Mon–Fri, 09:00–18:00 (Lima time)
The hardest part, made simple
Machu Picchu tickets come in time slots and sell out. Book the trip, then breathe. Here's how to get there, how tickets and permits work, and when to book.
Rules change, we'll confirm the latest. Rules change often, sometimes at short notice. We'll confirm the latest rules, ticket types and circuits when you book. Each rule below shows when we last checked it and links to the official source.
Ways to get there
A scenic train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco (Poroy) down the gorge to Aguas Calientes, then a 25-minute bus up to the citadel.
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Original Inca paths from Km 82, over Dead Woman's Pass, past cloud-forest ruins, arriving at the Sun Gate.
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Start at Km 104, climb to Wiñay Wayna and reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon.
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A wilder route past Humantay Lake and over the Salkantay Pass, down into coffee country to Aguas Calientes.
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Comparing them in depth? Read Every way to reach Machu Picchu, compared.
Tickets, circuits & permits
Every Machu Picchu ticket has an entry time slot and a passenger name and passport number. Arrive within your slot; you can't swap slots on the day.
Verified as of · Official Machu Picchu ticket site (Ministerio de Cultura)
Visits follow set one-way circuits. Some take you to the upper terraces for the classic postcard view; others focus on the lower temples. Your ticket type decides which circuit you walk, so choose it when you book.
Verified as of · Official Machu Picchu ticket site (Ministerio de Cultura), Ministerio de Cultura del Perú
The two mountain climbs each need their own ticket, have very limited daily numbers and usually sell out first.
Verified as of · Official Machu Picchu ticket site (Ministerio de Cultura)
The total number of visitors per day is capped and the cap can be changed by the authorities, sometimes at short notice.
Verified as of · Ministerio de Cultura del Perú
Permits for the Classic and Short Inca Trail are limited per day (including porters and guides) and can only be bought through licensed tour operators. They're named and can't be transferred.
Verified as of · Ministerio de Cultura del Perú, SERNANP (protected areas)
The Classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu itself stays open, as do the train and Salkantay routes.
Verified as of · Ministerio de Cultura del Perú
You'll need the same passport (or ID for Peruvians and residents) that's on your ticket at the entrance. Children need their own tickets.
Verified as of · Official Machu Picchu ticket site (Ministerio de Cultura)
Best time
Machu Picchu is open all year. The dry season brings clearer views and the biggest crowds; the shoulder months are a sweet spot. The Inca Trail is closed every February.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andes season | wet | wet | wet | shoulder | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | shoulder | shoulder | wet |
| Demand | Lower | Lower | Lower | Lower | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Lower | Lower | Lower |
| Inca Trail | Open | Closed | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open |
Seasons are approximate and vary year to year (verify).
Timing
Pick your travel month and route. We'll suggest when to secure tickets or permits. When you book with us, we buy them as soon as you confirm.
The Classic Inca Trail is closed in February.
The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu itself stays open: consider the train or the Salkantay trek, or choose another month.
February in the Andes: Wettest month. Inca Trail closed for maintenance. (verify)
Rules change, we'll confirm the latest. Rules change often, sometimes at short notice. We'll confirm the latest rules, ticket types and circuits when you book. This is general guidance only.
Journeys
10 daysLima's tables, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, in the order your lungs would choose.
From US$4,200 pp
8 daysTwo nights acclimatising first, then four days on original stone paths to the Sun Gate.
From US$3,600 pp
9 daysA wild, permit-free trek from a glacier pass down through coffee country to the citadel.
From US$3,900 pp
14 daysThe Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, then down into the rainforest, and a last night by the Pacific.
From US$6,800 pp
10 daysLima's tables, Sacred Valley farms, Cusco's markets and Arequipa's picanterías.
From US$4,800 pp
11 daysSea lions, Inca ruins, a train through the gorge and three days in the rainforest, at a family pace.
From US$4,600 pp
Tell us when you'd like to go and what you'd love to see. Your Peru Specialist will come back with ideas, honest advice on altitude and timing, and a clear price.