Use our live calendar to check real-time availability for every Machu Picchu circuit. The numbers update directly from the Ministry of Culture, so what you see is what is actually for sale today.
How do I check the availability of Machu Picchu tickets Online?
First, choose your circuit and entry time. Machu Picchu now sells tickets by specific routes, not a general entrance. Then select your month and date. The calendar shows how many spaces remain for each time slot. If you see ‘150’, that means 150 tickets are left. If you see ‘0’, that slot is sold out. Click your preferred time to start the booking. In high season, availability changes by the minute, so book as soon as you see space.
About the Basic Machu Picchu Ticket
This ticket gives you access to the citadel on one set circuit. You must enter during your one-hour window. For example, a 7:00 ticket lets you in between 7:00 and 7:59. Once inside you have about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete your route. Entry times run every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. The ticket includes the main temples, terraces, and viewpoints on your chosen circuit. It does not include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Those require a separate combined ticket booked in advance.
Machu Picchu Ticket Availability for 2026 to 2027
Peru now uses a dynamic limit to protect the site. It is 4,500 visitors per day in low season and 5,600 per day in high season. These are the official limits set by Ministerial Resolution No. 404-2024-MC. Entry is in ten hourly windows: 6:00 to 7:00, 7:00 to 8:00, 8:00 to 9:00, 9:00 to 10:00, 10:00 to 11:00, 11:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 13:00, 13:00 to 14:00, 14:00 to 15:00, and the last entry 15:00 to 16:00.
Tips to Secure Your Tickets
Do not wait and hope. In high season, the best circuits can sell out in minutes. Remember, while you are looking, agencies around the world are booking the same spaces. It is normal for 30 or 40 tickets to disappear in ten minutes when a group books. For Huayna Picchu, we recommend booking 3 to 4 months ahead for May to August, and 4 to 6 weeks ahead in the rainy season. It is always the first ticket to sell out. If a booking is not paid within the time limit, those spaces return to the calendar, usually early in the morning Peru time.
Why Is Availability Limited?
Peru limits numbers to protect the stonework and the fragile trails. Your entry time depends on the circuit you choose. Huayna Picchu is now limited to 350 visitors per day, split into two morning groups, not 200. Machu Picchu Mountain is limited to about 400 per day, not 200. These narrow summit trails are why the mountain tickets sell out first.
Why Book Now?
Demand increases every year, especially for the classic photo circuits. Booking early lets you choose your preferred date, circuit, and light for photos, not just what is left. The Ministry releases the next year’s tickets in early October. We begin securing 2026 spaces for our guests in October 2025, so you get first choice.
Are There Discounts?
- Discount for minors
Yes. Children under 3 enter free and do not need a ticket. Children aged 3 to 17 pay the child rate and must have a reserved space. You will need to upload a passport copy at booking. - Discount for students
University students under 25 with a valid student ID showing photo, full name, and expiry date qualify for the student rate. - Discount for CAN members
Citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia receive the Andean Community rate with a valid national ID or passport. All discounts must be verified when you buy, they cannot be added later.
Frequently Asked Questions about entering Machu Picchu
How do I check the availability of Machu Picchu tickets?
1. Access the Official Government Portal: 1 min.
Go directly to the official ticket website: tuboleto.cultura.pe. Ignore sponsored Google search results, which are almost always third-party agencies marking up prices.
2. Select Machu Picchu: 30 seconds.
On the main dashboard, locate the Llaqta de Machupicchu option from the list of national cultural sites and click “Comprar Boletos” (Buy Tickets) or “Ver Disponibilidad” (Check Availability).
3. Choose Your Specific Circuit: 2 min.
Select your desired route. The ticketing system is divided strictly by circuits (e.g., Circuit 1, Circuit 2, Circuit 3). You must select a specific circuit and entry slot to view its specific availability calendar.
4. Filter by Date and Check the Gauges: 1 min.
Choose your target date on the calendar. The system will display the remaining number of available tickets for every single hourly entry slot.
Critical Warning on Availability: If the counter shows 0, tickets for that specific slot and circuit are entirely sold out online. The official portal updates dynamically, but during high season (June to September), spaces for prime routes like Circuit 2 (Classic) often sell out months in advance.
Does Machu Picchu close at any point during the year?
No. It is open every day. The Inca Trail closes each February, but the citadel stays open.
Is the availability shown here official?
Yes. Our calendar connects to the Ministry of Culture in real time. Because tickets are held for ten minutes during checkout, numbers can change quickly. If you see your date, book it right away.
Can I buy the Machu Picchu ticket in Cusco?
You can try at the Aguas Calientes cultural office for next-day tickets. About 1,000 are released in person each afternoon, but in high season the line starts before dawn and the best circuits sell out first. We do not recommend relying on this.
How do I book my Machu Picchu ticket?
If you find availability, proceed with the reservation in 3 simple steps:
1. Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport. Even small errors can stop you at the gate.
2. Pay immediately by card to confirm your space.
3. Your PDF ticket arrives by email. You can show it on your phone, printing is optional now.
How far in advance should I book my Machu Picchu ticket?
For May to September, book 3 to 4 months ahead. For November to March, book 4 to 6 weeks ahead.
Can I book a Machu Picchu ticket at the last minute?
Online sales close a few hours before each entry, but in high season last-minute tickets are rare. Your best last-minute option is the in-person sale in Aguas Calientes the day before.
Do children need a ticket?
Children under 3 are free and do not count toward capacity. Ages 3 to 17 need a child ticket and do count, so include them when you check availability.
Huayna Picchu is sold out! What now?
Choose Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, or the Temple of the Moon route instead. They offer great views and usually have space when Huayna Picchu is gone. Book 3 to 4 months ahead next time.
Can I book for next year?
Yes. The Ministry opens the next year’s inventory in early October. We take pre-reservations in September so we can purchase the moment sales open.
When is high season?
High season runs from June 1 to October 15, and also December 30 to 31, with the higher 5,600 visitor limit. Low season is the rest of the year at 4,500. In high season, book 90 to 120 days ahead. In low season, book 30 to 45 days ahead. For Huayna Picchu, add an extra month in both seasons.
Is it difficult to get availability for the Inca Trail?
Yes. Only 500 permits are released per day, and that includes guides, cooks, and porters. About 200 are for trekkers. For May to September, book 6 months ahead. Permits for the next year go on sale in October. The most popular dates sell out on day one.
Is it difficult to get availability on train tickets to Machu Picchu?
Yes in high season. PeruRail and IncaRail open seats 6 to 8 months out. Book your train within 24 hours of confirming your Machu Picchu ticket so your train and entry times match.
