Visiting Machu Picchu in 2024: A Mini Guide

Are you planning to visit Machu Picchu in 2024? Take note because the ticketing system changed this year! It’s very easy to view this Wonder of the World, but make sure you pay plan ahead because tickets book up quickly and entry slots are strict.

Where do I buy tickets?

You can either buy tickets directly from the government (this is the cheapest option) or you can book through a third-party agency. If you are one who really likes tours and having all your details sorted, then booking a tour through a third-party may be for you. Otherwise, it's very easy to book everything on your own! Not to mention you'll save a good bit of money.

You can also use a Travel Advisor to help with your bookings!

If you'd like to book tickets yourself, head to: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/available-spaces/?lang=en

Which type of ticket do I buy?

There are now 7 different ticket types that you can buy now—no one ticket will let you see everything Machu Picchu has to offer either. Circuit 1 and Circuit 2 both include the classic "postcard view" of Machu Picchu. Therefore the "Llaqta de Machupicchu (Circuit 1 or 2) and Circuit 1 or 2 + Inka Bridge are the tickets that sell out the quickest. Most likely, these are the ticket options that you want unless you are visiting over multiple days.

Circuit 3 and Circuit 4 are smaller circuits that cross the lower part of Machu Picchu, while these wind through some amazing parts of the Wonder of the World, they don't take you to that classic view. Waynapicchu, Machupicchu Mountain, and Huchuypicchu are all mountains which you can climb while also tacking on a circuit. These mountains all have epic views from the top but again, they don't include the "postcard view" of Machu Picchu.

What time should I book my ticket for?

In general, 10am-1pm are the most popular times for Machu Picchu tickets. Those who want to beat the crowds or who are big on photography may want to aim for the 6am or 7am entry ticket. Be aware that during the rainy season it's often very cloudy in the morning, with the fog burning off around 8am or 9am.

We went to Machu Picchu in early March with 6am tickets. It was cloudy and the view was completely obstructed when we got there, but after about an hour of waiting we got to see Machu Picchu materialize from the clouds which was an incredible sight to see!

Please note that the Circuits do not allow you to walk around freely or backtrack—you can only walk forward along the Circuit path. Be sure to fully soak in the view before you head to the next section. This is especially important at the Guardian House (postcard view of Machu Picchu), if the clouds are blocking your view you can hang out and wait as long as you like until you have a clear view.

How far in advance do I need to buy tickets?

If you want to be sure that you can secure the type of ticket you want, on the day you want, at the time you want, it's best to purchase your ticket at least 3 months in advance. They do reserve 1,000 tickets that you can purchase in person in Aguas Calientes the day before. But warned, during the busy season these tickets can sell out very quickly!

How do I get to Machu Picchu?

Getting to Machu Picchu is fairly straightforward. You will need to book a train from Cusco to the town of Aguas Calientes. You can book this online or in person from either Peru Rail or Inca Rail. The ticket is about $60USD one-way and includes a 2.5h bus ride to Ollantaytambo where you will be shuffled over to the train station and then take the train for about 2h to Aguas Calientes. Once you depart the train station in Aguas Calientes you will have two options on how to get to Machu Picchu. You can either hike in or take a bus. The hike is free but is pretty strenuous, filled with lots of stairs, and takes about 2h. The bus is $8USD and depending on the time of year and day, there may be a long line. The bus ride is quicker, at about 20min, and of course much easier. Personally, we took the bus up and hiked back down.

If you plan to hike up, be conscious of your ticket entry time and give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike. If you arrive outside of your entry window you will be denied entry—no exceptions.

Can I visit as a day trip from Cusco?

Yes, you can visit Machu Picchu as a day-trip from Cusco but we personally think that Aguas Calientes is worth a night's stay. If you do want to make a day trip, make sure to book your tickets accordingly and give yourself plenty of time so you aren't stressed about missing your ticket entry time or transport. But Aguas Calientes is a beautiful and quaint mountain town, worthy of a stay! There are plenty of restaurants, amazing scenery, and even some hot springs where you can relax after a day's worth of hiking.

Do I need a tour guide?

I've seen some people say that a guide is required to enter Machu Picchu, but that is not true. While guides provide a great deal of insight, they are not required! If you rather wander around by yourself without a timeline, you might not want to get a guide. However, if you'd like to learn a bit then you can hire a guide once you get to Machu Picchu, before you scan your tickets. Guides are required if you are doing any multi-day treks.