Did you know that you can enter Machu Picchu in 10 shifts: from 6 am you can enter for 1 hour until 3 pm. In the case of tickets that include the mountains (Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain), the entrance times are mostly in the morning. In addition, there is a ticket that allows you to visit the little-known Inca Bridge and new hiking trails to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) and the Temple of the Moon (the Great Cavern). Please note that booking your entrance tickets in advance will allow you to choose the type of ticket and schedule you prefer. The times will depend on the entrance ticket you have chosen. In total there are 10 types of tickets offering different experiences and schedules.

• Machu Picchu Entrance Hours
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo
  • Machu Picchu Classic
  • Machu Picchu Classic lower terrace
  • Machu Picchu Lower part temples
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu
  • Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge
  • Machu Picchu + Intipunku
  • Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon
• How to manage schedules and not miss anything in Machu Picchu?
• Machu Picchu 1 day tour – How to manage schedules?
• Machu Picchu 2 day tour – How to manage schedules?
• Visit to Huayna Picchu – How to manage schedules?
• Visit to Machu Picchu mountain – How to manage schedules?
• Visit to Huchuy Picchu mountain – How to manage schedules?
• Visit to Inca Bridge – How to manage schedules?
• Visit to Intipunku – How to manage schedules?
• Visit to Temple of the Moon – How to manage schedules?
• Train schedules
• Bus schedules
• Why visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon?
• Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu timetables
• Recommendations for managing the Machu Picchu timetable

Checkpoint for entrance to Machu Picchu

Visit to Machu Picchu with two entrance tickets
Today the visit to Machu Picchu lasts less time with the three established circuits and the 10 types of tickets available. Circuit 2, considered the most complete, allows a visit of 2 hours 30 minutes maximum. Given this, many visitors choose to purchase two tickets for the same day or distribute them over two different days. Which of the tickets are the best options for sightseeing? Definitely the first option is to choose the ticket ‘Machu Picchu Classic’ or the ticket ‘Machu Picchu Classic lower terrace’, which allow a route through circuit 2, the most recommended. The other ticket to choose should be a trekking route through circuit 3, such as: the entrance to Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu or the Temple of the Moon. In addition to the hikes offered, the visitor can go on circuit 3, of the royalty and see more Inca constructions in the lower part.

Machu Picchu Entrance Hours

1. Machu Picchu Classic Photo

With this ticket you can choose to enter Machu Picchu at 10 different times. The shifts and schedules are as follows:

• Group 1. Entrance from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Group 3. Entrance from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Group 4. Entrance from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Group 5. Entrance from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Group 6. Entrance from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Group 7. Entrance from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Group 8. Entrance from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Group 9. Entrance from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Group 10. Entrance from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

More information about the Machu Picchu Classic Photo ticket:

• There are approximately twenty-five tickets available in each of the shifts.
• You can stay for 2 hours and 30 minutes from the time of your admission.

Classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House

2. Machu Picchu Classic

With this ticket you can choose to enter Machu Picchu at 10 different times. The shifts and schedules are as follows:

• Group 1. Entrance from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Group 3. Entrance from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Group 4. Entrance from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Group 5. Entrance from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Group 6. Entrance from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Group 7. Entrance from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Group 8. Entrance from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Group 9. Entrance from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Group 10. Entrance from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

More information about the Machu Picchu Classic ticket:

• There are approximately fifty tickets available in each of the shifts.
• You can stay for 2 hours and 30 minutes from the time of your admission.

3. Machu Picchu Classic lower terrace

With this ticket you can choose to enter Machu Picchu at 10 different times. The shifts and schedules are as follows:

• Group 1. Entrance from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Group 3. Entrance from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Group 4. Entrance from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Group 5. Entrance from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Group 6. Entrance from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Group 7. Entrance from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Group 8. Entrance from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Group 9. Entrance from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Group 10. Entrance from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

More information about the Machu Picchu Classic ticket lower terrace:

• There are approximately fifty tickets available in each of the shifts.
• You can stay for 2 hours and 30 minutes from the time of your admission.

Photo of Machu Picchu that can be obtained from the Lower Terrace

4. Machu Picchu Lower part temples

With this ticket you can choose to enter Machu Picchu at 10 different times. The shifts and schedules are as follows:

• Group 1. Entrance from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Group 3. Entrance from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Group 4. Entrance from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Group 5. Entrance from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Group 6. Entrance from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Group 7. Entrance from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Group 8. Entrance from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Group 9. Entrance from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Group 10. Entrance from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

More information about the Machu Picchu lower temples ticket:

• There are approximately twenty-five tickets available in each of the shifts.
• You may stay for 2 hours and 30 minutes from the time of your admission.

5. Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

This ticket has a daily availability of 200 people. There are 2 groups or schedules for entrance to Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu Mountain.

• Group 1. Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 6 a.m. to 6.30 a.m. while entrance to Huayna Picchu is to 8 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 9 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. while entrance to Huayna Picchu is to 11 a.m.

More information about the Huayna Picchu ticket:

• It is a good idea to book this ticket 4 months in advance. It is the one that sells out the fastest.
• Only people over 18 years old can access Waynapicchu.
• The ticket is available all year round.

Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain)

6. Machu Picchu + Mountain

The entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is similar to Waynapicchu. This hike is difficult, but offers spectacular views 600 meters above the Inca City.

• Group 1. Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 6 a.m. to 6.30 a.m. while entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is to 8 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 8 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. while entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is to 10 a.m.

More information about the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket:

• A total of 400 tickets are available for each day.
• You can tour this mountain in the company of family and friends. There is no age limit.
• The visit to Machu Picchu mountain is available all year round.

7. Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu

This ticket is available for 200 people per day. The entrance is done in two different schedules. It includes the entrance to Machu Picchu and the new trekking route to Huchuy Picchu mountain.

• Group 1. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 11 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. while entrance to Huchuy Picchu is to 12 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 1 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. while entrance to Huchuy Picchu is to 2 p.m.

More information about the Huchuy Picchu Mountain ticket:

• There are 100 tickets available in each of the shifts.
• You can stay for 4 hours from your entrance time.
• The visit to Huchuy Picchu is available from June 1 to October 15.

Top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain

8. Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge

This ticket has availability for 200 people per day. The entrance is carried out in 4 different schedules. It includes the entrance to Machu Picchu and the little known route to the Inca Bridge.

• Group 1. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Group 3. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Group 4. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

More information about the Huchuy Picchu Mountain ticket:

• There are 50 tickets available in each of the four schedules.
• You can stay in Machu Picchu for 2 hours 30 minutes from your entrance time.
• The route to Huchuy Picchu is available from June 1 to October 15.

9. Machu Picchu + Intipunku

This ticket is available for 200 people per day. The entrance is done in four different schedules. It includes the entrance to Machu Picchu and the new trekking route to Intipunku (Sun Gate).

• Group 1. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Group 3. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Group 4. Entrance to Machupicchu is from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

More information about the Huchuy Picchu Mountain ticket:

• There are 50 tickets available in each of the shifts.
• You can stay for 4 hours from your entrance time.
• The visit to Intipunku is available from June 1 to October 15.

Tourists on their way to Intipunku (Sun Gate)

10. Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon

This ticket is available for 100 people per day. The entrance is done in four different schedules. It includes the entrance to Machu Picchu and the new trekking route to the Temple of the Moon (Great Cavern).

• Group 1. Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 6 a.m. to 6.30 a.m. while entrance to the Temple of the Moon is to 8 a.m.
• Group 2. Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 9 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. while entrance to the Temple of the Moon is to 11 a.m.

More information about the Huchuy Picchu Mountain ticket:

• There are 50 tickets available in each of the shifts.
• You can stay for 5 hours from the time of your admission.

How to manage schedules and not miss anything in Machu Picchu?

Many people think that the schedules in Machu Picchu are very tight. However, if you drive punctually, time is enough to fully enjoy the Wonder of the World.

How to manage the schedules in the Inca City?

If they enter early in the morning (from 6 am)

• 6 am to 7 am – Enter Machu Picchu and appreciate the sunrise
• 7 am to 9 am – Tour the Inca City accompanied by a guide
• 9 am to 10 am – Tour the Inca site on your own and enjoy the landscape

If they enter in the afternoon (from 1 pm)

• 1 pm to 3 pm – Enter Machu Picchu and do the tour accompanied by a guide.
• 3 pm to 5 pm – Tour the Inca site on your own and appreciate the sunset.

Machu Picchu 1 day tour – How to manage schedules?

The 1 day trip to Machu Picchu is very tight, however it is not impossible. To achieve this, the visitor must choose the ticket Machu Picchu Only (from 11 am).

Machu Picchu 1 day visit schedules:

• 6 am to 7.30 am – Travel by bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• 7.45 am to 9.15 am – Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• 10 am to 11 am – Travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• 11 a.m. a 3 p.m. – Visit to Machu Picchu.
• 3 pm to 3.30 pm – Travel by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• 4.20 pm to 6.10 pm – Travel by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• 6.10 pm to 7.40 pm – Travel by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Machu Picchu 2 day tour – How to manage schedules?

The 2-day trip to Machu Picchu is the ideal one. To make the most of it, the visitor must choose the ticket Machu Picchu Only shift tomorrow (from 6 am)

Machu Picchu 2 day tour schedule:

Día 1:

• 8 am to 9.30 am – Travel by bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• 10.30 am to 12.10 pm – Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• 12.30 am to 2 pm – Rest in hotel and lunch in Aguas Calientes.
• 2 pm to 5 pm – Free afternoon to visit the town of Aguas Calientes.
• 5 pm to 8 pm – Visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

Día 2:

• 5 am to 6 am – Travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• 6 am to 7 am – Appreciate the natural sunrise in the Inca City.
• 7 am to 9 am – Visit to Machu Picchu with a tour guide.
• 9 am – 10 am – Machu Picchu on your own.
• 10 am to 11 am – Travel by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• 12 pm to 2 pm – Lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes.
• 3.20 pm to 5.10 pm – Travel by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• 5.10 pm to 6.40 pm – Travel by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Visit to Huayna Picchu – How to manage schedules?

If they enter from 6 a.m.

• 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and appreciate the sunrise.
• 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Tour Huayna Picchu or the trekking route according to your ticket.
• 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. – Tour the Inca City on the way out.
• 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Get photos of llamas and Machu Picchu before departure.

If you enter from 9 a.m.

• 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Tour the Inca site accompanied by a tour guide.
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Tour Huayna Picchu.
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Enjoy the scenery of the Wonder of the World.

Visit to Machu Picchu mountain – How to manage schedules?

If they enter from 6 am.

• 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and appreciate the sunrise.
• 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Tour the mountain.
• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Get the last photos and leave Machu Picchu.

If they enter from 8 a.m.

• 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and head to the mountain.
• 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Tour Machu Picchu Mountain.
• 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Visit Machu Picchu Circuit 1 (get photos) and leave the Inca city.

Visit to Huchuy Picchu mountain – How to manage schedules?

If you enter early in the morning (from 11 a.m.)

• 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and walk through the Inca city (circuit 3) to the gate of Huchuy Picchu.
• 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Hike the Huchuy Picchu mountain.
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Tour the Inca site, get the last photos and leave Machu Picchu.

If you enter in the afternoon (from 1 p.m.)

• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and walk through the Inca city (circuit 3) to the gate of Huchuy Picchu.
• 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Walk around the Huchuy Picchu mountain.
• 3 pm. to 4 pm. – Tour the Inca site, get the last photos and leave Machu Picchu.

Visit to Inca Bridge – How to manage schedules?

If you enter early in the morning (from 8 a.m.)

• 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the Guardian’s House (classic postcard photo).
• 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Tour the Inca Bridge.
• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Last pictures in Machu Picchu and departure from the Inca city.

If they enter in the morning (from 9 a.m.)

• 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the Guardian’s House (classic postcard photo).
• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Tour the Inca Bridge.
• 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. – Last pictures in Machu Picchu and departure from the Inca city.

If you enter in the morning (from 10 a.m.)

• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the Guardian’s House (classic postcard photo).
• 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. – Tour the Inca Bridge.
• 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Last pictures in Machu Picchu and departure from the Inca city.

If entering in the morning (from 11 a.m.)

• 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the Guardian’s House (classic postcard photo).
• 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Walk the Inca Bridge.
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Last pictures in Machu Picchu and departure from the Inca city.

Visit to Intipunku – How to manage schedules?

If you enter early in the morning (from 8 a.m.)

• 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the Guardian’s House (classic postcard photo).
• 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Tour the Intipunku.
• 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. – Last pictures in Machu Picchu and departure from the Inca city.

If they enter in the morning (from 9 a.m.)

• 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the Guardian’s House (classic postcard photo).
• 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. – Tour the Intipunku.
• 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Last pictures in Machu Picchu and departure from the Inca city.

If you enter in the morning (from 10 a.m.)

• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the Guardian’s House (classic postcard photo).
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Tour the Intipunku.
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Last pictures in Machu Picchu and departure from the Inca city.

If entering in the morning (from 11 a.m.)

• 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the Guardian’s House (classic postcard photo).
• 12 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Tour the Intipunku.
• 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Last pictures in Machu Picchu and departure from the Inca city.

Visit to Temple of the Moon – How to manage schedules?

If you enter early in the morning (from 6 a.m.)

• 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and walk through the Inca city (circuit 3) to the Huayna Picchu gate (gate that leads to the Temple of the Moon).
• 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Tour the Temple of the Moon.
• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Tour the Inca site, get the last photos and leave Machu Picchu.

If you enter in the afternoon (from 8 a.m.)

• 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and walk through the Inca city (circuit 3) to the Huayna Picchu gate (gate that leads to the Temple of the Moon).
• 9 am. to 12 am. Tour the Temple of the Moon.
• 12 am. to 1 pm. – Tour the Inca site, get the last photos and leave Machu Picchu.

Train schedules

Currently, there are two train companies to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both have different train services that depart at different times.

Peru Rail ‘Vistadome’ service train schedules (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Peru Rail ‘Expedition’ service train schedules (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Inca Rail ‘Voyager’ train schedules (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Inca Rail ‘Private’ service train schedules (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Bus schedules

The buses leave from the town of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu approximately every 10 minutes. The first bus leaves at 5.30 am The last one, at 3.30 pm

The bus trip takes 30 minutes on average. The Inca City opens its doors from 6 am The departure time is at 5 pm

You can buy bus tickets in the city of Cusco: av. Infancia 433 or in the same town of Aguas Calientes: Avenida Hermanos Ayar S/N.

Why visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon?

Machu Picchu concentrates a greater number of visitors in the mornings. However, the afternoon schedule offers a similar experience with less tourist traffic.

Machu Picchu in the afternoon offers the following advantages:

• Lower concentration of tourists. The visitor can have Machu Picchu only to himself.
• Better environment for taking photos. According to specialists, Machu Picchu looks more radiant with the rays of the sunset sun.
• Best time to meditate in Machu Picchu in silence.

Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu timetables

• 1) Is Machu Picchu open every day of the year?

  Yes, the Inca Citadel remains open every day of the year, except for emergency situations. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 2) Can I stay in Machu Picchu all day?

  There are 10 entrance hours to the Inca City. Each one allows a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes of permanence in the archaeological site.

• 3) How long can I be in Machu Picchu with the ticket to Huayna Picchu?

  The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket allows you to stay up to 5 hours after entering the Inca City.

• 4) How long can I be in the Inca City with the ticket to the Machu Picchu mountain?

  The Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket allows you to stay up to 6 hours after entering the Inca City.

• 5) Does Machu Picchu have night hours?

  No, currently the Inca City is not in a position to host tourists during the night.

• 6) Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu in just one day?

  Yes. To visit the Wonder of the World in a single day, the tourist must leave at dawn from the city of Cusco. The itinerary is tight and difficult but it is possible.

• 7) Is it possible to visit Huayna Picchu in a single day?

  Yes, to visit the Waynapicchu mountain in one day, the visitor has to leave Cusco very early in the morning. The tourist must book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket in Group 2 (entrance to the mountain until 11 am).

• 8) Are the trains to Machu Picchu punctual?

  Yes. Trains depart and arrive at the exact time except in emergencies.

• 9) Are the buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on time?

  Yes. The buses leave every 5 or 10 minutes towards the entrance gate of the Inca City. However, during the mornings (5 am to 7 am) long lines form to take the bus. This is because many tourists want to be among the first to enter. The only recommendation is to have patience and good humor.

• 10) Can I enter Machu Picchu at a different time than the one established in the ticket?

  No. The visit to the Inca City is only on the day, time or group chosen. It is not possible to enter at 8 am with a ticket scheduled for 6 am.

Recommendations for managing the Machu Picchu timetable

• Train tickets are as important as tickets to Machu Picchu. We recommend that you reserve them immediately after knowing on what date you will enter the Inca City.
• The high season of tourism in Machu Picchu runs from May to August. For those months you must book in advance entrance tickets, plane, trains, hotels, guides and additional tours.
• To visit the Inca City in the morning, the best option is to spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
• In the afternoon, there is less crowding in Machu Picchu. If you want a more peaceful and quiet visit, it is best to choose a time from noon.
• If you have free time in Aguas Calientes, take advantage of it by visiting the hot springs, the artisan market or the Mándor waterfalls.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Marialé G.

“The best experience“

“Beautiful hike, full of beautiful landscapes and a lot of history. Machu Picchu is rightfully a world wonder, the energy you feel is indescribable. I would come back a thousand times.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024