Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets: Which One to Choose

Esta entrada también está disponible en:

Last Updated on 11 June, 2026 by Daniel Silvente

Are you planning a trip to Peru and wondering how to buy Machu Picchu entrance tickets? The first thing to know is that a ticket is required to enter the Inca citadel, and not all tickets give you access to the same areas.

Before booking, you’ll need to choose a date, an entry time, and a specific route inside Machu Picchu. If you’re not sure which circuit to choose yet, we recommend checking our complete guide to Machu Picchu routes first. There, we explain the differences between the official circuits, which ones include the classic photo spot, and which options are best depending on the type of visit you’re planning.

In this article, we’ll focus on the practical side: how to buy Machu Picchu entrance tickets, what information you need, what to check before paying, and what options you have if you prefer to travel with everything arranged in advance.

Before Buying: Choose the Right Circuit

Before starting the booking process, it’s important to know which Machu Picchu entry ticket you want to reserve. Machu Picchu works with official circuits, and each ticket is linked to a specific route inside the archaeological site.

This means that not all tickets offer the same experience. Some routes are designed around the classic Machu Picchu photo, others explore the lower section of the citadel, and some include additional mountains or hikes such as Waynapicchu, Huchuypicchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain.

That’s why, before paying for your ticket, you should carefully check:

• which circuit is included;
• which areas of Machu Picchu you’ll be able to visit;
• whether it includes the classic photo spot;
• whether it includes access to a mountain;
• the entry time;
• whether the route is available year-round or only during high season.

If this is your first visit and you’re still unsure, it’s best to review our Machu Picchu circuit and route guide first. This will help you avoid buying a ticket that doesn’t match the experience you’re looking for.

How to Buy Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets Online

Machu Picchu entrance tickets can be purchased online through the official sales channels. During the booking process, you’ll need to select your visit date, circuit or route, entry time, and enter the personal information for each traveler.

Although the process may seem straightforward, it’s important to review all the details carefully before paying. Your ticket is linked to a specific circuit, a fixed time slot, and your ID or passport information, so any mistake could create problems on the day of your visit.

If you’d rather not organize your ticket, train, shuttle bus, schedules, and transfers separately, you can also book a Machu Picchu tour with the entry ticket included and travel with everything arranged from the start.

What Documents Do You Need to Enter Machu Picchu ?

To enter Machu Picchu, you’ll need to show your ticket and a valid ID document. For international travelers, this is usually a passport. If you are a citizen of a country in the Andean Community or a resident of Peru, check which document applies to your case.

If you purchase a ticket with a special rate, such as a student or child ticket, you’ll also need to bring the document that proves your eligibility. For students, a valid and current student ID is usually required.

Before your visit, make sure you have:

• your Machu Picchu entry ticket;
• the passport or ID document used during the booking process;
• your student ID, if applicable;
• a digital or printed copy of your reservation.

The name and document number on the ticket must match the traveler’s details. That’s why it’s important to double-check everything before completing the payment.

Important Details to Check Before Buying

Buying Machu Picchu entrance tickets may seem simple, but there are several important details you should review before booking.

First, prices may vary depending on the type of ticket, the traveler’s nationality, age, and whether the ticket includes an additional mountain or route. Before paying, always check the updated rate and confirm whether the ticket you want to book has any extra fee.

It’s also best to buy your ticket well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during high season, holidays, or months with higher demand. The most popular routes sell out quickly, particularly those that offer the most complete experience or include mountains with limited spots, such as Waynapicchu.

Before completing your purchase, make sure you choose the correct circuit and route, as each ticket gives access to different areas of Machu Picchu. It’s also important to choose an entry time that fits your itinerary. If you plan to return to Ollantaytambo on the same day, avoid booking an entry time that is too late so you have enough time to catch your return train.

Finally, check your ID or passport details carefully before confirming your reservation. The information must match the document you’ll show on the day of your visit, as any mistake could create problems at the entrance.

When organizing your visit, you have three main options:

Buying Your Ticket on Your Own

This is the most independent option. You choose the date, circuit, and entry time, buy the ticket, and organize the rest of the trip separately: train, shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, guide, accommodation if needed, and transfers from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

It can be a good alternative if you already know the area well or if you prefer to arrange each part of the trip separately. However, it requires more planning, and you’ll need to make sure all schedules fit together properly.

Booking a Tour with the Entrance for Machu Picchu Included

This is the easiest option if you prefer not to worry about logistics. In this case, the tour organizes the visit for you and, depending on the itinerary, may include transportation from Cusco, train tickets, the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, a guide, and your Machu Picchu entry ticket.

This option is especially recommended if it’s your first time in Peru, if you don’t want to manage several services separately, or if you prefer to travel with assistance throughout the process.

Booking a Tour Without the Entrance for Machu Picchu Ticket Included

Some tours do not include the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, so you’ll need to buy it on your own before your travel date. This option can work well if you already have your ticket reserved or if you want to choose a very specific circuit.

Before booking a tour without the entry ticket included, make sure the circuit, date, and entry time on your ticket are compatible with the tour itinerary. If you have any doubts, it’s best to check before buying.

Conclusion: Buy Your Ticket or Book Your Machu Picchu Tour

Buying Machu Picchu entrance tickets is one of the most important steps when planning your trip to Peru. Before paying, make sure you choose the right circuit, check availability, review your personal information, and confirm that your entry time fits the rest of your itinerary.

If you want to organize everything on your own, you can buy the official ticket and arrange transportation, train tickets, the shuttle bus, and the guided visit separately. But if you’d rather avoid the hassle, at Howlanders you can book Machu Picchu tours with the entry ticket included and enjoy the experience with everything arranged in advance.

We offer options for different travel styles: day trips from Cusco, 2-day train tours, combined routes with the Sacred Valley, and treks such as the Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail, Inca Jungle, or Lares Trek.

Explore our Machu Picchu tours and book the option that best fits your trip.