Prior to purchasing the Machu Picchu Entry Tickets,
it's essential to be aware of the certain aspects.
Machu Picchu is only accessible from the city of Cusco, which you can reach by bus or air travel. From Cusco, you need to reach Aguas Calientes and can be reached via train, trek, or else a combination of bus and walking. Once you get to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu lies at the top of the mountain above the small town.
Remember that you must purchase your entrance ticket in advance, the entry tickets are limited and by times. Your check-in time is located at the top left of the ticket. You have a maximum of 60 minutes to enter after that time.
Circuito 2:
- Ruta 2-A Clásica Diseñada. Entry ticket is the most popular since it will give you access to the upper terraces where you can take the classic photo of Machu Picchu. You will then enter through the main Inca gate to marvel at all the Inca temples, agrarian and urban areas, sundial and sacred rock and other attractions.
- Ruta 2-B Terraza Inferior. This Circuit is the same as 2-A, the only difference is that for the classic photo it includes a terrace below that of 2-A.
Circuito 1:
- Ruta 1-B Terraza Superior. Entry ticket ideal for those seeking panoramic views and covering the most iconic sections of Machu Picchu. Includes the upper terraces where the Casa de Guardian ( Guardhouse) is located, where you can take the classic photos of Machu Picchu. This entrance ticket is only for the upper part and does not allow you entry to the lower part where you can visit the Inca temples, urban areas, sacred rock and others. Recommended for first-time visitors who want to explore the site’s grandeur.
- Ruta 1-A Montaña Machupicchu. Entry Ticket includes the hike to the top of Machu Picchu mountain that takes about 3 hours roundtrip plus 1-B.
- Ruta 1-C Portada Intipunku. Entry Ticket includes the hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) that takes about 2 hours roundtrip plus 1-B.
- Ruta 1-D Puente Inca. Entry Ticket includes the hike to the Inca bridge that takes about an hour roundtrip plus 1-B.
Circuito 3:
- Ruta 3-B Realeza Diseñada. Entry ticket takes you by the lower part to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu, where you will visit The Sun Temple, Casa del Inca, Urban areas, Templo of the Condor and other attractions, making it ideal for families or those with mobility concerns.
- Ruta 3-A Waynapicchu. Entry Ticket includes the hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain that takes about 2 hours roundtrip plus 3-B.
- Ruta 3-C Gran Caverna. Entry Ticket includes the hike to the Gran Caverna that takes about 3 hours roundtrip plus 3-B.
- Ruta 3-D Huchuypicchu. Entry Ticket includes the hike to the top of Huchuypicchu mountain that takes about 45 minutes roundtrip plus 3-B.
It is NOT recommended to buy your own Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket during high season and make your own way to Machu Picchu, as it will end up probably costing more money and being a lot of hassle.
You cannot enter Machu Picchu without hiring a local guide for example, and then you will need to coordinate train times there and back as well as the bus up and down from Aguas Caliente, and figuring out the transport can be a pain. For this reason we recommend you book a tour or trek.
Machu Picchu entry Tickets are NOT sold at the entrance. Tickets are usually included as part of any tour or trek to Machu Picchu. Be aware of dodgy operators when booking a tour or a trek who tell you that you will collect the ticket at the entrance. It is why it is recommended to book with a tour operator.
Be careful with the company you choose for a tour or trek. There have been hundreds of tourists scammed in the past. Usually if a price seems too cheap to be true, it usually is.
In summary, Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets are included in all good tour or trek operators prices. Book online with the tour operators to ensure you have the once in a lifetime experience that you deserve.
Book a tour in person in Cusco (avoid if possible)
If you’re already in Cusco, you can book a trek or tour to Machu Picchu directly with a tour operator and make sure that they will get the entrance ticket for you.
While booking in Cusco doesn’t usually present a problem, it’s best to avoid doing this if possible since Machu Picchu tickets can sell out and there’s no guarantee that there will be availability on the day that you want to go. This is especially true during the high tourism season months of May to August. Book your ticket in advance before you arrive in Cusco to steer clear of any problems.
For trips to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend booking with True Mountain Traveler a Local tour Operator with a variety of tours and treks to one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Get started by picking from any one of our tours here.
