The anticipation and excitement that comes with planning a visit to Peru’s modern wonder of the world can often cause us to overlook the details, such as Machu Picchu’s schedules and tour routes. In this article, we wish to tell you everything you need to know to make your visit a more relaxing experience.
All visitors must show their ticket when entering the Inca citadel. This ticket indicates our entry time slot and the route to which we will have access. Remember that you need to buy your ticket beforehand on the website of the National Institute of Culture (INC) https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/ or at the agency’s offices at Calle Maruri 340 and/or Garcilaso S/N in the city of Cusco.
Machu Picchu Ticket Types
There are three types of tickets. Depending on your ticket type, you will have access to one of four famous routes:
- The “Llaqta de Machu Picchu” ticket allows you to choose any one of the four routes.
- The ticket that includes the mountains of Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu only allows you to take Route 4.
- The ticket that includes Machu Picchu mountain only allows you to take Route 3.
Confusing? Maybe, but things will become clearer once we get into the details of the routes themselves.
Machu Picchu Entrances and Routes
There are four routes available at Machu Picchu: four different options for visiting the citadel, each offering a different perspective. To help you make your choice, let’s take a look at the details for each one of them.
Llaqta Machu Picchu Ticket (Citadel)
Also known as the Machu Picchu Solo (“Just Machu Picchu”) ticket, this is the first ticket option mentioned above. While you can choose to take any route with this ticket, it is the only one that allows you to take Routes 1 or 2. This option is recommended for first-time visitors to Machu Picchu.
- Route 1: This route will take you through the upper and lower parts of the archaeological site. You will have a chance to view constructions such as the dry moat, the Temple of the Sun Lookout, the granite blockfield, the reflecting pools, Pisonay Square, and the archaeological reserve. This route takes about two hours. Take a look here: https://bit.ly/3AKLbtV
- Route 2: This is like an extended version of the previous route, but with lots more to see. In addition to the sites mentioned in Route 1, you will see the Temple Square, the Sacred Stone, the Twelve Niches, the Eastern Qolcas, the Intiwatana Pyramid (from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.), and the Temple of the Condor (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). You will also be able to take the optional Inca Bridge path. Take a look here: https://bit.ly/3ThehYQ
On both routes, you will have the option to hike up to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), but you may want to confirm this beforehand with your travel agency. Of course, both of these routes will give you a chance to take photos from the famous angle often seen in pictures of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu with Mountain Ticket
This ticket is recommended for people who like to walk, because you’ll be entering Machu Picchu twice.
- Route 3: On the first leg, you will climb up the mountain of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. There, you’ll have a chance to take photos. On the way down, you’ll be able to take the classic photo you’ve probably seen everywhere. To finish off the route, you will have to leave and then re-enter below. The attractions on this route include the Qolcas, the agricultural area, the canal, the dry moat, the Temple of the Sun Complex, the House of the Inka Complex, the water fountains, the reflecting pools, Pisonay Square, and the archaeological reserve. Take a look here: https://bit.ly/3QOtIpY
Machu Picchu – Huayna Picchu Ticket
This ticket, designed for the most adventurous visitors, is the one that sells out fastest. You will take Route 4, which consists of a hike to the top of the mountain of Huayna Picchu.
- Route 4: You will begin the route in the lower part of the complex, known as the “urban sector.” There, you’ll have a chance to visit the attractions from Route 3, as well as the Eastern Qolcas, the Sacred Stone, the Twelve Niches, and the Temple of the Condor (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Take a look here: https://bit.ly/3pKVpnL
By the way, PeruRail offers a popular service for those in search of adventure: the PeruRail Expedition train, which provides the comfort and experience you’re looking for at an affordable price. Get your tickets here!
Machu Picchu – Huchuy Picchu Ticket
On this route, you’ll start at the lower part of the site before climbing up to the top of Huchuy Picchu, located next to Huayna Picchu. This is a new route that was just recently opened by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, designed for those who love to hike.
Like the Huayna Pichu ticket, the Huchuy Picchu ticket includes the same route and checkpoint. The trip takes about two and a half hours. Remember that neither of these routes includes the famous angle from which the classic photo of the citadel can be taken, although you’ll be able to get shots of the two mountains.
Machu Picchu Entry Times
The Machu Picchu entry time slots are set by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, in coordination with the National Service for State-Protected Natural Areas and the Ministry of Culture, to ensure more orderly visits and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Keep in mind that in PeruRail we have the best and variety of schedules of trains to Machu Picchu. Travel aboard the PeruRail Vistadome or PeruRail Expedition trains to arrive at the inca citadel and take advantage of a fullday, a sunset or spend the night in Machu Picchu Town. Get your tickets right here!
“Just Machu Picchu” Time Slots
- Slot 1: Entry starting at 6 to 7 a.m.
- Slot 2: Entry starting at 7 to 8 a.m.
- Slot 3: Entry starting at 8 to 9 a.m.
- Slot 4: Entry starting at 9 to 10 a.m.
- Slot 5: Entry starting at 10 to 11 a.m.
- Slot 6: Entry starting at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Slot 7: Entry starting at 12 to 1 p.m.
- Slot 8: Entry starting at 1 to 2 p.m.
- Slot 9: Entry starting at 2 to 3 p.m.
“Machu Picchu with Mountain” Time Slots
- Slot 1: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6 to 7 a.m. Then to the mountain from 7 to 8 a.m.
- Slot 2: Entry to Machu Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m. Then to the mountain from 8 to 9 a.m.
“Machu Picchu – Huchuy Picchu” Time Slots
- Slot 1: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6 to 7 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m.
- Slot 2: Entry to Machu Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 8 to 9 a.m.
- Slot 3: Entry to Machu Picchu from 8 to 9 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 9 to 10 a.m.
- Slot 4: Entry to Machu Picchu from 9 to 10 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 10 to 11 a.m.
- Slot 5: Entry to Machu Picchu from 10 to 11 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 11 to 12 p.m.
- Slot 6: Entry to Machu Picchu from 11 to 12 p.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 12 to 1 p.m.
- Slot 7: Entry to Machu Picchu from 12 to 1 p.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 1 to 2 p.m.
- Slot 8: Entry to Machu Picchu from 1 to 2 p.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 2 to 3 p.m.
“Machu Picchu – Huayna Picchu” Time Slots
- Slot 1: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6 to 7 a.m. Then to Huayna Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m.
- Slot 2: Entry to Machu Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m. Then to Huayna Picchu from 8 to 9 a.m.
- Slot 3: Entry to Machu Picchu from 8 to 9 a.m. Then to Huayna Picchu from 9 to 10 a.m.
- Slot 4: Entry to Machu Picchu from 9 to 10 a.m. Then to Huayna Picchu from 10 to 11 a.m.
As you can see, it’s important to pay attention to which sites and activities are included in each route. Remember to check your ticket carefully. We recommend visiting with a tour guide if this is your first time at the citadel.
Now you know everything you need to about your ticket to Machu Picchu. How about a recommendation for your train trip? PeruRail offers unbeatable immersive experiences on its PeruRail Vistadome train, which includes traditional local music and dances onboard and a gorgeous panoramic view. Get your tickets right here!