Machu Picchu tickets and circuits are now all about choosing the right route in advance—and that one choice decides your viewpoints, your walking flow, and even which hikes you’re allowed to do.
Updated Date:
Quick summary
- There are 3 official circuits and 10 routes (ticket types) in total, in effect since June 1, 2024.
- Some routes are only available in high season (like Intipunku (Sun Gate), Inca Bridge, Huchuy Picchu, and Gran Caverna).
- Daily capacity is limited (officially up to 4,500/day, with increases up to 5,600/day in peak periods).
- Best “classic first visit” pick for most people: Circuit 2 (2-A or 2-B) because it’s designed around the iconic viewpoints + the core temples/structures.
- Least-stress option: book through an operator like Yapa Explorers, so you don’t have to match ticket time slots with trains, buses, and guide logistics (and you avoid last-minute sell-outs).
Realistic time inside (varies by route): many standard routes allow around 2h30, while mountain add-ons can be 6–7 hours total.
How we made this guide
- Updated based on the current official circuit system (3 circuits / 10 routes) implemented since June 2024.
- Capacity limits cross-checked against official Ministry publications and communications.
- Focused on what actually causes traveler stress: sold-out routes, wrong circuit selection, and time-slot mismatches between your ticket and transport.
What changed with Machu Picchu tickets
If you visited years ago (or you’re reading old blog posts), the biggest update is this:
- You don’t just buy “Machu Picchu entrance” anymore.
- You buy a specific circuit + route, with a maximum allowed time and a one-way visitor flow.
- The official system now groups visits into 3 circuits with 10 routes.
That’s why people show up confused at the gate: they bought “a ticket”… but not the right ticket for the photo/view/hike they wanted.
Machu Picchu circuits explained
Circuit 1 (panoramic)
Circuit 1 is your “views first” circuit. It includes panoramas, and it’s also where the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket lives.
Good for:
- Big viewpoint vibes
- People who want a longer hike day (Route 1-A is up to ~7 hours total)
Circuit 2 (classic Machu Picchu)
Circuit 2 is the most “balanced” for first-timers: terraces + main structures in a single flow. Both 2-A and 2-B are set to about 2h30 max inside.
Good for:
- The classic postcard-style visit
- First-time visitors who want the “core Machu Picchu” experience
Circuit 3 (royalty / lower city + hikes)
Circuit 3 is where the controlled hikes sit, including Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) and other add-ons. The Huayna Picchu route allows up to ~6 hours total.
Good for:
- People prioritizing a hike ticket
- Travelers happy with less emphasis on the classic upper viewpoints
The 10 Machu Picchu routes (ticket types)
Below is the current official set of routes grouped under the 3 circuits.
Circuit 1 routes (panoramic)
- 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain (long hike day; ~7h max).
- 1-B: Upper terrace (~2h30 max).
- 1-C: Intipunku / Sun Gate (high season only; ~4h max).
- 1-D: Inca Bridge (high season only; ~3h max).
Circuit 2 routes (classic)
- 2-A: Designed route (~2h30 max).
- 2-B: Lower terrace (~2h30 max).
Circuit 3 routes (royalty + hikes)
- 3-A: Huayna Picchu (~6h max).
- 3-B: Designed route (~2h30 max).
- 3-C: Gran Caverna (high season only; ~7h max).
- 3-D: Huchuy Picchu (high season only; ~3h30 max).
Which ticket should you choose
Here’s the no-drama way to choose:
- If you want the classic Machu Picchu experience: pick Circuit 2 (2-A or 2-B). It’s the safest “I don’t want regrets” option for a first visit.
- If your priority is a big hike:
- Pick 1-A for Machu Picchu Mountain (longer day).
- Pick 3-A for Huayna Picchu (the famous steep one).
- If you’ve already been once and want an extra add-on: Look at the high-season routes like Intipunku or the Inca Bridge.
One important reality: if you buy a ticket that’s “wrong” for your goal, you usually can’t fix it at the entrance. That’s why booking support matters.
How to buy Machu Picchu tickets
Buy online on the official site
The official online platform is TuBoleto (Ministry of Culture ticketing). The Machu Picchu official site directs online buyers there.
Typical flow looks like:
- Create an account / log in
- Choose circuit + route, then date + time
- Enter passenger passport details carefully
- Pay and download your ticket / QR
A step-by-step walkthrough is also summarized by major transport providers (useful if the official UX is being… moody).
Buy in person in Machu Picchu Pueblo
There is an official in-person sale system that sells 1,000 tickets per day at the ticket office in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), and the key catch is:
- You buy today to enter tomorrow.
So yes, it can work last-minute, but it’s not the move if you’re on a tight schedule or traveling in peak season.
Buy through an operator
If you want the smoothest experience, booking through an operator like Yapa Explorers is the practical choice.
You’re not just paying for “someone to click buy.”
You’re paying to avoid:
- Picking the wrong circuit (and missing what you actually came for)
- Time-slot mismatches between your entrance, your bus up, and your train connections
- Last-minute sell-outs for hike tickets
- Stress if something shifts and you need a Plan B
A good operator also handles guiding inside the site—meaning you get context, not just photos.
Common mistakes that get people stuck
- Buying based on old advice (“just get the general ticket”) when the system now depends on circuits/routes.
- Waiting too long for Huayna Picchu / mountain-style routes (they’re the first to sell out).
- Assuming you can fix mistakes at the gate (usually you can’t).
- Trying to “wing it” with the in-person 1,000 tickets while also needing a same-day train plan (remember: entry is for the day after purchase).
If you’re still deciding how to physically reach Machu Picchu (train vs budget route vs hike), this guide helps a lot: Cusco to Machu Picchu: train vs bus vs hike
Our honest take: DIY vs operator
Here’s the calm truth:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (official site) | Direct | Can be confusing; you must align every moving part yourself | Confident planners with flexibility |
| In-person tickets | Can work last-minute | Not same-day entry; queues + uncertainty | Slow travelers with spare days |
| Operator (e.g., Yapa Explorers) | Most seamless; less stress; better chance of “right ticket” | Fixed itinerary | First-timers, limited time, anyone who hates admin |
Capacity is limited year-round, and peak periods can increase to 5,600/day but still sell out fast—so the earlier you lock your route, the better.
Final checklist before you go
- Pick your goal first (classic visit vs hike vs add-on)
- Choose the circuit/route that matches that goal
- Book early for mountain/hike routes
- Make sure passport details match exactly
- If you want the least stress: book with Yapa Explorers and let them align the logistics
FAQ
What is the best Machu Picchu circuit for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors, Circuit 2 (Route 2-A or 2-B) is the safest choice because it’s designed around the classic terraces plus the main archaeological areas in one flow. If your top priority is a hike like Huayna Picchu, you’ll need a Circuit 3 route instead.
How many Machu Picchu circuits and routes are there now?
There are 3 official circuits and 10 routes (ticket types) in total. This system has been in effect since June 1, 2024, and some routes—like Intipunku (Sun Gate) or the Inca Bridge—are only available during specific high-season windows.
Can I buy Machu Picchu tickets at the entrance gate?
Usually, no. Tickets are purchased online in advance or in person in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). The in-person option is limited and often works as “buy today, enter tomorrow,” so it’s not ideal if you’re trying to do everything in one tight day.
Are there still in-person tickets available in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. The Ministry of Culture manages an in-person sale system with limited daily availability at the Machu Picchu Pueblo ticket office. Because it’s limited and not designed for same-day entry, it’s best for travelers with extra flexibility (not a fixed train schedule).
What’s the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets?
They’re different routes with separate ticket allocations and different hiking styles. Huayna Picchu is the famous steep peak above the citadel (Circuit 3 route). Machu Picchu Mountain is a longer hike with big panoramic views (Circuit 1 route). Both tend to sell out earlier than standard routes.
Is it worth booking Machu Picchu through an operator like Yapa Explorers?
If you want less planning and fewer ways for the day to go sideways, yes. An operator helps you choose the right circuit/route, secure tickets earlier, align entrance times with transport, and reduce stress if anything changes. It costs more than DIY, but it’s often worth it for first-timers or anyone short on time.
