Updated on October 03, 2024

Latest Update

• Currently, there are long lines for the shuttle buses to and from Machu Picchu due to a reduced number of buses in operation. We recommend planning at least an hour for the ride up to Machu Picchu and another hour for the return trip to Aguas Calientes, especially during the high season from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31.
• You can purchase tickets for the new circuits online at tuboleto.cultura.pe. However, beginning August 5th, 2024, you will need to create a user account (with login and password) to view ticket availability after selecting your desired visit date.
• tuboleto.cultura.pe is only available in Spanish (for ticket purchase go to 'Modulo de Venta')
• Starting from August 5th, a reservation in the system can be held for only 3 hours. If no payment is made within this period, the reservation will be automatically released.
• Here's the revised text including the new information:
• It is possible to check availability on the website; however, several inconsistencies may be encountered as the site is still being finalized. For example, Machu Picchu tickets that are not offered during the low season (such as Huchuy Picchu) may incorrectly appear as sold out or display the message "no hay espacios disponibles," even though these tickets are not available at this time. Additionally, it is not yet possible to check availability for the Inca Trail. Please be aware that these inconsistencies may persist for the next few weeks until the website is fully operational.
• May 12th saw the introduction of 3 new circuits via Resolution 207-2024-MC, effective June 1st, 2024, replacing the old 5 circuits.
• Travelers with tickets purchased before the new circuits' implementation will receive equivalent options - see table of circuit equivalents below.
• High season, from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31, will see daily visitor limits rise from 4500 to 5600.
• During high season, Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 will offer alternative routes to alleviate congestion.
• We highly recommend purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets at least 45 days prior to your visit to guarantee availability

Machu Picchu New Circuits 2024 & Maps

The resolution of May 2024 confirms the implementation of three new circuits. These are the same circuits that were originally introduced by the authorities in December 2023.

Circuit 1 or 'Panoramic'

Explores the upper section of the so-called agricultural sector of Machu Picchu (featuring terraces).
It's a panoramic circuit where you can have views of the surrounding mountains Wayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu and Putucusi as well as the central area of the archaeological site.

There are two options for this circuit:

• Circuit 1 Route 1-B: as described above and marked with a red line in map below
• Circuit 1 Route 1-A: as described above and providing access to Machu Picchu Mountain (the backstiched line to 'Montaña Machu Picchu')

During the high season (from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31) two further options are available:

• Circuit 1 Route 1-C: as described above and in addition providing access to the Sun Gate (look for Intipunku in the Circuit 1 map )
• Circuit 1 Route 1-D: as described above and in addition providing access to the Inca Bridge (look for 'Puente Inka' in the Circuit 1 map)

Circuit 2 or 'Classic'

This circuit, which is highly sought after by visitors, encompasses both the agricultural and urban sectors of Machu Picchu. Along the route, you'll encounter landmarks such as the Inca quarry, the Sun Temple lookout point, the Sacred Stone, the storages known as Qolqas, and the Temple of the Condor, among other sites depicted in the map below.

There are 2 options when choosing this circuit:

• Circuit 2 Route 2-A: as described above and including the ‘Guard House’  - one of the most popular spots in Machu Picchu (for the panoramic picture).
• Circuit 2 Route 2-B: as described above but not including the ‘Guard House’, though enabling to take the panoramic picture of Machu Picchu.

The difference between 2-A and 2-B is illustrated in the maps below (highlighted by orange boxes).

Circuit 3 or 'Royal'

This tour explores the lower section of Machu Picchu, encompassing the agricultural terraces before delving into the urban sector. Notable attractions in this area include the Water Mirrors, Pisonay Square, the Temple of the Condor, and the Sacred Stone.

There are 2 options when choosing this circuit:

• Circuit 3 Route 3-B: as described above  
• Circuit 3 Route 3-A: as described above and in addition providing access to Wayna Picchu (see the yellow arrows below indicating the path to 'Montaña Wayna Picchu')

During the high season (from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31) two further options are available:

• Circuit 3 Route 3-C: as described above and in addition providing access to ‘Gran Caverna’ (Great Cavern)
• Circuit 3 Route 3-D: as described above and in addition providing access to ‘Huchuy Picchu’

Table of Circuit Equivalents

Travelers with tickets purchased before the new circuits' implementation will receive equivalent options for visits starting from June 1st, 2024.

'OLD' CIRCUITS	NEW CIRCUITS (effective June 1st 2024)
Circuit 1 or 2 Circuit 1 or 2 & Inca Bridge (Puente Inca)	You can choose between: ·       Circuit 2 or ·       Circuit 3 Route 3-B
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain	You can choose between: ·       Circuit 1 Route 1-A to Machu Picchu Mountain or ·       Circuit 3 - Route 3-B
Circuit 4 Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu Mountain	·       Circuit 3 Route 3-A Wayna Picchu
Circuit 4 Machu Picchu & Huchuy Picchu Mountain	You can choose between: ·       Circuit 3 Route 3-B or ·       Circuit 3 Route 3-D Huchuy Picchu

Personal Data Required for Purchase

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are issued based on personal data and are non-transferable or refundable. The following details are needed to buy tickets:

• Full name
• Gender
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth

Due to the limited number of visitors, we recommend buying tickets at least 45 days in advance.

There is no sales point at the entrance to Machu Picchu itself!

Price Reduction for Children & Students

• Children under 3 years of age do not have to pay admission.
• A reduced price applies to children/teenagers up to the age of 17.
• Students up to 25 years of age receive a discount on the presentation of a valid student ID from their university (an ISIC student ID is not sufficient).

Visiting rules

• At the entrance, every visitor must show their ticket and passport. Students must also present their valid student ID.
• Visit duration is generally limited to a maximum of 2.5 hours.
• The only exceptions are tickets for the surrounding mountain peaks Wayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu as well as the new alternative routes to Inti Punku, Inca Bridge and Great Cavern ('Gran Caverna') which allow for a longer entry.
• The entry ticket entitles you to a single entry. It is not possible to leave and re-enter the citadel with the same ticket.
• It is recommended to have a tour guide accompany you on your first visit to Machu Pichu. However, it is not mandatory.
• The different circuits are clearly marked, and visitors must stay on their designated routes. Each visitor receives a badge to wear around their neck indicating their assigned circuit. Photo checks are performed along the route to ensure that visitors remain on their designated circuit.

Admission times

• Machu Picchu is open to visitors daily from 6:00 to 17:30
• Visits are not possible outside of these times.
• When purchasing the admission ticket, a fixed time slot of 60 minutes must be selected for admission.
• This can no longer be changed after it has been issued.
• The last slot starts at 15:00 hrs

According to the resolution of May 2024, visitors purchasing tickets for specific entry slots are granted a tolerance period. This means that arrivals are permitted within the designated tolerance time frame for each slot.

Tolerance period HIGH SEASON (June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31)	Tolerance Period LOW SEASON
45 minutes	30 minutes

Restrictions

• You may not take large bags, groceries, and disposable bottles into the citadel.
• You can only carry one small bag with you.
• Walking sticks are allowed for physically challenged and elderly visitors (only if equipped with a rubber tip).
• Public restrooms are available at the entrance checkpoint for Machu Picchu, ensuring convenient access for visitors. However, it's important to note that there are no toilet facilities within the citadel itself.

Surrounding Mountain Peaks

Some of our travelers want to explore one of the surrounding mountains of Machu Picchu. These are: Machu Picchu Mountain, Wayna Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

• Machu Picchu Mountain
• Wayna Picchu Mountain
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain

The following table depicts the number of daily entrance tickets available online for the surrounding mountains:

Mountain	Circuit	Tickets HIGH SEASON	Tickets LOW SEASON
Machu Picchu Mountain	Circuit 1  Route 1-A	100 (07:00 am) 100 (09:00 am)	100 (07:00 am) 100 (09:00 am)
Wayna Picchu	Circuit 3 Route 3-A	150 (07:00 am) 150 (09:00 am)	150 (07:00 am) 150 (09:00 am)
Huchuy Picchu	Circuit 3 Route 3-D	25 (10:00 am) 25 (12:00 am)	not available

Wayna Picchu

Wayna Picchu is one of the mountain peaks that surround Machu Picchu. It is probably the most famous as it towers over Machu Picchu in the background in many photos. The ascent takes place on a narrow and extremely steep path and takes around 45 - 60 minutes, depending on the pace. Once at the summit, a fantastic view of the whole of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains awaits.

Since the path is very narrow and exposed in some places, we recommend this hike for experienced and sure-footed hikers. We highly recommend sturdy shoes.

Allowed time to visit Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu: 5.5 hours

Huchuy Picchu (only open in the high season)

Huchuy Picchu is something like the little brother of Wayna Picchu. Huchuy Picchu is right next to the checkpoint at the Sacred Rock and can be reached on a hike of around 15 minutes. Compared to the other options, this hike is significantly easier and shorter and therefore also possible for less experienced travelers.

Allowed time to visit Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu: 3.5 hours

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain, which is also the Apu (sacred mountain) for the complex, is located south of the citadel, opposite Wayna Picchu. The hike partly leads through dense vegetation, but always rewards you with great views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area.

It takes about 90 minutes to get to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on your pace. The path leads over a lot of stairs. We recommend having a good physical condition and sturdy shoes for this route.

Allowed time to visit Machu Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu: 7 hours

If you can't decide between visiting Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu while planning your journey to Machu Picchu, our article has 3 questions that you need to ask yourself to help you make up your mind.

Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night

For travelers with the 2-day/1-night Inca Trail, on the first day, you will enter Machu Picchu via Intipunku. You can spend 20-30 minutes at the 'Plataforma superior' (point 2 on the map) to take photos before exiting the citadel. On the second day, you will visit Circuit 3-B. You may enter the site until 12:00 PM and stay for up to 2.5 hours.