Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets 2026
You choose your Machu Picchu entry ticket based on the type of visit you want: for a first visit with the classic panoramic photo and a tour through the citadel, routes 2-A or 2-B work well; to climb a mountain, choose Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu; and for a panoramic view without an extensive interior tour, Route 1-B may be enough. There are 3 circuits and 10 official routes, each with different tours, schedules, difficulty levels, and availability.
For a foreign adult, official tickets cost between USD 44.70 (S/152) and USD 58.80 (S/200), using a reference exchange rate of S/3.40 per USD 1. The ticket is personal, with a set date, route, and time slot. The train, bus, guide, lodging, and other services are booked and paid for separately.
Which Machu Picchu ticket to choose
Your choice depends on whether you prioritize photography, touring Inca structures, or hiking to a mountain. Not every ticket lets you reach the same sectors or take the same panoramic photo.
MACHU PICCHU (MP)
| Ticket | Circuit | Classic photo | Mountain | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Only | 1, Route 1-B | Yes | — | 2-2.5 h | USD 45 |
| Classic Only | 2, Route 2-A/B | Yes | — | 2.5-3 h | USD 45 |
| Royalty Only | 3, Route 3-B | No | — | 1.5-2 h | USD 45 |
| MP+ Huayna Picchu | 3, Route 3-A | No | Huayna Picchu | 3-4 h | USD 59 |
| MP+ MP Mountain | 1, Route 1-A | Yes | MP Mountain | 3.5-4.5 h | USD 59 |
| MP+ Huchuy Picchu | 3, Route 3-D | No | Huchuy Picchu | 2.5-3 h | USD 45 |
Best ticket for a first visit and the classic photo
For a first visit, routes 2-A Classic Designed and 2-B Lower Terrace tend to be the most complete options. Both combine a panoramic view of Machu Picchu with a tour through relevant sectors of the citadel, such as the quarry area, plazas, temples, and fountains.
Route 1-B Upper Terrace is an alternative for those who prioritize the panoramic photo from the upper sector and don’t need an extensive interior tour. Its advantage is the open view; its limitation is that it doesn’t include the classic tour through the main interior spaces.
Best ticket for climbing a mountain
Huayna Picchu, included in Route 3-A, demands more attention because of its steep steps, elevation changes, and narrow stretches. It’s suitable for travelers in good physical shape who aren’t afraid of heights. It includes Circuit 3, so it doesn’t allow the classic photo from the Guardian’s House.
Machu Picchu Mountain, Route 1-A, involves a longer hike and a sustained climb, but offers an elevated view of the entire sanctuary. It does allow a panoramic photo from Circuit 1. Huchuy Picchu, Route 3-D, is the shortest climb of the three options and runs during high season; it includes Circuit 3 and doesn’t allow the classic photo.
Comparison table of tickets and routes
Circuits and Tickets for Machu Picchu
| Ticket | Circuit | Included sites | Classic photo | Interior tour | Duration | Season | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1, Route 1-B | Upper terrace and panoramic view | Yes | Limited | 2–2.5 h | Year-round | USD 44.70 |
| Solo | 2, Route 2-A | Terrace, temples, plazas, and fountains | Yes | Extensive | 2.5–3 h | Year-round | USD 44.70 |
| Solo | 2, Route 2-B | Lower terrace, temples, and plazas | Yes | Extensive | 2.5–3 h | Year-round | USD 44.70 |
| Solo | 3, Route 3-B | Lower sector and royalty | No | Partial | 1.5–2 h | Year-round | USD 44.70 |
| + Huayna Picchu | 3, Route 3-A | Lower sector and Huayna Picchu | No | Partial | 3–4 h | Year-round | USD 58.80 |
| + MP Mountain | 1, Route 1-A | Panoramic terrace and MP Mountain | Yes | Limited | 3.5–4.5 h | Year-round | USD 58.80 |
| + Huchuy Picchu | 3, Route 3-D | Lower sector and Huchuy Picchu | No | Partial | 2.5–3 h | High | USD 44.70 |
Types of Machu Picchu Entry Tickets
The commercial names help identify the type of visit, but the official purchase is made by selecting a circuit and a route. Checking both details keeps you from buying a ticket that doesn’t include the mountain, the viewpoint, or the tour you expected.
Machu Picchu Solo Ticket
The Machu Picchu Solo Ticket groups the routes with no mountain climb: Route 1-B Upper Terrace, Route 2-A Classic Designed, Route 2-B Lower Terrace, and Route 3-B Royalty Designed. For foreign adults, the base price is USD 44.70 (S/152).
Routes 1-B, 2-A, and 2-B allow panoramic photos. Routes 2-A and 2-B offer the most complete interior tour and are recommended for a first visit. Route 3-B focuses on the lower sector and doesn’t reach the classic photo platform.
Route 1-B Upper Terrace
Route 1-B belongs to Panoramic Circuit 1. It’s aimed at those looking for a wide view of Machu Picchu from the upper sector, where you get one of the site’s best-known panoramic photos.
The tour takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and involves low to moderate effort due to the stairs and slopes along the way. It doesn’t include the more complete interior tour, so it’s not the ideal choice if you want to visit several temples and plazas.
Routes 2-A and 2-B Classic Circuit
Routes 2-A and 2-B of the Classic Circuit are designed for travelers who want to combine the panoramic photo with a broader visit through the citadel’s structures. They’re the most sought-after options for a first visit.
The main difference lies in access to the photo platform. Route 2-A uses a platform designed for the panoramic view, while Route 2-B reaches a lower terrace. Both let you tour relevant sectors of the urban area, though the direction of the walk is fixed and you can’t backtrack.
Route 3-B Royalty Circuit
Route 3-B belongs to the Royalty Circuit and mainly covers the lower part of Machu Picchu. It includes structures linked to Inca royalty and agricultural sectors, according to the current official itinerary.
It’s a less physically demanding alternative, but it doesn’t offer the same classic photo as circuits 1 and 2. It can be useful for travelers looking for a shorter tour or for those who find limited availability on the classic routes.
Machu Picchu plus Huayna Picchu Ticket
This ticket corresponds to Route 3-A of the Royalty Circuit. It includes a tour of the lower sector of Machu Picchu and the climb up Huayna Picchu, the mountain seen behind the citadel in many panoramic photos.
The visit usually takes between 3 and 4 hours. The difficulty level is high due to the slope, uneven steps, and some exposed stretches. Entry times are split into specific morning groups and should be checked on Tu Boleto before booking. There are current age restrictions, and this route doesn’t allow access to the classic photo spot at the Guardian’s House. Given the demand, it’s a good idea to book several months in advance. The base price for a foreign adult is USD 58.80 (S/200).
Machu Picchu plus Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket
The Machu Picchu plus Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket corresponds to Route 1-A of the Panoramic Circuit. It includes access to Circuit 1’s panoramic terrace and a long hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain.
Total duration is usually 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The climb is demanding and requires good physical condition, hydration, footwear with good grip, and enough time before the return deadline. Entry groups tend to be concentrated in the morning and can vary based on the official schedule. Its base price for a foreign adult is USD 58.80 (S/200).
Machu Picchu plus Huchuy Picchu Ticket
This ticket corresponds to Route 3-D of the Royalty Circuit. Huchuy Picchu is a shorter hike than Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, with stone steps and an elevated view over part of the citadel.
It doesn’t include the classic photo from circuits 1 and 2, since it uses Circuit 3’s route. Its availability depends on high season and the Ministry of Culture’s scheduling. For a foreign adult, the base price is USD 44.70 (S/152).
Other tickets available during high season
During high season, additional routes open up with specific quotas and conditions. Before choosing them, check their operating dates, available time slots, age restrictions, and hike duration, since they don’t necessarily replace a classic route.
Machu Picchu plus Intipunku Ticket, Route 1-C
Route 1-C combines Circuit 1’s panoramic view with a hike to Intipunku, or Sun Gate. It’s an option for travelers who want to walk a stretch tied to the traditional entrance from the Inca Trail.
It’s available during high season, usually in morning entry groups. The visit can take between 3 and 4 hours, with moderate difficulty due to the distance and slopes. The base price for a foreign adult is USD 44.70 (S/152).
Machu Picchu plus Inca Bridge Ticket, Route 1-D
Route 1-D combines Circuit 1’s panoramic terrace with a hike to the Inca Bridge. The walk is shorter than Intipunku’s, though it includes trails with elevation changes and areas that require caution.
It runs during high season and has age restrictions that should be checked before buying. The estimated duration is 2.5 to 3 hours, and the base price for a foreign adult is USD 44.70 (S/152).
Machu Picchu plus Great Cavern Ticket, Route 3-C
Route 3-C belongs to Circuit 3 and includes a visit to the Great Cavern, also known as the Temple of the Moon. It’s a long tour that combines the lower sector of Machu Picchu with a more demanding hike.
It’s only available during high season and requires good physical condition due to the elevation change, stairs, and total hiking time. It’s not a recommended route for those looking for a brief visit. The base price for a foreign adult is USD 58.80 (S/200).
Machu Picchu Ticket Prices 2026
Official Machu Picchu ticket prices are charged in soles. The dollar figures in this guide are for reference only, calculated using an exchange rate of S/3.40 per USD 1. Reference update: January 2026. Before paying, check the final amount and applicable rate on the official Tu Boleto platform.
Prices for foreign adults
These are the base entry prices for adult foreign visitors. An agency may add management fees or tourism services, so that amount shouldn’t be confused with the official entry rate.
| Included routes | Official price in soles | Approximate price in dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 1-B, 2-A, 2-B, 3-B, 1-C, 1-D, and 3-D | S/152 | USD 44.70 |
| 1-A, 3-A, and 3-C | S/200 | USD 58.80 |
Prices for Peruvians and Andean Community citizens
Citizens of Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador can access a discounted rate by presenting a valid ID or passport proving their nationality. The rate only applies if the details registered at purchase match the document presented at entry.
| Route type | Price in soles | Approximate price in dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Regular routes: 1-B, 2-A, 2-B, 3-B, 1-C, 1-D, and 3-D | S/64 | USD 18.80 |
| Long mountain routes: 1-A, 3-A, and 3-C | S/112 | USD 32.90 |
Rates and conditions may be updated by the Ministry of Culture. Verify the applicable category before issuing the ticket.
Prices for students and minors
Foreign students generally access reduced rates of USD 22.65 (S/77) on regular routes and USD 36.75 (S/125) on long mountain routes. For Peruvian and Andean Community students, the reference rates are USD 9.40 (S/32) and USD 23.50 (S/80), respectively.
Foreign minors generally pay USD 20.60 (S/70) on regular routes and USD 34.70 (S/118) on long mountain routes. Minors from Peru and the Andean Community generally pay USD 9.40 (S/32) or USD 23.50 (S/80), depending on the route. Students must meet the current age limit and present a valid university ID. Minors must present an original passport or ID document.
| Category | Soles | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign student (regular route) | S/77 | USD 22.65 |
| Foreign student (mountain route) | S/125 | USD 36.75 |
| National or Andean Community student/minor (regular route) | S/32 | USD 9.40 |
| National or Andean Community student/minor (mountain route) | S/80 | USD 23.50 |
| Foreign minor (regular route) | S/70 | USD 20.60 |
| Foreign minor (mountain route) | S/118 | USD 34.70 |
Services not included with the ticket
The official ticket only covers entry to Machu Picchu via the chosen route. It doesn’t include the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, the bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the entrance, a tour guide, meals, lodging, or transportation from Cusco.
You should also factor in the cost of transfers, especially if your entry time is early. Buying the train first and only later checking ticket availability tends to create coordination problems.
Availability and how far in advance to book
Availability depends on the date, time, circuit, and route. Routes 2-A and 2-B of the Classic Circuit, along with the Huayna Picchu ticket, tend to have higher demand than other options.
If you’re traveling between June and September, it’s a good idea to check availability several months ahead. In July and August, waiting until you arrive in Cusco to buy your ticket can leave you with only inconvenient time slots or a different route than the one you wanted.
Tickets that sell out fastest, up to 6 months ahead in season
Routes 2-A and 2-B tend to sell out first because they combine the panoramic photo with the interior tour. Huayna Picchu also has limited quotas and high demand among travelers looking for an extra hike.
If these options are no longer available, Route 1-B can work if you want to prioritize the panoramic view, while Route 3-B lets you see the lower sector. They’re valid alternatives, but they don’t offer exactly the same tour as Circuit 2.
What to do if there are no tickets available
The legitimate options are checking a different time slot, looking for availability on a nearby date, choosing a different route, or checking authorized in-person sales. Rearranging the order of your trip can be more practical than buying an unofficial service or a ticket with incorrect information.
In-person purchase doesn’t guarantee availability, especially during high season. If you decide to try it, keep in mind that quotas depend on cancellations, daily scheduling, and the capacity authorized by officials.
High season and temporary routes
The published high season for Machu Picchu usually runs from June 19 to November 2, plus December 30 and 31. Dates should be confirmed for 2026 on the official calendar, since they can be changed by resolution of the Ministry of Culture.
Routes 1-C Intipunku, 1-D Inca Bridge, 3-C Great Cavern, and 3-D Huchuy Picchu can depend on this period. A route appearing in the general information doesn’t mean it has active quotas on every date.
How to buy tickets for Machu Picchu
The official online sales platform is Tu Boleto, run by the Ministry of Culture. Before starting your purchase, have on hand the document you’ll enter with, your visit date, and a backup time slot in case your first choice has no availability.
Buying tickets online
Go to Tu Boleto, select Machu Picchu, and choose your date. Then pick the available circuit, route, and time slot. Carefully check that the route includes the type of visit you’re looking for before continuing with registration.
- Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport, national ID, or identity document.
- Select the rate that matches your nationality, age, or student status.
- Make your payment using the methods available on the platform.
- Download the ticket with its QR code and keep both a digital copy and one accessible offline.
Availability changes constantly. It’s not a good idea to leave the purchase pending while you organize other services.
Buying tickets in person
Authorized in-person sales take place at points designated by the Ministry of Culture, mainly in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo, subject to current conditions. You must present the visitor’s original document to properly register the ticket.
This option can be used when quotas are available for upcoming dates or when the platform indicates in-person sales. It’s not recommended to rely on it during high-demand dates, since it doesn’t guarantee finding the circuit or time slot you want.
Documents needed to buy and enter
You must enter with the same passport, national ID, or document used during purchase. If the details don’t match, entry staff can deny access even if you have a valid QR code.
Students must bring their current university ID accepted under regulations. Minors must present an original passport or ID document. Citizens of Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador must prove their nationality with the corresponding official document.
Hours and length of the visit
Each ticket has a specific entry time and an approximate duration depending on the route. It’s not enough to just arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo: you need to factor in the bus ride, the boarding line, and the time to reach the entry checkpoint.
| Circuit and routes | Reference entry time | Estimated time | Allowed grace period | Approximate exit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1: 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, and 1-D | From 6:00 a.m.; seasonal routes mainly in the morning | 2 to 4.5 hours | Usually up to 30 minutes, depending on season and regulations | Depends on the assigned group and route |
| Circuit 2: 2-A and 2-B | Between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., subject to availability | 2.5 to 3 hours | Usually up to 30 minutes, depending on season and regulations | Between mid-morning and late afternoon |
| Circuit 3: 3-A, 3-B, 3-C, and 3-D | From 6:00 a.m.; mountains in morning groups | 1.5 to 4 hours | Usually up to 30 minutes, depending on season and regulations | Depends on the route and entry group |
These times are for reference only and should be confirmed on Tu Boleto at the time of purchase, since the official schedule can change.
Schedules by circuit and route
Circuit 1 usually starts at 6:00 a.m., and its hiking routes, such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunku, or the Inca Bridge, are mostly concentrated in morning slots. Route 1-B typically has more available time slots than the seasonal routes.
Circuit 2 usually offers entry times from 6:00 a.m. into the afternoon, subject to availability. Circuit 3 also has time slots throughout the day, while Huayna Picchu, the Great Cavern, and Huchuy Picchu operate with defined groups and set times. Check the official schedule before finalizing trains and transfers.
Grace period and arriving at the entrance
The usual grace period is up to 30 minutes after the time shown on the ticket, though it can vary depending on season or operational rules. Arriving late can mean missing your entry, especially on mountain routes with defined departure groups.
Try to be in the entry line between 30 and 45 minutes before your scheduled time. Coordinate the train, the bus, and your entry with enough margin. During peak hours, boarding the bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo can take longer than expected.
Key requirements and recommendations
A smooth visit depends on checking your ticket details, following your assigned route, and arriving with time to spare. Conservation rules apply throughout the entire sanctuary and can be updated according to the Ministry of Culture’s regulations.
Double-check your ticket details
Before paying, verify your first and last names, document number, nationality, date, time, circuit, and route. An error in these details can affect your entry or prevent the correct rate from being applied.
The ticket is personal and non-transferable. Don’t buy tickets registered under someone else’s name, or assume you’ll be able to change the visitor after they’re issued.
Buy your entry ticket before the train
Secure your Machu Picchu ticket availability first, then arrange the train, lodging, bus, and guide around your entry time. This is especially necessary if you’re after Circuit 2, Huayna Picchu, or a date between June and September.
Also check how much time you need from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo. An early train doesn’t always guarantee you’ll arrive on time if you haven’t accounted for the bus ride to the entry gate.
Allowed and prohibited items
It’s recommended to bring a small backpack, water in a reusable container, rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable footwear with good soles. Restrictions on luggage size, food, and other items are enforced at the entrance.
Trekking poles may be restricted, except for health-related exceptions and when they have rubber tips. Tripods, drones, unauthorized professional equipment, bulky items, and non-permitted food can be confiscated or block your entry. Check the official rules before traveling, since they can be updated.
Tour guide and direction of the tour
Conditions around guide accompaniment can vary depending on current regulations and the type of visit. Although it isn’t always required in the same way for every visitor, hiring an authorized guide helps you understand the sectors included in your circuit and make the most of your available time.
Circuits run in one direction only. You’re not allowed to backtrack, switch routes, or access a different mountain during your visit. That’s why you should choose carefully before buying and follow the instructions of the entry staff.
Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu tickets
These answers cover common questions before buying a ticket. For last-minute details, such as exact quotas and time slots, always check Tu Boleto.
Which ticket lets you take the classic Machu Picchu photo
Routes 1-B, 2-A, and 2-B let you get panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. Circuit 1 offers a higher view from the Upper Terrace, while Circuit 2 combines a panoramic view with a broader tour through interior structures. Route 1-A also includes a panoramic view before the climb up the mountain.
What’s the best circuit for a first visit to Machu Picchu
For a first visit, routes 2-A or 2-B of the Classic Circuit are usually prioritized. They let you take a panoramic photo and tour important sectors of the citadel. Your final choice depends on availability, the time slot, your physical condition, and how much time you have to arrange trains and transfers.
Does the Huayna Picchu ticket include Machu Picchu
Yes. The Huayna Picchu ticket includes a set tour through the lower part of Machu Picchu via Route 3-A, plus the climb up the mountain. It doesn’t let you freely explore circuits 1 or 2, nor does it allow access to the classic photo platform at the Guardian’s House.
Can you visit two circuits with a single ticket
No. Each ticket corresponds to one specific circuit and route. To do two different circuits, you need two separate tickets with compatible time slots and enough time between visits. Keep in mind that the tours are one-way and don’t allow moving from one circuit to another.
Can you change the date or the name on the ticket
Modifications, cancellations, and refunds depend on the Ministry of Culture’s current policies and the purchase conditions that apply to each ticket. Don’t assume a ticket can be changed after it’s issued. Check the official conditions before paying and confirm any request directly with the authorized channel.
Does the ticket include the train, bus, or guide
No. The official price only covers entry to Machu Picchu via the selected route. The train, the bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the entrance, a tour guide, lodging, meals, and transfers from Cusco are paid for separately. Arrange these services around the exact time of your entry.
Book Your Machu Picchu Tickets
Before booking, decide whether you’re after the classic photo, an interior tour, or a mountain climb. Then check the actual availability for the date, route, and time slot you need. This lets you properly coordinate the train, the bus, and your visit time.
If you need help checking quotas, choosing a route, or coordinating your entry, train, bus, and guide, you can consult with Machu Picchu Viajes Peru. The official ticket price is quoted separately from any management fees or tourism services you choose to add.
