Tickets to Machu Picchu
There is much to consider when traveling to Machu Picchu. The site welcomes thousands of tourists every year from all corners of the globe. The site itself is located on the side of a mountain in the middle of the Andes, a marvel of Inca engineering and brilliance. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and the river below feature. This city itself is divided into sectors, plazas and temples that you will learn about on your expertly guided tour, see bellow more about Tickets to Machu Picchu
History of Machu Picchu
Pachacutec was the first emperor of Tahuantinsuyo. Under his rule, the Inca Territory expanded the greatly. Pachacutec planned and constructed Machu Picchu around 1450. It is said he wanted the site to demonstrate his new power over the territories. According to experts the site was a religious sanctuary and a royal dwelling for his family. He chose this special site as it is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking landscapes.
In 1911, an American explorer named Hiram Bingham heard from some locals about a set of ruins in the mountains. Guided by a local farm boy, Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu. Bringing attention to the site around the world, Bingham worked at the site for years uncovering Machu Picchu which the jungle had reclaimed.
Tickets to Machu Picchu
Today thousands visit the site every year. Several years ago, the government of Peru decided with the help of UNESCO, to restrict the amount of people that are allowed the visit the site every day. This decision was made to help protect and preserve the site for future generations.
Nowadays if you plan to visit Machu Picchu you will need to plan well in advance. Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out quickly, this is more so in the high season which runs from May to September.
Amounts of Tickets to Machu Picchu Released per Day
- Machu Picchu Entry Tickets: 4000 (this includes the tickets below)
- Classic Inca Trail: 500 (This includes, trekkers, guides, porters and cooks)
- Short Inca Trail: 250 (This includes, trekkers, guides)
- Huayna Picchu: 200 (Entrance times 7 to 8, 9 to 10)
- Machu Picchu Mountain: 200 (Entrance times 7 to 8, 9 to 10)
- Sun Gate: Needs Entrance ticket
- Inca Bridge: Needs Entrance ticket
If you have not got a tickets to Machu Picchu, the government releases 1000 tickets each afternoon for the following day. You will need to line up at the ticket office. It is better to have your Machu Picchu tickets before you arrive into Cusco.
Entrance Times for Machu Picchu
- 1st Session from 6am to 7am
- 2nd Session from 7am to 8am
- 3rd Session from 8am to 9am
- 4th Session from 9am to 10am
- 5th Session from 10am to 11 am
- 6th Session from 11am to 12h
- 7th Session from 12h to 13h
- 8th Session from 13h to 14h.
- 9th Session from 14h to 15h
- 10th Session from 15h to 16h
The time allowed in Machu Picchu is 2 hours. It is important to take your time on your tour and spend enough time at each site. Your guide will give you a tour of the special parts of the city. The route is one way and you are unable to go back. If the security guard see that you are going back you will be asked to leave and not allowed to reenter. They are very strict on this so be aware.
With your ticket your are allowed one entry, you can’t leave and reenter under any circumstances. This means you will need to use the bathroom before you enter. There are bathrooms just near the main gate.
If you have large bags with you, you are not under any circumstances allowed to take them into Machu Picchu. You can rent lockers at the door of Machu Picchu to store your bags. You can however take a small backpack with water and snacks. Food is not allowed into Machu Picchu and please take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Where can I buy my tickets to Machu Picchu?
There are several options to buy your tickets to Machu Picchu. You and look for and hire a tour company who will take care of all your tour needs including all your Machu Tickets. You will need to do your research and find a tour operator that suits your needs and budget.
The other option is to buy your tickets directly online at www.machupicchu.gob.pe here you can choose your preferred date and entrance time. Remember that all persons entering Machu Picchu need to do so with a licensed guide. You need to either hire a guide before you arrive or hire one at the gate to Machu Picchu.
How far in advance should I book my tickets?
This depends on what time of the year you are planning to visit. If you plan to do your Machu Picchu tour in the dry season, this are the months from May to October, for these months you should book 6 months in advance. For the wet season from November to April try and book at least 3 months in advance. This is to avoid disappointment.
What circuit should I buy?
To add to the confusion, you will need to choose a circuit to do when visiting Machu Picchu. There are 3 circuits with sub circuits to choose from each visiting different parts of Machu Picchu. Circuit 1A and 1B are the upper viewing points only, you can’t enter the site with these tickets. Circuit 2A features the largest circle of Machu Picchu and a viewing point. Circuit 2B is the same as 2A without the viewing point. Circuit 3A and Circuit 3B are the lower part of Machu Picchu with many of the best temples to visit.
More Information about circuit here!
Extra Treks around Machu Picchu
On a visit to Machu Picchu there are extra hikes to enjoy. The very popular Huayna Picchu, you will need to buy an extra ticket and these sell out quickly. This is a challenging hike so you will need a certain level of fitness. Machu Picchu Mountain is another hike to do while in the area. This is longer but considered easier, so one for the family. You will need an extra ticket for this hike also. You can also hike to the Sun Gate for spectacular views this is an easy hike but will need to buy an extra ticket. Lastly you can hike to the Inca Bridge, which will require an extra ticket.
Passport
Another consideration is your passport, you will need to take with you your original passport without it you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu. This needs to be the same passport that you booked your entrance.
As you can see it is important to do your research and be aware of all the new rules and regulations around a visit to Machu Picchu. Gone are the days where you can just enter and roam freely. Pick your date, entrance time and circuit to get the best out of your Machu Picchu experience.
