The A-Z of Machu Picchu Tickets

If visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu is one of your bucket list goals, there are a couple of things you have to know about the tickets required to enter this World Wonder. Here is all you need to know about your tickets to Machu Picchu.

PERMIT BASICS

The tickets to Machu Picchu are the official documents that give any visitor the right to enter and visit the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the World. These tickets are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Culture and are subject to availability. As of today, the Ministry of Culture only allows entrance to a total of 4,000 visitors per day to protect and conserve the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Tickets can be easily bought online, directly from the Ministry of Culture’s website. Please know that most tour operators already include the cost of the Machu Picchu tickets in their service costs. In order to enter Machu Picchu, you will need your ticket together with your passport with which you made your reservation.

As per ministerial resolution, it is not obligatory to enter Machu Picchu with a guide. However, it is greatly recommended in order to make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu.

It is highly recommended to purchase your entry permits to Machu Picchu well in advance due to strict regulations and limited availability. We recommend booking your Machu Picchu tickets at least 04 months in advance.

TYPES OF PERMITS

Now, it is important to note that there are 04 different types of tickets to Machu Picchu. All tickets include admission to the Inca archaeological site. However, depending on which ticket you purchase, you are also granted access to one of the 03 surrounding mountains by the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here is a breakdown of the ticket types:

Machu Picchu only:

This ticket includes admission to the Inca sanctuary along one of the four established circuits. Circuit 2 is preferred by tourists because it includes the classic photo of Machu Picchu and also the tour of most of the sectors and temples of the citadel.

Advantages:

• It allows visiting of the main sectors and temples of Machu Picchu
• Allows you to take the classic photos of Machu Picchu
• It is suitable for the whole family, there is no age restriction

Machu Picchu + Wayna (Huayna) Picchu

This ticket includes admission to the Inca sanctuary along circuit 4. This means you will have access to the main sectors of Machu Picchu AND the additional hike to Wayna (Huayna) Picchu Mountain. The hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain is an additional 45 minutes of arduous hiking along narrow and steep inca steps to its summit at 2,693 m.a.s.l./ 8835 ft.a.s.l.

Advantages:

• It allows visiting of the main sectors of Machu Picchu
• Includes access to the Huayna Picchu mountain

Machu Picchu + Montaña:

This ticket includes admission to the Inca sanctuary along circuit 3. This means you will have access to the main sectors of Machu Picchu AND the additional hike to Machu Picchu Mountain. The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional 1.5 hrs of arduous hiking along a narrow path to its summit at 3,082 m.a.s.l./ 10111 ft.a.s.l. This trail is less steep but longer than the trail up to Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Advantages:

• It allows the ascent to the Machu Picchu mountain located at the top of the Wonder of the World.
• It allows visiting of the main sectors and temples of Machu Picchu
• It is the only ticket that allows you to leave and re-enter Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu

This ticket includes admission to the Inca sanctuary along circuit 4 too. This means you will have access to the main sectors of Machu Picchu AND the additional hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain. The hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain was recently inaugurated. The hike is an 1 hr arduous hike to its summit at 2,497 m.a.s.l./ 8192 ft.a.s.l.

Advantages:

• It allows the hike to the recently inaugurated Huchuy Picchu mountain.
• Includes the tour of Machu Picchu.
• It allows you to obtain panoramic photos of the Wonder of the World.

PERMIT TIMES

With the different types of permits available covered, let’s talk about the different entry times available. These entry times were recently determined by the peruvian government as a result of the pandemic. Authorities look to offer more organized visits to Machu Picchu and increase Covid-19 prevention.

Machu Picchu Citadel – only entry times:

• Entry time 1: from 06:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs
• Entry time 2: from 07:00 hrs to 08:00 hrs
• Entry time 3: from 08:00 hrs to 09:00 hrs
• Entry time 4: from 09:00 hrs to 10:00 hrs
• Entry time 5: from 10:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs
• Entry time 6: from 11:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs
• Entry time 7: from 12:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs
• Entry time 8: from 13:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs
• Entry time 9: from 14:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs

Machu Picchu Citadel + Huayna Picchu Mountain entry times:

• Entry time 1: to Machu Picchu from 06:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs , to Huayna Picchu Mountain from 07:00 hrs to 08:00 hrs
• Entry time 2: to Machu Picchu from 07:00 hrs to 08:00 hrs , to Huayna Picchu Mountain from 08:00 hrs to 09:00 hrs
• Entry time 3: to Machu Picchu from 08:00 hrs to 09:00 hrs , to Huayna Picchu Mountain from 09:00 hrs to 10:00 hrs
• Entry time 4: to Machu Picchu from 09:00 hrs to 10:00 hrs , to Huayna Picchu Mountain from 10:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs

Machu Picchu Citadel + Montaña entry times:

• Entry time 1: to Machu Picchu from 06:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs, to Montaña from 07:00 hrs to 08:00 hrs
• Entry time 2: to Machu Picchu from 07:00 hrs to 08:00 hrs, to Montaña from 08:00 hrs to 09:00 hrs

Machu Picchu Citadel + Huchuy Picchu Mountain:

• Entry time 1: to Machu Picchu from 06:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs , to Huchuy Picchu Mountain from 07:00 hrs to 08:00 hrs
• Entry time 2: to Machu Picchu from 07:00 hrs to 08:00 hrs , to Huchuy Picchu Mountain from 08:00 hrs to 09:00 hrs
• Entry time 3: to Machu Picchu from 08:00 hrs to 09:00 hrs , to Huchuy Picchu Mountain from 09:00 hrs to 10:00 hrs
• Entry time 4: to Machu Picchu from 09:00 hrs to 10:00 hrs , to Huchuy Picchu Mountain from 10:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs
• Entry time 5: to Machu Picchu from 10:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs , to Huchuy Picchu Mountain from 11:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs
• Entry time 6: to Machu Picchu from 11:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs , to Huchuy Picchu Mountain from 12:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs
• Entry time 7: to Machu Picchu from 12:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs , to Huchuy Picchu Mountain from 13:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs
• Entry time 8: to Machu Picchu from 13:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs , to Huchuy Picchu Mountain from 14:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs

PERMIT RESTRICTIONS

Visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World comes with its restrictions. Here is a list of what is NOT allowed during your visit to Machu Picchu.

• Backpacks, purses, or pockets larger than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches).
• Food or drinks
• Entering with any illicit substance or under its effects.
• Entering with any alcoholic beverage or under an alcoholic state
• Canes, umbrellas, portable seats, tripods, supports or extensions for cameras, cell phones or any other stabilization or extension element for filming and/or photography
• Entering with animals, with the exception of guide dogs.
• Feed domestic and wild animals.
• Sprays (of any type or use)
• Graffiti
• Musical instruments, megaphones or speakers.
• Loud or annoying noises such as clapping, shouting, whistling, or singing, among others
• Use of high heels, cleats or hard sole shoes
• Entering with baby carriages
• Entering with sharp objects and/or weapons of any kind.
• Entering with banners, signs, posters, clothing intended for advertising purposes, costumes, among other objects of this type. Filming or photographing for publicity purposes.
• Making a fuss, playing, lying down, running, undressing or creating a mess.
• Climb or lean on walls and/or structures. Touch, move or extract lithic elements.
• Disturb, collect or extract flora or fauna.
• Carry out activities that distort the sacred character of the Llaqta de Machupicchu; such as fashion shows, dances, obscene acts contrary to morality and good customs or any type of activity that implies the degradation of the monument, its natural environment and/or its facilities.
• Smoking, vaping, or holding any type of fire.
• Waste disposal of any kind.
• Not respecting the established circuits and routes.
• The ambulatory trade in the monument and surrounding spaces up to the Puente Ruinas.
• Overflights with paragliders, drones or any type of smaller vehicle or device.

It is important to keep in mind that any infraction will result in the immediate expulsion from the sanctuary without refunds or re-entry opportunities.

HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN & MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

As you know, Machu Picchu is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges. Oftentimes, travellers get confused between Machu Picchu (archaeological site), Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain. Here is what you need to know.

Machu Picchu

This refers specifically to the citadel of Machu Picchu or archaeological site. Thus, when we talk about Machu Picchu, we are referring to the entire site with its different sectors, temples and visiting circuits.

Huayna Picchu Mountain

This is the mountain that serves as a backdrop to the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. Its peak reaches the 2,693 m.a.s.l., and the hike to its summit is along steep, narrow paths. Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain offers one of the best panoramic views of the citadel. It also grants access to several additional archaeological ruins, including the temple of the Moon, crowned by the jungle flora and fauna of the place.

The hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain takes approximately 45 minutes and is recommended to adventure seekers not afraid of heights or suffering from vertigo.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu mountain offers totally different views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain. Its peak reaches 3,082 m.a.s.l., and the path to the top is less demanding than that of Huayna Picchu Mountain. This path is wider and can be done by anyone. Although you should be careful with altitude sickness.

Although the citadel can be seen from a greater distance, at this summit you have the possibility of admiring the Sacred City, Huayna Picchu and the entire mountain range surrounding Machu Picchu. It should be noted that the Machu Picchu Mountain does not have archaeological remains, but it has a great diversity of flora and fauna.

The entry tickets to either Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain are subject to availability. Daily, only a total of 400 and 800 travellers are allowed to these hikes respectively. Huayna Picchu tickets sell faster than Machu Picchu Mountain and should be book at least 4 months in advance. The best time to hike either hike is during dry season, to avoid slippery paths and clouded views.

If you are planning your dream vacation to Peru and Machu Picchu, make it hassle-free with all of our tours available. Book your Machu Picchu tickets NOW!

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Photo credits:

Machu Picchu