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Planning Your Visit to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu has established itself as one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world and a must-see for anyone visiting Peru. This ancient Inca citadel, regarded as a sacred site and a masterpiece of pre-Hispanic engineering, was built more than five centuries ago. Its remarkable state of preservation is largely due to its sophisticated architectural design and the natural environment that surrounds it.
Since its rediscovery in 1911, Machu Picchu has attracted millions of travelers from around the globe. However, in order to protect this invaluable historical heritage, access to the site is regulated through a daily visitor capacity limit of 5,600 people. Today, entry is organized through designated circuits, which are designed to manage visitor flow while safeguarding the archaeological structures.
How to Buy Tickets for Machu Picchu
For many travelers, visiting Machu Picchu is the most anticipated highlight of their trip to Peru. However, when planning the visit, common questions often arise about how to purchase entrance tickets, when is the best time to buy them, and which option best fits each traveler’s itinerary.
Currently, there are two main ways to purchase Machu Picchu tickets: buying them online in advance or purchasing them in person at the last minute in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). Both options can be handled independently, without the need to hire a travel agency, giving greater flexibility to travelers who prefer to plan their trip on their own.
That said, this flexibility does not apply to all experiences. In the case of the Inca Trail, access is strictly regulated and can only be arranged through authorized tour agencies, due to conservation requirements and the limited number of visitors allowed each day.
Online Purchase of Machu Picchu Tickets
Buying Machu Picchu tickets online is done before your trip, either through official platforms or via authorized travel agencies. Visitors select their preferred date, ticket type, and available time slot, then complete the purchase in advance.
This option is the most popular among travelers who plan their itinerary ahead of time and want to secure their entry before arriving in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
The citadel of Machu Picchu is considered a masterpiece of art, architecture, and engineering, perfectly integrated with its natural surroundings. It stands as one of the most important legacies of the Inca civilization to humanity.
Online ticket sales for entry to the llaqta of Machu Picchu are managed through the State Platform for the Management of Visits to Cultural Sites, developed by Peru’s Ministry of Culture in coordination with the Secretariat of Government and Digital Transformation of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
If you wish to purchase entry tickets to the llaqta of Machu Picchu online, please visit the official website:
However, online ticket availability for 2026 during the high season (May to September) is already becoming limited, especially for the most in-demand option, Circuit 2.
Before completing the purchase of your Machu Picchu tickets, make sure that all the information entered is accurate. Tickets are personal and non-transferable and are valid only for the selected date, circuit, and time slot.
On the day of your visit, you must present a valid identification document (passport, foreign resident card, or national ID). By finalizing your purchase, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Visitor Regulations available on the official ticketing platform.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
- Greater predictability when planning your trip
- Ability to choose your preferred ticket type in advance
- Reduced risk of tickets being unavailable
- Allows you to organize transportation, train schedules, and accommodation with greater confidence
Limitations:
- Requires setting exact dates in advance
- Less flexibility for last-minute changes
- Dependent on availability at the time of purchase
Last-Minute or On-Site Machu Picchu Tickets Purchase
On-site ticket purchases for Machu Picchu are made directly in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) and are intended for travelers who were unable to secure tickets online in advance. This option, commonly referred to as last-minute tickets, allows visitors to access the available slots for next-day entry across the different circuits, provided there is availability.
According to current regulations issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, a limited number of ticketsup to 1,000 per day, are released for on-site sale. For this reason, availability is not guaranteed, and this option is best suited for travelers with flexible schedules.
The on-site purchasing process typically requires personal registration, the mandatory presentation of a valid identification document, and a waiting period, as availability may change throughout the day. During peak travel seasons, lines and processing times can be significantly longer.
You can check the current availability of last-minute or in person Machu Picchu tickets online here: https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/disponibilidad/llaqta_machupicchu
Due to these conditions, this option is better suited for travelers who have flexibility in their itinerary, patience, and a willingness to adapt to potential changes. For those who prioritize certainty and advance planning, purchasing tickets ahead of time remains the most recommended alternative.
Things to Consider When Buying Last-Minute Machu Picchu Tickets
Last-minute ticket sales in Machu Picchu Pueblo are regulated by current official regulations and are carried out exclusively in person. This means that each visitor must appear personally with a valid identification document, as purchasing tickets on behalf of others is not allowed. Tickets are individual and non-transferable, and the information provided must match exactly the details on the ID presented at the entrance to the citadel.
An important point to keep in mind is that tickets purchased under this system are valid only for entry on the day following the purchase, and strictly for the assigned time slot and circuit. If the visitor does not arrive at the designated time, the ticket becomes invalid, and no changes or rescheduling are permitted.
On-site ticket sales are handled at the authorized office of the Ministry of Culture in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Service is provided during extended hours throughout the day and continues until the available tickets are sold out. If the allocation for the following day is exhausted, the system may open ticket sales for later dates, depending on demand and operational capacity.
For many travelers, this option can be workable; however, it requires time flexibility, patience, and careful planning, especially if visiting Machu Picchu is the main highlight of the travel itinerary.
Code of Conduct for Visiting Machu Picchu
During your visit to Machu Picchu, it is mandatory to follow the established rules of conduct aimed at preserving this historic sanctuary and ensuring respectful coexistence among visitors. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in immediate removal from the site, without the right to a refund, and the application of the corresponding penalties.
Not Allowed:
- Entering with large backpacks, bags, or suitcases exceeding 40 × 35 × 20 cm (16 × 14 × 8 inches)
- Bringing food, alcoholic beverages, or illegal substances
- Entering while intoxicated or under the influence of prohibited substances
- Using walking sticks, umbrellas, tripods, drones, loudspeakers, or professional filming equipment
- Entering with animals, except certified guide dogs
- Creating graffiti, making excessive noise, or engaging in disruptive behavior
- Wearing hard-soled shoes or high heels, or bringing baby strollers
- Carrying sharp objects, weapons, or aerosols
- Climbing on, leaning against, or touching archaeological walls and structures
- Disturbing or removing flora, fauna, or any elements of the site
- Smoking, vaping, lighting fires, or littering
- Leaving designated circuits and authorized routes
- Conducting commercial, promotional, or event-related activities
- Flying drones, paragliders, or any aerial devices
Monitoring and enforcement of these rules are carried out by the park rangers of the Ministry of Culture and the Peruvian National Police, who serve as the official authorities within the monument.
Respecting these regulations helps preserve Machu Picchu and ensures a safe and responsible experience for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I buy tickets for Machu Picchu?
You can purchase Machu Picchu tickets online through the official website or authorized travel agencies. Tickets may also be available for on-site purchase in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), subject to availability. Check Machu Picchu tickets availability online before traveling.
2. What ticket options are available for Machu Picchu?
There are several ticket types that provide access to different circuits within Machu Picchu, including the main citadel, Machu Picchu Mountain, and other alternative routes.
3. Is it mandatory to buy Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
While it is not mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended, especially during the high season, to secure your entry and avoid inconveniences.
4. Can I change the date or time of my Machu Picchu tickets after purchase?
No. Once purchased, tickets cannot be modified, rescheduled, or refunded. It is essential to review all details carefully before completing your purchase.
5. What documents are required to enter Machu Picchu?
You must present a valid passport, foreign resident card, or national ID that matches the information on your ticket at the time of entry.
6. How many tickets are available each day for Machu Picchu?
Access to Machu Picchu is limited to 5,600 visitors per day, distributed across three main circuits, which are further divided into 10 sub-circuits, each with specific entry times.
7. Can I buy Machu Picchu tickets in Machu Picchu Pueblo?
Yes. There is a limited on-site, last-minute ticket sale in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), subject to daily availability. Arriving with extra time is recommended.
8. What if I can’t get Machu Picchu tickets online?
If you are unable to purchase tickets online, you may try buying them in person in Machu Picchu Pueblo, where tickets are sold for entry on the following day, depending on availability.
9. What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is between April and October, during the dry season. If you prefer fewer crowds, the low season from November to March can also be a good option.
10. Can I visit Machu Picchu without a tour guide?
Hiring a guide is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the site’s history and cultural significance. Guides can be hired on-site or through organized tours.
11. What should I do if I lose my Machu Picchu ticket?
If you lose your ticket, contact the official sales support as soon as possible. Lost tickets cannot be refunded or replaced, so keeping a secure copy is essential. Customer service number: +51 (01) 321 5555.
12. Can I bring a backpack into Machu Picchu?
Small backpacks are allowed (up to 5 kg). However, large backpacks, tripods, and walking sticks are not permitted inside the site.
