Machu Picchu tickets: circuits, time slots and how to buy them
Your entry ticket is the first thing to lock in: daily capacity is limited and every ticket comes with a fixed circuit and entry time. Once you have it, the rest of the trip falls into place around it.
- Official sales
- Ministry of Culture
- Book ahead
- 1–3 months (high season)
- Circuits
- 3, with several routes
Where to buy your ticket
Official sales run through Peru's Ministry of Culture platform (tuboleto.cultura.pe). Licensed agencies also sell tickets, usually bundled with a guide and transport.
The name and passport number on the ticket must match the document you show at the gate. Tickets are personal and non-transferable.
Key tips
- Buy the entry ticket first and the train second: trains are easier to change.
- Keep the ticket on your phone and carry a printed copy too.
- University students and minors may qualify for reduced fares.
Which circuit to choose
The citadel is visited along one-way circuits. Circuit 1 covers the upper area and the classic panoramic view; circuit 2 is the most complete for a first visit; circuit 3 covers the lower area and is the one paired with Huayna Picchu.
Each circuit is split into routes with specific names and paths. They change from time to time, so check the exact description on the official site before you pay.
Key tips
- First visit and want the postcard shot? Prioritize a circuit that includes the upper area.
- Routes that include a mountain sell out first: book them as soon as your dates are set.
Time slots and how far ahead to book
Every ticket shows an entry time. Get to the bus line in Aguas Calientes early: missing your slot can mean losing your entry.
From June to August, at Easter and on Peruvian public holidays tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. In the rainy season you can usually book closer to the date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy tickets in Aguas Calientes?
There is a limited in-person sale in town, but spots are few and go fast. Do not rely on it: book online in advance.
Does the ticket include the bus?
No. The bus between Aguas Calientes and the citadel is paid separately, in town or online.
Do I need a guide?
Regulations require entry with a licensed official guide. It is also the best way to understand what you see; confirm the current rule when you buy.
