Circuits + Machu picchu tickets

Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Peru and a dream destination for travelers from around the world.

If you are planning a visit to this magical wonder, you may have found the ticketing process a bit confusing—you’re not alone. The available information can often be unclear, making the experience feel overwhelming. But don’t worry it’s more manageable than it seems.

First and foremost, it is essential to purchase your tickets in advance. Ticket availability is limited each day in order to help preserve the site, and there are several types of tickets depending on which areas you wish to explore.

Not sure which ticket is right for you? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the most suitable option, secure your spot, and make the most of your unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.

Entrance Fees to Machu Picchu.

As of June 1, 2024, the Peruvian government has implemented three new tourist circuits to better manage the number of visitors and preserve Machu Picchu’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When purchasing your ticket to visit Machu Picchu, you will need to select one of these specific circuits. Each circuit follows a defined route and gives access to different areas of the citadel.

Here are the three circuit options currently available, along with what each one includes:

Machu Picchu Entrance Circuits (Effective June 1, 2024)

When booking your entrance ticket, you must choose one of the three official circuits. Each circuit follows a designated path through Machu Picchu and includes different areas and viewpoints. Choosing the right one depends on what you want to see and your level of physical ability.

Circuit 1 – Panoramic (4 routes)

This circuit offers broad, elevated views of the citadel and surrounding mountains. Ideal for photography and scenic vistas.

• Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Upper Terrace (terraza superior)
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – available only during the high season
• Inca Bridge – available only during the high season

Circuit 2 – Classic (2 routes)

This is the most popular route and provides access to the classic postcard view of Machu Picchu. It is perfect for first-time visitors.

• Route A: Classic Route
• Route B: Lower Terrace

Circuit 3 – The Royal (4 routes)

This circuit focuses on the lower parts of the citadel and includes access to iconic hiking routes. Some areas are open only during the high season.

• Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Machu Picchu Bajo (Lower Machu Picchu)
• Gran Caverna (Great Cavern) – high season only
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain – high season only

¿Dónde comprar entradas para Machu Picchu?

Puedes reservarlas directamente a través de la página web oficial y en los puntos de venta autorizados de Cusco o Aguas Calientes. Siempre recomendamos reservar con mucha anticipación, sobre todo en temporada alta (junio-octubre) o si planeas hacer la caminata hasta el Huayna Picchu o la montaña Machu Picchu. Sigue estos pasos para comprar tus billetes.

Circuit 1: in Machu Picchu (Panoramic)

1.- Machu Picchu mountain

All routes in Circuit 1 include a visit to the main observatory, where you’ll get stunning panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. However, keep in mind that this circuit doesn’t include access to the central archaeological site.

Machu Picchu Mountain Route: 

If you’re planning to hike, this is the route we recommend. Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest peak in the area, reaching 3,082 meters (10,111 feet) above sea level. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking and well worth the climb.

Along the way, you’ll also pass by:

• Upper terraces (terraza superior) – perfect for capturing wide, scenic shots
• The main observatory – where you can pause and take in the full beauty of the citadel from above
• Resting points with scenic views – ideal for a short break and some great photos
• Upper Observatory (2)
• Lower Observatory (1)
• Upper Observatory (2)
• Machu Picchu Mountain
• Classic 360° view of Machu Picchu.

Time limit: 7 hours

• You’ll have a maximum of 7 hours to complete the entire route, starting from the entry point. Make sure to pace yourself and bring water, snacks, and sun protection.

 

What to Expect:

With your Circuit 1, you’ll enter through the main gate of Machu Picchu and hike up to the upper viewpoints, where you’ll get amazing views of the site from above. From there, you can continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which is just about a 10 minute walk away from the start of the Machu Picchu Mountain trail.

The hike up Machu Picchu Mountain usually takes around 3 hours round trip. When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360° panoramic views of the entire Machu Picchu area. This spot is often less crowded than Huayna Picchu, so you can really enjoy the scenery in peace.

After taking it all in, you’ll head back down the same way to the entrance.

2. Upper Terrace (terraza Superior) Route:

 

 This route lets you visit only the highest points of Machu Picchu:

• Lower Observatory
• Upper Observatory
• You’ll get to enjoy the classic 360° panoramic views of Machu Picchu from up high.

Time limit: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

3.- Sun Gate (Inti Punku). 

This route takes you to the Sun Gate and other key spots like:

• Lower Observatory
• Upper Observatory
• Inti Punku (the Sun Gate)
• You’ll get to enjoy the classic 360° panoramic view of Machu Picchu from these vantage points.

The Sun Gate (inti Punku) is the iconic arrival spot for hikers on the Inca Trail, offering a unique and unforgettable view of the Citadel.

Duration: 4 hours.

4.- the Inca Bridge (puente Inca).

The Inca Bridge is an impressive structure built into a sheer cliff. With this ticket, you can walk all the way to the bridge and visit these spots:

• Lower Observatory
• Upper Observatory
• Inca Bridge
• Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the classic 360° view of Machu Picchu.

To reach the bridge, you’ll follow the route through the Lower Observatory up to the checkpoint. The whole hike takes about 3 hours.

Time limit: 3 hours.

Circuit 1: Entrance schedule

Machu Picchu Mountain Route

• First Turn : You can enter Machu Picchu from 6:00 am, and access the mountain between 7:00 am and 8:00 am.
• Second Turn : Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 8:00 am, with mountain access between 9:00 am and 10:00 am.

Upper Terrace Route: 

• Morning entrances: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 am.
• Afternoon entrances: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm.

Sun Gate (Inti punku) Route. 

• Entrances at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 am.

Inca Bridge ( puente Inca) Route:

• Morning entrances: 8:00, 9:00 (twice), 10:00, and 11:00 am.

Opening Hours

Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm.

Circuit 2 – Machu picchu Citadel (2 routes)

1.- Iconic Photo + Machu picchu Citadel (Ruta 2-A Ruta Diseñada)

This tour offers the most complete experience of Machu Picchu. You’ll start at the main gate and hike up to the Guardian’s House, where you can take in those classic, breathtaking views. From there, you’ll descend into the heart of the ruins and explore different parts of the citadel. It’s the perfect route to see all the iconic spots of this ancient Inca city.

There are two routes included in this tour:

Classic Route: This takes you to the most important points of Machu Picchu.

• including the Lower Observatory 
• the Quarry.

Baths Route: This route gives you access to the hot springs area, plus other fascinating spots like:

• the Place of the Temples.
• Sacred Rock, 12 Bays.
• Storehouses.
• Water Mirrors.
• the Temple of the Condor.
• You’ll also enjoy stunning 360° views from the Lower Observatory.

Pro tip: We highly recommend this tour if you want to explore the entire Inca city. Since it’s the most popular option, be sure to book your tickets well in advance.

2.- Lower Terrace Route + Machu picchu citadel (Ruta 2-b: terraza Inferior).

This route is similar to the classic one but skips the observatory and the quarry. You’ll still get plenty of chances to snap amazing photos with Machu Picchu as your backdrop.

You’ll visit:

• Temple of the Sun
• Temple Plaza
• Sacred Rock
• 12 Bays
• Warehouses
• Water Mirrors
• Temple of the Condor
• And of course, you’ll enjoy those iconic views of Machu Picchu.

Keep in mind, the time limit for both routes is 2.5 hours, so make sure to pace yourself and soak it all in.

Entrance Schedule for Circuit 2:

• Morning: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00
• Afternoon: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00

 

Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu (Royal Circuit)

1. Huayna Picchu Mountain Route

This route takes you to the famous Huayna Picchu mountain and lets you explore the lower part of the city, including:

• Temple of the Sun
• 12 Bays
• The Warehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• The Water Mirrors
• The Sacred Rock

Highlight: Huayna Picchu is one of the most popular hikes at Machu Picchu, and this ticket gives you access to it. The hike typically takes about 2 hours to complete.

Time limit: 6 hours

2.- Lower Machu Picchu Route

This ticket only allows access to the lower part of Machu Picchu, where you can explore the following sites:

• Temple of the Sun
• The Twelve Openings
• The Storehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Mirrors of Water

Time limit: 2.5 hours.

3.Route: The Great Cavern

This route takes you to the Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cave, located behind Huayna Picchu Mountain. Keep in mind that this cave is only open during the peak season.

Along the way, you’ll also visit:

• Temple of the Sun
• The 12 Openings
• The Storehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Reflecting Waters
• The Sacred Rock

Time Limit: 7 hours. 

4.- Huchuy Picchu mountain route

 

 

Huchuy Picchu is the smaller mountain next to Huayna Picchu, standing at 2,498 meters (8,500 feet) above sea level. To hike it, you’ll need to buy this specific entrance ticket, which also lets you explore the lower part of Machu Picchu.

On this route, you’ll visit:

• Temple of the Sun
• The 12 Bays
• The Storehouses
• Temple of the Condor
• Water Mirrors
• Sacred Rock
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain

From the Huchuy Picchu checkpoint (which is the same as Huayna Picchu’s entrance), it takes about 25 minutes to reach the summit and about the same time to come back down. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Machu Picchu from a fresh, unique perspective.

Circuit 3: Entry Times

Huayna Picchu Mountain Route

• First turn: You can enter Machu Picchu starting at 6:00 a.m., and your ascent to Huayna Picchu should be between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m.
• Second Turn: Entry to Machu Picchu from 8:00 a.m., with Huayna Picchu climb between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Machu Picchu Lower Route:

Available at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 a.m.

• Morning hours: 6:00 to 11:00 a.m.
• Afternoon hours: 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m.

The Great Cave Route:

Entry times at 7:00 and 8:00 a.m.

Machu Picchu Mountain Route (regular route):

Entry at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Opening hours:

Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m.

How much does admission to Machu Picchu cost?

Here’s a breakdown of ticket prices based on age and type of visitor:

Circuit 1: Upper Section, Sun Gate, and Inca Bridge

• Foreign Adults: 152 soles
• Minors (Under 18 years): 70 soles
• Students (with valid ID): 77 soles

Circuit 1: Machu Picchu Mountain

Foreign Adults: 200 soles

• Minors: 118 soles
• Students: 125 soles

Circuit 2: Classic and Lower Section

• Adults: 152 soles
• Children: 70 soles
• Students: 77 soles

Circuit 3: Lower Section and Huayna Picchu Mountain

• Adults: 152 soles
• Children: 70 soles
• Students: 77 soles

Circuit 3: Great Cave

• Adults: 200 soles
• Children: 118 soles
• Students: 125 soles

Circuit 3: Huayna Picchu Mountain

• Adults: 200 soles
• Children: 118 soles
• Students: 125 soles

Machu Picchu Tickets AND Visitor Regulations

The “Regulations for Sustainable Use and Visitation by Tourists for the Conservation of the Inca City of Machu Picchu,” established in 2017, are designed to protect and preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site while promoting responsible tourism. These rules set the conditions you need to follow during your visit, and they’re updated regularly to ensure the site’s long-term care.

Here are some important things to keep in mind before your visit:

• Ticket Validity: Your ticket is only valid for the specific date printed on it. You won’t be able to use it on a different day, and it can’t be transferred or refunded.

Visit Circuits: You and your guide must stick to the circuit printed on your ticket. Some areas of the citadel are restricted or closed off to visitors.

Bring Your ID: You’ll be asked to show valid identification at  entrance check-point during your visit. Acceptable IDs include your passport, residence permit, or diplomatic card. If you’re from an Andean Community (CAN) or Mercosur country, a national ID card is fine. International students should bring their original university ID.

Entry Times: There’s a strict time window for entering Machu Picchu based on your ticket. Make sure you arrive on time, especially considering the season you’re visiting:

High season (June 1 to October 15, plus December 30 and 31): You have a 45-minute grace period after your ticket time.

Rest of the year: You have 30 minutes to enter after the time printed on your ticket.
Being aware of these regulations will help you enjoy a smooth and stress-free visit while helping protect this incredible place for future generations.

For Mountain Hikes (Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain): There is no buffer time. So, if your check-in time is 6:00 AM, you’ll need to enter exactly at that time or very close to it.

If you want to learn more, check out the latest 2024 Visitor Regulations for Machu Picchu.

Restrictions While Visiting Machu Picchu

To protect this incredible site, there are rules about what you can and can’t bring with you. Here’s a list of items you should avoid bringing:

• Large or heavy luggage
• Tripods, selfie sticks, or any camera stabilizers
• Drones
• Umbrellas and folding chairs
• Alcohol or illegal substances
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Food and cooking utensils
• Baby strollers (but you can use a baby carrier instead)
• Musical instruments or speakers
• Banners, posters, promotional clothing, costumes, or similar items
• Trekking poles
• Hard-soled shoes (rubber-soled footwear is recommended for safety and preservation)

Please note: Ticket sales, entry processes, and regulations can change, so be sure to check official websites or local authorities for the latest updates before your trip.