Machu Picchu Tickets 2025, 2026
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located in the Cusco region of Peru, high in the Andes Mountains. It is believed to have been built in the 15th century and was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham, an American historian and explorer in 1911.
The site is nestled on a mountain ridge and is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation. It is famous for its well-preserved ruins, which include temples, terraces, dwellings, and other structures, most of which are still standing today.
Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. as well as this place is one of the new seven wonders. Visitors can explore the site on foot and see the impressive architecture and engineering feats of the Inca people. The site also offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The purpose of Machu Picchu is still somewhat of a mystery, but it is believed to have been a royal estate or a religious site for the Inca rulers. It was also likely abandoned during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. During your visit with Peru Summit Adventures, you will learn in a deeper way about this unique site.
Machu Picchu Footage in 60 Secs
Yes, it’s highly recommended to buy Machu Picchu tickets in advance (3 months at least), especially during peak tourist season (April-August) when the demand is high. Machu Picchu has a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed to enter the site (3500 tickets per day), and tickets often sell out quickly.
You can purchase tickets for Machu Picchu online through the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/ or through a licensed tour operator like Peru Summit Adventures. It’s recommended to book your tickets at least 4 months in advance to secure your preferred date, circuit, and time.
In addition to the regular entrance tickets, there are also other types of tickets available, such as the Machu Picchu Mountain + Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket, which allows you to climb the famous mountain overlooking the ruins. These tickets also have limited availability (400 permits per day) and must be booked in advance (at least 6 months in advance). You can find further details about these mountains here.
When purchasing tickets, you need to select the time of entry as well as the options to choose from the new circuits. All the information about your visit to Machu Picchu will be indicated on your ticket. Make sure to bring a printed copy of your ticket with you when you visit Machu Picchu, electronic copies are now accepted as well.
The tickets are set in slots to visit Machu Picchu, each slot allows 200 permits or tickets. The schedules are as follows:
Click here to get to the official website.
The new regulations are to preserve Unesco’s site for future generations. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture has set 3 circuits to control the flow of traffic and prevent overcrowding and each main circuit has several sub-circuits that in total including the main circuits and sub-circuits get to 10 circuits in high tourist season. See the list of each circuit along with their subcircuits on the following lines for further information.
After May 25, 2022, those doing the 4-day Inca Trail, and the 2-day Inca Trail will not be able to visit the whole site of Machu Picchu. Once arriving at the Sun Gate, you must go directly to the official viewpoint of Machu Picchu where you will have many chances to take the official classic (postcard) photo of this iconic site, after a short while you need to leave, later on, or the following day in case of 2-day Inca Trail hikers you will re-enter the citadel but only to visit the lower part (Circuit #03) for your guided tour.
This circuit is called PANORAMIC CIRCUIT because it allows you to visit the upper part of Machu Picchu where the main viewpoint, guardhouse, and other platforms (terraces) are located. This circuit can be purchased only to visit this part or combined with Inka Bridge, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Sun Gate depending on the season of the year. The only PROS of this circuit is that you get to the main viewpoint to have the classic Machu Picchu views as in magazines.
The only CONS for this circuit is that you are not allowed to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu where the temples, plazas, dwellings, and palaces are located. And the approximate time to stay using this ticket is about 1 hour and your time can be longer if you have Inka Bridge, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Sun Gate option.
This circuit is called CLASSIC CIRCUIT and it is the most requested one, this is a bundle that includes a bit of circuit 1 and almost everything from the circuit 3, therefore it is a ticket that covers almost the whole Machu Picchu to visit as a result this ticket is the most requested by all travelers and normally sells out 3 – 4 months in advance. The circuit 2 has always been the most preferred ticket since the circuits were set at Machu Picchu, the design for this circuit has been changing every couple of years and now it is still the ticket that allows travelers to see the upper part of Machu Picchu, the citadel where the temple, palaces, plazas, sacred spots, and dwellings are located. There are 2 sub-circuits for this option, see them below.
The circuit 3 is called the ROYALTY CIRCUIT, which encompasses the main parts of Machu Picchu including farming terraces, temples, dwellings, plazas, granaries, and a bit of the classic view (postcard) of Machu Picchu. There are 4 variants for this circuit which in the end is just an extension from the main circuit like a hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Huchuy Picchu Mountain. See below the 4 sub-circuits.
Machu Picchu is perched in the Andes mountains in the Cusco region and can be reached by various means of transportation. Here are the common ways to get there and you can travel with Peru Summit Adventures.
By train: The most popular way to reach Machu Picchu is by train. The train runs from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes town, which is the nearest town to Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes, you can either take a bus or hike up to Machu Picchu. The train option is the easiest way to travel and it’s perfect for kids, elders, or someone who is very tight on time. See below our tours (click on each option for further details).
By bus and hiking: Another option is to take a bus from Cusco to the town of Hidroelectrica for 8 hours, and then hike to Aguas Calientes, which takes around 3 hours. From Aguas Calientes, you can take a bus or hike up to Machu Picchu. This option is kind of tiring and a bit risky since you will have a long journey by car on a very rough way/dirt road and hiking, however, the good part is the pricing where tours are cheaper than other options.
Inca Trail trekking: If you prefer a more adventurous option, you can do the classic Inca Trail trek, which takes 4 days, 5 days (the smoother option) covering a distance of 27 miles to complete, and 2 days of 7 miles, which is the short option. This trek requires a permit and must be booked in advance through a licensed tour operator “Peru Summit Adventures”. Permits must be secured 6 months in advance at least, you can ensure your spot through PERU SUMMIT ADVENTURES, we are a licensed tour operator for this great trail. See below our treks to this trail (click on each option for further details).
Salkantay trekking: Another trekking option is the Salkantay trek, which is a less crowded and more challenging trek that takes around 5 days to complete. You can trek this trail with Peru Summit Adventures. See below our treks to this trail (click on each option for further details).
Other Trails: There are other alternative trails, which are very lesser known by the tourists but they are very impressive in views, history, culture, and archaeology, these trails are: LARES TREK 4 DAYS, INCA QUARRY TREK 4 DAYS, AUSANGATE TREK 7 DAYS, CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 9 DAYS. Any of the listed treks can be organized through PERU SUMMIT ADVENTURES. See below our treks to this trail (click on each option for further details).
Machu Picchu is located in a tropical mountain forest in Peru, so the weather can be quite unpredictable and can vary throughout the day. Generally, the climate is mild, humid, and rainy, with two main seasons:
Dry season (May to October): This is the peak tourist season, and the weather is generally sunny and dry with colder nights. However, it can still rain occasionally so come prepared even in this dry season. Temperatures can range between 60F to 80F with an average of 65F during the daytime, nights are colder with an average of 45F.
Wet season (November to April): This season is characterized by frequent rain showers and higher temperatures, especially during the daytime. It can also be cloudy and foggy, which can affect the visibility of Machu Picchu. You need to come definitely prepared for the rain. Temperatures can range between 50F to 75F with an average of 60F during the daytime, nights are colder with an average of 40F.
Regardless of the season, it’s recommended to bring layers of clothing, a rain jacket, and sturdy waterproof shoes when visiting Machu Picchu. It’s also advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip and plan accordingly or you can contact one of our travel/destination experts to get further details.
No doubt, the best season or time to visit Machu Picchu is from May through August, it’s when the weather is mostly with blue sky and sunny during the day and starry nights during the night.
Machu Picchu is located on a mountain ridge at 7,972 ft or 2,430 meters above sea level. It is way lower than Cusco city.
When visiting Machu Picchu, it’s important to pack carefully to ensure that you have everything you need for an enjoyable and comfortable journey. Here are some essential items you should consider bringing:
Passport: You’ll need your passport to enter Machu Picchu, so make sure to bring it with you. All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
Machu Picchu ticket: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to buy your Machu Picchu tickets in advance and bring a printed copy with you.
Comfortable clothing: The weather in Machu Picchu can be unpredictable, so it’s recommended to bring layers of clothing, including a waterproof jacket, hiking pants, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Sun protection: The high altitude and sun exposure in Machu Picchu can cause sunburn, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF.
Water and snacks: It’s essential to stay hydrated during your visit to Machu Picchu, so bring a refillable water bottle and some snacks.
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be present in the area, so bring insect repellent to protect yourself.
Camera: Machu Picchu is a stunning and unique destination, so make sure to bring a camera to capture beautiful views and moments.
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Activity Type: Physical Rating:Service Level: Contact us for a free quote today, for any custom private tour we have in Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail Hikes, Rainbow Mountain, and much more. All tours are personally designed for you by one of our local experts. We’ll ensure your trip is best suited to your personal travel style. Here at Peru Summit Adventures, we will help you to create the trip of your dreams, not ours.
Peru Summit Adventures Main Office Cusco – Peru Customer Service: Any time Available +51 984 464 391 Emergency Number: + 51 984 464 391 (from within country). WhatsApp: +51 984 464 391 info@perusummit.com, perusummit@gmail.com perusummit.com
