The entrance to Machu Picchu has schedules for your visit. Each of the schedules is subject to the type of ticket you want to book. To enter Machu Picchu you must make a reservation of the ticket. Reservations can be made throughout the year and virtually through the official website or some tourist agencies authorized to sell tickets.

The tour of the Inca citadel, has several routes and durations. It will depend a lot on the ticket that is reserved to calculate the time of visit and recognition of the Inca enclosures. It is important and highly recommended to do the tour in the company of an official tour guide. They will be in charge of giving all the pertinent information about each of the attractions of Machu Picchu. Let’s learn more below:

• Who can do the excursion to Machu Picchu?
• What are the different ways to get to Machu Picchu?
• What should I bring to Machu Picchu?
• What tickets can I find to Machu Picchu?

Panoramic view of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Who can do the excursion to Machu Picchu?

The excursion to the Inca City of Machu Picchu does not have any notable difficulty, the route has asymmetrical stone steps that do not represent any danger, besides having the route properly signposted. This allows the entrance of any tourist from children to seniors. In addition, there are trains and buses that facilitate the arrival to the access zone. From there, the route must be done on foot.

On the other hand, the tickets to enter Machu Picchu have restrictions at the time of booking. That is to say, only some people will be able to do the tour with some tickets. One way to identify this restriction is related to the tickets that include hikes of more than 2 hours, as in the case of the mountains or enclosures outside Machu Picchu. This information will be explained later. Also, university students can visit the site and enjoy discounted prices.

New high and regular season in Machu Picchu
In mid 2024, changes were made to the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. One of the changes is that a high season was officially enabled. During this time there will be more entrance tickets as well as new destinations that will be opened during this period of time. The official high season will start from June 1st until October 15th. However, new tickets will be available for purchase well before this date. The regular season is the rest of the year.

Girl contemplating the archaeological site of Machu Picchu

What are the different ways to get to Machu Picchu?

There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu. The main way to get there is by train. This trip does not involve any difficulty at the time of making it. However, there are other ways to get there for those looking for more alternatives or new experiences. All this added to the experience of the Machu Picchu tour. Here are some new alternatives.

• Hiking routes – There are several alternatives to reach Machu Picchu by long treks. Most of these are more than a day or 2 days of activities. The options lead through high mountain trails and then into the abundant vegetation where Machu Picchu is located. The eyebrow of the jungle, in addition, allows to appreciate more birds, vegetation and a really impressive change of geography. The most popular are: Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail of 4 or 2 days, Lares Trek and even the route that connects with Choquequirao. This route is a real challenge.
• Train travel – As we mentioned, train travel is the easiest way to get to Machu Picchu. You only have to determine the time and date of departure of the trip. You also have to take into account where to start the trip from, such as Cusco or Ollantaytambo. In addition, it is possible to select from a wide variety of trains. From tourist services that are really comfortable and luxury trips that are a whole separate experience.
• Combined bus trips – One of the most economical alternatives to visit Machu Picchu, is to make the bus trip to the jungle of Santa Teresa and get to Hidroeléctrica. The trip is long and may seem very tiring, but once at this point you start with the hike. The trekking time is approximately 2 hours to get to Machu Picchu Town. This travel option requires you to spend the night in this district so that the next day you can make the ascent to Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.

Arriving at Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail – Photo at Intipunku

What should I bring to Machu Picchu?

The basics are enough; what we mean by basics. Well, a water bottle (not a disposable bottle) so that you can refresh yourself during the hike. Machu Picchu is located in the jungle, with average temperatures between 8º and 20º C, which is why you will notice the presence of tiny mosquitoes that make it necessary to use a good repellent. In addition, the presence of the sun forces us to protect ourselves from UV rays so it is necessary to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats. Avoid carrying too many things.

If the visit takes place during the rainy season (November – March) you should bring warm clothes, waterproof ponchos, umbrellas and shoes with non-slip soles. Older adults or those with physical difficulties may carry walking sticks, but they must have rubber tips so as not to damage the trail.

If you still have questions, on our website you will find answers to all your questions and concerns about Machu Picchu, Entrance Tickets to Machu Picchu and the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains, check our FAQ section. We also have an online chat with which you can directly communicate with us 24 hours a day.

Tourist exploring Machu Picchu on a cloudy day

What tickets can I find to Machu Picchu?

The tickets that can be booked to visit Machu Picchu are listed below:

• Machu Picchu classic postcard photo

  This ticket allows the tour of the upper platform and therefore the classic postcard photo.

• Machu Picchu + Mountain

  One of the short trekking routes in Machu Picchu. You will reach the top of the highest mountain from where you can appreciate beautiful landscapes.

• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (only during high season)

  Route little explored and only known by those who made the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Precisely connects the route with this destination.

• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (only during high season)

  Route already known and explored by many. However, now you can only do this tour during high season. The Inca Bridge was one of the exits of Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit

  The classic route has slightly changed its route. Now it does not allow to reach the upper platform, but it does allow the tour of the Inca citadel and the view of the temples.

• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit (lower terrace)

  It also follows the classic route, but with an approach to the upper platform. This tour allows you to have the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. After that, it is possible to visit the rest of the Inca constructions.

• Machu Picchu Lower Temples

  Tour through the lower area of Machu Picchu, following the sections that follow the wide esplanades and the agricultural area. It is also possible to visit some temples of the sector.

• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

  Entrance with the highest request or demand. It is the most frequently sold out. This ticket only has 400 spaces available daily. For this reason it is required to book 2 or 3 months in advance.

• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon (only during high season)

  This tour is an excellent option for those who want to know more mysteries of Machu Picchu. The Temple of the Moon is one of the most fascinating constructions of the site and not only that, the road is part of an incredible network of roads known as the Qhapac Ñam.

• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (only during high season)

  Allows the ascent to the closest mountain to the Inca citadel. The Huchuy Picchu is the smallest of all, follows some narrow trails, but provides beautiful views of Machu Picchu.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Emilia C.

“The best view of Machu Picchu is from Huayna Picchu.“

“We went up in the first group at 7:30 a.m. It was a good choice, as the temperature was ideal. We suffered a bit from the heat and humidity, but I think if we went up later it would have been worse. It is a demanding climb. It is tiring, as it is a steep mountain and sometimes the footprint of the steps is very small. When you get to the top, the view is a spectacle.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 23, 2024