Before you visit one of the greatest wonders of the world, there is some information about purchasing tickets and new regulations that you should know about. Since 2017, new visitor guidelines to help protect the integrity and legacy of the UNESCO Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu were put in place.
Now, there are timed entries into the site and designated walking circuits to guide foot traffic and reduce overcrowding. Since the re-opening of Machu Picchu in November 2020, new regulations control the number of daily visitors allowed into the archaeological site. This guide will give you the rundown on how these new regulations might affect your visit and how to purchase tickets.
Read more about these Machu Picchu Tickets and Regulations here:
- How to Get Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Types of Tickets
- Entry Times
- Time at Machu Picchu
- Walking Circuits
- New Machu Picchu Regulations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Machu Picchu Museum
How to Get Tickets to Machu Picchu
It is strongly recommended that you book a tour that includes Machu Picchu in its itinerary so that you can concentrate on enjoying your trip to Peru rather than having to purchase tickets or decide when is the best time to enter Machu Picchu. Tickets must be purchased through the Ministry of Culture with the proper information filled out appropriately. Other reasons include avoiding having to purchase bus tickets up to Machu Picchu (which is separate from your entrance ticket), or worrying about finding a group tour or private tour once at the sacred site.
Peru For Less offers full travel itineraries including multiday excursions and tickets for the Inca Trail or other expeditions. Speak with one of our travel advisors by filling out this Traveler Form to learn more about how to book your trip. For those just curious about how to get Machu Picchu Tickets and the more intrepid traveler, keep reading.
Machu Picchu Tours:
6 Days / from $1249
9 Days / from $2069
Types of Tickets
With the ticket up to Machu Picchu, you’ll be able to see over 100 different types of incredible Incan ruins including temples, grain houses, royal buildings and other significant ancient religious sites. 4 types of tickets are available for visitors to the Lost City of the Incas with each offering different views and archaeological experiences. Remember that no ticket is required to hike to the incredible Inca Bridge or Sun Gate, this is included with your entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Llaqta de Machu Picchu
- 4th Circuit and Waynapicchu
- 4th Circuit and Huchuypicchu Mountain
- This is the most popular and basic ticket needed to visit Machu Picchu. This ticket includes a guided tour around the ruins and the optional Sun Gate and Inca Bridge hike.
- The Waynapicchu tickets are normally difficult to obtain since they sell out rather quickly. With this ticket, you’ll have access to the stunning views atop Waynapicchu Mountain. At the apex of the mountain, there is a temple to the moon, and the famous “death stairs” leading back to the Lost City.
- This ticket includes the regular circuit and ticket up to Huchuypicchu Mountain. The hike to Huchuypicchu mountain gives an incredible view of the Northern side of Machu Picchu.
A view of Huayna Picchu peak from the southern end of Machu Picchu. Photo by Ana Castañeda for Peru for Less.
For more information on which ticket might be best for you, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Travel Advisors to learn more. Remember that the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is only valid on the day marked for entry. Once purchased, tickets cannot be exchanged or be transferred to other visitors since they have your specific document number and name on them.
Entry Times
A limited amount of Machu Picchu tickets are available for entry every hour from 6 am and 2 pm. When purchasing tickets for Machu Picchu you must select one of the entry times starting at 6 am, 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, or 2 pm. It’s possible to enter Machu Picchu for up to one hour after the time indicated on your ticket and not anytime beforehand.
There’s nothing like you’re first view of the Inca Citadel. Photo by Peru for Less
Time at Machu Picchu
- General entry ticket permits a maximum stay of 4 hours inside Machu Picchu.
- Entry + Huayna Picchu ticket permit a maximum stay of 6 hours to do the hike and take a tour.
- Entry + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket permits a maximum stay of 7 hours to do the hike and take a tour.
Read more about the hikes in Machu Picchu, including Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Walking Circuits
Tour the urban and agricultural sectors of Machu Picchu on one of the walking circuits showcased in the map below.
Walking Circuits
- GREEN – Route 1
- RED – Route 2
- BLUE – Alternative Routes for hikes in Machu Picchu. The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes require a special entry ticket that must be purchased in advance. Hikes to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge do not require a ticket.
Map of Machu Picchu’s Walking Circuits designed by Peru for Less
Points of Interest on the Map
- Guardhouse
- Agricultural Zone
- Main Gate
- West Agricultural Zone
- Temple Zone
- Temple of the Three Windows
- Astronomical Observatory
- Main Square
- Sacred Rock
- Group of the Three Doorways
- Royal Enclosures
- Temple of the Condor
- Fountains
- Tower
A Traveler’s Guide to Machu Picchu Sights
New Machu Picchu Regulations
Peru for Less guides at Machu Picchu keep our Travel Advisors and operations team up-to-date with the most current regulations and how any changes may impact upcoming tours. Check out our Machu Picchu travel guide. for more detailed information.
- Currently, Machu Picchu only allows 1116 daily visitors to the ancient site. It is strongly recommended that you book a tour package to ensure that you are guaranteed entrance and tickets to the sacred site.
- Groups larger than (8) persons are also not allowed into Machu Picchu. This means up to (7) tourists and (1) tour guide. This is to help avoid the intermingling of social bubbles.
- A complete Vaccine Cards or a negative COVID test is also required by the Ministry of Culture in order to enter the ancient site.
The Temple of the Sun situated in the heart of Machu Picchu. Photo by Dragisa Braunovic on Unsplash
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay inside the archaeological complex with my ticket?
The basic Machu Picchu ticket only allows visitors for a maximum of 4 hours, although there is no authority that checks tickets after 4 hours. Normally 4 hours is more than enough time to visit the entirety of Machu Pacchu unless your ticket includes Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu Mountain.
Can I purchase tickets in person once I’m in Peru?
No, either an agency such as Peru For Less can reserve tickets to Machu Picchu for you with a private tour with other ruins included, or you can purchase them individually through the Ministry of Culture.
Are student discounts available for entrance tickets to Machu Picchu?
Yes! There are student discounts offered to any student under 25 that has a valid student ID. Students must scan and send their Student ID to
How do I get the Machu Picchu stamp on my passport?
Inside the archaeological complex right before leaving Machu Picchu there is a small desk where you can stamp your passport.
Does my ticket include other sites in Machu Picchu?
Yes! The hike to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is included with the purchase of any ticket.
How long do tours run at Machu Picchu?
Tours normally take no longer than 2 hours, after your tour finishes you are welcome to continue exploring the site such as trekking to the Sun Gate. Remember it’s best to book a tour in advance, You are only allowed entrance to Machu Picchu with a tour. However, in case you book your ticket to Machu Picchu separately, there are group tours that gather at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Museum
No tickets are needed for the Machu Picchu Museum. The small museum right outside Aguas Calientes is open to the public as long as you present a valid ID. Visit this wonderful site for more information about the discovery of Machu Picchu and botanical exhibit where you can learn more about the cloud forests around this area.
Contact our team to start planning your trip to Machu Picchu!
Manuel was born in Iowa, raised in California and now lives in Lima, Peru. His Peruvian parents always kept him close to his roots with dozens of family vacations to see his grandparents in Lima. After graduating from University of California Santa Barbara, Manuel decided to move to Lima to be closer to the family, food and culture he loves.
