Are you planning a trip to the awe-inspiring ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in 2024? With its towering Andean peaks and intricate stone structures, it’s a journey you won’t forget. But the first thing you must do is book the Machu Pichu tickets.
And in this post, you will learn everything you need to know about buying Machu Picchu tickets for the year 2024, its types, prices, and more.
Sounds exciting? Let us dive in.
Let’s start with the latest update: In 2024, Machu Picchu is projected to limit its visitors to only 4,040 per day due to concerns over conservation and sustainability. This means that getting your hands on a ticket will become even more challenging than it already is.
So if you’re planning on visiting this ancient wonder in the near future, it’s important to understand all the factors that go into obtaining a Machu Picchu ticket.
There are various types of tickets available for visiting Machu Picchu, each with its own price. The most popular option is the standard adult ticket which allows you to enter the citadel and explore on your own. This currently costs $45 for foreigners and $20 for Peruvian citizens.
However, there are also discounted tickets available for children, students, and senior citizens. More on the types of Machu Picchu tickets later in the post.
When purchasing your Machu Picchu ticket, you will also have to choose the type of entrance you prefer. There are two options: the main entrance and the Huayna Picchu entrance.
The main entrance allows you to explore the citadel at your own pace and take in all its beauty. The Huayna Picchu entrance includes a hike up the iconic mountain that overlooks the ruins. This option gives you a different perspective and some amazing photo opportunities, but keep in mind that it is a challenging hike with steep stairs and narrow pathways.
As mentioned earlier, Machu Picchu is set to limit its daily visitors to 4,040 in 2024. This means that tickets will become even more scarce and high in demand. It’s important to plan ahead and buy your ticket as early as possible to secure your ticket.
This decision was made by the Peruvian government in an effort to protect the ruins and ensure a sustainable tourism experience. The current daily visitor limit to Machu Picchu is 4,040.
Machu Picchu tickets are only valid for a specific entry time slot, either morning or afternoon. This means that you need to plan your visit accordingly. You must arrive at the designated time on your ticket. Also, keep in mind that the citadel is open from 6am to 5:00pm.
The dry season in Peru (May to October) is the most popular time to visit Machu Picchu due to its pleasant weather. But, if you prefer a quieter experience and don’t mind a little rain, you can also choose the wet season (November to April).
As mentioned earlier, getting a Machu Picchu ticket can be challenging. Limited number of tickets are available each day and they often sell out quickly, especially during high season (May – August).
We recommend you to reserve your tickets in advance, especially if you have a specific date and time in mind for your visit. Or you can contact us at Hello Peru Tours where we specialize in organizing Machu Picchu tours and obtaining tickets for our clients.
The official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru is the most reliable source for buying tickets if you want to do it yourself.
Decide how much time you want to spend exploring Machu Picchu. Some visitors are content with a half-day visit, while others prefer a full day to truly soak in the atmosphere. Your choice will affect your ticket selection and itinerary.
To reach Machu Picchu, you’ll likely take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town. Book your train tickets and transportation to Aguas Calientes in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Aside from the factors mentioned above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to Machu Picchu tickets. For example, you can buy tickets online or at designated ticket offices in Cusco or Aguas Calientes only.
There are certain rules and restrictions when visiting Machu Picchu:
Familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure a smooth visit. But wait, there is more.
Machu Picchu sits at a high altitude, so it’s important to acclimatize properly. Spend a day or two in Cusco before your visit to adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Your passport information will be required to purchase and enter with your Machu Picchu ticket. Double-check that your passport details are correct when booking.
Machu Picchu is a fragile site, and it’s crucial to be responsible travelers. Dispose of your trash properly, stay on designated paths, and respect the historical and natural beauty of the area.
Consider joining a guided tour when visiting Machu Picchu with Hello Peru Tours.
Knowledgeable guides by Hello Peru Tours can provide insights into the history and significance of the site. And they will also make the entire process smooth and easy. You will enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu even more.
Now that you have an overview of what goes into getting a Machu Picchu ticket, let’s dive deeper into the different types and prices available. We will not talk about ticket type for students but for tourists only. Let’s dive in!
Remember, these tickets to Machu Picchu have limited availability, so plan your visit accordingly.
First, you must ensure if tickets are available for your desired date of visit by checking the official government website or authorized ticket sellers.
There are two ways for buying these tickets: online and in person.
If you prefer buying tickets in person, here’s how you can do it:
By following these simple steps, you can secure your Machu Picchu tickets hassle-free. Whether you choose to get them online or in person, ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and payment methods.
Let us answer the most frequently asked questions to get rid of any confusion about the tickets.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to October, during the dry season. The weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it perfect for taking photos. However, this also means that these months are peak tourism season, so expect larger crowds.
If you’re visiting Machu Picchu for the first time, the best ticket to get is the ‘Machu Picchu Solo’ one, and you should choose Circuit 2. This tour is awesome because it lets you see all the important Inca places. You’ll have a fantastic time exploring Machu Picchu!
You need to book your tickets as far in advance as possible, especially if you are traveling during peak season (May-September). The least time you should book your ticket would be 1 month in advance, but some tickets require booking up to 3 months ahead.
There was time when people used to book the tickets just one week ago. But now with the new rules and restrictions, you cannot risk it.
The government has limited access to Machu Picchu with only 4,040 visitors per day. This is done in order to preserve the fragile site and ensure a sustainable flow of tourism. And this number is going to be 1,000 visitors per day in 2024.
No, you cannot enter Machu Picchu without a valid entry ticket. Tickets are checked at the entrance gate by government officials, and those without a ticket will not be allowed to enter. It is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance to avoid any disappointment or delays on the day of your visit.
To fully experience and appreciate the magnificence of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to allocate at least 4 hours for your visit. This allows time for exploring the site, taking photos, and relaxing in the beautiful surroundings.
But you must allocate a full day or at least 6 hours if you want to hike one of the mountains.
Tickets to the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Circuit 4 Tickets) and Machu Picchu + Mountain (Circuit 3 Tickets) sell out quickly due to their popularity. It’s best to book these tickets well in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind for your visit.
You will need a valid passport or government-issued ID to buy your ticket to Machu Picchu. Ensure the name on the ticket matches the name on your ID, as this will be checked at the entrance gate.
The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get a discount. Also, buy tickets during the off-season (October-April). Tour operators like Hello Peru Tours can often get discounts on Machu Picchu tickets. So, contact us right now to confirm it.
Children under the age of 12 are eligible for a discounted ticket to Machu Picchu. Children aged 0-7 can enter for free, and children aged 8-12 receive a discounted rate on their entry ticket.
Students with a valid student ID card can receive a discount on their Machu Picchu tickets. This discount is only applicable for students under the age of 25.
Peruvian citizens aged 60 and above are eligible for a discounted ticket to Machu Picchu. This discount only applies with a valid ID or passport proving Peruvian citizenship.
