- Spontaneity is great, but not when it comes to Machu Picchu tickets. Only 4,000 visitors are allowed per day, and tickets sell out fast. If you are serious about going, book your tickets at least 1-2 months in advance.
- Machu Picchu has three circuits each with different routes that let you explore specific parts of this breathtaking wonder. The ticket you buy locks you into a particular circuit and route—no take-backs, no swaps. So, research your options before committing. Click here to learn more about Machu Picchu Circuits.
- Planning to tackle Huchuypicchu, Huaynapicchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or the Inca Bridge? Just remember: no one under the age of 18 years is allowed.
- Special routes like Inca Bridge, Intipunku, Huynapicchu Mountain, and Great Cavern are only available during high season (June 1 to October 15).
- If you want a peaceful experience travel in the months of April-May and September-October. Those months present an intermediate season in which you can enjoy a cool pleasant climate and a less crowded experience.
- Planning to visit between July and August? Book everything- months ahead—tickets, hotels, flights, and other transport. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying more for everything. This is the peak season when everyone rushes to Machu Picchu.
- Don’t be scared of the rainy months (December to March). If you get an early start to your day, you can avoid the rains because it doesn’t rain all day, every day here. Expect showers sometime in the afternoon; but by then you’ll be done too. Bonus: very few people go in these months, making them absolutely crowd-free.
- Popular routes like the 3-A Huaynapicchu route and 1-D Inka Bridge sell out as fast as 3-4 months in advance due to a strict restriction of 200 people per day. If you are eyeing these tickets make sure to book well in advance.
Machu Picchu Tickets
Crafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.Uncover Machu Picchu’s sacred past with 4 route options through its holiest sites.
- A lower-impact hike with rich rewards! This route takes you through Inca's most important temples with the option to add-on treks to nearby viewpoints.
- Visit: The Temple of the Sun, Temple of Condor, Temple of Three Windows, and more, spaces where Incans observed stars and performed ancient rituals.
- Terrain and fitness levels: The easiest circuit, but still full of stone stairs, terraces, and uneven paths. Upgrades offer tougher treks.
- 4 Route options: Keep it simple, climb Huaynapicchu’s dizzying stairs, take the milder Huchuypicchu route, or hike to the Great Cavern's Moon Temple.
Inclusions
Entry ticket to Machu Picchu with access to circuit 3
Access to routes: A-Huaynapicchu, B-Lower terraces, C-Great Cavern, or D-Huchuypicchu (as per option selected)
Includes: Temple of the Sun, Temple of Condor, Sacred Rock, & more
Exclusions
- Access to Upper Terraces
Transfers to Machu Picchu
Live guide
- The Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu routes are closed during the low season (October 16 – May 31).
- The circuit through Huaynapicchu and Huchuypicchu is allowed only for those aged over 18 years.
- Children under 3 years of age can enter for free.
- The hikes, though short, are exhausting due to the high altitude. The route includes steep, asymmetrical steps, so take it slow and rest when needed.
- Your ticket grants entry via a specific pre-selected circuit and route. Changes are not allowed after booking.
- Circuits are allocated based on availability at the time of booking. Act fast—only 4,000 visitors are allowed inside Machu Picchu per day!
- Choose your date and time carefully when booking. Once purchased, tickets cannot be modified or canceled.
- Strollers are not allowed. Only baby carriers (kangaroos) are permitted to ensure smooth passage through the site.
- Due to uneven terrain and steps, Machu Picchu isn’t fully accessible for those with mobility impairments, though some pathways have improved access.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Trek one of 4 routes to Machu Picchu’s highest peaks and soak in the best views.
- Circuit 1 routes lead to the Machu Picchu spot. You know, the one in every Peru photo ever. You can also extend your trek to nearby Incan wonders.
- Walk through the upper terrace, passing by the cemetery, funerary rock, and Guard’s House—each pivotal to Incan customs, rituals, and daily life.
- Terrain & fitness level: A blend of paved and dirt trails makes this trek moderately difficult, with advanced trails for those seeking tougher options.
- 4 Route options: Stay on the upper terrace or trek to the historic Inca Bridge, scenic Intipunku, or the steep but stunning Machu Picchu Mountain.
Inclusions
Entry ticket to Machu Picchu with access to circuit 1
Access to routes: A-Machu Picchu Mountain, B-Upper terraces, C-Intipunku, or D-Inca Bridge (as per option selected)
Includes: Guard's House
Exclusions
- Access to Inca citadel
Transfers to Machu Picchu
Live guide
- Tip: The only café near Machu Picchu’s entry gate serves a mean key lime pie—don’t miss it!
- The Intipunku and Inca Bridge routes are closed during the low season (October 16 – May 31).
- The circuit through the Machu Picchu mountain and Inca Bridge is allowed only for those aged over 18 years.
- Children under 3 years of age can enter for free.
- Though not long, the hike is demanding due to steep steps and high altitude, so pace yourself and take breaks.
- Your ticket grants entry via a specific pre-selected circuit and route. Changes are not allowed after booking.
- Circuits are allocated based on availability at booking, so act fast— only 4,000 visitors per day!
- Choose your date and time carefully when booking. Once purchased, tickets cannot be modified or canceled.
- Strollers are not allowed. Only baby carriers are permitted to ensure smooth passage through the site.
- Due to uneven terrain and steps, Machu Picchu isn’t fully accessible for those with mobility impairments, though some pathways have improved access.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Guided Tours
From Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Entry with Guided Tour & Round-Trip Transfer
A focused, story-led walk through Machu Picchu’s iconic paths, guided by a local expert.
- Day out: Explore the stone terraces, ceremonial spaces, and panoramic viewpoints of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic Inca sites in the Andes.
- You’ll get: Entry to Machu Picchu, a guided small-group tour led by a professional local guide in English or Spanish, and a structured route that helps you understand the site’s history, architecture, and legends without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
- Aguas Calientes: Begin and end your experience in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. The town offers cafés, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient base before or after your guided tour.
- Machu Picchu: Discover Machu Picchu with an expert guide who leads you through key sections of your chosen circuit, sharing insights into Inca architecture, history, and viewpoints.
- Upgrades: Choose a guided tour of Circuit 1, 2, or 3 for a tailored exploration of different routes and highlights within Machu Picchu.
Inclusions
Entry to Machu Picchu
Professional local guide in English or Spanish
Round-trip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes
Entry and guided visit to Machu Picchu Circuit 1 (as per option selected)
Entry and guided visit to Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (as per option selected)
Entry and guided visit to Machu Picchu Circuit 3 (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Meals and beverages
Access to additional circuits or mountain hikes
Train ride
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking for entry verification.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven and potentially slippery terrain.
- Carry a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and rain gear, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
What’s not allowed
- Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not permitted inside Machu Picchu; only small bags (maximum 40x35x20 cm) are allowed.
- Food, alcoholic beverages, and single-use plastic bottles are strictly prohibited within the site.
- Tripods, drones, selfie sticks, and professional camera equipment are not allowed.
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
- Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals with proper documentation.
Accessibility
- The site is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven paths, steep stairs, and rugged terrain.
- Visitors with limited mobility may find access challenging; assistance is limited within the archaeological site.
Additional information
- All visitors must be accompanied by an official guide for the duration of their visit.
- Entry is valid only for the selected circuit and time slot; re-entry is not permitted.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- The guided tour is conducted in the language specified at the time of booking.
- Restrooms are available only at the entrance; there are no restroom facilities inside the archaeological site.
- Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time to allow for security checks and group organization.
- The experience operates in all weather conditions; refunds or rescheduling due to weather are not available.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Day Trips
From Cusco: Full-Day Trip to Ollantaytambo with Lunch
Check availability
Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience
Book now without paying anything upfront. Pay later with no extra fees.
All the Sacred Valley highlights—ruins, villages & scenery—in one seamless trip.
- Day out: Sacred Valley day trip covering Ollantaytambo and Yucay.
- You’ll get: Round-trip AC transfers from your hotel in Cusco, an expert guide fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French, entry to Yucay’s Living Museum, plus a traditional Andean lunch to refuel mid-journey.
- Yucay Living Museum: Dive into Andean traditions with live demonstrations of textile weaving, silverwork, and pottery.
- Ollantaytambo: Climb the terraced slopes of an ancient Inca archaeological site, still pulsing with daily life.
Inclusions
Full-day trip to Sacred Valley's Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
Round-trip transfers from Cusco
Expert English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese-speaking guide
Entry to Living Museum of Yucay
Authentic Peruvian lunch
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Cusco Tourist ticket - BTC
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
- Bring sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Carry a light jacket or layers, as weather in the Sacred Valley can change throughout the day.
What’s not allowed
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed during the tour.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the experience.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Infants must sit on laps during transport.
Additional information
- Pickup and drop-off are available only from hotels located in Cusco Historic Center.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- It is important to inform the operator of your hotel name in advance to coordinate your activity.
- To visit Ollantaytambo fortress, you must acquire your Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) in advance.
- Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Day Trips
From Cusco: Half-Day Tour to Maras and Moray
Check availability
Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience
Book now without paying anything upfront. Pay later with no extra fees.
Discover Maras’ salt flats and Moray’s Inca ruins on a guided half-day tour.
- Day out to: Maras and Moray, with hotel pick-up from Cusco’s Historic Center.
- You’ll get: Round-trip transfers, entry to Maras, and a professional guide who will walk you through the innovative Inca terraces of Moray and the salt-making process at Maras.
- Maras: Marvel at the terraced salt pools fed by a natural spring, and watch how locals still harvest salt using ancient evaporation techniques.
- Moray: Walk among the concentric Inca terraces, believed to be an agricultural laboratory, and see how microclimates were created centuries ago.
Inclusions
Half-day trip to Maras and Moray
Hotel transfers from Cusco's Historic Center
Expert English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking guide
Entry to Maras
Exclusions
- Lunch
Cusco Tourist ticket - BTC
Ticket to the Salineras Salt mine (can be purchased on site)
- Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Just relax and explore; all tickets, trains, and buses will be planned and booked for you!
- Planning a Machu Picchu trip is tricky. This day trip makes it easy with a seamless bundle of tickets, comfy transfers, and a knowledgeable guide!
- You’ll get: From Cusco, a bus will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Ollantaytambo, where you'll board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes. A quick bus ride later, you're at Machu Picchu, where a multilingual guide leads a 2.5-hour tour. You will be dropped back to your hotel after 12-14 hours of adventure.
- Machu Picchu: Unravel the mysteries of the Incas and the wisdom of ancient city planning with a guide as you walk through misty ruins and sacred temples.
- Upgrades: Go deluxe, add an authentic Peruvian lunch & upgrade to a train with stunning panoramic Andes scenery!
Inclusions
2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with entry
Pick-up from hotel in Cusco
Roundtrip AC bus transfers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
Roundtrip standard/ superior train transfers from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (as per option selected)
Roundtrip AC bus transfers from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
Expert English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
Contemporary Peruvian lunch at Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Tips
- Tip: For the best views, sit on the left side of the train when traveling from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. This side offers stunning views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andes mountains.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Not suitable for travelers with heart conditions or serious medical issues.
- Infant seats are available for toddlers upon request.
- Moderate fitness is required—expect uneven cobblestone paths, inclines & steps.
- Arrive in Cusco at least one day before your tour to avoid last-minute delays as tickets cannot be modified once they have been purchased.
- Tickets are non-transferable and valid only for the traveler/travelers listed during booking.
- Hotel pickup is available only within Cusco’s Historic Center.
- Be ready in your hotel lobby or meeting point 10 minutes before pickup. Your driver will wait for 5 minutes max.
- Machu Picchu visits are strictly regulated—you may only stay for the guided tour.
- Choose your date and time carefully when booking. Once purchased, tickets cannot be modified or canceled.
- Strollers are not allowed. Only baby carriers are permitted to ensure smooth passage through the site.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Cusco
How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless
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Don’t book your Machu Picchu tickets without reading this
Things to know before setting your dates
Things to know before choosing your tickets
Which ticket is best for you?
Circuit 1: The panoramic experience
Circuit 2: The classic experience
Circuit 3: The royalty experience
Day trip to Machu Picchu
Circuits and routes explained
| Circuit Name | Route Name | Best for | Difficulty level | Duration of access | Age restriction | Access to | Route maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Circuit 1: Panoramic Tour | 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route | Panoramic views of the Inca city and surrounding landscapes | Challenging | 6 hours | Open to all | Machu Picchu mountain, upper terraces, areas near Gaurdian’s House | |
1-B: Upper Terrace Route | Classic postcard shot from the Guardian’s House and iconic views of Machu Picchu | Moderate | 2.5 hours | Open to all | Upper terraces, areas near Gaurdian’s House | ||
1-C: Intipunku Cover Route (available from June 1 - October 15) | Checking out the Inca trail used by ancient pilgrims and the official gate to the city | Moderate | 4 hours | Open to all | Intipunku Gate, upper terraces, areas near Gaurdian’s House | ||
1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available from June 1 - October 15) | A historically significant trek to a secret entry | Moderate | 3 hours | Entry limited to those over 18 years | Inka Bridge, upper terraces, areas near Gaurdian’s House | ||
Circuit 2: Classic Tour | 2-A: Designed Classic Route | Standing in the heart of Incan ruins and admiring panoramas from the upper terrace | Doable but with effort | 2.5 hours | Open to all | Inca Citadel: Urban Zone and lower platform of upper terrace | |
2-B: Lower Terrace Route | A comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu's main Inca sites and temples | Doable but with effort | 2.5 hours | Open to all | Inca Citadel: Urban Zone | ||
Circuit 3: Royalty Tour | 3-A: Huaynapicchu Mountain Route | A challenging trek and unparalleled summit views | Challenging | 4 hours | Entry limited to those over 18 years | Huaynapicchu Mountain and lower areas (Sacred Plaza & residential zone) of the Inca Citadel | |
3-B: Designed Royalty Route | Machu Picchu’s most sacred and elite spaces | Manageable with uneven terrain | 2.5 hours | Open to all | Lower areas (Sacred Plaza & residential zone) of the Inca Citadel | ||
3-C: Great Cavern Route (available from June 1 - October 15) | Secluded trails with fascinating Incan ruins like the Temple of Moon | Challenging | 5 hours | Entry limited to those over 18 years | Great Cavern and lower areas (Sacred Plaza & residential zone) of the Inca Citadel | ||
3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available from June 1 - October 15) | A little adventure with rewarding birds eye view of the Incan citadel | Challenging | 3 hours | Entry limited to those over 18 years | Huchuypicchu Mountain and lower areas (Sacred Plaza & residential zone) of the Inca Citadel |
Decode the Machu Picchu map
Inca Citadel (Urban zone)
This is the heart of Machu Picchu, where the Incas lived, worshipped, and worked. It includes The Sacred Plaza, home to the most important temples and ritual spaces; the Residential Zone, where the elite and scholars stayed; and the Popular Area, where workers, artisans, and storage facilities were located. If you want to dive into the history, architecture, and daily life of the Incas, choose a route that takes you deep into this section.
Upper Terraces (Agricultural zone & viewpoints)
These vast stepped terraces were essential to Machu Picchu’s survival, serving as both farmland and structural reinforcement for the city. Built with advanced drainage systems, they prevented erosion while allowing the Incas to cultivate crops like maize and potatoes at high altitudes. Beyond their agricultural role, these terraces provide some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding mountains. If breathtaking vistas and open spaces appeal to you, prioritize a route that includes these terraces.
Things to do in Machu Picchu
Intipunku Gate (Sun Gate)
Inka Gate
Machu Picchu Mountain
Huchuypicchu Mountain
Huaynapicchu Mountain
The Temple of the Moon
Guardian’s House
Intihuatana Stone
Residential Zone
Sacred Plaza
Industrial Area
Agricultural Area
How to get to Machu Picchu
What to pack for your visit
