Tickets Machu Picchu in two shifts
Machu Picchu tickets are becoming more and more demanding when it comes to timing. Especially for the entrance tickets that allow access to two sites. Normally, you are allowed to enter Machu Picchu and then you have to go through the checkpoint to continue with the tour. In this sense, we will find some entrance tickets that require two verifications that can be understood in 2 shifts. So if you have entrance tickets for 2 routes, for example, Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, do not throw away the entrance ticket, as it will be used to validate your entry. More details below.
- What are the admission tickets with two shifts or schedules?
- How do these admission tickets work?
- Ticket entry times with two entry shifts
- What are the most recommended times?
- The checkpoints you have to go through
- Recommendations for doing the tour in two shifts
- Frequently Asked Questions
View of the Guardian’s House of Machu Picchu
What are the admission tickets with two shifts or schedules?
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu have several characteristics and details to take into account. For example, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu have two very different seasons. The first of these is the regular season and the second is the high season.
What are the regular season entrance tickets to Machu Picchu? Tickets that can be booked in the regular season are:
- Machu Picchu Ticket + Classic Postcard Photo.
- Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (has 2 shifts).
- Ticket Machu Picchu Circuit 2.
- Ticket Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (lower terrace).
- Machu Picchu Ticket + Lower Temples.
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (has 2 turns).
During the high season of Machu Picchu, these tickets are maintained and the following tickets are also added. Please note that a larger number of tickets are added in some cases:
- Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge ticket (has 2 shifts).
- Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket (has 2 shifts).
- Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu ticket (has 2 turns).
- Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket (has 2 shifts).
Photo on top of Huayna Picchu mountain
How do these admission tickets work?
As you can see in the table above, you can see that the indicated tickets have two entry times. The first one is for entry near or inside the citadel. The second time is the one that will connect with the route in question.
It is also important to note that the first-time entry tickets only have a 30-minute tolerance period, while the tolerance period for the other routes is 1 hour.
Sometimes the waiting time can be extended from 15 to 30 minutes. This will only apply if there are force majeure reasons, for example, demonstrations, damage or accidents on the roads. In some cases, a refund of the tickets may be considered.
Tourist touring the buildings of Machu Picchu
Ticket entry times with two entry shifts
The entrance tickets with two shifts are those detailed below, along with their respective entry times.
| Ticket with 2 shifts | Entry 1 | Entry 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu + Mountain | Entry hours to Machu Picchu: From 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. | Entrance to the Mountain Route until 8:00 a.m. |
| Entry hours to Machu Picchu: From 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. | Entrance to the Mountain Route until 9:00 a.m. | |
| Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu | Entry hours to Machu Picchu: From 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. | Entrance to the Mountain Route until 8:00 a.m. |
| Entry hours to Machu Picchu: From 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | Entrance to the Mountain Route until 10:00 am. | |
| Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge | Upper platform entrance times: From 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. | Entrance to the Inca Bridge Route until 10:00 am. |
| Upper platform entrance times: From 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | Admission to the Inca Bridge Route until 11:00 a.m. | |
| Upper platform entrance times: From 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Admission to the Inca Bridge Route until 12:00 noon. | |
| Upper platform entrance times: From 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Admission to the Inca Bridge Route until 1:00 p.m. | |
| Machu Picchu + Inti Punku | Upper platform entrance times: From 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. | Entrance to the Inti Punku Route until 10:00 am. |
| Upper platform entrance times: From 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. | Entrance to the Inti Punku Route until 11:00 am. | |
| Upper platform entrance times: From 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Entrance to the Inti Punku Route until 12:00 noon. | |
| Upper platform entrance times: From 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Entrance to the Inti Punku Route until 1:00 p.m. | |
| Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (times may vary in each season). | Entry hours to Machu Picchu: From 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Entry to the Huchuy Picchu Route until 12:00 p.m. |
| Entry hours to Machu Picchu: From 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Ingreso a la Ruta de Huchuy Picchu hasta las 14:00 horas. | |
| Machu Picchu + Templo de la Luna (horarios puede variar en cada temporada). | Horario de ingreso a Machu Picchu. Desde las 7:00 horas hasta las 7:30 horas. | Ingreso a la Ruta de Templo de la Luna hasta las 10:00 horas. |
| Horario de ingreso a Machu Picchu. Desde las 9:00 horas hasta las 9:30 horas. | Ingreso a la Ruta de Montaña hasta las 11:00 horas. |
What are the most recommended times?
If you want to make the trip in just one day, we recommend taking the routes that start at 9:00 in the morning. This is mainly because the travel time from Cusco is 4 to 5 hours. So the first departures from Cusco arrive right at that time.
Among the most recommended routes we can mention:
- Route to Huayna Picchu – Take the route to the top of the mountain where you can find beautiful views and also Inca constructions.
- Route to the Temple of the Moon – Take the walk down the mountain until you reach the temple built on a large stone.
- Machu Picchu Mountain Route – Hike to the highest point in the entire geographic region. It offers beautiful panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
Enjoying the incredible view on Machu Picchu mountain
The checkpoints you have to go through
There will be 4 checkpoints in Machu Picchu, they are the following:
The first is precisely the main access point to Machu Picchu. This point allows access to the upper platform.
The second checkpoint is located nearby, but at the bottom. This point allows access to the platform area or agricultural area.
The third checkpoint is located near the upper platform, specifically for the hike to Inti Punku and Machu Picchu Mountain. There, tourists must fill out their information along with their entry and exit times. They must also show their entrance ticket.
The fourth checkpoint is located near the Sacred Rock. There you will have to register your details and the time of entry and exit. From this point you can reach Huayna Picchu and the Temple of the Moon.
Why is registration required before hiking?
Hiking routes are monitored specifically for the safety of people. It is important to record the time of entry and exit so that in the event of a delay or similar, the missing or delayed person can be searched for or assisted.
Recommendations for doing the tour in two shifts
- These tickets usually sell out quickly, so it is necessary to book in advance.
- When traveling from Cusco, take only what is necessary.
- Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing.
- Please note that travel time from Cusco can be 4 to 5 hours. It may vary without prior notice.
- Reservations must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.
- You can contact travel agencies to add trips and services to your Machu Picchu adventure.
- If you cannot find availability at 9am, it is best to spend the night in Aguas Calientes and make a reservation for the first hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?
Entrance to Machu Picchu begins at 6:00 in the morning. The last group can enter at 15:00. This is the daily schedule.
2) Are there any restrictions for entering Machu Picchu?
The most common restrictions for entering Machu Picchu apply to minors who cannot take the hiking trails. Visitors will also not be able to enter the Inca citadel with backpacks or suitcases.
3) Is Machu Picchu open all year round?
Yes, it is possible to visit Machu Picchu throughout the year. The only times when the gates are closed are due to force majeure such as demonstrations, strikes, landslides on the road or similar.
4) Are there any offers for entrance tickets to Machu Picchu?
Yes, the main discounts for entering Machu Picchu apply to minors, as well as to university students. Likewise, they can be found for citizens belonging to the Andean Community of Nations.
5) What is the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu?
There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu. The quickest way to make the trip is by bus, train and bus.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Diego R.“Incredible views from above“
“Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain is a challenge, but the rewards are unmatched. The panoramic views of the ruins and the valley below are absolutely breathtaking. An experience worth every effort.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 21, 2025