If you are not going to buy your tickets through one of the Machu Picchu tour operators, and you want to buy them on your own, this blog is for you.
Many years ago there were only two types of entrance to Machu Picchu one for the archaeological monument and another for the Inca Trail. With the progressive increase of visitors, the Ministry of Culture has created several types of tickets to distribute to people in different areas of the complex. Every year it publishes its resolution with the new prices. Here I reach the rates 2018:
Macchu Picchu
- Adult: USD 70
- Student: 41 USD
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
- Adult: 86 USD
- Student: 57 USD
Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain
- Adult: 86 USD
- Student: 57 USD
Machu Picchu + Museum
- Adult: 77 USD
- Student: 45 USD
How to choose the type of entrance to Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu entrance fee: Allows entry to the Inca citadel but without climbing any of the surrounding mountains.
Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Tickets: Allows entry to the citadel and climb the mountain Huayna Picchu, the best known and frequented by tourists. Here the trek has an unevenness of approximately 300 meters. You must choose which turn to go up:
1 shift: 7 am to 8am
2 shift: 10 am to 11 am
Machu Picchu plus Mountain: allows entry to the citadel and Machu Picchu mountain, the highest (3.061 m.s.) and also the least frequented. Take into account that it is a walk with a difference of approximately 500 meters.
How to buy the entrance to Machu Picchu or ticket?
Adult Tickets: Machupicchu.gob.pe Here they are reserved and can be paid online with VISA card or make the payment in the Banco de la Nación. The reservation lasts only 3 hours.
Student Tickets: must be purchased at the offices of the Ministry of Culture Cusco (Garcilaso Street S / N Museum Garcilaso House from Monday to Saturday from 07:00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.)
Inca Trail + Huayna Picchu
The Inca Trail ticket does not include Huayna Picchu, and if people want to visit it they can not pay an additional one. Unfortunately, they have to buy the ticket for Machu Picchu plus Huayna Picchu, which is why it is so expensive. We called the Regional Office of Culture of Cusco, and they told us that a resolution has not yet come out to change that DOUBLE PAYMENT that has no reason to be. Hopefully, soon.
How long is the entry ticket to Machu Picchu?
The ticket only lasts 1 day, which is the day selected when the online reservation was made. No refunds of money except in case the Ministry of Culture prohibits entry to the archaeological site. It is possible to change the name and date of the ticket but you have to pay penalties:
- Penalty of 30%, if the request is submitted 24 hours before.
- Penalty of 25%, if the request is submitted 48 hours before.
- Penalty of 10%, if the request is submitted 72 hours or more.
Machu Picchu Museum Tickets
The museum of Machu Picchu called Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón is located in Aguas Calientes. It houses a collection of pieces found at Machu Picchu. This allows you to learn more about the history of the citadel as well as the Inca Empire. All details are explained carefully. It also offers an interesting multimedia exhibition. The Machu Picchu + Museum Tickets provide with a unique and complete cultural experience since one is enable to travel back in time to the era when the Incas inhabited Machu Picchu.
Opening hours of the museum:
Monday – Sunday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
The schedule of your visit depends on the shift you chose to enter Machu Picchu.
Cusco Machu Picchu tour
Hiking tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
