Prices for foreign visitors (2026)
| Ticket | Adult (foreigner) |
|---|---|
| Standard circuit routes | S/152 (about US$45) |
| With Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or Great Cavern | S/200 (about US$60) |
| Students, children | Reduced; children under 3 free |
| Consettur bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu | About US$12 each way, US$24 return |
Prices can change, so confirm on the official Ministry of Culture site, tuboleto.cultura.pe, with route information on machupicchu.gob.pe.
Circuits and routes explained
Visits follow one-way circuits. You pick one route when you buy and can’t switch inside.
| Circuit | What you see | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 – Panoramic | Upper terraces and the classic postcard view; some routes add Machu Picchu Mountain, the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge | Photos |
| Circuit 2 – Classic | The most complete tour: upper viewpoint plus the main temples and lower sector | First-time visitors |
| Circuit 3 – Royalty | Lower royal sector; routes with Huayna Picchu, the Great Cavern or Huchuy Picchu | Hikers |
For the classic photo, choose a route that includes the upper terraces (such as Circuit 2-A or 1-B). Some routes run only in high season.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
- Huayna Picchu: the steep peak behind the ruins in every photo. Narrow stairs and exposed drops; about 2–3 hours. Very limited tickets.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: higher, with a long but less exposed staircase; about 3–4 hours. Easier to get.
How to buy, step by step
- Go to tuboleto.cultura.pe and select Machu Picchu.
- Choose your circuit, route, date and entry hour.
- Enter your passport details exactly as in your passport.
- Pay by card and save the PDF ticket.
- Buy the Consettur bus ticket separately (online or in Aguas Calientes).
A limited number of same-day or next-day tickets are sold in person in Aguas Calientes, with long queues in high season. Don’t rely on them.
Rules inside
- Bring the same passport you used to book; it’s checked at the entrance.
- Arrive within your hourly slot (a short grace period applies).
- No large bags, drones, walking poles without rubber tips, or food inside.
- There are no toilets inside the site, only at the entrance.
Getting there
Take the train to Aguas Calientes, then the bus or a steep 1.5-hour walk up. See train to Machu Picchu.
More Cusco guides
- Cusco travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Cusco
- Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary
- Where to stay in Cusco
- Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley tour
- Cusco altitude sickness
FAQ: Machu Picchu tickets
How far in advance should I buy Machu Picchu tickets?
For June to October, buy 1–3 months ahead; Huayna Picchu even earlier. In the rainy season, a few weeks is often enough.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is best?
Circuit 2 for the most complete visit; Circuit 1 for the classic view; Circuit 3 with Huayna Picchu for hikers.
Can I buy Machu Picchu tickets at the gate?
No. Tickets are not sold at the entrance; buy online or at the office in Aguas Calientes.
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