Did you know that you can enter Machu Picchu in two shifts: the morning shift starting at 6 am and the afternoon shift starting at noon.

In the case of tickets that include the mountains (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu), the entry times are only in the mornings.

Keep in mind that reserving your entrance tickets in advance will allow you to choose the type of ticket and the time you prefer.

The hours will depend on the entry ticket you have chosen. In total, there are 4 types of tickets that offer different experiences and schedules.

• Schedules of entry to Machu Picchu
  • Machu Picchu Only
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain
  • Machu Picchu + Museum
• How to handle the schedules and not miss anything in Machu Picchu?
• Visit to Machu Picchu for 1 day – How to manage the schedules?
• Visit to Machu Picchu for 2 days – How to manage the schedules?
• Visit to Huayna Picchu for 1 day – How to manage the schedules?
• Visit to Huayna Picchu for 2 days – How to manage schedules?
• Train schedules
• Bus schedules
• Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu timetables
• Recommendations for managing schedules in Machu Picchu

Schedules of entry to Machu Picchu

1. Machu Picchu Only

   With this entry you can choose to enter Machu Picchu in the morning or in the afternoon. The shifts and schedules are the following:

   • Morning shift – from 6 am to 12 pm
   • Afternoon shift – from 12 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

   More information about the ticket Machu Picchu Only:

   • There are 2,500 tickets available in each of the shifts.
   • You can stay for 4 hours from your time of entry. We recommend you to enter very early according to the turn you choose.

2. Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

   There are 200 tickets available for each of the groups.. If you want to not miss anything, we advise you to enter as early as possible. Machu Picchu opens at 6 am.

   • Group 1 – Entrance to the mountain from 7 am to 8 am
   • Group 2 – Entrance to the mountain from 10 am to 11 am

   More information about the ticket Huayna Picchu:

   • This ticket has 200 tickets available in each of the groups.
   • The departure time is until 1 pm in group 1 and until 2 pm in group 2.
   • It is a good idea to book this ticket 4 months before. It is the fastest one that runs out in the Inca City.
   • Only people older than 12 years old can access the Wayna Picchu.

3. Machu Picchu + Mountain

   The entrance to the Machu Picchu mountain is in 2 different schedules. It’s a tired walk. However, the views 600 meters above the Inca City are spectacular.

   • Group 1 – income of 7 a.m. at 8 a.m.
   • Group 2 – income of 9 a.m. at 10 a.m.

   More information about the Mountain Machu Picchu ticket

   • There are 400 tickets available in each of the shifts.
   • It is advisable to enter as soon as possible the Inca City of Machu Picchu (open from 6 am) So you will make the most of your time.
   • You can only stay in the Inca City until 2 pm (group 1) and 3 pm (group 2).
   • You can visit this mountain in the company of family and friends. There are no age limits.

4. Machu Picchu + Museum:

   The museum of Machu Picchu will give you a broad panorama about the history of the Inca City. The entrance includes the visit for the Wonder of the World.

   • Machu Picchu – you can enter the Inca City in any of the shifts:
     • Morning shift – from 6 am to 12 pm
     • Afternoon shift – from 12 pm to 5.30 pm
   • Site Museum – you can enter the museum at the following times:
     • The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 4.30 p.m.

   More information about the ticket Machu Picchu + Museum:

   • If you book this entry, you will receive two tickets in your inbox. One to enter the Site Museum. The other to access the Inca City.
   • You can enter Machu Picchu first and then the museum. Or if you prefer to do it the other way around. Everything depends on the shift you choose to visit the Inca City.

How to handle the schedules and not miss anything in Machu Picchu?

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

How to manage the schedules in the Inca City?

Morning shift:

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

Turno tarde:

• 1 p.m. a 3 p.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and take the tour accompanied by a guide.
• 3 p.m. a 5 p.m. – Visit the Inca site on your own and appreciate the sunset.

How to handle the schedules in Huayna Picchu?

Group 1

• 6 a.m. a 7 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and appreciate the sunrise.
• 7 a.m. a 10 a.m. – Tour Huayna Picchu.
• 10 a.m. a 12 a.m. – Tour the Inca City accompanied by a guide.
• 12 a.m. a 1 p.m. – Walk and enjoy the Inca site on your own.

Group 2:

• 6 a.m. a 7 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and enjoy the sunrise.
• 7 a.m. a 9 a.m. – Tour the Inca site accompanied by a guide.
• 9 a.m. a 10 a.m. – Enjoy the Inca City on your own.
• 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. – Tour Huayna Picchu.
• 1 p.m. a 2 p.m. – Enjoy the landscape of the Wonder of the World.

How to handle the schedules in the Museum of Machu Picchu?

Morning shift:

• 6 a.m. a 10 a.m. – Visit Machu Picchu with a guide and on your own..
• 12 a.m. a 1 p.m. – Have lunch and rest in Aguas Calientes.
• 2 p.m. a 4 p.m. – Visit the Site Museum.

Afternoon shift:

• 10 a.m. a 12 a.m. – Visit the Site Museum.
• 12 a.m. a 1 p.m. – Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
• 1 p.m. a 5 p.m. – Visit Machu Picchu with a guide and on your own.

Visit to Machu Picchu for 1 day – How to handle the 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 – Afternoon Shift (from 12 am to 5.30 pm). This entry is flexible and allows entry from 11 a.m.

• 6 a.m. a 7.30 a.m. – Travel by bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• 7.45 a.m. a 9.15 a.m. – Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• 10 a.m. a 11 a.m. – Travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• 11 a.m. a 3 p.m. – Visit to Machu Picchu in the afternoon shift.
• 3 p.m. a 3.30 p.m. – Travel by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• 4.20 p.m. a 6.10 p.m. – Train trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• 6.10 p.m. a 7.40 p.m. – Travel by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Visit to Machu Picchu for 2 days – How to organize the schedules?

The 2-day trip to Machu Picchu is the ideal. To make the most of it, the visitor must choose the ticket Machu Picchu Only – Morning shift (from 6 am to 12 pm). Do you want to be in the Wonder of the World all day? Then you must also reserve the entrance of the afternoon shift for the same day (from 12 pm to 5.30 pm).

Schedule visit to Machu Picchu for 2 days:

Day 1:

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

Day 2:

• 6 a.m. a 6.30 a.m. – Travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• 6.30 a.m. a 7 a.m. – Appreciate the natural dawn in the Inca City.
• 7 a.m. a 10 a.m. – Visit the Inca City.
• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Visit to Machu Picchu on your own.
• 12 p.m. a 12.30 p.m. – Travel by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• 12.30 p.m. a 2 p.m. – Lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes.
• 3.20 p.m. a 5.10 p.m. – Travel by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• 5.10 p.m. a 6.40 p.m. – Travel by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

* If the visitor wants to stay all day in Machu Picchu, you must take the train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (6.20 pm to 8.05 pm)

Visit to Huayna Picchu for 1 day – How to organize the schedules?

The 1 day trip to Huayna Picchu is very exhausting. To achieve this, the visitor must choose the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Group 2 (entrance to Waynapicchu from 10 am to 11 am).

• 4 a.m. a 5.30 a.m. – Travel by bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• 6.10 a.m. a 7.40 a.m. – Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• 8 a.m. a 8.30 a.m. – Travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• 8.30 a.m. a 10.30 a.m. – Visit to the Inca City.
• 10.30 a.m. a 1.30 p.m. – Visit to the Huayna Picchu mountain.
• 1.30 p.m. a 2 p.m. – Visit the Inca site on your own.
• 2 p.m. a 2.30 p.m. – Travel by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• 3.20 p.m. a 5.10 p.m. – Travel by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• 5.10 p.m. a 6.40 p.m. – Travel by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Visit to Huayna Picchu for 2 days – How to organize the schedules?

The 2-day trip to Huayna Picchu is ideal for a pleasant visit. To enjoy it in the best way, the tourist must choose the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Group 1 (entrance to Waynapicchu from 7 am to 8 am).

Schedule visit to Machu Picchu for 2 days:

Day 1:

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

Día 2:

• 6 a.m. a 6.30 a.m. – Travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• 6.30 a.m. a 7 a.m. – Appreciate the natural dawn in the Inca City.
• 7 a.m. a 8 a.m. – Join the Waynapicchu mountain.
• 8 a.m. 10 a.m. – Visit the mountain Huayna Picchu.
• 10 a.m. a 12 p.m. – Visit the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• 12 p.m. a 1 p.m. – Visit to the Inca site on your own.
• 1 p.m. a 1.30 p.m. – Travel by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• 1.30 p.m. a 3 p.m. – Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
• 4.20 p.m. a 6.10 p.m. – Train trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• 6.10 p.m. a 7.40 p.m. – Travel by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Train schedule

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

Train timetable ‘Vistadome’ service of Peru Rail (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Train timetable ‘Expedition’ service of Peru Rail (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Inca Rail ‘Voyager’ service timetable (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Train timetable ‘Private’ service of Inca Rail (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Bus schedules

The buses depart 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

Bus tickets can be purchased in the city of Cusco: av. Infancia 433 or in the same town of Aguas Calientes: Avenida Hermanos Ayar S / N.

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 in emergency situations. The hours of operation are from Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 5.30 pm

2. Can I stay in Machu Picchu all day?

   There are two entry times to the Inca City: morning and afternoon shift. To stay all day you need to purchase both tickets on the same day.

3. How long can I stay in Machu Picchu with the ticket to Huayna Picchu?

   The ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu has two schedules: group 1 can stay there until 1 pm Group 2, until 2 pm

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

   The ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain has two schedules: group 1 can stay there until 2 pm Group 2, until 3 pm

5. Does Machu Picchu have night shifts?

   No, currently the Inca City is not able to accommodate tourists during the night.

6. Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu in a single day?

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

7. Is it possible to visit the Huayna Picchu in a single day?

   Yes. To visit the Waynapicchu mountain in a single day, the visitor has to leave Cusco very early. The tourist must book the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu in Group 2.

8. Are the trains to Machu Picchu punctual?

   Yes. The trains depart and arrive at the exact time except in cases of emergency.

9. Are the buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu punctual?

   Yes. The buses depart every 5 or 10 minutes towards the entrance door of the Inca City. However, during the mornings (5 a.m. to 7 a.m.), long lines are formed 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 on the ticket?

    No. The visit to the Inca City is only on the day, time or group chosen. It is not possible to enter in the afternoon with a ticket scheduled for the morning.

Recommendations for managing schedules in Machu Picchu

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

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