Frequently Asked Questions
about Machu Picchu & its tickets
Everything you need to sort out before your trek to Machu Picchu: tickets and circuits, how to get there, safety in Aguas Calientes, how long to stay, altitude and weather, the rules inside the citadel — and, above all, what to do when the online entrance tickets are sold out. Clear answers to the questions hikers ask most. 2026 prices and rules are for reference; always confirm at tuboleto.cultura.pe before buying.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to assist you with any questions about trekking tours, bookings, travel planning, or custom adventures — quickly, personally, and reliably.
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Tickets & circuits
How much is a Machu Picchu ticket?
For a foreign adult, the classic circuit is around S/ 152 (about US$ 40–45). Tickets that include a mountain (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) rise to about S/ 200 (US$ 53). Reduced rates apply for students with a valid university ID and visitors under 17; children under 3 enter free. The price does not include the train or the bus.
Where do I buy the official ticket and avoid scams?
Only on the official platform tuboleto.cultura.pe, or in person at the Ministry of Culture offices. Authorized agencies can also arrange it, but the ticket always comes from the government’s official pool. Be wary of resale websites and street vendors — they are the main source of fraud.
How far in advance should I buy?
As early as possible. Tickets are released in monthly batches and quotas are limited (4,500 per day, up to 5,600 on peak dates). In high season, Circuit 2 and the mountains sell out within minutes. Buy your ticket first, then the train, so the times line up.
If tickets are sold out online, what can I do?
In Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), 1,000 in-person tickets are released each day for entry the following day. It is personal and uncertain, with long lines, so it is not something to rely on. The safe alternative is to book with Pachamama: we secure your spot as part of the package (see the last page).
Is the ticket nominal? Do I need my passport?
Yes, the ticket is issued in your name. Travel with the same document you used to buy it (if you renewed your passport, bring both the old and the new one). Without the correct document you can be denied entry at the checkpoint.
Can I go in and out more than once?
No. The route is one-way and there is no re-entry once you leave. Use the restrooms next to the gate before you go in, because there are none inside.
Getting there & getting around
How do I get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
The easiest, safest and fastest way is the train (PeruRail or Inca Rail) to Aguas Calientes, usually departing from Ollantaytambo (about 1 h 45 by train). The budget alternative is the overland route via Hidroeléctrica (7–9 h, with a final walk). No road reaches the citadel directly.
How do I get from Aguas Calientes up to the citadel?
On the Consettur bus, the only authorized company: 25–30 minutes up the Hiram Bingham road, with frequent departures. You can also walk up (1.5–2 h of steep climb). We recommend riding up and, if you like, walking down to save energy.
Is the bus to the citadel dangerous?
It is generally safe and thousands take it daily, but the road has tight curves and a steep slope, so it carries some risk like any mountain road. Buy the official Consettur ticket to skip the lines and check the schedules.
Does the train include the Machu Picchu ticket?
No. The train and the entrance are separate purchases (the only exception is the luxury Hiram Bingham train, which includes entry and a guide). Secure your ticket first, then the train.
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
Is Aguas Calientes safe?
Yes, it is a safe town for travelers and very used to welcoming visitors from all over the world. As in any busy destination, keep an eye on your belongings and don’t get careless with bags and cameras. If anything happens, there is Tourist Police in town.
Is it worth staying overnight in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, highly recommended. Staying overnight lets you reach the citadel early, without rushing or the exhaustion of a single day. Doing it all in one day from Cusco means 14–15 hours round-trip and puts you at the citadel during the most crowded hours.
What is there to do in Aguas Calientes besides Machu Picchu?
It sits in the cloud forest (2,040 m), surrounded by greenery. You can relax in the hot springs the town is named after, visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón site museum, the Mándor waterfall, or the artisan market by the train station.
Is it better to stay in Cusco, the Sacred Valley or Aguas Calientes?
Many travelers sleep in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba) the night before, for its milder climate and closeness to the train station, then stay in Aguas Calientes to get an early start to the citadel. Cusco is the most common base, but it is the highest.
Inside the citadel
How long can I stay inside Machu Picchu?
Most tickets allow a maximum of about 2.5 to 4 hours inside, enough for your circuit route. If your ticket includes a mountain (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain), you can stay longer, up to roughly 6–8 hours counting the hike.
Is a guide mandatory?
Since 2025 the rule requires entering with an accredited guide, and enforcement has tightened. Beyond the rule, a good guide organizes your circuit, keeps your timing, and takes you to the best photo spots. You can hire one in advance, through your agency, or join a group at the gate.
What can't I bring inside?
No food is allowed inside (eat in Aguas Calientes; only a reusable water bottle is permitted). Selfie sticks, large tripods, drones and bulky luggage are banned. Do not touch or lean on the stone structures, and do not cross the ropes.
Is there a luggage limit?
Yes. You cannot enter with large suitcases or backpacks (the limit is around 5 kg / 62 inches). Leave bulky luggage at your hotel in Cusco, the Valley or Aguas Calientes and go up with only the essentials.
Can I hike Huayna Picchu?
Yes, but the quotas are very low and sell out first; they come with a specific circuit and a fixed entry time with no grace period (arrive late and you lose it). It is open to ages 12+. Book that ticket together with your entrance, well in advance.
Health, altitude & weather
Will I get altitude sickness (soroche) at Machu Picchu?
Strong symptoms are unlikely: the citadel is at 2,430 m and Aguas Calientes at just 2,040 m — moderate altitudes. The real altitude challenge is Cusco (3,399 m). Ideally, acclimatize for 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before heading to higher elevations.
How do I prevent soroche?
Acclimatize slowly the first few days, stay well hydrated, eat light, avoid alcohol on arrival and walk at an easy pace. Coca-leaf tea helps. If symptoms are strong, there are health centers in Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba and Cusco.
What is the best time to visit?
The dry season (May to October) brings sunny days, less slippery trails and the best conditions, but more people and higher prices. The rainy season (November to March) offers green landscapes and fewer tourists, with a chance of rain and, in January, possible landslides on the line.
What time of day is best to enter?
Early (6:00–8:00) has the best light and the fewest people. The 10:00–14:00 window is the busiest with tour groups. Late afternoon (from 15:00) is also quieter, with warm light for photos.
Is it open all year?
Yes, Machu Picchu is open year-round. The only thing that closes each February, for maintenance, is the Inca Trail. Occasional closures can happen due to weather or strikes, but they are temporary.
Practical info
What should I bring?
Comfortable trekking shoes, a poncho or rain jacket, sunscreen, a cap or hat, insect repellent (there are bugs in the area), a reusable water bottle, and a snack for before you enter. Long sleeves help against the sun and insects.
Can I pay by card? Are there ATMs?
There are ATMs in Aguas Calientes, but they don’t always work well and charge fees. The safest bet is to withdraw cash in Cusco before you travel and carry soles for small purchases, buses and tips.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. In Peru, and in Aguas Calientes too, tap water is not recommended for drinking. Buy bottled water or bring your own bottle and purify it.
Trekking to Machu Picchu
You reach Machu Picchu the adventurous way — but the entrance ticket rules are the same for everyone. Here’s what hikers need to know, and exactly what we do when the online tickets are gone.
Which treks end at Machu Picchu?
Yes. The trek gets you to the mountain, but the citadel entrance is a separate ticket with a set circuit and time. Since 2026, even the Inca Trail permit no longer includes the citadel entrance — they are two separate purchases for the same date.
Do I still need a separate Machu Picchu entrance ticket for my trek?
Yes. The trek gets you to the mountain, but the citadel entrance is a separate ticket with a set circuit and time. Since 2026, even the Inca Trail permit no longer includes the citadel entrance — they are two separate purchases for the same date.
I want to hike Salkantay, but there are no tickets online. Can I still go?
Yes — you can still travel with us. When the online entrance tickets are sold out, you get your ticket in person at the official box office in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), where 1,000 tickets are released each day for entry the next morning.
The catch: you have to wake up early and line up, because they go fast. We plan your trek around this, tell you exactly when to be at the office, and our team helps you through the queue so you don’t miss your entry.
How far ahead do I book the Inca Trail?
Months ahead. Inca Trail permits are strictly limited, require a licensed guide and agency, and sell out well in advance — especially May to September. The trail also closes every February for maintenance. Salkantay, Lares and Hidroeléctrica have no permit cap, so they can be arranged with less lead time.
Which circuit will I do after my trek?
Inca Trail hikers enter through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) with their assigned circuit. Trekkers arriving via Aguas Calientes ride the bus up and enter the circuit on their ticket — for most, Circuit 2 (Classic) for the full experience, or Circuit 1 for the panoramic photo.
THE CIRCUITS IN DETAIL
Since June 2024, the visit is organized into three circuits with 10 official routes. You choose one when you buy, and once inside you cannot change routes or turn back. Choose based on your time, fitness and what you want to see.
CIRCUIT 1 Panoramic
For the classic photo from above, without going down into the urban ruins.
- The Guardhouse viewpoint: the postcard view of the whole citadel from above.
- Routes to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original Inca entrance at 2,745 m.
- Route to the Inca Bridge, an engineering feat on a cliff edge.
- Gives access to Machu Picchu Mountain (a 3–4 h climb, dry season only).
- Ideal if you prioritize the panorama and enjoy viewpoints and walking.
CIRCUIT 2 Classic
The most complete and the most requested. First time? This is your ticket.
- The classic photo from an upper terrace + a walk through the urban sector.
- Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and Temple of the Three Windows.
- Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor (Water Mirrors) and the water fountains.
- The agricultural sector with its stepped terraces.
- A route of up to 2.5 h combining the iconic view with the interior of the llaqta.
CIRCUIT 3 Royalty
The lower part of the citadel and access to the most famous mountains.
- The Inca royalty quarters and religious sector in the lower part.
- View of the citadel from the lower agricultural sector (similar to the postcard).
- Temple of the Sun and the Inca's House; about 1 hour on the base route.
- Route 3-A connects to Huayna Picchu (a steep 2–3 h climb, very low quotas).
- Other variants reach the Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon) and Huchuy Picchu.
- Note: the base of this circuit usually doesn't include the classic Guardhouse terrace.
In summary: First visit → Circuit 2 (Classic). Just the photo and viewpoints → Circuit 1 (Panoramic). Want to climb Huayna Picchu → Circuit 3 (Royalty). Secure your ticket first, then the train, and ride the bus up to arrive fresh.
Book Your Machu Picchu with Us
Tickets are limited and sell out fast. With Pachamama you don’t depend on the official website or the lines: we secure your Machu Picchu ticket as part of your package, with the circuit and time coordinated with your train.
How far in advance should you book?
- Regular season: book at least 30 days in advance.
- High season (June–August, holidays and peak dates): book 2 to 3 months ahead (60–90 days). Circuit 2 and Huayna Picchu sell out within minutes of release.
- The earlier you book, the more circuit, entry-time and train options you’ll have available.
Three ways to get your entrance
OPTION 1 We arrange it
We include your official Machu Picchu ticket in the package. We choose the circuit and time with you and coordinate it with your train. No lines and no risk of missing out.
OPTION 2 You already have it
Bought your ticket yourself at tuboleto.cultura.pe? We discount the ticket price from the package cost. Just share your ticket and we’ll coordinate the circuit and times.
OPTION 3 Trekking, and sold out online
Doing Salkantay, Lares or the Jungle route and the online entrance is gone? You still travel with us. You collect your ticket at the official box office in Machu Picchu Pueblo, where 1,000 entrances are released daily for the next morning — so you wake up early and we get you in the queue in time. We build your trek around it and guide you through the whole process.
In short: Write to us with your trek and travel dates. We secure your entrance, discount it if you already have one, or — if it’s sold out — get you into the early-morning queue in Aguas Calientes. You hike; we handle the ticket.