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Machu Picchu Tickets

Machu Picchu TicketsDiscover everything you need to know about buying Machu Picchu tickets for 2025, including ticket types, official booking platform, entry rules, and travel tips to make your visit unforgettable.

Machu Picchu tickets are mandatory for all visitors and serve as the official entry document to explore the breathtaking Inca citadel. The Ministry of Culture of Peru is the sole authority responsible for issuing these tickets and regulating the number of daily visitors to help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Starting in 2025, the ticket booking process has become more streamlined. The Ministry has launched a new digital platform — tuboleto.cultura.pe — designed to simplify the purchase experience and reduce the crowds that once gathered at the Cusco ticket offices.

When visiting the site, you’ll find 10 different types of Machu Picchu tickets, each offering access to specific circuits and unique perspectives of the ancient ruins. These range from standard entrance routes to hikes with panoramic views and visits to lesser-known archaeological gems.

In this page, we’ll guide you through the ticket types, how to choose the best one for your travel style, and everything else you need to know to make your trip seamless and unforgettable.

Explore the New Machu Picchu Circuits: Circuit 1, Circuit 2, and Circuit 3.

News circuits in Machu PicchuTo enhance visitor experience and improve crowd management, the Peruvian Government has redesigned the way travelers explore Machu Picchu by introducing three distinct circuits. Each route offers a unique perspective of the ancient citadel, allowing you to tailor your visit based on your interests, physical ability, and available time.

Circuit 1: Panoramic Views and High-Altitude Highlights

Circuit 1 is ideal for visitors looking to take in breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from above without venturing into the lower parts of the archaeological site. This route includes access to the upper terraces—perfect for the classic postcard-worthy photo—and may include options to visit the Inca Bridge or the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), depending on your ticket.

If you’re short on time or prefer a lighter physical trek, this circuit delivers the magic of Machu Picchu in a shorter, scenic experience.

  • Includes 4 types of tickets.

Circuit 2: The Classic and Most Complete Machu Picchu Experience

Circuit 2 closely follows the traditional route and is the most comprehensive way to experience Machu Picchu. It covers both the upper and lower sectors of the citadel, offering access to the most iconic viewpoints and archaeological structures.

This is the most popular choice for travelers wanting to explore the site in depth, capturing the grandeur of Machu Picchu from multiple angles and immersing themselves in its ancient architecture and history.

  • Includes 2 types of tickets.

Circuit 3: The Lower Citadel and Mountain Hikes

Circuit 3 focuses on the lower part of the citadel and is perfect for those who want to pair their visit with a bit of adventure. Depending on your ticket, this circuit can include thrilling climbs to Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or treks to the Temple of the Moon, offering a deeper and more physical exploration of Machu Picchu’s mystical surroundings.

This route is recommended for travelers looking for a more active experience and those intrigued by the site’s lesser-known trails and temples.

  • Includes 4 types of tickets.

Machu Picchu Circuit 1 Tickets: Panoramic Access & High-Altitude Treks

Machu Picchu Circuit 1 TicketsCircuit 1 is your gateway to the stunning high terraces and panoramic viewpoints of Machu Picchu. This route focuses on the agricultural sector and upper parts of the citadel—offering unmatched photo ops and a lighter, scenic experience. Here are the four ticket options that include Circuit 1, each tailored to a different style of adventure:

Circuit 1 Only

Ideal for panoramic views & short visits

Wander through the kallancas (storehouses) and ancient terraces of the highlands while soaking in epic views of the Machu Picchu complex below. It’s the perfect option for those looking to explore at a relaxed pace, ideal for quick visits and photography.

  • Tour Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes

Circuit 1 + Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

For those wanting a taste of the Inca Trail

This ticket includes everything in the basic Circuit 1 plus access to the last stretch of the Inca Trail, leading up to the Sun Gate—a legendary lookout point that once served as the main entrance for pilgrims. It’s a moderate uphill walk with historic significance and rewarding views.

  • Sun Gate Hike: ~2 hours round trip
  • Citadel Time: Max 2 hours

Circuit 1 + Inca Bridge

A quiet trail to a hidden marvel

In addition to the upper terraces, this ticket includes a peaceful hike to the Inca Bridge, a dramatic stone path built into the cliffside, used by the Inca as a secret escape route. It’s a short, scenic walk with a fascinating backstory.

  • Inca Bridge Trail: ~1 hour
  • Citadel Time: Max 2 hours

Circuit 1 + Machu Picchu Mountain

High-altitude hiking with a breathtaking payoff

This is the most physically demanding option for Circuit 1. It includes access to Machu Picchu Mountain, which offers the highest viewpoint of the entire area. The trail is steep and scenic, ideal for adventure lovers and photographers seeking the ultimate panorama.

  • Entry Times: 6:00–6:30 AM or 8:00–8:30 AM
  • Mountain Time: Max 4 hours
  • Citadel Time: 1 additional hour after the hike

Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Tickets: The Classic Inca Trail Experience Within the Citadel

Machu Picchu Circuit 2 TicketsIf you’re looking for the most complete and immersive experience inside the ancient Inca city, Circuit 2 is your perfect match. This route combines breathtaking panoramic viewpoints with an in-depth journey through Machu Picchu’s most important archaeological landmarks—ideal for first-time visitors who want to see it all.

Here are the two ticket types available under Circuit 2:

Circuit 2: Traditional Route

The most popular and comprehensive way to explore Machu Picchu

This ticket gives you access to both the upper and lower sectors of the citadel, offering the iconic photo opportunity near the Guardian’s House and a guided walk through the heart of the ancient city. Highlights include:

  • The agricultural terraces and panoramic viewpoints
  • The Temple of the Sun
  • The Sacred Plaza and Sacred Rock
  • The Main Temple, Three Windows, and more

It’s a well-rounded route that captures the spiritual, architectural, and historical essence of Machu Picchu.

  • Total Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes

Circuit 2: Traditional Variant

A slightly altered route with equally rich highlights

This version of the traditional route takes a different internal path but still covers the main structures of Machu Picchu and offers access to stunning viewpoints. You’ll still enjoy the essential Inca landmarks and picture-perfect panoramas—it’s just a slightly modified flow of movement within the site.

  • Total Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes

Machu Picchu Circuit 3 Tickets: Hidden Temples & Mountain Adventures

Machu Picchu Circuit 3 TicketsCircuit 3 is designed for those who crave deeper exploration and off-the-beaten-path experiences within Machu Picchu. Focused on the lower sector of the citadel, this circuit offers close-up encounters with sacred ruins and the option to combine your visit with unforgettable hikes through cloud forests and ancient trails.

Here are the four ticket types available for Circuit 3:

Circuit 3 Only

Explore the spiritual heart of the lower citadel

This route takes you through some of Machu Picchu’s most symbolic structures in the lower part of the city. Highlights include:

  • The Water Fountains
  • The Temple of the Sun (from below)
  • The mystical Temple of the Condor

Perfect for those looking for a shorter, ground-level tour rich in history and symbolism.

  • Tour Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes

Circuit 3 + Temple of the Moon

Journey into one of Machu Picchu’s most mysterious caves

In addition to the standard Circuit 3 route, this ticket grants access to the Temple of the Moon, a sacred cave built into the cliffs of Huayna Picchu. This trail is moderately challenging and rewards adventurers with a tranquil, spiritual setting far from the crowds.

  • Entry Times: 7:00–8:00 AM or 9:00–10:00 AM
  • Temple Time: Max 4 hours
  • Citadel Time: 1 additional hour after the hike

Circuit 3 + Huchuy Picchu Mountain

A short hike with a stunning viewpoint

This is the easiest of the mountain hikes. The trail to Huchuy Picchu (“Little Picchu”) is relatively short and beginner-friendly, but still offers beautiful elevated views of the citadel from a unique angle.

  • Entry Times: 10:00–11:00 AM or 12:00–1:00 PM
  • Mountain Time: Max 1 hour
  • Citadel Time: 1.5 additional hours

Circuit 3 + Waynapicchu Mountain

The iconic, steep climb with panoramic rewards

For thrill-seekers and experienced hikers, this ticket includes a climb up the famed Waynapicchu Mountain, the towering peak you often see in Machu Picchu photos. The trail is steep and adventurous, with dramatic views of the citadel and access to additional ruins at the summit.

  • Entry Times: 7:00–8:00 AM or 9:00–10:00 AM
  • Mountain Time: Max 3 hours
  • Citadel Time: 1 hour after the hike

Essential Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu in 2025

  • Book Early: Tickets sell out quickly, especially for the popular circuits and mountain hikes. Aim to book at least a few weeks (or months) in advance.
  • Be on Time: Each ticket comes with a designated entry time. Arrive early to avoid missing your slot and ensure you get the full experience.
  • Pack Light but Smart: Essentials include a refillable water bottle, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a hat. Leave large bags and tripods at the hotel.
  • Altitude Considerations: Machu Picchu is located at a high altitude, so make sure you spend a day or two acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your visit.
  • Respect the Site: Machu Picchu is a sacred place for the people of Peru, and it’s important to be mindful of the rules to help preserve the site for future generations.

Machu Picchu remains one of the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient sites, and with the new ticketing system and redesigned circuits in 2025, the experience is more accessible and enjoyable than ever.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore deeper, the stunning landscapes, rich history, and mysterious allure of the Inca citadel are sure to leave an indelible mark on your journey.

 

 

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