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Ticket Machu Picchu Classic: the best option for your trip

Machu Picchu has up to ten different types of tickets, which offer different experiences in the tour. However, the most recommended ticket is the Ticket Machu Picchu Classic. This ticket includes the most traditional tour in the Inca city, circuit 2, which offers the visit to most of the stone constructions. In addition, it allows you to get one of the best pictures on the trip to Machu Picchu. The ticket offers up to ten entrance times. Know its prices, circuits, what is included and what is not included.



Machu Picchu Classic
Machu Picchu Classic

Visit to the Intihuatana of Machu Picchu
The Intihuatana is one of the most popular constructions in Machu Picchu. It is an Inca temple dedicated to the sun god. Its name means ‘sundial’ because it had the function of calculating the sowing and harvest seasons according to the position of the sun on its stones. It is located in the religious sector of Machu Picchu, ascending a short flight of stone steps above the main square. A few years ago it was possible to visit this religious temple. There, it is believed that the tourist was filled with the energy of the sun by bringing his hands close to it. However, since 2024, the visit to this Inca construction is forbidden. The reason? The reduced space can cause the wear of this Inca building. So today, no ticket or any kind of circuit allows the visit to the Intihuatana. The reopening of this Inca temple is being analyzed but with a shorter schedule and protecting it for future generations.


The circuit 2 or traditional circuit in Machu Picchu

There are three circuits in Machu Picchu: a) circuit 1, b) circuit 2 and c) circuit 3. All offer a partial tour of the vast archaeological site.

Circuit 1 offers a panoramic tourist route through the best viewpoint of the archaeological site: the Guardian’s House. From there you get a complete and panoramic view of the Inca constructions and, by the way, you get the classic photo of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 2 offers a tourist route through the most important Inca constructions, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the sacred fountains and the agricultural area. It also offers a classic photo in the sector of the House of the Guardian.

Circuit 3 offers an interesting tourist route through the royal temples located in the lower part of Machu Picchu. It includes the visit to constructions such as: the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the enclosure of the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor, the water fountains and the agricultural sector where you get a photo similar to the classic photo of Machu Picchu.

Observing Machu Picchu from the Guardian's House
Observing Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House

The Ticket Machu Picchu Classic

The Machu Picchu Classic ticket is considered the best option to visit the Inca citadel because it includes the visit to the archaeological site through circuit 2, the most recommended among visitors. It also includes a classic photo of Machu Picchu from the sector of the Guardian’s House.

The Classic Machu Picchu ticket offers a visit of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is suitable for visitors of all ages and is available throughout the year. The ticket has ten entrance times for about a thousand people each day. They enter every hour from 6 am, 7 am, 8 am, and in this way until 3 pm. The Inca city closes its doors at 5 pm.

The Classic Machu Picchu ticket is one of the most requested by visitors from all over the world. Because of this, the purchase should be made two or three months in advance. Otherwise there is a risk of not finding availability.

These are the prices of the Classic Machu Picchu ticket:

Entrance to Machu Picchu Classic Photo
Entrance to Machu PicchuForeignersPeru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia (CAN)
Adults in general152 S/.64 S/.
University students77 S/.32 S/.
Under 18 years of age70 S/.32 S/.

Machu Picchu Classic Ticket Schedule

The schedules of the Classic Machu Picchu ticket allows the entrance every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. However, the entrance is strict at the time indicated on the ticket. Only a time limit of 30 minutes is allowed (45 minutes during the high tourist season from June 1 to October 15). In case of emergencies, the visitor may enter a few minutes later.

These are the entrance hours for the Machu Picchu Classic ticket:

  • 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.

Availability of the Ticket Machu Picchu Classic

The Classic Machu Picchu ticket allows the entrance to about a thousand people each day. This amount is divided into its different admission schedules. Find out if there is current availability of this ticket through the availability calendar in real time:



Advantages of the Ticket Machu Picchu Classic

These are the advantages of choosing the ‘Machu Picchu Classic’ ticket for your visit to Machu Picchu:

  • It allows you to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the sector of the Guardian’s House.
  • It allows to know the main famous Inca constructions, such as: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the ceremonial fountains, the agricultural sector and more.
  • It is suitable for people of all ages.
  • It is available all year round.
  • It offers a time of 2 hours 30 minutes, enough to make an optimal tour of Machu Picchu.
Classic Photo from the Keeper's House
Classic Photo from the Keeper’s House

Disadvantages of the Ticket Machu Picchu Classic

These are the disadvantages of choosing the ‘Machu Picchu Classic’ ticket:

  • It does not include the visit to some important Inca temples, such as: the House of the Inca, the Royal Tomb, the Tres Portadas enclosure and the Temple of the Condor.
  • Due to the stretch of stone steps up to the Guardian’s House, it is difficult for older adults in poor physical condition.
  • This circuit is not suitable for people in wheelchairs.
  • It does not include any additional trekking in Machu Picchu.
Temple of the Condor of Machu Picchu
Temple of the Condor of Machu Picchu

Difference: Ticket Machu Picchu Classic and Classic Machu Picchu lower terrace ticket

The Machu Picchu Classic ticket and the Machu Picchu Classic lower circuit ticket are very similar. Know their similarities and differences:

Tickets in Machu PicchuTicket Machu Picchu ClassicTicket Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace
Circuit included in Machu PicchuCircuit 2, the most recommended circuit in Machu PicchuCircuit 2, the most recommended circuit in Machu Picchu
Number of visitors per dayApproximately 1,000 visitors per dayApproximately 1,000 visitors per day
Daily schedules10 hours from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.10 hours from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Age limitTicket for visitors of all agesTicket for visitors of all ages
Deadline for visitTicket available throughout the yearTicket available throughout the year
Classic photo in Machu PicchuFrom the Guardian House sectorFrom a lower viewpoint in the Guardian House
Visiting time limit2 hours 30 minutes maximum2 hours 30 minutes maximum
Advantages of this ticketIt offers the most complete tour of the Inca constructions of Machu PicchuIt offers the most complete tour of the Inca constructions of Machu Picchu
Disadvantages of this ticketDoes not include any additional trekking in Machu PicchuDoes not include any additional trekking in Machu Picchu
Advance purchaseBy internet two or three months in advanceBy internet two or three months in advance

Questions and answers about the Ticket Machu Picchu Classic

  • 1) What is the circuit included in the Classic Machu Picchu ticket?

    The Classic Machu Picchu ticket includes circuit 2 of the archaeological site. This circuit is the most recommended because it offers the visit to the main Inca temples, such as: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the agricultural area and more.

  • 2) What are the visiting hours included in the Classic Machu Picchu ticket?

    This ticket offers up to ten different entrance times to Machu Picchu:

    • 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.

  • 3) What photos of Machu Picchu can I get with the Classic Machu Picchu ticket?

    This ticket offers the best photo of Machu Picchu, which you can get in the sector of the Guardian’s House. It also offers a beautiful photo of the main Inca constructions and a landscape photo from the agricultural sector of Machu Picchu.

  • 4) How to purchase the Classic Machu Picchu ticket?

    To purchase the ticket you must find availability for the day and time of your choice. Then, you must register your personal information such as name, identity card or passport and e-mail. Finally, the payment must be made with credit or debit cards Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.

  • 5) Can I buy the Classic Machu Picchu ticket in Cusco in person?

    This ticket is the one that sells out the fastest so it is recommended to make the purchase two or three months in advance online. Optionally, you can buy tickets at the Aguas Calientes town ticket office one day before the day of the visit. However, these tickets are also the first to sell out.

  • 6) Is the Classic Machu Picchu ticket suitable for people of all ages?

    Yes, this ticket is allowed for tourists of all ages. However, it is not recommended for older adults in poor physical condition since it is a 20 to 30 minute climb up the stone steps to the Guardian’s House.

  • 7) How long does it take to tour the archaeological site with the Classic Machu Picchu ticket?

    This ticket offers circuit 2 of Machu Picchu which can be completed in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

  • 8) What is the difference between the Classic Machu Picchu ticket and the Machu Picchu Classic lower circuit ticket?

    The first ticket offers the classic photo from the sector of the Guardian’s House. The second, a very similar photo, just a few meters below. Both are ideal for the visit to Machu Picchu.

  • 9) What are the discounts offered by the Classic Machu Picchu ticket?

    The Classic Machu Picchu ticket offers discounts for visitors under 18 years old, undergraduate university students (under 25 years old), as well as citizens of the Andean Community of Nations: Peruvians, Colombians, Bolivians and Ecuadorians.

  • 10) How much does the Classic Machu Picchu ticket cost?

    The Classic Machu Picchu ticket costs 152 soles for foreign adults. There are also discounts for undergraduate university students (under 25 years old), children under 18 years old, as well as citizens of the Andean Community of Nations: Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

Joaquín X.By: Joaquín X.

“Dream trip“

“I planned it so much that, as I stood there in front of Machu Picchu, I could not believe my eyes. An experience that everyone should live. Undoubtedly one of the wonders of the world.“

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 7, 2024