Ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain: Prices, Schedules, and Tips
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of Peru’s main tourist attractions, offering a unique view of the ancient Inca city. In this guide, we will provide you with all the key information about the types of tickets available, prices, entry times, and important recommendations to help you plan your visit. Whether you plan to hike the mountain as part of your Machu Picchu tour or on your own, here you will find everything you need to know to secure your ticket properly and without any issues.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is a large natural formation located near the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru. It sits at around 3,082 meters (10,111 feet) above sea level and stands out for its impressive view of the Andes Mountains.
The name “Machu Picchu” comes from the Quechua language, where “machu” means “old” and “picchu” means “mountain” or “peak”, so it can be translated as “old mountain.” This name refers to its ancient appearance, in contrast to the neighboring mountain, Huayna Picchu, which means “young mountain.”
Types of Tickets for Entry
What does the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket include?
This ticket grants access to the upper left section (known as the upper terrace) of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, as well as the trail leading to one of the most important mountains in the area, known as Machu Picchu Mountain.
Prices and Availability
How much does the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket cost?
The price of the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket varies according to different rates, allowing the purchase to suit your situation. Take note! It’s important to have your personal documents on hand to complete the purchase without issues.
Foreigner Peruvian CAN Countries General 75 USD 44 USD 47 USD Undergraduate Student 51 USD 33 USD 35 USD Minor (3–17 years) 51 USD 33 USD 35 USD Where to buy the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket?
- Online: The most convenient way is to purchase your ticket through the official website tuboleto.cultura.pe. You can also do so from our iMachupicchuticket page, where you can check real-time availability and make your payment directly on the platform.
- In person: There is also the option to buy tickets in person at the office authorized by the Ministry of Culture, located at Garcilaso Street 225, in the historic center of Cusco. However, this option is not the most recommended, since to make a reservation you would need to be in Cusco at least 3 months before your travel date, which can be inconvenient for those coming from other regions or countries.
How far in advance should I buy the ticket?
Take note! Being prepared is key to a smooth trip. Therefore, you should book your Machu Picchu ticket at least 3 months in advance. Why? The number of tickets per day is quite limited and demand is very high, so they sell out quickly.
Can the ticket be purchased on the same day?
Traveler, be cautious! Finding tickets from one day to the next is practically impossible. By that time, all entries will be sold out. If you’ve heard there are tickets available in the town of Aguas Calientes, be aware that only 1,000 entries are sold for route 2-A, which is a designated route, not the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket. That’s why it’s very important to purchase in advance.
What if there are no tickets available?
Here’s a solution! If there are no tickets available, don’t worry—just stay calm. One option is to reschedule your travel date for when tickets are available for Machu Picchu Mountain. Remember to book faster next time to avoid missing out.
If you’re planning 2 to 3 months in advance, you might consider hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain, which also offers incredible panoramic views of the Machu Picchu citadel—provided there’s availability for this alternative route.
Can the mountain ticket be canceled or changed?
It’s important to know that the mountain ticket is non-refundable, non-editable, and non-cancelable. Therefore, when making your reservation, you must enter your personal information and the date of use correctly. Also, it’s essential to plan your travel date well before booking to avoid issues with your ticket.
Is there any solution? There is a small possibility. After completing your reservation, it will be confirmed and valid for 3 hours. If you do not make the payment within that time, your reservation will be canceled. If you entered your information incorrectly and haven’t paid yet, you can wait for those 3 hours to expire, make a new reservation, and then complete the payment, which will make your Machu Picchu Mountain ticket permanent.
Note: It is very important to choose the correct fare. If you purchase a ticket as a student or child, be aware that your information will be verified at the Machu Picchu entry checkpoint using your ID or passport. If the information is not correct, you will not be allowed to enter and could miss your entire trip.
Schedules and Access
How many entries to Machu Picchu Mountain are available per day?
There are only 400 entries available per day (200 per time slot), which must be purchased in advance. Remember! These spots are very limited and the demand is huge.
You may have heard that there are over 4,000 entries, but keep in mind that this is the total number of entries for all existing routes to the Machu Picchu citadel. Don’t be overconfident—it’s better to be cautious.
What are the entry times for Machu Picchu Mountain?
Take note! Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain have two entry times: 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Important! Your ticket is only valid for the time slot you selected, so it’s essential to plan your itinerary carefully.
What if I arrive late for my entry time?
If you arrive late for your entry time, you will not be allowed to enter, as your ticket is tied to a specific schedule. You could miss your visit. It’s very important to be punctual if you plan to visit Machu Picchu.
If you’re already in the town of Aguas Calientes, manage your time and, if possible, arrive at the entry gate a few minutes early to avoid issues.
What is the best time to hike the mountain?
The best time to hike the mountain depends on your travel date. If you visit during the dry season, which runs from April to September, both morning and afternoon are ideal. You’ll enjoy stunning views without weather interference, which will greatly enhance your experience.
If your trip is during the rainy season, you’ll need to consider fog caused by precipitation. Since rain is more common in the morning, it’s recommended to enter the mountain starting at 8 a.m. This way, while you hike to the summit, time will pass and you’ll enjoy a clearer view with less interference.
Is there a time limit to stay on the mountain?
According to Machu Picchu’s entry regulations, each visitor is allowed approximately 4 hours on site. This can extend to 5 hours if you are hiking Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Want to stay longer? That’s not possible. Along the route, you’ll encounter park rangers who monitor visitor flow. If they notice you are exceeding the allowed time, they will ask you to exit and continue your departure to avoid crowding and ensure an orderly visit.
Note: Despite the time limit, you should know that it is more than enough to complete your tour. It will even allow you to rest, take photos, and enjoy your trip calmly.
