Planning your visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is thrilling, but one question is more important than any other: when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu? Knowing the right moment to purchase your entrance tickets can be the difference between an unforgettable trip or total disappointment.
This guide explains everything you need to know about timing: from seasonal demand and ticket availability to how many days in advance you should book for each type of ticket. Let’s make sure you visit Machu Picchu without stress, without lines, and with everything properly secured.
Why Timing Is Everything for Machu Picchu Tickets
Many travelers are surprised to find that Machu Picchu operates with strict daily visitor limits and that tickets can sell out weeks or even months in advance. If you’re wondering when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu, it’s important to know that the site is divided into circuits, each with a limited number of spaces per day and per hourly slot.
Understanding when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu is critical to securing your preferred route and entrance time. If you wait too long, you might miss out on the most scenic circuits or iconic hikes like Huayna Picchu.
How Early Should You Buy Machu Picchu Tickets?
Let’s break it down by seasons:
High Season (May to October)
If you’re visiting during these months, especially from June to August, you should buy your tickets at least 2–3 months in advance. This is peak tourism season in Peru, with thousands of travelers from around the world.
Shoulder Season (March–April and November)
In these periods, the crowds are fewer, but demand is still solid. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead is recommended for the best availability.
Low Season (December to February)
This is the rainy season. While there’s more availability, some trails may close due to weather conditions. You can sometimes find tickets 1–2 weeks in advance, but popular time slots and circuits still sell out.
Knowing when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu allows you to align your travel plans with availability, price, and the ideal weather conditions.
How Many Tickets Are Available Each Day?
Peruvian authorities have implemented a system that limits daily visitors to protect the site. This includes strict hourly entries and controlled group sizes.
- General admission tickets: Over 3,000 available daily (spread across circuits)
- Huayna Picchu + Circuit 4: Only 200 per day
- Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3: Around 400 per day
- Huchuy Picchu + Circuit 4: Also limited to a few hundred daily
This system makes it crucial to understand when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu, especially if you’re interested in hiking any of the mountains or visiting with a specific time slot.
What Time of Day Should You Enter?
When you plan your visit, you not only need to ask when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu but also what time to enter. Tickets are issued by hour, and late arrivals may be denied entry.
Here’s a breakdown of time slots:
- 6:00 am – 8:00 am: Fewer tourists, cooler weather, great light for photos
- 8:00 am – 10:00 am: Still quiet, good time for guided tours
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Most crowded time of the day
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Quieter again, though warmer and sunnier
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Peaceful and great for slow exploration, but you risk less daylight
The earlier you buy your ticket, the more choice you’ll have. This is why it’s so important to know exactly when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu to secure your ideal slot.
When to Buy Tickets for the Inca Trail
Although not part of the general Machu Picchu circuits, many travelers combine their entrance with a trek. The Inca Trail has its own rules and must be booked far in advance.
- Classic 4-Day Inca Trail: 6–8 months in advance
- Short Inca Trail (2-Day): 3–5 months in advance
Permits for the Inca Trail are released in January and sell out quickly, especially for the May–August window. Don’t confuse this with the regular ticket system. If you plan to hike, knowing when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu includes booking your trek way ahead of time.
When to Buy Tickets for Each Circuit
The new Machu Picchu ticketing system is based on circuits, and each one has its own rules, popularity, and daily limits. If you’re trying to decide when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu, it’s important to know the differences between each circuit.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route)
- Offers upper terraces and panoramic views
- Good for first-time visitors who don’t want a full tour
- Often available, even during high season
- Buy 2–4 weeks in advance
Circuit 2 (Classic Full Route)
- Includes all major highlights: Guardhouse, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza
- The most popular and comprehensive experience
- Buy 2–3 months in advance during high season
- Sells out quickly for morning slots
Circuit 3 (Agricultural Zone – lower part)
- Quieter route, often paired with hiking options
- Suitable for people looking for a shorter or gentler visit
- Buy 2–3 weeks in advance
Circuit 4 + Huayna Picchu
- Extremely limited (200 people/day)
- Includes the steep hike to Huayna Picchu
- Buy 3–4 months in advance, even more if traveling in June–August
Circuit 3 + Machu Picchu Mountain
- Less steep than Huayna but longer and more physically demanding
- Buy 2–3 months in advance for high season
Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu
- Short hike with great views
- Easier availability than Huayna or Montaña
- Buy 3–5 weeks in advance
By understanding each circuit’s popularity, you can plan precisely when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu depending on the kind of experience you want.
Month-by-Month Ticket Demand at Machu Picchu
Timing your trip wisely can make it easier to get your preferred ticket. Here’s a month-by-month look at demand and how early you should book:
| Month | Demand Level | Suggested Booking Time |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low | 1–2 weeks in advance |
| February | Moderate | 2–3 weeks in advance |
| March | Medium | 3–4 weeks in advance |
| April | High | 6–8 weeks in advance |
| May | Very High | 2–3 months in advance |
| June | Peak | 3+ months in advance |
| July | Peak | 3+ months in advance |
| August | Peak | 3+ months in advance |
| September | High | 2 months in advance |
| October | High | 2 months in advance |
| November | Medium | 4–6 weeks in advance |
| December | Medium–Low | 3–4 weeks in advance |
If you’re still wondering when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu, this table gives you a clear window based on your travel month.
When Are Tickets Released?
Tickets for Machu Picchu are released in batches throughout the year. The release dates are not always announced in advance, but here’s a general rule:
- Tickets become available for the next year starting in late December or January
- Tickets are released on a rolling basis for each month
This is why it’s essential to check availability often, especially if you’re planning a trip between May and August. Many travel agencies also monitor ticket releases and can help you reserve them as soon as they go live.
Knowing when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu means staying alert to these ticket drops—especially if you’re planning independently.
Should You Buy Tickets for Weekends or Holidays?
Tickets for Saturdays, Sundays, and Peruvian holidays are usually the first to sell out. These dates coincide with both local and international tourism spikes.
If you’re planning to visit on:
- Peruvian Independence Day (July 28–29)
- Easter Week
- Christmas or New Year’s
- Long weekends or national holidays
…you should buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. At least 2–3 months ahead is a safe range.
To avoid the stress of sold-out slots, many travelers choose to visit Tuesday through Thursday, when the site is less crowded and the availability is more flexible. This is one of the best strategies once you know when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu wisely.
How to Monitor Machu Picchu Ticket Availability
Now that you understand when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu, it’s time to talk about how to track availability. Tickets can sell out at any moment, especially for high-demand days and specific circuits like Huayna Picchu.
Here are smart ways to stay ahead:
- Check the Ministry of Culture website daily: Even if the interface isn’t friendly, it’s the official source.
- Use a travel agency: Many agencies get alerts when new dates are released or tickets become available again.
- Use email alerts or follow agencies on social media: Some companies post real-time updates.
- Book for flexible days: If your travel dates are adjustable, you’ll have better chances.
Being proactive is the best way to avoid missing out once you’ve identified when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu based on your ideal travel window.
Booking on the Official Website vs Travel Agencies
Both the Ministry of Culture’s website and authorized travel agencies sell official Machu Picchu tickets. The choice between them depends on your travel needs and how comfortable you are navigating tricky websites.
Official Website (https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe)
Pros:
- Lowest price (no service fees)
- Direct from the government
- Access to real-time availability
Cons:
- Interface only partially translated to English
- Frequent errors with international payments
- No customer support
Travel Agencies
Pros:
- Easy booking process
- Multilingual customer service
- Option to combine train, bus, and guide
- Help in choosing circuit and time slot
Cons:
- Slightly higher prices due to service fees
If you are traveling during peak season or want a hassle-free experience, agencies are a safe and smart option. Many travelers choose this route once they understand when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu and realize timing and reliability are critical.
Should You Combine Ticket + Train + Bus?
Absolutely. Buying only the entrance ticket is not enough. Unless you’re hiking the Inca Trail, you’ll need to get to Aguas Calientes and then up to the citadel.
That’s why many travelers prefer to buy a combo package that includes:
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance
- Optional tour guide
If you’ve already figured out when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu, bundling services ensures smooth coordination and prevents last-minute stress. Many travel platforms and agencies offer full-service packages that align your entry time with train schedules.
Booking Tips for Different Types of Travelers
Whether you’re a solo traveler, with a partner, or in a group, knowing when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu depends on your travel style.
Solo Travelers
- Greater flexibility
- Can often find last-minute tickets during low season
- Easier to grab single open slots in sold-out time slots
Couples
- Try to book together to ensure the same circuit and time
- Ideal to book 1–2 months ahead for Circuit 2 or Huayna Picchu
Families and Groups
- Buy tickets 3 months in advance for high season
- Large groups must enter at the same hour and circuit
- Consider hiring a private guide for better coordination
Planning around your group size will ensure you all enjoy the experience together and that you secure the best tickets when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu becomes crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far in advance should I buy tickets?
2–3 months ahead for high season, 3–6 weeks for shoulder season, and 1–2 weeks during low season.
2. Can I buy tickets at the entrance?
No. All tickets must be bought in advance, online or through an agency.
3. Do tickets include transportation?
No. Train and bus tickets must be purchased separately unless booked as a package.
4. Are tickets refundable?
No. All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
5. Can I change the date or time after booking?
In most cases, no. Once issued, tickets are fixed. Some agencies offer limited changes with enough notice.
Ready to Visit Machu Picchu? Let Us Help
Now that you know exactly when to buy tickets for Machu Picchu, let us help you make it even easier. We offer:
- Personalized ticket booking
- Full coordination with train and bus schedules
- Guided tours with licensed experts
- Custom packages including the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and more
Contact us today through our website or send us a DM on Instagram. We respond fast and guide you step-by-step to ensure a perfect visit.
