Complete guide to Machu Picchu tickets 2026: all ticket types (circuits, Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain), updated prices, entry slots and a step-by-step guide to buying on the official portal.
Machu Picchu tickets sell out — especially during high season. Knowing which ticket you need, how much it costs and how to buy it correctly can mean the difference between getting in and being turned away.
This guide covers everything you need for 2026: ticket types, prices by nationality, entry slots, optional mountains and the exact steps for buying on the official portal.
Still building your itinerary? Also read how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco and our complete Machu Picchu guide.
The Machu Picchu Circuit System
Since 2019, Machu Picchu is no longer free-roaming. Each ticket corresponds to a specific circuit with a marked route that you must follow inside the citadel.
Circuit 1 — Lower section (agricultural terraces, lower urban sector)
Ideal for visitors with reduced mobility or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Access to the agricultural terraces, the lower urban sector and classic llama viewpoints.
Circuit 2 — Upper section (classic and panoramic sector)
The most complete and popular circuit. Includes the Sacred Plaza, the Torreón, the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Quarters and the residential zone. The iconic Machu Picchu photos are taken from this circuit.
Circuit 3 — Sun Gate + Inca Bridge
For those who want to go beyond the citadel. Includes the hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) — the original entrance from the Inca Trail — or the Inca Bridge, a hanging walkway on the cliff face.
Ticket Types and 2026 Prices
Tickets combine a base circuit (1, 2 or 3) with optional mountains. Prices are listed in Peruvian soles (S/.) on the official portal; USD equivalent varies with the exchange rate.
Tickets without an additional mountain
| Ticket | Description | Foreign adult | Foreign student | National adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP — Circuit 1 | Lower section only | S/. 152 | S/. 77 | S/. 70 |
| MP — Circuit 2 | Classic sector | S/. 152 | S/. 77 | S/. 70 |
| MP — Circuit 3 | Sun Gate / Inca Bridge | S/. 152 | S/. 77 | S/. 70 |
| MP — Circuits 1+2 | Lower + upper combined | S/. 152 | S/. 77 | S/. 70 |
| MP — Circuits 1+2+3 | Full route | S/. 152 | S/. 77 | S/. 70 |
Prices may be updated. Always check the official portal machupicchu.gob.pe before purchasing.
Tickets with Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the steep mountain behind the citadel that appears in iconic photos. Only 200 people per slot (400 per day). Sells out weeks in advance during high season.
| Ticket | Huayna Picchu slot | Foreign adult | National adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP + Huayna Picchu — Slot 1 | 07:00 – 08:00 | S/. 200 | S/. 130 |
| MP + Huayna Picchu — Slot 2 | 10:00 – 11:00 | S/. 200 | S/. 130 |
Tickets with Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is the one visible behind the citadel in classic photos. Taller than Huayna Picchu (~3,082m), less crowded and with panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley. Capacity: 400 people per slot.
| Ticket | Mountain slot | Foreign adult | National adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP + MP Mountain — Slot 1 | 07:00 – 08:00 | S/. 200 | S/. 130 |
| MP + MP Mountain — Slot 2 | 09:00 – 10:00 | S/. 200 | S/. 130 |
Ticket with Huchuy Picchu
Huchuy Picchu ("Little Picchu") is the most accessible of the three mountains — less steep, lower altitude and no strict capacity limits. Perfect for families with children or hikers with little trekking experience.
| Ticket | Foreign adult | National adult |
|---|---|---|
| MP + Huchuy Picchu | S/. 152 | S/. 70 |
Entry Slots into the Citadel
Entry to Machu Picchu is divided into 6 slots of 4 hours each. You must enter during your slot — if you arrive late, entry is not guaranteed.
| Slot | Entry window | Time allowed inside |
|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | 06:00 – 07:00 | Until 10:00 |
| Slot 2 | 07:00 – 08:00 | Until 11:00 |
| Slot 3 | 08:00 – 09:00 | Until 12:00 |
| Slot 4 | 09:00 – 10:00 | Until 13:00 |
| Slot 5 | 12:00 – 13:00 | Until 16:00 |
| Slot 6 | 14:00 – 15:00 | Until 18:00 |
Recommendation: Slots 1 and 2 have the best light for photography, cooler temperatures and llamas come out at sunrise. Slots 5 and 6 are less crowded but the citadel closes at 17:30-18:00.
How to Buy Tickets Step by Step
1. Official portal: machupicchu.gob.pe
This is the only official source for tickets. There are no "physical ticket booths" on-site — everything must be purchased online in advance.
Steps:
- Go to machupicchu.gob.pe and select "Buy Tickets"
- Choose your date, ticket type and entry slot
- Enter each visitor's details (full name + passport or ID number)
- Pay by credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard accepted)
- Download the QR code — you need it on your phone or printed at entry
2. Through your travel agency
If you book a package with us, we handle the ticket purchase as part of the itinerary. This is especially useful during high season when spots sell out fast — our local team monitors availability and secures your ticket well in advance.
How Far in Advance Should You Buy?
| Season | Recommended lead time |
|---|---|
| Low season (Feb-Apr, Oct-Nov) | 1-2 weeks |
| Mid season (May, Sep) | 2-3 weeks |
| High season (Jun-Aug) | 4-8 weeks |
| Peruvian public holidays | 8-12 weeks |
| Inti Raymi (June 24) | 2-3 months |
Huayna Picchu tickets sell out much faster than standard tickets — buy as early as possible if that's your goal.
Common Ticket Buying Mistakes
1. Buying from unofficial sites There are websites selling supposed tickets at inflated prices. The only valid source is machupicchu.gob.pe or an authorized agency. A third-party ticket may be invalid.
2. Name doesn't match passport The name on the ticket must match exactly the document you'll use to enter. A mismatch can result in denied entry.
3. Choosing a slot without coordinating the train If you take the first train from Ollantaytambo (05:05 a.m.), you arrive at Aguas Calientes around 6:30 a.m. and at the Machu Picchu gate around 7:15 a.m. Make sure your entry slot is compatible with your arrival time.
4. Forgetting your ID You must present the same document used to buy the ticket. No document = no entry even if you have the QR.
FAQ: Machu Picchu Tickets
Can I buy tickets on the same day? In low season there is sometimes availability, but it's a big risk. In high season it's impossible. Never travel to Aguas Calientes without a confirmed ticket.
Do children need a ticket? Children under 8 enter free. Ages 8-17 with an ID document pay a reduced rate. Check the latest policy on the official portal.
Can I change the date on my ticket? Official tickets are non-transferable and date changes are not easy. Some agencies offer cancellation insurance for these situations.
How much time do I need inside Machu Picchu? For the full circuit (1+2+3) without a mountain, allow 3-4 hours. Add 2-3 hours if you climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
What if it rains? Machu Picchu is open year-round, even in rain. It only closes for force majeure (landslides, seismic alerts). Bring a light rain poncho.
Does the ticket include the bus from Aguas Calientes? No. The shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the citadel is a separate ticket (~$12 USD round trip). You can also hike up the pedestrian trail (~400 steps, approximately 1h30).
At Machupicchu Agency we manage tickets and coordinate the full itinerary so you don't have to worry about availability. See our Machu Picchu packages or contact us for personalized advice.
