When one dreams of Peru, Machu Picchu immediately comes to mind. This wonder of the world, perched high in the Andes, attracts travelers from all over the globe each year.
But before following in the footsteps of the Incas, you must go through a crucial and sometimes slightly stressful step: booking your ticket.
to anticipate
Machu Picchu is one of the most visited sites in Latin America. Each day, entry is limited to a maximum of 4,500 visitors, including guides.
It may seem like a lot, but during the high season, from May to September, tickets sell out very quickly. In just a few days, they can be completely sold out, especially for the combined circuits with Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Our slow tourism advice :
If you wish to avoid the crowds and enjoy the site in a more peaceful atmosphere, we recommend visiting outside the high season, between October and April, except in February, when certain access routes are closed. The ambiance is more intimate, and you will truly be able to soak in the magic of the place.
On average, you will need about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete a full visit of Machu Picchu.
What are the different circuits like?
There are many types of tickets and 3 main circuits (from 1 to 3, which together offer a total of 10 different routes within Machu Picchu), which can make the choice difficult and somewhat confusing. For this reason, we have prepared a description of each type of ticket, along with some tips to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
1A: Panoramic route from Machu Picchu Mountain
The ideal option for nature lovers. This ticket allows access to Machu Picchu Mountain, with a demanding yet panoramic hike. In return for the effort, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the site and the Sacred Valley. In fact, this visit gives you the opportunity to take the classic “postcard” photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House area.
Only suitable for visitors aged 18 and over.
1B: Upper Terrace Route
This circuit offers an impressive view of the ruins with Huayna Picchu in the background.
It gives you the opportunity to admire Machu Picchu from one of its most iconic viewpoints: the Guardian’s House overlook.
You will enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the entire archaeological site. In the distance, you will be able to distinguish emblematic structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and many other fascinating remains.
However, please note: this ticket does not allow you to visit these structures up close.
It is primarily an observation circuit.
The visit can last up to 3 hours and 30 minutes — more than enough time to take in the scenery.
It is an ideal option if you wish to feel the thrill of Machu Picchu without necessarily exploring every corner of it.
1C: Intipunku Gateway Route (only available during the high season)
This route leads to the ancient entrance gate of Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail. It is a moderately difficult hike with a spectacular arrival. This visit also offers you the opportunity to view Machu Picchu from the iconic Guardian’s House viewpoint. To reach it, you will need to climb a stone staircase, with an ascent lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your physical condition.
From this viewpoint, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the main Inca structures. It is important to note that this ticket does not allow you to visit these buildings from the inside; it is an observation circuit. The maximum duration of this visit is approximately one hour.
1D: Inca Bridge Route (only available during the high season)
This route also takes you to the Guardian’s House.
It follows Circuit 1, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire site. From this viewpoint, you will enjoy a clear view of the main Inca structures mentioned previously. However, this ticket does not include access to the urban and religious sectors, which means you will not be able to visit these buildings up close.
This circuit is relatively short, with a maximum duration of 2 hours, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery from this exceptional location.
As a complement to this visit, you also have the possibility of accessing the Inca Bridge, via a trail that leads to the eastern edge of the Inca city, where the ancient gateway to the Amazon was once located.
Only suitable for visitors aged 18 and over.
2A: Classic Route
This is the main route through the ruins, perfect for a first visit.
It passes through the principal temples, plazas, and iconic buildings of Machu Picchu. This circuit also allows you to take the iconic photo of Machu Picchu, but from a panoramic platform located just below the Guardian’s House. It is known as “Circuit 2,” one of the most complete and popular routes among visitors.
The visit continues through the urban and religious sectors of the Inca city. You will have the opportunity to closely admire several of the site’s most emblematic structures: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Fountains, and of course, the impressive agricultural sector.
The maximum duration of this route is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
It is the most recommended circuit, especially if you are visiting the site for the first time and wish to gain an overall understanding. This ticket is accessible to all ages, making it an excellent option for families.
2B: Lower Terrace Route
A quieter alternative to the upper terrace, this route offers different and less crowded views of the archaeological site, from a lower angle.
This circuit is a slightly shorter version of the Full Classic Circuit but still rich in discoveries. It also allows you to capture the iconic photo of Machu Picchu from a lower terrace that offers a beautiful perspective of the citadel.
The itinerary continues through the urban and religious sectors of Machu Picchu, where you will have the opportunity to explore the most emblematic examples of Inca architecture, as well as the vast agricultural sector.
This circuit has a maximum duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
It is one of the most recommended options for fully discovering the site, without the physical effort required by longer hikes. Due to its popularity, it is highly recommended to book this ticket online at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
This route is accessible to all ages, making it an excellent alternative to Circuit 2 for those who wish to enjoy a complete visit without an intense walk.
3A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route
This route offers a steep climb but an incredible view. It is the most famous ascent: steep, narrow, dizzying — but unforgettable! From the summit, the view is truly breathtaking.
This circuit takes you through the royal Inca buildings located in the lower part of Machu Picchu. From the agricultural sector, you will also have the chance to take a photo similar to the iconic panoramic view seen from the Guardian’s House (which, in this case, is not included in this circuit).
In addition to this photo opportunity, the itinerary allows you to explore the lower part of the archaeological site, where you will find fascinating structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca’s House, the Building of the Three Doorways, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, among many other marvels.
Circuit 3 lasts approximately one hour. It is often chosen as a complement to the hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu — a spectacular but demanding route that can take up to 3 hours.
Due to high demand, this combined ticket (Circuit 3 + Huayna Picchu) must be booked online at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
Only suitable for visitors aged 18 and over.
3B: Machu Picchu Royalty – Designed Route
This route is designed to offer an experience through the most monumental areas of the site, in a smooth and immersive itinerary. It is ideal for a guided visit.
As its name suggests, this circuit allows you to discover the ancient royal buildings located in the lower part of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. It begins with a stop in the agricultural sector, from where you will have a panoramic view of the site, similar to that from the Guardian’s House, but from below.
The itinerary continues to the religious sector, the true spiritual heart of Machu Picchu. There, you will explore the emblematic buildings of Inca royalty: the Temple of the Sun, the Inca’s House, the Building of the Three Doorways, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, among many other treasures of architecture and symbolism.
This Circuit 3 lasts up to 3 hours and 30 minutes and does not include additional hikes to the surrounding mountains. It is accessible to all ages and represents an excellent option for discovering the highlights of Machu Picchu without major physical effort.
Tickets must be purchased online one to two months in advance, as this circuit is in high demand, especially due to its cultural richness.
3C: Great Cavern Route (only available during the high season)
A lesser-known itinerary that leads to the mysterious ceremonial cavern located in a remote area. Good physical condition is required.
This circuit takes you through the Inca structures in the lower part of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the religious or royal zone. Throughout the visit, you will have the opportunity to admire emblematic buildings such as the agricultural sector, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the Building of the Three Doorways, the Water Fountains, the Temple of the Condor, and the Water Mirrors.
From the agricultural sector, you will also be able to capture a beautiful panoramic photograph of Machu Picchu taken from the lower part of the site.
This circuit includes an exceptional experience: a visit to the Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cavern. This mystical sanctuary, nestled on the slopes of Huayna Picchu Mountain, is accessible via a round-trip hike of approximately 4 hours from the entrance. Access is restricted to visitors aged 18 and over and is only available during the high tourist season, from June 1st to October 15th.
The main section of Circuit 3 lasts an average of 1 hour, not including the hike to the Great Cavern.
This specific ticket must be booked online between 1 and 3 months in advance, as availability is limited.
3D: Huchuy Picchu Route (only available during the high season)
Similar to Huayna Picchu but shorter and more accessible, this route offers stunning views with less physical effort.
This circuit offers a detailed exploration of the lower part of Machu Picchu, also known as the religious sector, where you will discover emblematic buildings of Inca royalty such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca’s House, the Building of the Three Doorways, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, among many others.
Although this visit does not include the Guardian’s House area, it takes you through the agricultural sector, from where you can capture a spectacular view of the site, very similar to the iconic postcard photo (typically taken from the upper terraces).
Circuit 3 lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. It can be completed with a short hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain, a peak accessible only to visitors aged 18 and over, located at an altitude of 2,497 meters. The ascent takes around one hour.
Advance booking is essential: this combined ticket must be purchased 1 to 2 months in advance due to its popularity.
Only suitable for visitors aged 18 and over.
Choosing the Right Circuit
Take the time to choose the circuit that best suits your physical condition and interests.
Children are allowed on many of the circuits, but the most recommended one is Circuit 2, which offers a complete and immersive visit to the archaeological site.
As for older visitors, if you are in good physical shape, you will be able to complete Circuit 2 without major difficulty.
If that is not the case, Circuit 3 is an excellent alternative. Along this route, you will find several spots with benches where you can rest while enjoying a magnificent view of Machu Picchu from the lower part of the site.
If this is your first visit to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend choosing the ticket for the Classic or Designed Classic Circuit (Route 2A), or the Classic or Lower Terrace Circuit (Route 2B).
Both options include access to Circuit 2, the most comprehensive one, which will allow you to discover the main treasures of the Inca city: the Sacred Plaza, agricultural terraces, temples, and much more.
It is an ideal introduction to ensure an unforgettable first visit.
If, on the other hand, you have already had the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, why not enjoy a different experience this time?
There are several equally magical alternatives: the ascent to Huayna Picchu, the hike to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), the exploration of the Inca Bridge, or the mountains of Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu itself—not to mention the mysterious Great Cavern.
Please note that some circuits are restricted to visitors aged 18 and over, and others are only available during the high season, from June 1st to October 15th.
Finally, ticket prices vary depending on the circuit selected, your nationality (Peruvian or foreign), your age group (adult, student, child), and your residency status.
Where to buy your ticket ?
The official website https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/llaqta_machupicchu is the safest platform and offers the most affordable prices.
It is only available in Spanish and may be a bit complex to use, but it is the official website of the Peruvian government.
Another option is to go through a local agency, which can guide and assist you throughout the entire process.
An agency will help you choose your type of ticket, organize your itinerary, and manage train, bus, and guide reservations.
Purchase your ticket in Aguas Calientes
If you haven’t managed to get tickets to visit Machu Picchu, don’t worry.
Each day, 1,000 additional tickets are released for sale, valid for the following day.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, head to the Cultural Centre located in the main square of the town. There, you will be given a ticket with an appointment time and a queue number.
It is common to be assigned a number for the next day, when you will return to queue and purchase your ticket.
This option requires flexibility and patience, but many people choose this method successfully.
And after ?
Once you have your ticket, don’t forget to also book your train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco, as well as your bus to go up from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site.
These services also fill up quickly, so we recommend booking in advance.
You also have the option of doing multi-day treks to reach Machu Picchu, such as the famous Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek.
These alternatives offer an incredible variety of landscapes and a multi-day immersive experience in the heart of Andean nature and culture. They are especially appreciated by young backpackers.
Would you like us to help organize your visit to Machu Picchu? Not sure which ticket to choose or would you prefer not to handle the planning?
Write to us, we will be happy to assist you with kindness and professionalism.
Contact us directly via WhatsApp at +51 923 390 339 or by email at escapateslow@gmail.com
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Machu Picchu is waiting for you, and so are we!
