved 1 or 2 months in advance.

What is the daily availability?

High Season TicketsDaily Availability in High Season
Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard450 tickets
Machu Picchu + Mountain400 tickets
Machu Picchu Classic Route1550 tickets
Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace)1500 tickets
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu400 tickets
Machu Picchu + Lower Temples800 tickets
Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge80 tickets
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu50 tickets
Machu Picchu + Moon Temple200 tickets
Machu Picchu + Inti Punku180 tickets
Total Available Tickets5600 tickets
Tourists entering through the main gate of Machu Picchu
Tourists entering through the main gate of Machu Picchu

How long can i stay inside Machu Picchu?

The duration of stay in Machu Picchu will depend on the route you choose. There are 10 different durations based on the routes and complementary activities available. Below, we provide the duration allowed by each type of entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

  • Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard Photo – The time for the upper platform tour is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain – The walking time to the mountain, along with the time spent on the upper platform, totals 7 hours.
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route – The time for touring the entire Inca city of Machu Picchu is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace) – The time for touring the entire Inca city of Machu Picchu is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu – The walking time to Huayna Picchu, along with the time spent on the upper platform, totals 7 hours.
  • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples – The time for the tour of the lower zone of Machu Picchu is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Temples – The walking time to the Inca Bridge, along with the time spent on the upper platform, totals 3 hours.
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu – The walking time to Huchuy Picchu, along with the tour of the city, totals 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon – The walking time to the Temple of the Moon, along with the tour of the city, totals 7 hours.
  • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku – The walking time to Inti Punku, along with the time spent on the upper platform, totals 4 hours.
Friends observing the Inca city of Machu Picchu
Friends observing the Inca city of Machu Picchu

Where to make reservations?

Reservations can be made either in person or online. The online method is highly recommended as it allows you to choose your tickets more effectively and check availability in real-time.

To make an online reservation, you can visit the Ministry of Culture’s website or our website: boletomachupicchu.com, where you will also find other services to help you get to Machu Picchu.

For in-person reservations, you can go to either Cusco or Machu Picchu Pueblo. The addresses are as follows:

  • Casa Garcilaso de la Vega S/N, near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
  • Avenida Hermanos Ayar S/N, near the Plaza de Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.

More frequently asked questions

  • 1) What are the new entry circuits to Machu Picchu?

    The new circuits are divided into three main categories:

    • Circuit 1: Panoramic (viewpoints and classic photos).
    • Circuit 2: Classic (central tour, such as the Temple of the Sun).
    • Circuit 3: Royalty (sacred areas and more demanding hikes, such as Huayna Picchu).
  • 2) How can I purchase tickets to Machu Picchu?

    Tickets can be purchased through the official site tuboleto.cultura.pe or through authorized travel agencies like Boletomachupicchu.com.

  • 3) What is included in each type of ticket?

    Each ticket includes access to a specific circuit, with additional options such as:

    • Machu Picchu Mountain.
    • Huayna Picchu.
    • Inca Bridge.
    • Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
    • Temple of the Moon.

    It is important to note that Machu Picchu tickets, in any of the 10 cases, do not include other services like the train, bus, or guided tours of the Inca city.

  • 4) How many tickets should I buy to visit more than one circuit?

    Each ticket is valid for only one circuit. If you wish to visit more than one circuit, you need to buy separate tickets for each one.

  • 5) Is a guide necessary for the circuits?

    Yes, current regulations require an official accredited guide to conduct the tours in Machu Picchu.

  • 6) How long does each circuit last?

    • Circuit 1: 2-3 hours (depending on pace and photo stops). This does not include hiking routes.
    • Circuit 2: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
    • Circuit 3: 3-4 hours, especially if it includes hikes like Huayna Picchu or the Temple of the Moon.
  • 7) Which tickets include access to Huayna Picchu?

    Only the combined “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu” tickets allow access to this mountain, with specific entry times. These specific routes are designed to ensure the safety of visitors.

  • 8) Can tickets be rescheduled?

    Yes, but it will depend on availability and the policies in place. If changes are needed, consult the ticket provider. Rescheduling is usually very difficult to achieve, and if any problems arise, it is recommended to cancel the ticket to at least recover some of the money.

  • 9) What restrictions are there for visitors?

    • Food, drones, poles (except for medical reasons), and large backpacks are not allowed.
    • You may bring small snacks and drinks, but do not leave any trash behind.
    • Entry must be made within the time specified on the ticket. Usually, there is a waiting time of 30 minutes, though it can sometimes extend to 45 minutes.
  • 10) Are there any discounts available?

    Yes, there are significant discounts for:

    • University students (with valid student ID and under 25 years old).
    • Children under 12 years old.
    • Citizens of the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia).
    • People with disabilities and war veterans (only for Peruvians) can enter for free.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

Samx C.By: Samx C.

“Truly amazing“

“It is something really amazing, but to see it in front of you with your own eyes surpasses the 10,000 photos you have seen of Machu Picchu, to be in one of its mountains, to see it from above and to have a complete idea of how big it is, tells you why it was chosen as one of the wonders of the modern world. A place to take some time and enjoy it, rather feel it I would say.“

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 1, 2025