Understanding the calendar
Why Machu Picchu tickets sell out months in advance
The Ministry of Culture caps daily entry to Machu Picchu and splits it across 3 circuits and 10 routes, each with its own quota. The most-wanted — Circuit 2 (the classic photo) and Huayna Picchu — sell out first, often months ahead. Once a date fills, there is no waitlist.
Huayna Picchu (Circuit 3-A) has a strict daily cap of about 400 spots split into time slots, which is why it is the first ticket to disappear in high season.
Circuit 1 (panoramic) and Circuit 3 (royalty) generally have wider availability and are easier to secure closer to your travel date, though weekends and holidays still fill quickly.
Best months to hike
- May – September · dry season, clear skies, peak demand — book by January for July/August.
- April & October · shoulder months · still excellent weather, easier ticket availability.
- November – March – green season, fewer crowds, easier availability. Machu Picchu stays open all year.
How our booking works
Live availability, verified twice a day
The calendar above reflects the Ministry of Culture's official availability, refreshed several times a day. When a date shows open, it is the same status our office sees when reserving your entry — no marketing fluff.
Once you send your enquiry, we lock your entry within 2 business hours with a deposit. From that moment, those exact spots are yours. The balance is settled with your tour arrangements.
What we book on your behalf
- Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket (issued in your name, with passport)
- Bilingual guide (English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish)
- Round-trip train tickets (PeruRail or Inca Rail, depending on availability)
- All transfers from your Cusco hotel
- Bus tickets up to the citadel & return
Why book with Inkanet
We've held a Ministry of Culture operator licence since 2014. We book your official entry directly on the government platform under your passport, coordinate train and bus, and provide a professional bilingual guide — so your circuit, entry time and transport all line up on the day.