The Machu Picchu tickets for 2026 will be available in January, according to the latest communication from the Ministry of Culture of Lima.
The Ministry of Culture in Lima announced that the official Machu Picchu ticket website will open the booking system in January for 2026 entry dates. Therefore, it is very important to stay informed through the Ministry of Culture’s official channels.
Why Is It Important to Book Machu Picchu Tickets in Advance?
During the high tourist season (April to August), tickets sell out very quickly. This is why booking your Machu Picchu tickets well in advance is essential. According to the Ministry of Culture, January is the key month for preparing and purchasing your tickets. You can visit the official website at www.machupicchu.gob.pe
or the official booking portal tuboleto.cultura.pe to secure your entry early.
If you plan to buy your tickets on your own, it is important to keep the following in mind: the official Machu Picchu website often experiences crashes or payment errors during the reservation process. Once you obtain your ticket, contact the Ministry of Culture in Lima to confirm your purchase. Save a digital copy on your phone and carry a printed copy in your luggage to avoid any issues upon arrival. Don’t worry—this is simply a precaution, as there have been ticket problems in previous years.
Once your ticket is confirmed, you can begin planning your trip to Machu Picchu.
You can also choose to book a tour through any licensed tour operator. This option is much simpler and avoids complications. Tour operators are reliable when securing Machu Picchu tickets, but before booking, make sure to verify the agency’s information on the MINCETUR website, the official institution of the Peruvian government that lists authorized tour operators.
Secure Your Spot Today: Book Your Machu Picchu Tickets 2026 with Trusted Sites
If you prefer to get only the Machu Picchu ticket and plan the rest of your trip independently, you can safely purchase your 2026 tickets through boletoperu.pe or Machu Picchu Tickets. Both are official platforms authorized to issue Machu Picchu tickets.
Machu Picchu Tickets 2026 – Reservation Dates
January 1–5: Reserve on November 17, 2025
January 6–31: Reserve on January 3, 2026
February 2026: Reserve on January 12, 2026
March 2026: Reserve on January 13, 2026
April 2026: Reserve on January 14, 2026
May 2026: Reserve on January 15, 2026
June 2026: Reserve on January 16, 2026
July 2026: Reserve on January 17, 2026
August–December 2026: Reserve in January 19, 2026
It is worth noting that the schedules for each visiting period will follow the current procedure, meaning each reservation will only remain valid until 11:58 PM on the day it is made.
The statement details the opening calendar for the reservations and payments of entry to Machu Picchu, with specific dates assigned month by month. The standard time for platform activation is at 8:00 a.m.; however, it specifies that on November 17, the release of quotas will take place at noon (12:00 p.m.).
The traveler must secure their entry on the assigned date and complete the total payment for the reservation before 11:59 p.m. on the same day. In case of not meeting this strict deadline, the reservation is automatically canceled.
Can I book Machu Picchu tickets for 2026 before January?
No. The official Machu Picchu ticket website only publishes availability up to January 05th of the current year.
However, if you want to secure your tickets in advance, you can use alternative official platforms authorized to issue Machu Picchu tickets, such as boletoperu.pe or Machu Picchu Tickets. These agencies have staff ready to reserve your entry as soon as the system reopens, ensuring you get your Machu Picchu tickets without stress.
Travel Agency
You can also reserve your 2026 Machu Picchu ticket in advance through a licensed travel agency or tour operator. These companies are authorized to secure tickets as soon as the booking system opens. They may charge a bank commission and operational fees because they have dedicated staff working to obtain the tickets on your behalf.
When the booking system opens in December, travel agencies and tour operators are often the first to secure tickets since they can purchase them in larger quantities. In contrast, individual travelers are limited to a maximum of five tickets per person.
Is it more expensive to buy tickets through a travel agency?
When purchasing tickets through the official Machu Picchu website, a bank commission fee is added, depending on your credit card. This fee is not included in the ticket price. You can avoid this commission by buying tickets in person in Cusco or Aguas Calientes and paying in cash.
When booking through an authorized travel agency, remember that their prices may be higher because they cover:
- Bank commissions
- Peruvian taxes (18% IGV).
- Staff salaries for booking and customer service
- Operational expenses (internet, electricity, office costs).
- Agency prices are usually higher, sometimes based on a percentage of the ticket price or the number of tickets purchased.
Is it safe to get Machu Picchu tickets through a travel agency?
Yes, it is safe. Before contacting a travel agency, it is very important to check if the agency is authorized. You can verify this through the official MINCETUR website. Once you have confirmed this information, follow the next steps to book your Machu Picchu tickets.
After booking, make sure to ask the agency when they will send your tickets and arrange to receive them via email. This way, you can print them in advance and plan your trip with peace of mind. Other services, such as tours or transportation, can usually be booked up to three months in advance.
Is it difficult to book Machu Picchu tickets on your own?
Sometimes. When the Ministry of Culture’s booking system opens, there may be technical problems that make it difficult to process your reservation. While you try to resolve these issues, a travel agency can work on your behalf to secure the tickets, as they are committed to fulfilling their customers’ needs.
Is a tour through a travel agency expensive?
Usually, the price is similar — and sometimes even lower — compared to arranging everything on your own. While you might spend time trying to secure tickets and other services yourself, travel agencies can often obtain the same prices or better deals because they buy in bulk and have established agreements with local operators.
In addition, the agency’s price usually includes services you might have to arrange separately, such as transportation, guided tours, and assistance if any problems occur. When you factor in the time saved and the convenience, booking through a reputable travel agency can be a good value.