How to Buy Entrance Tickets to Machu Picchu
Many travelers from all over the world come to Cusco from far away to visit Machu Picchu. Many are well informed about what to do and how to do it. However, many others need guidance on where, what, and how to buy tickets for Machu Picchu.
If you are one of those who need more information to have the best visit to Machu Picchu, here we will explain everything you need to know.
How is the visit to Machu Picchu?
Since COVID, Machu Picchu is no longer the way it used to be. Because of this major world event, the visit to Machu Picchu changed completely. Before, visiting Machu Picchu simply meant entering the citadel and walking wherever you wanted. From the top to the bottom, the whole citadel was open for you to explore.
Now, because the number of visitors inside the citadel was reduced, the visit has been divided into circuits. These circuits allow visitors to explore through three different routes: Circuit 1, Circuit 2, and Circuit 3. Because of these divisions, your visit starts at one point and ends at another. You cannot visit other areas, and depending on the circuit you choose when buying your ticket, you will visit the upper part, the lower part, or both parts of the citadel.
What are the circuits in Machu Picchu?
The circuits in Machu Picchu are routes designed inside the citadel so travelers can visit specific areas.
Here is an explanation of each route:
Circuit 1
This circuit lets you visit Machu Picchu from the panoramic upper area of the citadel, including the famous classic photo from the upper platform.
Inside this circuit you will find:
- Circuit 1A – Machu Picchu Mountain: Besides visiting the upper platform, you will also have the chance to hike Machu Picchu Mountain. This hike takes almost 3 hours to go up and down. With many stairs and amazing views, you will reach one of the highest points of the citadel.
- Circuit 1B – Upper Terrace: This route is simply the classic photo viewpoint and then back down. It usually takes about 45 minutes to complete.
- Circuit 1C – Inti Punku (Sun Gate): With this ticket, you can hike to the famous Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. The uphill walk takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Circuit 1D – Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge is a hike of almost 2 hours that takes you to the upper area of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 2
This is probably the most popular circuit among travelers. Tickets sell out very quickly, so we recommend booking about 3 months in advance. With this circuit, you can visit both the upper terraces and the lower archaeological area of Machu Picchu.
There are two options:
- Circuit 2A – Classic Designed Route: This is the most complete visit, including both the upper and lower terraces.
- Circuit 2B – Classic Lower Terrace Route: This ticket also allows you to visit almost the entire site, except for one upper terrace.
Circuit 3
This route takes you through the lower part of the citadel, allowing you to explore the ruins from the lower section with a fairly complete route.
The available options are:
- Circuit 3A – Huayna Picchu Mountain: This is the most famous mountain in the archaeological site. The hike takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete and is known for its steep stone stairs called the “Stairs of Death.”
- Circuit 3B – Designed Royalty Route: This is the classic route that covers the entire lower section of the citadel.
- Circuit 3C – Great Cave: Besides the classic lower route, this ticket lets you hike to the Great Cave, an extra route inside Machu Picchu that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Circuit 3D – Huchuy Picchu: This route includes the hike to Huchuy Picchu, a small mountain inside the citadel. It takes about 1 hour to complete.
Where to buy Machu Picchu tickets
To buy your regular entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, you need to enter the official government website and follow these steps.
Go to https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/
Click here:
Choose the circuit, time and date of your visit. Also, choose where are you from:
Once you check all the details, continue:
Now you have to create your account
Continue and fill your information
Finalize it and then proceed to the payment method!
Is it true that there is a way to buy the tickets in person?
Yes. Many travelers who cannot buy their tickets online choose the last option, which is buying them in person.
To do this, you need to follow these steps:
- Take transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, and from there take the train to Machu Picchu. It is important to book your train tickets in advance. Another tip is to take the earliest train possible to have a better chance of getting tickets in Aguas Calientes.
- When you arrive, go to the Ministry of Culture office on Pachacutec Avenue. You will wait in line to enter the office, and they will give you a number, just like at a bank. With this number, you can check the progress of the line and come back later to buy your tickets.
- When your number is called, you will be able to see the available circuits and choose the best option for you.
Tips and recommendations:
- Book your entrance ticket in advance, either with certified local tour operators or through the Ministry of Culture website.
- Never trust tickets that are said to be available “at the last minute,” because they almost never exist. The only official ticket sale is through the Ministry of Culture.
- If you will buy your ticket in person, keep in mind that you will need at least one free day in Aguas Calientes to buy the tickets.
- When you buy your tickets, remember to have your valid passport with you. You can only buy your entrance ticket with your passport.
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