Booking Machu Picchu tickets in advance is absolutely essential.
Every year thousands of tourists arrive without tickets and
cannot enter. Here is everything you need to know.
🎫 TYPES OF MACHU PICCHU TICKETS
There are different circuits inside Machu Picchu:
Circuit 1 — Full citadel + Sun Gate
✔ Most complete option
✔ 3-4 hours walking
✔ Best for first time visitors
Circuit 2 — Main citadel tour
✔ Classic Machu Picchu experience
✔ 2-3 hours walking
✔ Most popular option
Circuit 3 — Lower terraces
✔ Shorter route
✔ Good for limited mobility
✔ Beautiful views
Circuit 4 — Agricultural sector
✔ Less visited areas
✔ Great for photography
✔ Peaceful experience
💰 TICKET PRICES 2026
Adult foreign tourist — $60 USD
Student with ISIC card — $30 USD
Children under 8 — Free
⏰ ENTRY TIMES
Morning entry: 6:00am — 12:00pm
Afternoon entry: 12:00pm — 5:30pm
Morning entry is recommended for:
✔ Better weather
✔ Fewer crowds
✔ Best photography light
📅 HOW FAR IN ADVANCE TO BOOK
High season (June-August): 2-3 months in advance
Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): 1 month
Low season (November-March): 2 weeks
⚠️ IMPORTANT RULES
✔ You must enter at your exact ticket time
✔ Maximum 2 re-entries per day
✔ Passport required for entry
✔ No large backpacks allowed
✔ No food inside the citadel
✔ No drones allowed
✔ No tripods allowed
🚂 HOW TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU
Step 1 — Travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by bus (1.5 hours)
Step 2 — Take the train to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours)
Step 3 — Take the bus up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes)
Train options:
✔ Inca Rail — comfortable and reliable
✔ Peru Rail — panoramic windows
✔ Vistadome — best views
💡 TIPS FROM LOCAL EXPERTS
✔ Book tickets AND train together
✔ Arrive at Aguas Calientes the night before
✔ Hire a professional guide — makes a huge difference
✔ Bring rain jacket even in dry season
✔ Wear comfortable walking shoes
🎒 LET US HANDLE EVERYTHING
TripCusco takes care of all bookings:
✔ Machu Picchu tickets
✔ Train tickets
✔ Bus tickets
✔ Professional bilingual guide
✔ Hotel pickup and dropoff
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com