If you’re dreaming about visiting Machu Picchu in 2025, there are a few important things you’ll need to know before you go. Peru’s Ministry of Culture has rolled out updated Machu Picchu rules for entering this legendary site, and getting your Machu Picchu entrance tickets early is more important than ever. Here’s everything you need to plan your adventure like a pro—from how to score Machu Picchu tickets to understanding the new Machu Picchu circuits.
When Do Machu Picchu Tickets Go On Sale?
Starting in December 2024, Machu Picchu tickets in 2025 and beyond will be available exclusively through the official Ministry of Culture site: tuboleto.cultura.pe. Instead of releasing all tickets at once, Peru opened sales gradually by month to help manage demand:
- January 2025: On sale from December 19, 2024
- February to May 2025: Released between January 3–17, 2025
- June to December 2025: Available from January 20–21, 2025
Pro tip: Planning to visit between June and October (peak season)? Book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets at least 4–6 months in advance. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book at least 3–4 months earlier—those slots sell out fast.
Daily Capacity & Entry Hours
- High season (June–October): 5,600 visitors per day
- Low season (November–May): 4,500 visitors per day
The citadel opens from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a grace period of 30–45 minutes after your entry time (depending on the season). Once inside, the time you spend depends on which circuit you choose—depending on your circuit, expect your visit to last between 1.5 and 4 hours.
New Machu Picchu Circuits (2024 Update)
Since June 2024, all visitors must follow a set circuit. There are 3 main circuits with a total of 10 different routes:
Circuit 1 – Panoramic Views
- 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route – Entry at 6:00 or 8:00 a.m.
- 1-B: Upper Terrace Route – 10 time slots (6 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- 1-C: Sun Gate Route – Peak season only (8 a.m.–11 a.m.)
- 1-D: Inca Bridge Route – Peak season only (8 a.m.–11 a.m.)
Circuit 2 – Classic Tour
- 2-A: Designed Classic Route
- 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
(10 time slots daily for both)
Circuit 3 – The Royalty Circuit
- 3-A: Huayna Picchu – Entry at 7:00 or 9:00 a.m.
- 3-B: Royalty Tour – 10 time slots (6 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- 3-C: Great Cavern – Peak season only (7:00 or 9:00 a.m.)
- 3-D: Huchuy Picchu – Peak season only (10:00 a.m or 12:00 p.m.)
Ticket Prices (for Foreign Tourists)
- Machu Picchu Citadel Only: $43 USD (approx. S/152)
- With Huayna or Machu Picchu Mountain: $56 USD (approx. S/200)
If you’re from Peru or another Andean Community country (CAN), you’ll pay much less—tickets start at $18 USD.
A Few Pro Tips Before You Visit
- Buy your Machu Picchu tickets ahead of time at tuboleto.cultura.pe to avoid stress. Note that there’s an extra service charge to pay by credit card. As a travel agency, we can pay a lower rate by physically going to the Ministry of Culture office to purchase your tickets.
- If you book your Machu Picchu tour with our agency, we’ll handle the ticket purchase for you—so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
- Couldn’t get the ticket you wanted? You might find last-minute options (1,000 tickets released daily in Aguas Calientes), but you’ll likely have to wait in line as early as possible, and there are no guarantees.
- Your ticket is personal—bring your passport or ID, and make sure it won’t be expired on the day of the tour. At the moment you purchase the ticket (months in advance), you have to input a passport number, and security will check that the passport number on your ticket matches that of the passport you physically have in hand.
- Most circuits require a guide, so double-check before booking.
- Want to save money and stress? Look for tour packages that include transportation and entry.
Machu Picchu is more than just a bucket list destination—it’s a place full of mystery, energy, and beauty that stays with you long after you leave. With new Machu Picchu circuits and entrance rules in place for 2025, planning ahead will help you make the most of your visit.
So, if you’re ready to visit Peru and experience one of the world’s most breathtaking wonders, don’t wait—grab your Machu Picchu tickets, pick your perfect route, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
