Machu Picchu tickets: how to buy them on the official site and not miss out

Getting your ticket is the first step of any Machu Picchu trip and, in high season, the trickiest: daily visitor numbers are capped, every ticket is tied to a circuit and an entry time, and Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Here's how the system works, where to buy safely and how to match your ticket with the train and bus.

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How the ticket system works

Machu Picchu is a sanctuary managed by Peru's Ministry of Culture. To protect it, access is regulated by three basic rules:

• Daily cap: the number of visitors per day is set by the Ministry and may be raised on high-demand dates. Figures change, so treat any number as a guide and check the official site.
• Mandatory circuits: each ticket is for one circuit and one specific route through the citadel. You can't roam the whole site freely.
• Entry time: you choose an hourly slot (roughly from 6:00 until the afternoon). There is little tolerance if you're late, and none on the mountain routes.

• Machu Picchu circuits explained: which to choose (1, 2 or 3) and what you see

Where to buy official tickets

Official sales run through the Ministry of Culture's platform, linked from the official Machu Picchu website (machupicchu.gob.pe), which shows real-time availability by date, circuit and time.

1. Open the official site and choose the date and visit type (citadel only, or citadel plus a mountain).
2. Select the circuit and route, then your entry time.
3. Enter each visitor's details exactly as they appear on their passport or ID.
4. Pay by card and save the PDF or code you receive by email.

You can also buy through agencies and tour platforms that include the ticket. They usually add a mark-up but handle the whole package (ticket, train, bus and guide).

September 2026: direct sale with confirmed payment

Since 22 September 2026 the Ministry of Culture has been running a direct-sale mechanism on the official Tu Boleto platform (tuboleto.cultura.pe), in a 30-day trial period, until 22 October 2026: the old three-hour reservation hold is gone. Once you pick your ticket you have a maximum of 15 minutes to pay; if payment isn't confirmed in that window, the slot is released and goes back on sale. Once payment is confirmed, the ticket is assigned and issued in the visitor's name. The change was formalised by Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2026-MC, which amends the visitor regulations for the Llaqta of Machu Picchu:

• Tickets are sold only directly on Tu Boleto, by the visitor or by agencies registered with the DDC Cusco, or at the DDC Cusco's authorised offices. Payment is made in full and carries each visitor's full name and ID number.
• A ticket is valid only for the date, time, circuit and holder shown: date and name changes are not allowed. For an obvious error, only the passport number can be corrected, once.
• An unused ticket expires with no rebooking or refund, except in duly documented cases of force majeure.
• For the Inca Trail network, authorised agencies still take part in the purchase, and permits are tied to the payment and the visitor's identity.
• Payment is by Visa or Mastercard debit/credit cards or Yape; the payment gateway charges 2.83% on domestic and 4.69% on international payments (Ministry of Culture, 22 Sep 2026).

Approximate prices

Prices are set by the Ministry of Culture and change over time and by circuit, nationality and age. As a guide, since 1 May 2026 a foreign adult ticket costs approx. S/ 163 (about US$48): S/ 152 entry plus an S/ 11 SERNANP conservation fee. The SERNANP conservation fee has applied since 1 May 2026 (R.D. 000006-2026-SERNANP/DUSRN, El Peruano, 4 Feb 2026) and does not apply to those entering via the Inca Trail Network. The S/ 152 base fare for a foreign adult comes from press reports; the final amount is shown on TuBoleto before you pay. Tickets including Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain cost a bit more. There are reduced rates for students with a valid card, children, and citizens of Peru and some Andean Community countries. Promotional fares for Peruvians, residents and Andean Community citizens: S/ 64 (standard routes) and S/ 112 (mountain routes) in 2026 (R.M. 284-2025-MC). Always check the current fee on the official site.

How far ahead to buy

• June to August, Easter, Peru's national holidays (late July) and Christmas: buy several weeks ahead; for Huayna Picchu or the Mountain, two to three months.
• April, May, September and October: a few weeks is usually enough, though popular circuits fill first.
• Rainy season (November to March): generally more availability, except around holidays.

In-person tickets in Aguas Calientes

In-person sales continue at the DDC Cusco ticket office in Machu Picchu Pueblo: up to 1,000 tickets a day, bought personally with original ID and valid for entry the next day. The Ministry publishes the live status at tuboleto.cultura.pe/disponibilidad/llaqta_machupicchu. It's a useful fallback if you can't find online availability, but the quota is limited, so don't build the whole trip around it. If everything is sold out, see our plan B guide.

• Machu Picchu sold out: what to do and plan B

What you need on the day

• The original passport or ID used to buy the ticket (checked at the gate).
• Your ticket on your phone or printed.
• A bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu if you're not walking up (sold separately).
• A guide: the regulations as amended in September 2026 (Ministerial Resolution 334-2026-MC) recommend entering with a tour guide, and staff may ask for your ticket and ID inside the site. Check the current rule before you go.
• Arrive at the gate 15–30 minutes before your slot.

Most common mistakes

• Misspelling your name or passport number — tickets are personal.
• Booking an entry time that doesn't fit your train or bus schedule.
• Choosing a circuit without the classic view, assuming all include it.
• Counting on last-minute Huayna Picchu tickets in high season.
• Not carrying your original passport (a photo is usually not accepted).

If you'd rather have it all arranged

If you're short on time or travelling in high season, a tour with the ticket included can save a lot of logistics: train, bus, guide and entry time are coordinated for you. Compare what's included and the cancellation terms.

• How to get to Machu Picchu: train, Inca Trail or Hidroeléctrica
• Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town): getting there, things to do and where to stay

Before you go

eSIM for Peru

Land connected: install an Airalo data eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you land. Check first that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

Get online in Peru →

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).