Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets 2027
The right Machu Picchu entrance ticket depends on the kind of visit you want: for a first visit with the classic panoramic photo and a walk through the citadel, Routes 2-A or 2-B are your best bet; to climb a mountain, choose Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu; and for a panoramic view without an extensive tour of the interior, Route 1-B may be enough. There are 3 circuits and 10 official routes, each with its own path, schedule, difficulty level, and availability.
For a foreign adult, official tickets cost between USD 44.70 (S/152) and USD 58.80 (S/200), based on a reference exchange rate of S/3.40 to USD 1. Each ticket is issued in your name for a specific date, route, and entry time. 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 care most about photos, exploring the Inca buildings, or hiking a mountain. Not every ticket takes you to the same areas or lets you take the same panoramic photo.
| Ticket | Circuit | Classic photo | Mountain | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panoramic only | 1, Route 1-B | Yes | Not included | 2 to 2.5 hrs | USD 45 |
| Classic only | 2, Route 2-A/B | Yes | Not included | 2.5 to 3 hrs | USD 45 |
| Royal only | 3, Route 3-B | No | Not included | 1.5 to 2 hrs | USD 45 |
| MP + Huayna Picchu | 3, Route 3-A | No | Huayna Picchu | 3 to 4 hrs | USD 59 |
| MP + MP Mountain | 1, Route 1-A | Yes | MP Mountain | 3.5 to 4.5 hrs | USD 59 |
| MP + Huchuy Picchu | 3, Route 3-D | No | Huchuy Picchu | 2.5 to 3 hrs | USD 45 |
Best ticket for a first visit and the classic photo
For a first visit, Route 2-A Designed Classic and Route 2-B Lower Terrace are usually the most complete options. Both combine a panoramic view of Machu Picchu with a walk through key areas of the citadel, such as the quarry, plazas, temples, and fountains.
Route 1-B Upper Terrace is an alternative if you care most about the panoramic photo from the upper section and don’t need an extensive tour of the interior. Its advantage is the wide-open view; its limitation is that it doesn’t include the classic route through the main interior spaces.
Best ticket for climbing a mountain
Huayna Picchu, included in Route 3-A, demands extra care because of its steep steps, uneven terrain, and narrow sections. It’s a good fit for travelers in good physical shape who aren’t afraid of heights. It’s part of Circuit 3, so it doesn’t include the classic photo from the Guardhouse.
Machu Picchu Mountain, Route 1-A, is a longer hike with a steady climb, but it rewards you with an elevated view of the entire sanctuary. It does include a panoramic photo from Circuit 1. Huchuy Picchu, Route 3-D, is the shortest climb of the three and operates during high season; it’s part of Circuit 3 and doesn’t include the classic photo.
Machu Picchu circuits and tickets: comparison table
| Ticket | Circuit | Areas included | Classic photo | Interior tour | Duration | Season | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only | 1, Route 1-B | Upper terrace and panoramic view | Yes | Limited | 2 to 2.5 hrs | Year-round | USD 44.70 |
| Only | 2, Route 2-A | Terrace, temples, plazas, and fountains | Yes | Extensive | 2.5 to 3 hrs | Year-round | USD 44.70 |
| Only | 2, Route 2-B | Lower terrace, temples, and plazas | Yes | Extensive | 2.5 to 3 hrs | Year-round | USD 44.70 |
| Only | 3, Route 3-B | Lower section and royal area | No | Partial | 1.5 to 2 hrs | Year-round | USD 44.70 |
| + Huayna Picchu | 3, Route 3-A | Lower section and Huayna Picchu | No | Partial | 3 to 4 hrs | Year-round | USD 58.80 |
| + MP Mountain | 1, Route 1-A | Panoramic terrace and MP Mountain | Yes | Limited | 3.5 to 4.5 hrs | Year-round | USD 58.80 |
| + Huchuy Picchu | 3, Route 3-D | Lower section and Huchuy Picchu | No | Partial | 2.5 to 3 hrs | High season | USD 44.70 |
Types of Machu Picchu entrance tickets
Commercial names help you identify the type of visit, but the official purchase is made by selecting a circuit and a route. Checking both keeps you from buying a ticket that doesn’t include the mountain, viewpoint, or route you were expecting.
Machu Picchu Only ticket
The Machu Picchu Only ticket covers the routes that don’t include a mountain climb: Route 1-B Upper Terrace, Route 2-A Designed Classic, Route 2-B Lower Terrace, and Route 3-B Designed Royal. For foreign adults, the price is USD 44.70 (S/152).
Routes 1-B, 2-A, and 2-B all offer panoramic photos. Routes 2-A and 2-B offer the most complete interior tour and are the ones we recommend for a first visit. Route 3-B focuses on the lower section and doesn’t reach the classic photo platform.
Route 1-B Upper Terrace
Route 1-B is part of Circuit 1, the Panoramic Circuit. It’s designed for travelers who want a wide view of Machu Picchu from the upper section, where you can take one of the site’s best-known panoramic photos.
The route takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and involves low to moderate effort because of the stairs and slopes along the way. It doesn’t include the most complete interior tour, so it’s not the best option if you want to see several temples and plazas.
Routes 2-A and 2-B, Classic Circuit
Routes 2-A and 2-B on the Classic Circuit are designed for travelers who want to combine the panoramic photo with a broader visit through the citadel’s buildings. They’re the most requested options for a first visit.
The main difference is 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 walk through key parts of the urban area, although the path follows a set direction and you can’t turn back.
Route 3-B, Royal Circuit
Route 3-B is part of the Royal Circuit and mainly covers the lower part of Machu Picchu. It includes buildings associated with Inca royalty and agricultural areas, according to the current official itinerary.
It’s a less physically demanding option, but it doesn’t offer the same classic photo as Circuits 1 and 2. It can be useful if you want a shorter visit or if availability on the classic routes is limited.
Machu Picchu plus Huayna Picchu ticket
This ticket corresponds to Route 3-A on the Royal Circuit. It includes a walk through the lower section of Machu Picchu and the climb up Huayna Picchu, the mountain that rises behind the citadel in many panoramic photos.
The visit usually takes 3 to 4 hours. The difficulty level is high because of the incline, uneven steps, and some exposed sections. Entry times are split into specific morning groups and should be checked on Tu Boleto before you buy. Age restrictions apply, and this route doesn’t give you access to the classic photo from the Guardhouse. Because of high demand, it’s best to buy it several months in advance. The price for foreign adults 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 on the Panoramic Circuit. It includes access to the Circuit 1 panoramic terrace and a long hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain.
The total visit usually takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The climb is demanding and calls for good physical condition, plenty of water, shoes with good grip, and enough time before the return cutoff. Entry groups are usually in the morning and may vary according to the official schedule. The price for foreign adults is USD 58.80 (S/200).
Machu Picchu plus Huchuy Picchu ticket
This ticket corresponds to Route 3-D on the Royal Circuit. Huchuy Picchu is a shorter hike than Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, with stone stairs and an elevated view over part of the citadel.
It doesn’t include the classic photo from Circuits 1 and 2, since it follows the Circuit 3 path. Whether it operates depends on high season and the Ministry of Culture’s schedule. For foreign adults, the price is USD 44.70 (S/152).
Other tickets available in high season
During high season, additional routes open with their own limited spots and conditions. Before choosing one, check the operating dates, available entry times, age restrictions, and route length, because they aren’t necessarily a substitute for a classic route.
Machu Picchu plus Intipunku ticket, Route 1-C
Route 1-C combines the Circuit 1 panoramic view with a hike to Intipunku, the Sun Gate. It’s a good option for travelers who want to walk a stretch linked to the traditional entrance from the Inca Trail.
It’s available during high season, usually with morning entry groups. The visit can take 3 to 4 hours, with moderate difficulty due to the distance and slopes. The price for foreign adults is USD 44.70 (S/152).
Machu Picchu plus Inca Bridge ticket, Route 1-D
Route 1-D combines the Circuit 1 panoramic terrace with a hike to the Inca Bridge. The trail is shorter than the one to Intipunku, but it includes uneven paths and sections where you’ll need to watch your step.
It operates during high season and has age restrictions you should check before buying. The estimated duration is 2.5 to 3 hours, and the price for foreign adults is USD 44.70 (S/152).
Machu Picchu plus Great Cavern ticket, Route 3-C
Route 3-C is part of Circuit 3 and includes a visit to the Great Cavern, also known as the Temple of the Moon. It’s a long route that combines the lower section of Machu Picchu with a more demanding hike.
It’s only available during high season and requires good physical condition because of the elevation changes, stairs, and time on the trail. It’s not recommended if you’re looking for a short visit. The price for foreign adults is USD 58.80 (S/200).
Machu Picchu ticket prices for 2027
Official prices are charged in Peruvian soles, and the dollar amounts in this guide are approximate, calculated at an exchange rate of S/3.40 to USD 1. Peru’s Ministry of Culture usually approves the next year’s rates in the last months of the year, so we use the rates in effect as of October 2026 as a reference for 2027. Before you pay, check the final amount on the official Tu Boleto website.
Prices for foreign adults
These are the entrance prices for foreign adult visitors. A travel agency may add booking fees or tour services, so that amount shouldn’t be confused with the official entrance fee.
| Routes included | 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 qualify for a reduced rate by showing a valid national ID or passport that proves their nationality. The rate only applies if the information entered at purchase matches the document shown at the entrance.
| 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 |
Prices for students and minors
The student rate applies to undergraduate university or technical school students with a valid student ID, and the minor rate applies to visitors ages 3 to 17. Children under 3 enter free. Here are the prices by category and nationality:
| Category | Price in soles | Approximate price in dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign student (regular route) | S/77 | USD 22.60 |
| Foreign student (mountain route) | S/125 | USD 36.80 |
| Foreign child (regular route) | S/70 | USD 20.60 |
| Foreign child (mountain route) | S/118 | USD 34.70 |
| Peruvian or Andean Community student or child (regular route) | S/32 | USD 9.40 |
| Peruvian or Andean Community student or child (mountain route) | S/80 | USD 23.50 |
What the ticket doesn’t include
The official ticket only covers entry to Machu Picchu on the route you choose. It doesn’t include the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, the bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) and the entrance, a tour guide, meals, lodging, or transportation from Cusco.
You should also factor in the cost of transfers, especially if you have an early entry time. Buying the train first and only then checking ticket availability often leads to scheduling problems.
Availability and how far ahead to buy
Availability depends on the date, entry time, circuit, and route. Routes 2-A and 2-B on the Classic Circuit, along with Huayna Picchu, are usually in higher demand than other options.
If you’re traveling between June and September, buy several months in advance. In July and August, waiting until you get to Cusco to buy may leave you with inconvenient entry times or a different route than the one you wanted.
Tickets that sell out first in high season
Routes 2-A and 2-B usually sell out first because they combine the panoramic photo with the interior tour. Huayna Picchu also has limited spots and high demand among travelers looking for an extra hike. During the busiest months, these tickets can sell out several months ahead.
If these options are no longer available, Route 1-B is a good choice if the panoramic view is your priority, while Route 3-B lets you see the lower section. Both are valid alternatives, but they don’t offer exactly the same route as Circuit 2.
What to do if tickets are sold out
Your legitimate options are to check another entry time, look for availability on a nearby date, choose a different route, or try the in-person sales office in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Rearranging your itinerary is often more practical than buying from an unofficial seller or getting a ticket with incorrect information.
In-person sales don’t guarantee availability, especially in high season. If you decide to try, keep in mind that tickets are sold first come, first served and depend on the daily capacity set by the authorities.
High season and seasonal routes
Machu Picchu’s official high season usually runs from June 19 to November 2, plus December 30 and 31. The 2027 dates should be confirmed on the official calendar, since they can be changed by a Ministry of Culture resolution.
Routes 1-C Intipunku, 1-D Inca Bridge, 3-C Great Cavern, and 3-D Huchuy Picchu may only operate during this period. Just because a route appears in general information doesn’t mean it has open spots on every date.
How to buy Machu Picchu tickets
The official online sales platform is the Ministry of Culture’s Tu Boleto website. Since September 2026, unpaid reservations no longer exist: your ticket is only issued once you complete the purchase. Before you start, have the ID you’ll use at the entrance, your visit date, a payment method, and a backup entry time ready in case your first choice is sold out.
Buying tickets online
Go to Tu Boleto, select Machu Picchu, and choose your date. Then pick an available circuit, route, and entry time. Double-check that the route includes the type of visit you want before moving on, because from that point you have 15 minutes to complete payment.
- Enter your information exactly as it appears on your passport or national ID.
- Select the rate that matches your nationality, age, or student status.
- Complete payment within the 15-minute window using one of the platform’s accepted payment methods.
- Download your ticket with its QR code and save one digital copy plus another you can access offline.
Availability changes constantly and spots sell in real time. Don’t put off your purchase while you arrange other services.
Buying tickets in person
About 1,000 tickets are sold in person each day at the Ministry of Culture’s Cultural Center in Machu Picchu Pueblo, for entry the following day. Sales usually take place in the afternoon on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must show the visitor’s original ID to register the ticket correctly.
This option works as a backup when you can’t find spots online, but you shouldn’t count on it during peak dates, because it doesn’t guarantee the circuit or entry time you want and it requires an extra night in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Documents required to buy and enter
You must enter with the same passport or ID you used to buy the ticket. If the information doesn’t match, staff at the checkpoint can deny you entry, even if you have a valid QR code.
Students must bring a valid university or technical school ID that meets the official requirements. Minors must show their original passport or ID. Peruvians and citizens of Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador must prove their nationality with the corresponding official document.
Entry times and visit length
Each ticket has a specific entry time and an approximate duration depending on the route. Getting to Machu Picchu Pueblo isn’t enough: you also need to account for the bus ride, the boarding line, and the time it takes to reach the entrance checkpoint.
| Circuit and routes | Reference entry times | Estimated time | Grace period | Approximate exit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1: 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, and 1-D | From 6:00 a.m.; seasonal routes mostly in the morning | 2 to 4.5 hours | Usually up to 30 minutes, depending on season and regulations | Depends on your assigned group and route |
| Circuit 2: 2-A and 2-B | Between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., depending on 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 route and entry group |
Entry times by circuit and route
Circuit 1 usually opens at 6:00 a.m., and its hiking routes, such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunku, or the Inca Bridge, are mostly scheduled in the morning. Route 1-B usually has more time slots than the seasonal routes.
Circuit 2 usually offers entry 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 use set groups and times. Check the official schedule before you lock in trains and transfers.
Grace period and arriving at the entrance
The usual grace period is up to 30 minutes after the time printed on your ticket, although it may vary by season or operating rules. Arriving late can mean losing your entry, especially on mountain routes with set departure groups.
Try to be in line at the entrance 30 to 45 minutes before your entry time. Coordinate your train, bus, and ticket with plenty of margin. At peak hours, boarding the bus in Machu Picchu Pueblo can take longer than expected.
Key requirements and recommendations
A smooth visit comes down to checking your ticket details, sticking to your assigned route, and arriving on time. Conservation rules apply throughout the sanctuary and may be updated by the Ministry of Culture.
Double-check your ticket details
Before you pay, verify your first and last names, ID number, nationality, date, entry time, circuit, and route. A mistake in any of these can affect your entry or keep the correct rate from being applied.
Your ticket is personal, non-transferable, and linked to your ID. Don’t buy tickets registered in someone else’s name, and don’t assume you’ll be able to change the visitor after the ticket is issued.
Buy your ticket before the train
Lock in your Machu Picchu ticket first, then arrange your train, lodging, bus, and guide around your entry time. This is especially important if you want Circuit 2, Huayna Picchu, or a date between June and September.
Also check how long it takes to get from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo. An early train doesn’t always guarantee you’ll make it on time if you haven’t factored in the bus ride to the entrance.
Allowed and prohibited items
We recommend bringing a small backpack, water in a reusable bottle, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes with good soles. Restrictions on bag size, food, and other items are enforced at the entrance.
Trekking poles may be restricted, except for health reasons and when they have rubber tips. Tripods, drones, professional equipment without authorization, bulky items, and prohibited food may be held at the entrance or keep you from entering. Check the official rules before you travel, since they can change.
Tour guides and one-way routes
Requirements for being accompanied by a guide may vary depending on current regulations and the type of visit. Even though it isn’t always enforced the same way for every visitor, hiring a licensed guide helps you understand the areas on your circuit and make the most of your time.
All circuits are one-way. You can’t turn back, switch routes, or access another mountain during your visit. That’s why you should choose carefully before you buy and follow the instructions of the staff on site.
Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu tickets
These answers cover common questions before buying a ticket. For last-minute details, such as available spots and exact times, always check Tu Boleto.
Which ticket lets me take the classic Machu Picchu photo?
Routes 1-B, 2-A, and 2-B let you take 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 of the interior buildings. Route 1-A also includes a panoramic view before the mountain climb.
What is the best circuit for a first visit to Machu Picchu?
For a first visit, Routes 2-A or 2-B on the Classic Circuit are usually the top choice. They let you take a panoramic photo and walk through the citadel’s most important areas. Your final choice depends on availability, entry time, your fitness level, 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 route through the lower part of Machu Picchu on Route 3-A, plus the mountain climb. It doesn’t let you freely explore Circuits 1 or 2 or reach the classic photo platform at the Guardhouse.
Can I visit two circuits with one ticket?
No. Each ticket covers one specific circuit and route. To do two different circuits, you need two separate tickets with compatible entry times and enough time between visits. Keep in mind that the routes are one-way and don’t allow you to cross from one circuit to another.
Can I still reserve a ticket without paying?
No. Since September 2026, Tu Boleto only issues tickets with confirmed payment. Once you choose your date, route, and entry time, you have 15 minutes to pay; if you don’t, the spot is released for other visitors.
Can I change the date or name on my ticket?
Changes, cancellations, and refunds depend on the Ministry of Culture’s current policies and the purchase conditions for each ticket. Don’t assume a ticket can be changed after it’s issued. Review the official conditions before you pay and confirm any changes directly through the authorized channel.
Does the ticket include the train, bus, or a guide?
No. The official price only covers entry to Machu Picchu on your selected route. The train, the bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the entrance, a tour guide, lodging, meals, and transfers from Cusco are paid separately. Coordinate these services around your exact entry time.
Book your Machu Picchu tickets
Before you buy, decide whether you want the classic photo, an interior tour, or a mountain hike. Then check real availability for the date, route, and entry time you need. That way you can coordinate your train, bus, and visit time correctly.
If you need help checking availability, choosing a route, or coordinating your ticket, train, bus, and guide, reach out to Machu Picchu Viajes Peru. The official ticket price is always quoted separately from booking fees and any tour services you choose to add.
