Machu Picchu tickets 2026: circuits, prices and how to choose
Machu Picchu is no longer a single ticket. Since June 2024 every visitor enters at a set time on a fixed, one-way circuit and route, and the one you book decides what you will see. Choose well and you get the famous postcard view and the main temples; choose badly and you may miss them. This guide explains the system in plain words, with current prices and our advice on which ticket to pick.
How Machu Picchu entry works
- Timed entry: each ticket has an entry hour, starting early in the morning. Arrive on time — late visitors can be refused.
- Fixed circuits: you follow a one-way route and cannot go back or switch to another circuit inside.
- Daily limits: tickets are capped per day and per route, and popular routes sell out weeks or months ahead.
- Named tickets: your name and passport number are on the ticket; bring the same passport you used to book.
- Licensed guide: visits are made with an official guide, who is included in all our tours.
The three circuits and their routes
The site is divided into three circuits, each with several routes. Circuit 1 stays high, Circuit 2 is the complete classic visit and Circuit 3 explores the lower sector and the mountains behind it.
| Route | What you see | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 · 1-A Machu Picchu Mountain | Climb of about 3 hours to 3,082 m, then the upper area | Fit hikers who want huge views |
| Circuit 1 · 1-B Upper Terrace | The classic postcard view from the upper terraces | Photographers with little time |
| Circuit 1 · 1-C Sun Gate / 1-D Inca Bridge | A walk to the Inti Punku or the Inca Bridge plus the upper area | A short hike with a view |
| Circuit 2 · 2-A Classic | Upper viewpoint and the main temples and urban sector | First-time visitors — the most complete |
| Circuit 2 · 2-B Lower Terrace | Urban sector and temples from the lower terraces | When 2-A is sold out |
| Circuit 3 · 3-A Huayna Picchu | Steep climb to the peak behind the citadel, then the lower sector | Adventurous visitors, no fear of heights |
| Circuit 3 · 3-B Royalty | Lower urban sector, royal residences and temples | An easy, shorter visit |
| Circuit 3 · 3-C Great Cavern / 3-D Huchuy Picchu | A hike to the Temple of the Moon or the small peak of Huchuy Picchu | Something different and quieter |
Let us secure the right ticket
Entrance, circuit, train, bus and guide booked together — from US $375.
Which ticket should you choose?
- First visit: Circuit 2, route 2-A (Classic). It combines the upper viewpoint with the main temples and is the one we book for most travellers.
- Want a climb: Huayna Picchu (3-A) for the vertiginous, iconic peak, or Machu Picchu Mountain (1-A) for a higher but steadier hike.
- Short on time or energy: 1-B for the classic photo, or 3-B for an easy walk through the royal sector.
- Sold out? 2-B is a good second option for a complete visit.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu is the steep peak that rises behind the citadel in every classic photo. The trail is short but very steep, with narrow stone stairs and exposed sections — wonderful if you have a good head for heights. Places are very limited and sell out first. Machu Picchu Mountain is higher (3,082 m) and the climb takes longer, about three hours round trip, but it is less exposed and quieter, with sweeping views over the whole valley. Both are booked as their own routes; you cannot add them once inside. Read our full comparison of Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain.
Ticket prices in 2026
For foreign adults, a general ticket costs S/152, plus a conservation surcharge of S/11 introduced on 1 May 2026, for a total of about S/163 (around US $45). Routes that include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain cost about S/200 plus the same surcharge. Students with a valid international student card and children pay reduced rates, children under three enter free, and citizens of Peru and the Andean Community have special prices. Tickets are sold on the official Ministry of Culture platform; prices can change, so always check the current rate before booking.
Rules to know before you go
- Bring your original passport; photocopies are not accepted.
- Only small backpacks are allowed; large bags must be left at the entrance.
- No tripods, selfie sticks, drones, food or single-use plastics inside.
- Stay on your route and follow the rangers’ instructions; touching or climbing on the walls is not allowed.
- There are no toilets inside the site — use the ones at the entrance before you go in.
How to book (and the easy way)
You can buy entrance tickets yourself on the official platform, but you also need to coordinate the train or trek, the bus up to the site and a licensed guide — and make them all match your entry time. That is exactly what our tours do. Our Machu Picchu day tour (from US $375) includes the train, bus, entrance and guide, and our Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu day (US $450) adds the climb. Because tickets are limited, we ask for at least 25 days’ notice; check the availability calendar for your dates. New to the site? Start with our complete Machu Picchu guide.
Frequently asked questions
For a first visit, Circuit 2 route 2-A (Classic) is usually the best: it includes the upper postcard viewpoint and the main temples and urban sector.
For foreign adults about S/163 for a general circuit (S/152 plus an S/11 surcharge since May 2026) and about S/200 plus the surcharge for routes with Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Check the official platform for the current price.
As early as possible. For June to August and for Huayna Picchu, book two to three months ahead; in quieter months several weeks are usually enough.
No. Circuits are one-way routes, and you must follow the one on your ticket.
Yes, visits are made with a licensed guide. All our Machu Picchu tours include one.
Yes. Your passport number is printed on the ticket and checked at the entrance, so bring the same original passport you used to book.
