Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites, attracting visitors with its impressive Inca architecture, mountain scenery, and rich cultural heritage. To explore the citadel, visitors must purchase an admission ticket that specifies a designated circuit, route, and entry time. This guide explains the available ticket options, current prices, booking procedures, and essential requirements to help you plan your visit.
Discover everything about the Machu Picchu entrance fee
Machu Picchu is a carefully managed archaeological sanctuary that requires specific tickets for entry. These are generally issued by an official authority, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, via its official website. Prices range from S/ 152 to S/ 200, depending on the circuit, route, and the visitor’s specific category. Here are the key details to know before booking:
| Topic | Brief Information About the Tickets |
| Official seller | The official website is TuBoleto – Ministry of Culture. |
| Booking period | Book several weeks or months in advance, especially during high season. Popular routes sell out quickly. |
| Passport requirement | A valid passport is required for most foreign visitors. The ticket must match the visitor’s identification document. |
| Ticket availability | Tickets are limited and sold according to specific circuits, routes, dates, and entry times. |
| Price range (2026) | Standard international visitor rates range from S/152 to S/200 for adults, depending on the selected route. |
Before purchasing a ticket, it is important to understand how Machu Picchu’s circuits and routes are organized. The sanctuary offers three circuits, or sets of routes, each with its own access points, level of difficulty, advantages, and more.
Please note that not all Machu Picchu routes are available year-round. Routes 1-C (Intipunku), 1-D (Inca Bridge), 3-C (Great Cavern), and 3-D (Huchuy Picchu) are designated as high-season routes. Availability is subject to the official visitor schedule and daily capacity. Below are the three available circuits:
As the name suggests, this circuit offers panoramic views of the citadel, combined with accessible hiking options tailored to each specific route. The circuit includes four routes offering different perspectives of the citadel and its surrounding mountain landscape. From the classic viewpoint, famous for the iconic postcard image of Machu Picchu, to the Machu Picchu Mountain hike, there is much to discover. Below are brief details for each:
Circuit 2 provides a more comprehensive exploration of Machu Picchu’s archaeological core. Its routes pass through important architectural and ceremonial areas, making it a popular choice for visitors who want to discover the key sites inside Machu Picchu. Here are the two main routes:
Circuit 3 focuses on the lower sector of Machu Picchu and offers access to several archaeological features and additional mountain trails. Depending on the selected route, visitors can explore important ceremonial structures or undertake a more demanding hike. Below are the details for each route:
Tickets for entry to the citadel and its hiking trails are typically a fundamental part of the total cost of a trip to Machu Picchu. The ticket prices vary depending on the selected circuit, route, and visitor category. Foreign adults, undergraduate students, and children may have different admission rates.
The following table summarizes the standard prices for international visitors. Discounted and promotional rates are subject to specific eligibility requirements.
| Circuit | Route | Foreign Adult | Foreign Student (Undergraduate) | Foreign Child (Ages 3–17) |
| Circuit 1 | Route 1-A: Machu Picchu + Mountain | S/ 200 | S/ 125 | S/ 118 |
| Route 1-B: Upper Terrace | S/ 152 | S/ 77 | S/ 70 | |
| Route 1-C: Intipunku (Sun Gate) | S/ 152 | S/ 77 | S/ 70 | |
| Route 1-D: Inca Bridge | S/ 152 | S/ 77 | S/ 70 | |
| Circuit 2 | Route 2-A: Designed Route | S/ 152 | S/ 77 | S/ 70 |
| Route 2-B: Lower Terrace | S/ 152 | S/ 77 | S/ 70 | |
| Circuit 3 | Route 3-A: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu | S/ 200 | S/ 125 | S/ 118 |
| Route 3-B: The Designed Royal Route | S/ 152 | S/ 77 | S/ 70 | |
| Route 3-C: Great Cavern | S/ 200 | S/ 125 | S/ 118 | |
| Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu | S/ 152 | S/ 77 | S/ 70 |
All prices are listed in Peruvian soles (PEN) / Last updated: November 2026
Student and Child Discounts: Reduced student rates apply to eligible undergraduate students who present the required valid identification. Child rates are available for visitors ages 3 to 17. Children under 3 enter free of charge. Eligibility and documentation requirements must be verified through the official booking platform before purchase.
Note: The prices shown above correspond to the Machu Picchu admission tickets issued by the Ministry of Culture. An additional SERNANP conservation fee of S/ 11 for foreign adults and S/ 5 for foreign children aged 3 to 17 applies from May 1, 2026. This fee is not included in the ticket prices listed in the table and does not apply to visitors entering through the Inca Trail Network.
Given the many options for experiencing Machu Picchu, some may be better suited to certain types of travelers than others. Ultimately, the final choice rests with the visitor, who may wish to consider various specific factors such as Machu Picchu’s elevation, level of difficulty, accessibility, the route itself, and more. Below are some of the primary traveler profiles and recommended routes:
| Visitor Profile | Recommended Routes | Why? |
| First-time visitors | Circuit 2 – Route 2-A (Designed Route) | Offers a comprehensive visit to the main archaeological areas, temples, terraces and iconic viewpoints. Ideal for discovering Machu Picchu for the first time. |
| Photographers | Circuit 1 – Route 1-A (Machu Picchu Mountain) | Offers panoramic views and excellent opportunities to photograph the citadel and surrounding mountains. |
| Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts | Circuit 1 – Route 1-A (Machu Picchu Mountain) or Route 1-C (Intipunku Gate) | Offers opportunities to appreciate the surrounding mountain landscape, native vegetation, and natural environment of the sanctuary. |
| History lovers | Circuit 2 – Route 2-A (Designed Route) | Includes important archaeological areas, such as the Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Plaza, ceremonial water fountains, and ceremonial spaces. |
| Hikers | Circuit 1 – Route 1-A (Machu Picchu Mountain) or Circuit 3 – Route 3-A (Huayna Picchu Mountain) | Offers challenging uphill trails, physical activity and spectacular views from higher elevations. |
| Families | Circuit 2 – Route 2-B (Lower Terrace) | Provides an opportunity to explore Machu Picchu’s lower archaeological sectors without adding a separate mountain hike. It may suit families looking for a shorter visit, depending on the ages and physical abilities of their members. |
Visitors can purchase Machu Picchu tickets directly through the official TuBoleto platform or in person at authorized ticket offices in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo, subject to availability. Tickets are issued under the visitor’s name and are linked to a specific date, entry time, circuit, and route. Payment must be completed at the time of purchase.
Important: TuBoleto provides a limited time to complete the ticket purchase. Under the direct-sale system introduced by the Ministry of Culture, visitors initially have a maximum of 15 minutes to complete the payment. If the transaction is not confirmed within the time allowed by the platform, the selected tickets are released and made available to other buyers. For this reason, have your personal information and payment method ready before starting the process.
Planning a last-minute trip to Machu Picchu offers fewer options and a higher risk of complications, as these tickets are in high demand. Booking several weeks or months in advance is advisable, especially if you plan to visit during peak travel periods or want to secure a specific circuit. Availability varies depending on visitor demand and the daily capacity assigned to each route.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture is responsible for confirming the exact dates when ticket sales for Machu Picchu will open. The release dates for the following year vary, so it is advisable to keep an eye on official announcements from the Ministry of Culture and other relevant authorities.
If official online tickets are sold out, there are other viable alternatives, such as purchasing tickets in person in Aguas Calientes. However, this does not guarantee your preferred circuit or time slot, nor does it guarantee that you will be able to secure a ticket at all. In such cases, you may need to change your travel date, consider a different circuit, or explore other alternatives.
Once you have obtained your admission ticket, simply getting to Machu Picchu is not enough; you must also comply with the site’s visitor rules. These include both the necessary entry requirements and the regulations in place for travelers, all intended to ensure a responsible and sustainable visit. Please take note of the following guidelines:
Visitors to Machu Picchu must follow the designated circuit and comply with the site’s conservation and safety regulations. The following rules are particularly important:
Before your visit, review the complete official visitor regulations, as prohibited items and restrictions may affect your entry.
When booking an organized Inca Trail trek, the necessary permits and Machu Picchu admission arrangements are generally managed by the authorized tour operator as part of the package. The assigned circuit and entry arrangements depend on the applicable permit conditions and current regulations.
For other guided tours, admission tickets may also be included in the package price. Before booking, confirm which circuit is included, whether the guide service is covered, and what additional transportation or services you may need to arrange separately.
Yes. A limited number of tickets are available for in-person purchase in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), generally for entry the following day. The official ticket office offers up to 1,000 tickets daily, subject to availability. However, purchasing in person does not guarantee your preferred circuit or entry time. Booking online in advance is the more reliable option.
No. A Machu Picchu admission ticket does not include the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site. Bus tickets must be purchased separately through CONSETTUR, the authorized bus operator. The journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes each way. Alternatively, visitors can walk to the entrance, although the uphill hike takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.
No. Hiring a tour guide is not mandatory for individual visitors under the current regulations. However, traveling with an authorized guide is highly recommended. A knowledgeable professional can explain Machu Picchu’s history, architecture, ceremonial spaces, and cultural significance, helping visitors better understand the site.
Machu Picchu tickets are personal and cannot be transferred to another visitor or changed to a different travel date. Under the current regulations, corrections to the passport number may be permitted only once in cases involving an evident clerical error. Make sure all personal information is accurate before completing your purchase.
Yes. Visitors can purchase separate tickets for two different circuits on the same day, provided that availability allows it. Each ticket grants access only to its assigned circuit, route, and entry time. Before booking, consider the walking distances, visiting times, and time required between entries.
A Huayna Picchu ticket is a good option for visitors interested in challenging hikes and panoramic views of Machu Picchu. The trail includes steep sections and stone steps, requiring good physical fitness and a comfortable approach to heights. Visitors should also check the designated entry and return times before booking.
Yes. An official Inca Trail permit includes the authorized trek and the corresponding admission to Machu Picchu. Under the current regulations, visitors arriving through the Inca Trail access the citadel through Circuit 3, Route 3-B (Designed Route), subject to the applicable permit conditions and daily capacity. These arrangements must be coordinated and secured through an authorized travel agency before the trek.
The dry season, generally from May to September, is the best time to visit Machu Picchu because rainfall is typically lower. However, weather conditions can change throughout the year, and visitors should be prepared for rain and varying temperatures regardless of the season. The best personal travel period also depends on your preferred activities and ticket availability.
Choosing the right Machu Picchu ticket is an important part of planning your visit. With three main circuits and different routes available, travelers can explore the citadel through panoramic viewpoints, archaeological areas, and additional mountain hikes. Understanding these options will help you select an experience that matches your interests, physical abilities, and travel plans.
Booking in advance, checking the latest ticket prices, and reviewing the official entry requirements can make your visit much easier to organize. Since availability and regulations may change, always consult the official booking platform before finalizing your itinerary.
If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu and would like assistance choosing the right circuit, organizing transportation, or arranging a guided experience, contact Cusco Peru Travel. Our travel specialists can help you plan your visit and create an itinerary that makes the most of your time in this remarkable Inca destination.
