How to get Machu Picchu tickets for 2026 is a common question among travelers planning a trip to this iconic destination. In recent years, securing entry to Machu Picchu has become increasingly challenging due to the limited number of tickets and the large influx of visitors. As a result, most travelers now plan their visit well in advance.
Machu Picchu tickets for 2026 are expected to go on sale during the first week of January. At that time, thousands of travelers and travel agencies will be ready to secure entry and guarantee their visit to Machu Picchu in 2026. When the official reservation system opens, many rour operators closely monitor whether the platform will operate at full capacity or experience technical issues, as occurred in previous years.
Once ticket sales begin, travel agencies and tour operators use pre-established customer lists to secure Machu Picchu tickets as quickly as possible. If you are concerned about not obtaining a ticket during the high tourist season, consider booking through a reputable travel agency or trusted platforms such as BoletoPeru.pe or Machu Picchu tickets, which can help secure your entry with less stress.
Tuboleto.Cultura.pe is the official government website for booking Machu Picchu tickets for 2026. In past years, the system experienced complications, including payment failures and unconfirmed reservations. Hopefully, these technical issues will be resolved for the 2026 ticket release.
If you decide to purchase your Machu Picchu ticket independently, once your reservation is confirmed, carefully review all ticket details immediately. Verify your personal information, date, circuit, and entry time. If there are any errors, be aware that tickets are non-refundable and cannot be modified after purchase. We recommend contacting the Ministry of Culture in Lima to confirm your ticket, printing a physical copy, and saving a digital version on your phone for the trip.
Currently, conditions in Peru are stable, and Machu Picchu remains the country’s most visited attraction. To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend booking your tickets as soon as sales open.
New Ticket Types for Machu Picchu 2026
There are three main circuits at Machu Picchu, each of which is divided into different routes. In total, there are ten unique ways to explore the citadel.
Circuit 1: Panoramic View of Machu Picchu
This circuit allows visitors to view Machu Picchu from the upper viewpoint of the Inca citadel. With this ticket, you can take panoramic photos, but you cannot enter the citadel. Circuit 1 is divided into four routes:
Route A: Machu Picchu Mountain
Route B: Machu Picchu Panoramic
Route C: Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
Route D: Inca Bridge.
Routes C and D are only available during the high tourist season (June, July, and August).
Circuit 2: Full Machu Picchu Tour
This is the most popular route for exploring Machu Picchu. It allows visitors to tour the entire Inca citadel in approximately three hours. Because spots fill up quickly, we recommend booking well in advance. Circuit 2 is divided into two routes:
Route A: Classic Machu Picchu
Route B: Lower Terrace of Machu Picchu
Circuit 3: Lower Machu Picchu and Additional Hikes
This circuit is the second most popular option. It allows you to explore the lower section of the citadel and offers access to some of the best photo spots. Circuit 3 is divided into four routes:
Route A: Huayna Picchu Mountain
Route B: Royalty of Machu Picchu
Route C: Great Cavern
Route D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain.
Routes C and D are only available during the high tourist season (June, July, and August).
RELATED: MACHU PICCHU TICKET 2026
Buying Tickets to Machu Picchu
Since the site has a limited daily visitor quota, buying tickets to Machu Picchu requires some planning. Here are some general guidelines for purchasing tickets:
1. Buy your Machu Picchu ticket in advance.
It’s best to buy tickets several months ahead, particularly if you plan to visit during peak tourist season (June–August) or on major holidays.
For a visit in 2026, consider purchasing tickets three to six months before your intended travel date.
If you can’t secure a ticket for your desired date, don’t risk coming to Peru without one—you may be disappointed to find no availability in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. In that case, we recommend adjusting your vacation dates.
If you book through a travel agency, make sure they confirm your tickets are secured. Remember, if the official Machu Picchu website shows no availability, no travel agency can get you extra tickets since agencies and independent travelers use the same system.
2. Machu Picchu Official Website
The Machu Picchu official website is the most direct place to buy tickets, but the booking system sometimes has technical issues.
If you’re unsure how to navigate the process, you can purchase tickets through a licensed travel agency or authorized tour operator. Before booking, check the MINCETUR and GERCETUR lists to confirm that the agency is authorized. This will help you purchase legitimate tickets and avoid scams.
3. High-Demand Tickets
Circuits 2 and 3 are in the highest demand throughout the year, so we recommend booking them well in advance.
If you plan to hike the Inca Trail or visit Huayna Picchu, note that these tickets often sell out 6–12 months in advance.
4. Be flexible with dates.
If your travel dates are flexible, you’ll have a better chance of finding available tickets. Midweek dates tend to have more availability than weekends.
5. Machu Picchu Tour Packages
Many tour operators offer packages that include tickets to Machu Picchu. This can be a convenient option if you want the logistics handled for you.
RELATED: MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL AGENCIES
6. Stay updated on Machu Picchu news.
It’s important to stay informed about what’s happening at Machu Picchu before your visit. Updates can help ensure that your trip goes smoothly.
Follow official announcements for updates on ticketing policies and availability. Check the official website, reputable travel forums, or news sites for reliable information.
Tip: If you’re planning a trip for 2026, start looking into ticket purchases by mid to late 2025, especially if you’re traveling during the high season.
Machu Picchu Tickets
Have you got your Machu Picchu ticket? Congratulations! Now it’s time to plan your trip.
It’s very important to reserve your accommodations in Aguas Calientes and your train tickets to Machu Picchu in advance, according to your entry date.
Getting to Machu Picchu is easy if you want to travel comfortably. However, if you want a more adventurous experience with stunning landscapes, we recommend booking the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, or another trekking route to Machu Picchu. Permits for the Inca Trail must be reserved well in advance. Even if you choose an alternative hike, you’ll still need a Machu Picchu entry ticket, though tour operators usually include this in their packages.
Below are the next steps for planning your independent trip to Machu Picchu:
Machu Picchu Train
Once you have your ticket, the next step is to book your Machu Picchu train.
Two companies operate trains to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. They are authorized to run on the railway and depart from stations in Poroy and Ollantaytambo.
There are different train services ranging from the most luxurious, such as the Hiram Bingham (around USD 550 one-way), to standard services starting from around USD 85 one-way. Due to increasing tourism, prices have risen over the years without government regulation, so there is no “cheap” train ticket to Machu Picchu. Tour operators and local agencies cannot influence these prices because they depend entirely on the train companies.
Currently, the lowest-priced round-trip ticket costs around USD 170, but during the high season, prices can increase significantly. We recommend booking well in advance.
Machu Picchu Hotels
If you plan to spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the next step is to book your hotel.
Since Aguas Calientes is a small town, its hotels are generally small and not officially classified by star ratings. Two of the largest and most popular hotels are:
- Sanctuary Lodge, located right next to the Machu Picchu entrance,
- The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is located in the town of Aguas Calientes.
Other recommended hotels include:
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
- El MaPi Hotel by Inkaterra
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
- Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu
- Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu.
During the high season, hotels can sell out months in advance, so it is essential to book early.
Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu:
You do not need to book the Consettur bus ticket to Machu Picchu in advance—you can purchase it on the same day in Aguas Calientes.
Buses run every five minutes from Aguas Calientes to the entrance, starting at 5:00 a.m., with the last return from Machu Picchu at 5:00 p.m.
Round-trip tickets cost USD 24, or USD 12 one-way.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
If you want a guided tour, we recommend booking in advance. The best guides, who are fluent in English, French, German, Russian, and other languages, are often hired ahead of time.
Guides who speak Spanish and English are also available at the entrance to Machu Picchu. These guides often lead groups of more than ten people.
Tip: Before hiring an on-site guide, confirm the price, language, and whether their English (or your preferred language) is clear enough for you. Once you are satisfied, you can hire them and begin your visit.
RELATED: MACHU PICCHU GUIDES
Inca Trail
Hike the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, now open to visitors. Due to limited permits and high demand, it is essential to book online 6 to 7 months in advance, as availability fills up quickly.