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Machu Picchu Guide 2025: Tickets, Routes & Tips

Complete Machu Picchu guide 2025. Learn how to get tickets, best routes, timing tips, and everything you need to know for your visit.

Machu Picchu is the famous old Inca city and one of the world's most well-known ancient places. It's a must-see when you visit Peru. Located at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) high, this amazing place gets millions of visitors every year. This guide tells you everything you need to know about tickets, different ways to get there, when to visit, and helpful information for your trip.

How to Book Machu Picchu Tickets

Ticket Types and Prices

Standard Machu Picchu Ticket

Price: About $45 to $65 USD for adults
Includes: Entrance to Machu Picchu
Different routes: You can choose from different paths (Circuito 1, 2, 3, 4)
Time slots: Morning (6am to 12pm) or afternoon (12pm to 5:30pm)

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

Price: About $65 to $75 USD
Includes: Machu Picchu entrance plus Huayna Picchu mountain hike
Limited tickets: Only 400 tickets per day (200 for 7am to 8am, 200 for 10am to 11am)
You need: Good fitness and to book ahead of time

Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain

Price: About $65 to $75 USD
Includes: Machu Picchu entrance plus Machu Picchu Mountain hike
Less crowded: Good alternative to Huayna Picchu
Longer hike: Harder but has amazing views

Important: Book tickets well ahead of time, especially during busy season. Tickets can sell out months in advance.

Official Machu Picchu Ticket Site

How to Get to Machu Picchu: Routes and Transportation

Train to Aguas Calientes: Most Popular Route

The most popular and comfortable way to get to Machu Picchu. Take a train from Cusco (Poroy station) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then take a bus up to Machu Picchu.

Train companies: PeruRail, IncaRail
Time: 3 to 4 hours from Cusco, 1.5 to 2 hours from Ollantaytambo
Cost: $70 to $200+ USD round trip (depends on which class you choose)
Best for: Most travelers, comfortable way to travel
Booking: Book ahead of time, especially during busy season

PeruRail Official Site | Inca Rail Official Site

Book Train Tickets to Machu Picchu

Secure your train tickets to Aguas Calientes

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Inca Trail: Classic 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu

The classic 4-day hike to Machu Picchu, following old Inca paths. You need to book ahead of time (often 6 months or more in advance) and you must go with a licensed guide.

Time: 4 days, 3 nights
Difficulty: Medium to hard
Cost: $600 to $1000+ USD per person
Booking: Must book months ahead of time
Best for: Adventure travelers, people who love hiking

SERNANP (National Parks - Inca Trail Info)

Other Hiking Routes: Salkantay, Lares, and More

Other hiking options include Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and Inca Jungle Trail. These give you different experiences and are often less crowded than the Inca Trail.

Salkantay Trek: 5-day hike, hard but beautiful
Lares Trek: 4-day hike, focuses on culture
Inca Jungle Trail: Mix of hiking and other activities
Cost: $400 to $800+ USD per person

What Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

Time of Day

Early morning (6am to 8am): Best light, fewer people, cooler weather
Mid-morning (8am to 11am): Good light, more people start arriving
Midday (11am to 2pm): Most crowded, bright light, warmer
Afternoon (2pm to 5:30pm): Fewer people, softer light

Time of Year

Dry season (May to September): Clear skies, perfect weather, busiest time
Wet season (October to April): Rain possible, fewer tourists, green and lush
Busiest season: June to August, December (book well ahead of time)
Shoulder season: April to May, September to October (good balance of weather and crowds)

Book Your Machu Picchu Experience

Secure your Machu Picchu tickets, tours, and transportation. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to Visit Machu Picchu: Helpful Tips

Book ahead of time: Tickets, trains, and places to stay should be booked months ahead during busy season.
Get there early: Try to get the first time slot (6am to 7am) for the best experience with fewer people.
Stay in Aguas Calientes: Spending a night in Aguas Calientes lets you visit early in the morning and makes travel easier.
Bring important things: Water, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket (weather can change fast), camera, and your passport (you need it to enter).
Respect the place: Follow the rules, stay on the paths, don't touch the old buildings, and take all your trash with you.
Get used to the altitude: Spend time in Cusco before visiting to get used to the high altitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Machu Picchu?

The most common way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then by bus up to the citadel. You can take a train from Poroy (near Cusco) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. From Aguas Calientes, buses run regularly to Machu Picchu. You can also hike the Inca Trail or other hiking routes.

Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?

Yes, you must book Machu Picchu tickets ahead of time, especially during busy season (June to August, December). Tickets often sell out weeks or months in advance. You can buy tickets through the official government website or authorized tour companies.

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is early morning (6am to 8am) for fewer people and better light. For weather, the dry season (May to September) has clearer skies, while the wet season (October to April) can have rain but fewer tourists. Avoid midday (11am to 2pm) when it's most crowded.

How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu entrance tickets cost about $45 to $65 USD for adults, depending on which route you choose. Other costs include train tickets (from $70 to $200+ USD round trip), bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (about $24 USD round trip), and a place to stay in Aguas Calientes. Total cost is usually $150 to $300+ USD per person.

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