Machu Picchu, Peru’s foremost tourist attraction, draws over a million visitors annually. The Ministry of Culture, recognizing its significance, has implemented stricter rules to conserve this Incan citadel and enhance the visitor experience.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu faces increasing tourism. To manage this, the Ministry introduced changes in 2024, including a revamped website for ticket purchases and new circuits. Currently, there are three circuits, and these circuits for Machu Picchu have either 4 or 2 routes to visit the Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu entry tickets are crucial for visiting the citadel. From June 1, 2024, the number of Machu Picchu tickets increased to 5600 available during the high tourist season (from April to August), and during the low season, there are only 4600 tickets available.
The circuits include the Machu Picchu citadel, Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Puente Inka, Intipunko and Gran Cavern (This last ticket is open only during the high tourist season).
Book your Machu Picchu tickets now! If you want to get a ticket to Machu Picchu in 2024, contact us, and Machu Picchu T will help you get the tickets.
Machu Picchu Tickets 2025
The newly introduced website booking system by the Ministry of Culture for Machu Picchu circuits has caused confusion among many travelers. Each visitor is left wondering which Machu Picchu circuit is the best choice for visiting the Inca citadel and whether these circuits permit a comprehensive exploration of the site or merely allow for the classic photo from the guardian houses.
On the other hand, Joinnus, the platform that used to sell Machu Picchu tickets, stopped operating in mid-May 2024. As a result, it was replaced by a new government system called "TuBoletoCultura", designed to provide greater reliability and solve the problems associated with booking tickets to visit the Inca citadel.
Currently, there are three circuits for Machu Picchu, including the mountains:
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu Panoramic
- A: Machu Picchu Mountain
- B: Upper terrace
- C: Intipunko (Available in the high tourist season)
- D: Puente Inca
Circuit 2: Machu Picchu
- A: Design Route - Machu Picchu circuit classic route
- B: Lower Terrace Route - Machu Picchu circuit classic route
Circuit 3: Machu Picchu Royalty
- A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route
- B: Designed Route
- C: Great Cavern Route (Available only in high tourist season)
- D: Huchuypicchu Route (Available only in high tourist season)
Circuit Inca Trail
This circuit of the Inca Trail only allows tickets purchased through an authorized Inca Trail Tour Operator. This ticket includes all Inca Trail tours and the guided tours are short. If you want to hike the Inca Trail, we recommend that you contact your tour operator and get the extra tickets for Circuit 2 Machu Picchu. This ticket allows you to visit the entire Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu Circuits
There are 3 circuits to Machu Picchu, and each circuit is divided into 10 routes to explore the Inca citadel. Below, we detail each circuit with the route map:
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu
The Circuit 1 Machu Picchu is a shorter route than the traditional circuit to visit the Inca citadel. The hiking duration is 2 hours, from the main gate to the exit door. This ticket is available from 06:00 to 09:00 am, with 760 tickets available every day, divided into 4 schedules.
This ticket is considered the best circuit for Machu Picchu, as it allows you to witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu and capture the classic picture from the Guardian House.
Route 1-A: Circuit 1 Machu Picchu Mountain
Route 1-b: Circuit 1 Machu Picchu - Upper terrace
Route 1-c: Circuit 1 Machu Picchu - IntiPunko
Route 1-D: Circuit 1 Machu Picchu - Inca Bridge (Puenta Inca)
Circuit 2 Machu Picchu
The Circuit 2 Machu Picchu is the most important and complete route to the Inca citadel. It covers a large area of Machu Picchu, allowing you to visit the Intihuatana and Condor Temple—two significant Inca sites that are not included in other circuits. However, you can explore these important sites only during a scheduled program, between 07:00 am and 09:00 am. Every day, there are 1144 tickets available, divided into 6 different schedules.
This ticket offers the best experience at Machu Picchu, with a hiking duration of 3 hours. It provides the opportunity to capture the iconic picture of Machu Picchu and explore the essential Inca sites.
Route 2 - A: Circuit 2 Machu Picchu Designed Route (Classic)
What do you visit in the circuit 2 Machu Picchu classic?
- Enter Machu Picchu Gate
- Guardian Houses
- Funerary Rock
- Cemetery
- The City Gate
- Nusta’s Bedroom
- Ritual Foundations
- The Royal Palace
- Temple of the Three Windows
- The Main Square
- The Sacred Rock
- Houses
- Industrial Zone
- Cultivation Terraces
- Exit Route
Route 2 - B: Circuit 2 Machu Picchu Lower Terrace Route (Classic)
What do you visit in the circuit 2 Machu Picchu Lower Terrace?
- Enter Machu Picchu Gate
- Funerary Rock
- Cemetery
- The City Gate
- Nusta’s Bedroom
- Ritual Foundations
- The Royal Palace
- Temple of the Three Windows
- Intihutana
- The Sacred Rock
- Houses
- Industrial Zone
- Condor Temple
- Cultivation Terraces
- Exit Route
Circuit 2 Machu Picchu Tickets – Timetables:
| Groups | Timetables |
| 1 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 06:00 am |
| 1 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 07:00 am |
| 1 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 08:00 am |
| 2 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 09:00 am |
| 2 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 10:00 am |
| 2 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 11:00 am |
| 3 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 12:00 am |
| 3 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 01:00 pm |
| 3 RH | Entrance to Machu Picchu from 02:00 pm |
If you need help securing your Machu Picchu ticket for circuit 1 or 2, let us know. We will assist you in booking. BOOK ONLINE MACHU PICCHU TICKET
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu
The Circuit 3 Machu Picchu ticket is a shorter route within Machu Picchu, covering the lower part of the Inca citadel. To access this part of Machu Picchu, you will first ascend to the high point of the Machu Picchu mountains, which takes approximately 3 hours 30 min up and down (Slowly walk). From there, you can capture the iconic photo from the Machu Picchu. Afterward, you will descend to the Machu Picchu gate (not outside) and then proceed to explore Circuit 3, with a hiking duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
There are 100 tickets available every day, divided into two schedules of 50 tickets each hour. This Machu Picchu ticket is a great alternative to Huayna Picchu, Inca Bridge, Huchuy Picchu mountain and Inca cavern, as these tickets are usually sold out in advance.
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu Tickets – Timetables:
Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: 07:00 am
Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: 08:00 am
What will you visit in Circuit 3 Machu Picchu?
- Qolqas
- Agricultural Zone
- Water Channel
- Dry Moat
- Temple of the Sun Complex
- Inka House Complex
- Water Fountains
- Mirror of Water Complex
- Pisonay Square
- Archaeological Reserve
Route 3 - A: Circuit 3 Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu Mountain
Route 3 - B: Circuit 3 Machu Picchu - Royalty
Route 3 - C: Circuit 3 Machu Picchu - Large Cavern
Route 3 - D: Circuit 3 Machu Picchu - Huchuy Picchu
What will you visit in Circuit 3 Machu Picchu?
- Qolqas
- Agricultural Zone
- Water Channel
- Dry Moat
- Temple of the Sun Complex
- Inka House Complex
- Water Fountains
- Sacred Rock
- Eastern Qolcas
- Condor Temple (from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm)
- Mirror of Water Complex
- Pisonay Square
- Archaeological Reserve
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains, Huayna Picchu rises dramatically above the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Its name translates to “Young Peak” in Quechua, reflecting its relative height compared to the surrounding landscape.
RELATED STORY: HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu mountain is situated near Huayna Picchu mountain. It is a smaller peak, and its landscapes bear a resemblance to Huayna Picchu. The name ‘Huchuy Picchu’ translates to ‘Small Peak’ in Quechua.
RELATED STORY: HUCHUY PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Circuit Inca Trail
If you are embarking on the Inca Trail tours, Circuit 5 Machu Picchu is designed for you. You will explore the lower part of the Inca city. In previous years, it was possible to explore the entire Inca citadel, but today it has been modified to this circuit. Below, we explain what you shall visit in Circuit 5.
For those doing the 7 Day Inca Trail, 4 Day Inca Trail, or 3 Day Inca Trail: On the last day, you will wake up early and walk from Wiñaywayna to Intipunko, the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, where you can witness the sunrise. After enjoying the views, continue walking to Machu Picchu, arriving at the Guardian House. Take a break to capture the best pictures; I recommend taking many photos as you won’t return to this point. Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Then, walk down to the Machu Picchu gate, go outside, use the bathroom, have coffee, and re-enter Machu Picchu. Walk down to the lower part of the citadel for a guided tour lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Capture the classic picture from Andean agriculture and other points mentioned in your Circuit 5 Machu Picchu map.
For those doing the short Inca Trail with hotel or camping: On the first day, walk from km 104 to Wiñaywayna, continue to Intipata and Intipunko. Capture the best pictures and appreciate the sunset. Continue the walk down to Machu Picchu, arriving at the Guardian House, and take the best picture of the iconic citadel. Once finished, exit Machu Picchu, take the bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes, spend a night. The next day, visit Circuit 5 Machu Picchu, exploring the lower part of Machu Picchu without returning to the Guardian House. Enjoy a guided tour of Circuit 5 Machu Picchu and return to the exit gate of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Ticket in Aguas Calientes
There are 1000 tickets available in Aguas Calientes, but these tickets can be purchased personally at the Ministry of Culture. Typically, you need to buy them two days before your visit. Keep in mind that lines can be long, and service at the counter may experience delays. No travel agency or tour operator can access these permits directly. Before booking and purchasing, you must present your original passport; copies or photos are not accepted.
In July, August, and September 2023, many travelers were unlucky and missed the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu. They returned to Cusco without visiting this iconic site. For more information about the circuits and visit schedules:
