Before You Start: Essential Information

Booking Machu Picchu tickets requires careful planning and attention to detail. Most tickets need to be purchased 4+ months in advance, and the official website is the only legitimate source for individual tickets.

Official Booking Website

The only official source for Machu Picchu tickets is:

Website: machupicchu.gob.pe
Available in: Spanish, English, Portuguese
Payment: International credit/debit cards accepted

Step 1: Understanding Ticket Types and Circuits

Machu Picchu offers 4 different circuits, each providing unique perspectives:

Circuit 1 - Upper Terraces Route:

  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours
  • Highlights: Classic postcard views, upper terraces
  • Difficulty: Moderate (some steep areas)
  • Best for: First-time visitors, photographers

Circuit 2 - Classic Route:

  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Highlights: Most comprehensive tour, main temples
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Best for: History enthusiasts, general visitors

Circuit 3 - Lower Terraces Route:

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Highlights: Agricultural terraces, scenic viewpoints
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Best for: Limited mobility, quick visits

Circuit 4 - Extended Route:

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Highlights: Complete site exploration, all major areas
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Best for: Adventure seekers, detailed exploration

Step 2: Choose Your Entry Time

Nine different entry times are available daily:

  • 6:00 AM - Best for sunrise, cooler temperatures
  • 7:00 AM - Good lighting, fewer crowds initially
  • 8:00 AM - Popular choice, balanced experience
  • 9:00 AM - Peak entry time
  • 10:00 AM - Busy but good weather
  • 11:00 AM - Midday entry
  • 12:00 PM - Afternoon visit
  • 1:00 PM - Later afternoon
  • 2:00 PM - Final entry, sunset potential

For detailed timing strategies, read our complete guide to visiting times.

Step 3: Prepare Required Information

Before starting the booking process, gather:

  • Passport details for all visitors (exactly as shown on passport)
  • Contact information (email address, phone number)
  • International credit/debit card with sufficient funds
  • Preferred dates (primary and backup options)

Step 4: The Booking Process

Follow these steps for successful booking:

1. Access the Official Website:

  • Go to machupicchu.gob.pe
  • Select your language preference
  • Click "Buy Tickets" or "Comprar Boletos"

2. Select Ticket Type:

  • Choose "MACHUPICCHU" for standard entry
  • Avoid combination tickets unless you want additional sites

3. Choose Date and Time:

  • Select your preferred date
  • Choose available time slot
  • Select circuit (if options available)

4. Enter Visitor Information:

  • Enter passport details exactly as shown
  • Double-check all information for accuracy
  • Add multiple visitors if booking for a group

5. Complete Payment:

  • Enter credit/debit card information
  • Ensure card works for international transactions
  • Complete the security verification

Step 5: After Booking Confirmation

Once payment is processed:

  • Save confirmation email with ticket details
  • Print tickets or save to mobile device
  • Verify all details match your passport exactly
  • Plan transportation using our comprehensive transport guide

Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid

These errors can ruin your booking or cause entry denial:

Information Errors:

  • Misspelled names: Must match passport exactly
  • Wrong passport numbers: Double-check every digit
  • Incorrect dates: Verify day, month, year format
  • Wrong nationality: Select correct country

Payment Issues:

  • Card restrictions: Enable international transactions
  • Insufficient funds: Ensure adequate balance
  • Expired cards: Check expiration dates
  • Currency conversion: Some banks charge extra fees

What to Do If Booking Fails

If the official website shows no availability:

Special Booking Considerations

Student Discounts:

  • 50% discount with valid ISIC card
  • Must present card at entry
  • Limited availability - book early

Senior Discounts (65+):

  • Reduced rates for seniors
  • Passport verification required
  • Age calculated on visit date

Children Under 8:

  • Free entry with accompanying adult
  • Still need to reserve spot
  • Must show identification

Group Booking Tips

When booking for multiple people:

  • Have all passport information ready
  • One person can book for entire group
  • All group members must enter together
  • Consider separate bookings if different preferences

Payment and Pricing Information

Current ticket prices (2025):

  • International Adults: $47-75 USD depending on circuit
  • International Students: $24-38 USD with ISIC
  • Senior Citizens (65+): $24-38 USD
  • Children (3-17): $24-38 USD
  • Children (Under 3): Free (still need reservation)

Technical Troubleshooting

If you encounter website issues:

  • Browser compatibility: Use Chrome or Firefox
  • Clear cache: Delete cookies and try again
  • Disable VPN: Some regions may be blocked
  • Try different times: Peak hours can slow the system
  • Mobile vs. desktop: Sometimes one works better

After Purchase: Important Reminders

  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable
  • Entry time is strict - arrive 30 minutes early
  • Bring original passport for verification
  • Print tickets or have mobile backup
  • Weather doesn't affect entry - no rain cancellations

Alternative Booking Methods

If official booking isn't possible:

  • Licensed tour operators: More expensive but guaranteed
  • Aguas Calientes purchases: 1,000 daily tickets available on-site
  • Multi-day treks: Include Machu Picchu entry
  • Last-minute monitoring: Catch cancellations automatically

Learn about these alternatives in our complete last-minute strategies guide.

Booking Protection

Worried about missing tickets due to website issues or sold-out dates? Our monitoring service ensures you never miss newly available tickets. Set up automatic monitoring and let us handle the technical challenges while you focus on planning your adventure.