Machu Picchu Circuits 2025: How to Buy Tickets to Machu Picchu online

Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is attracting more and more visitors every year. The number of travelers has grown from 4,000 to 10,000 daily, and this number could increase even more by 2025. While this increase benefits tourism in Peru and boosts the economies of the surrounding regions, it also raises concerns about the preservation of the Inca citadel. In particular, the Peruvian government is concerned that the current ticket restrictions are not sufficient to sustainably manage the growing number of visitors.

In 2024, the Ministry of Culture and the Peruvian government worked together to increase the number of tickets by introducing new categories of entry, now known as "Machu Picchu Circuits". These Machu Picchu Circuits 2025 are divided into three types: Panoramic, Royalty and Classic. The Classic Machu Picch circuit is the most popular and offers the best routes to explore the citadel. Each circuit is further divided into four routes that offer different ways to explore Machu Picchu. Below, we explain the differences between the circuits and recommend the best one for viewing the citadel's stunning landscapes.

High and low tourist seasons

In order to manage the flow of visitors and increase capacity, the Ministry of Culture has also established two different tourist seasons with varying ticket availability:

High Season (April to August and December): 5,650 tickets available daily.
Low season (January to March and September to November): 4,600 tickets available daily.

Due to these limitations, it is essential to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets in advance. Machu Picchu tickets 2025 can be booked online through the Ministry of Culture website.

Are you having some problems buying your Machu Picchu Tickets 2025? we can help you to book it. these tickets for next year are already available. Buy your Machu Picchu tickets.

Machu Picchu Circuits 2025

The Peruvian government has released new information about the Machu Picchu tickets for 2025, introducing changes to the way visitors can explore the citadel. The tickets are now divided into circuits, each clearly marked. Park rangers are present to ensure compliance. If you deviate from the authorized circuit, the park rangers have the authority to remove you from the Inca citadel, and this action may also include your guide, leading to the cancellation of your entry. Please exercise caution.

The introduction of circuits is aimed at safeguarding the citadel for future visitors, aligning with UNESCO guidelines for the preservation of this esteemed world heritage site. These circuits are the following:

Machu Picchu circuits 2025	Machu Picchu Route
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu	Route A: Circuit 1 Machu Picchu Mountain
	Route B: Circuit 1 Panoramic
	Route C: Circuit 1 Inti Punko - Available high tourist season
	Route D: Circuit 1 Inca Bridge - Available high tourist season

Circuit 2 Machu Picchu	Route: Circuit 2 Classic
Circuit 2 Machu Picchu	Route: Circuit 2 Lower Terrace

Circuit 3 Machu Picchu	Route: Circuit 3 Huayna Picchu
	Route: Circuit 3 Royalty
	Route: Circuit Great Cavern - Available high tourist season
	Route: Circuit Huchuy Picchu - Available high tourist season

Circuit 1 Machu Picchu

Circuit 1 Machu Picchu: Permit to see Machu Picchu

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain

Circuit 1 is the second most popular hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the landscape surrounding this beautiful Inca citadel.

Begin your hike by checking in at the control gate with your passport and Machu Picchu ticket. From there you will begin your hike to the upper sector where the Guardian's House is located. This spot offers a stunning view of the citadel and is ideal for taking that iconic postcard photo.

The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain takes approximately three hours to climb and two hours to descend. After reaching the summit and enjoying the panoramic views, return to the Citadel's exit gate. Note that this ticket only allows one entry, meaning that you cannot re-enter the citadel once you have left.

All you need to know about Mount Machu Picchu before you book

This ticket does not include exploration to the citadel. You can only see the citadel from the guardian's house and along the trail.
The recommended time for this visit, according to the Ministry of Culture, is approximately 7 hours.
This Machu Picchu circuit is available all year round.
The first photo spot is just before the upper terrace, where you can capture the classic postcard view of the citadel.
The second photo spot is on the upper terrace itself.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

The Upper Terrace Route allows visitors to view Machu Picchu exclusively from the Guardian's House. You can stay at this viewpoint for up to 2 hours and enjoy the panoramic view of the citadel. However, it is not possible to descend into the citadel from this route. After enjoying the view, you must descend to the exit gate.

All You Need to Know About the Upper Terrace Route

This ticket does not include admission to the Inca Citadel.
The Upper Terrace Route takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete and is specially designed for panoramic photography.
This ticket is popular with visitors who want to capture the traditional postcard image.
No guide is required for this route.
This Machu Picchu Circuit is available throughout the year.
It offers a brief exploration of the upper part of the citadel.

Route 1-C: Sun Gate Route

After passing through the checkpoint, begin your hike to the Guardian's House, where you can take some of the best pictures of Machu Picchu. From there you will continue your hike to the Gate of the Sun (Intipunku). On the way you will see the Vilcanota River flowing below and pass Puente Ruinas (an old train station). You will also have views of Huayna Picchu and the Putucusi Mountains.

The hike to the Sun Gate takes about 2 hours. From this point you'll be rewarded with some of the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

After enjoying the scenery, follow the same trail back to the checkpoint where your visit ends.

All you need to know about Sun Gate circuit

The Sun Gate route does not allow access to the Inca urban sector.
The Circuit 1: Intipunku hike takes about three hours to complete.
This circuit is suitable for families as the trail has a gradual climb and is wide.
During the hike to the Sun Gate, you may encounter trekkers finishing the Inca Trail trek.
This circuit is only available during the low season, from January to March and from September to November.

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route

The Inca Bridge Circuit offers a short route with a quick hike to view Machu Picchu. From the checkpoint to the Inca Bridge it's about a 1 hour 30 minute hike at a leisurely pace. The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is a remarkable example of ancient Inca engineering, showing the ingenuity used to create paths across the rugged Andean landscape. Not only was it a practical passageway, but it also served as a defensive feature, highlighting the strategic planning of the Inca Empire.

On the return hike, you'll have the opportunity to view the Inca citadel from a fascinating route. Entering through the guardhouse, you can take a panoramic photo of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Finally, you'll descend and leave Machu Picchu.

All you need to know about the Sun Gate Circuit

This circuit offers views of Machu Picchu from the Guardian's House and provides ideal spots to take the best photos of the site.
Several overlooks along the way offer stunning views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscapes.
This ticket does not allow access to the urban area of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Bridge Circuit is only available during the high tourist season.
During the trek, you may meet travelers who have completed the Inca Trail tours.
From the Inca Bridge Circuit you'll be able to see Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from different vantage points.

Circuit 2 Machu Picchu Ticket

Circuit 2 Machu Picchu ticket: Best Circuit Machu Picchu

Route 2-A: The Classic Route

After passing the checkpoint, you will proceed to the upper sector, just below the Guardhouse, where you can take a postcard-perfect photo of Machu Picchu. From there, you will walk down to the main gate to explore various sites including the Inca Quarry, the viewpoint of the Sun Temple, the Main Temple, the Sacred Rock, the Twelve Spans, the Eastern Qolqas, the Water Mirror, the Temple of the Condor, and Pisonay Square. After visiting all these sites, you will exit through the lower part of the area.

Circuit 2 Machu Picchu: Explore the Lower Terrace

This circuit is the second most popular ticket to visit Machu Picchu. This ticket allows you to explore the Inca citadel from the Lower Terrace. Starting from the starting point, you'll see the Upper Sector just below the Guardhouse, where you can get the best postcard image of Machu Picchu. As you continue your hike, you'll descend to the main gate of the citadel and explore important Inca sites such as the Inca Quarry, the Sun Temple Viewpoint, the Main Temple, the Sacred Rock, the Twelve Spans, the Eastern Qolqas, the Water Mirror, the Temple of the Condor, and Pisonay Square. After visiting all of these sites, you'll leave through the lower part of the area.

All You Need to Know About Circuit 2 Machu Picchu

The Circuit 2 Machu Picchu ticket is the second most popular option for exploring the citadel.
From the Lower Terrace you'll have the best panoramic view of the Inca citadel, Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu.
During hiking is 3 hours to explore this circuit.
A guide is highly recommended if you want to learn more about the history of the citadel.
The Circuit 2 route allows you to explore 90% of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Temple of the Sun, Intiwatana, and Temple of the Condor have scheduled visits and are closed at certain times of the day.
This is a one-way ticket, so you will not be able to return to the starting point.
Only 400 tickets are available each day, divided into different entry times.

Circuit 3 Machu Picchu Ticket

Circuit 3 Machu Picchu

Route 3-A – Huayna Picchu Mountain Route

You will begin your journey at the lower section of Machu Picchu. This path will lead you to the Temple of the Sun, the Inca's Residence, and the Sacred Rock. Afterward, you'll embark on a two-hour hike up Huayna Picchu. Upon completing the hike, you'll continue exploring Machu Picchu by visiting the House of the Chosen Women, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor, and the Storehouses before exiting the site.

Route 3-B: Royaly Route

Your tour will begin at the lower section of Machu Picchu. This route includes visits to the Sun Temple, the Inca's House, the House of the Chosen Woman, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor, and the Storehouses. After exploring these sites, you will exit Machu Picchu.

Route 3-C: Caverna Route

Your journey will begin at the lower section of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you'll visit the Sun Temple, the House of the Inca, and the Sacred Rocks. Afterward, you'll embark on a two-hour hike to La Caverna. Upon completing the hike, you'll continue exploring Machu Picchu by visiting the House of the Chosen Woman, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor, and the Storehouses before exiting Machu Picchu.

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route

Your tour will start at the lower section of Machu Picchu. This route includes visits to the Sun Temple, the Inca's House, and the Sacred Rocks. Afterward, you'll take a one-hour hike to Huchuy Picchu. Once the hike is complete, you'll continue your exploration by visiting the House of the Chosen Woman, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor, and the Storehouses before exiting Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Circuits Map

Machu Picchu Circuits Rates 2025

How much is a ticket to visit Machu Picchu? The new prices of Machu Picchu Tickets 2025 can be found below. Ticket prices vary according to the type of a ticket and nationality of a tourist. In addition, students can get a discount.

	Foreigner		National Tourist
	Adult	Student	Adult	Student
Only Machu Picchu Tickets	US $62	US $41	US $37	US $27
Huayna Picchu + Circuit 4 Tickets	US $86	US $57	US $54	US $40
Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3 Tickets	US $86	US $57	US $54	US $40
Huchuypicchu Mountain + Circuit 4 Tickets	US $62	US $ 22	US $19	US $9
Machu Picchu Museum Tickets	US $10	US $5	US $10	US $5

Note: Peruvian Tourists and Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Tickets can only be used at the selected time.
The admission capacity to the llaqta will be enabled 100% from October 18 to December 31, 2021, except for modifications that may be given by virtue of the Supreme Decrees of alert levels in the Cusco Region.
Tickets must be purchased in advance exclusively at the offices on Calle Garcilaso s / n Cusco, office on Calle Maruri No. 340 or on the website www.machupicchu.gob.pe.
If you like to book Machu Picchu + Mountain Tickets online, you can select an hour of your entrance to Machu Picchu at first only. In the next step, it allows you to choose a time slot of your preference to climb up the mountain too.
It is very important to pay 100% of your tickets.
Once paid, our reservation department will email you a copy of your Machu Picchu ticket.
After that, it is not possible to change the date or cancel the ticket!

Factors That Affect the Purchase of Machu Picchu Tickets

Time – many people would like to have enough time to make their Machu Picchu Vacation Package. But work and/or studies do not allow it often. Do not believe there will be enough Machu Picchu tickets and buy yours beforehand. Especially, if you are short of time. It may happen that they will be sold out upon your arrival at Cusco.
Price – it increases more and more over the years. It is even worse when a booking is made at the last minute. For that reason, it is recommended to buy Machu Picchu and train tickets in advance. You will save yourself a lot of stress.
Limited Access – one of the main reasons for not visiting Machu Picchu is the limited access. That is why, travelers are advised to buy a ticket to Machu Picchu as soon as possible.
Circuits – The most popular circuits at Machu Picchu are Circuits 1 and 2, which are often requested by travelers. These circuits allow visitors to explore the entirety of the Inca City, and are the only circuits available at Machu Picchu ticket

Machu Picchu Circuits: Discount

Students

If you’re a student planning to visit Machu Picchu, you’ll be pleased to know that there are student discounts available on admission tickets. To qualify, you must have a valid student ID or university card at the time of entry. The discount applies to both the regular Machu Picchu entrance ticket and the mountain entrance ticket. Be sure to check the official Machu Picchu website or authorized ticket vendor for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices and availability.

Child

If you’re planning a family trip to Machu Picchu, you’ll be happy to know that child discounts are available on admission tickets. Children under the age of 12 are eligible for discounted tickets, while children under the age of 2 can enter the site for free. To take advantage of this discount, be sure to bring proof of age for each child, such as a passport or birth certificate. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to share this unforgettable experience with your family at a discounted rate!

Peruvian and The Andean Community of Nations (CAN)

If you’re a citizen of Peru or a member country of the Andean Community (CAN), you may be eligible for a discounted rate on Machu Picchu tickets. The discounted rate applies to both the regular entrance ticket and the mountain entrance ticket. To qualify, you must show a valid national identification card or passport at the time of entry. It’s important to note that the availability of these discounted tickets may be limited, and we recommend checking with the official Machu Picchu website or authorized ticket vendor for the most up-to-date information on pricing and availability.

What is The Andean Community of Nations or CAN?

It is a South American trade bloc that includes Peru, as well as Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador. So, Peruvians and citizens of other CAN member countries may have certain discounts or different ticket rates for Machu Picchu.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this incredible wonder of the world at a discounted rate!

How to book and buy the Circuits to Machu Picchu?

Go to the Ministry of Culture website. Be patient as the website can take a little while to load. You will need to have installed Adobe Flash (free download) to be able to view the website. You can change a language to English by clicking the UK’s flag at the top right.
Select a site you wish to visit. Above the calendar before picking a date, you must first select a place of visit. Here you need to decide if you prefer to see Machu Picchu only or if you like to combine it with a visit the site museum too. The Museo Manuel Chávez Ballon is a small museum, but it is worth seeing it before getting to Machu Picchu itself. It houses some neat artefacts, all described in English. The museum is situated near Aguas Calientes (a town just below Machu Picchu). As a next step, you need to select a route. It means you must decide whether you visit in addition to Machu Picchu (or Machu Picchu and the museum) also Huayna Picchu and/or the Machu Picchu Mountain.
Choose your date. Once you have selected your route, you can choose a day by clicking on the calendar.
Choose the number of tickets needed. Click the arrows under Quantity to pick the number of tickets needed.
Please Note: If you need to buy a CHILD ticket, click the button to the right above it (Tickes for students). Children aged 8+ years pay the student rate. Children 7 years and younger are FREE of charge!
Fill in your personal details. Now, you must complete your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.
Finash your order. You are now on the final page. You may get a pop up window saying “Read the terms and conditions”. Enter your e-mail address, double check if all details provided are correct. Remember, it must match the ID provided. When you are ready, click “Generate reservation”. Then, you get a couple of pop-up windows including your Reservation Form. This is important! So, do not close it since you have not paid for your ticket yet! Copy the Reservation number displayed on the page. Then, select the Payment tab on the main panel above. This takes you to a new page.
Pay for your tickets. You need to paste your reservation code into the payment page now.
Save & print the tickets. Once your payment is complete, print your receipt and tickets and save them into your computer as a PDF.

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets

How to Book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Each year, the Ministry of Culture starts selling Machu Picchu tickets for the next year only at the end of December. We recommend you to be patient and watch the moment when the tickets go on sale.

Another recommendation is to buy a Machu Picchu ticket for a date close to June 24th when the Inca festival of the sun “Inti Raymi” is celebrated. So, you can enjoy the Inti Raymi Tour 2025 and visit the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu in a single trip to Peru. Also, you might add one day to your Machu Picchu Vacation Package and book a Palcoyo Mountain Tour for a more complete view of Peru.

Machu Picchu Hike

Also, you might get to Machu Picchu hiking one of the following options such as Inca Trail Tours, Salkantay Trek, Inca Quarry Trail or an Alternative Trek.