HOW TO BUY MACHU PICCHU TICKETS

 How to Purchase Machu Picchu Tickets on the Official Website

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu is one of the most exciting parts of visiting Peru, but before you can set foot among the ancient Incan stones, you’ll need to secure your entry ticket. The best way to do this is directly through the official Machu Picchu ticket website, run by the Peruvian government. This ensures that you pay the correct price, avoid third-party markups, and secure your spot for the date and time you want.

Below is a step-by-step guide to purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets on the official site.


Why Buy Through the Official Website?

While many travel agencies and third-party sellers offer tickets, the official site is the most secure and reliable option. Benefits include:

Authenticity: Tickets come directly from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

Fair pricing: You’ll pay the official government rate without commissions.

Transparency: You’ll see exactly what’s available and when.


The only downside is that the official site can sometimes be a little tricky to navigate, especially if English is your primary language. But with this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do.


Step 1: Visit the Official Ticket Website

The official site is: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/

Make sure you’re on the government’s website - it should display the Ministry of Culture logo and end in “.gob.pe” (Peru’s government domain).



Step 2: Choose Your Type of Ticket

There are several different ticket options, each giving you access to a slightly different experience:

1. Machu Picchu Only – Entry to the main citadel.

2. Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu – Includes the main citadel and the famous hike up Huayna Picchu (very limited daily tickets).

3. Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain – Includes the main citadel and the longer, less crowded hike up Machu Picchu Mountain.

4. Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu – A shorter hike option that’s less strenuous than Huayna Picchu.

5. Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge – Access to the main citadel plus the Inca Bridge trail.

Each ticket has limited daily availability, so decide in advance which experience you want.


Step 3: Select Your Date and Time

Machu Picchu entry is divided into hourly slots to manage crowd flow. You’ll need to choose both your date and entry time window.

Morning slots (6 AM – 9 AM) are cooler and less crowded.

Midday slots (10 AM – 12 PM) can be busier, especially during peak season.

Afternoon slots (1 PM – 3 PM) offer softer lighting for photos.

Important: Once you select your date and time, you cannot change it. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.


Step 4: Enter Traveler Information

For each ticket, you’ll need:

Full name (as shown on passport)

Passport number

Nationality

Date of birth

Double-check everything, the information must match your passport exactly. If it doesn’t, your ticket may not be valid.


Step 5: Payment

The website accepts Visa and sometimes MasterCard. Be prepared for:

Occasional issues with international cards (if payment doesn’t go through, try again or use another card).

A small bank charge for international purchases.

Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a ticket in PDF format. Download and save it to your phone, and also print a hard copy as a backup.


Step 6: Bring Your Ticket and Passport

On the day of your visit, you must present:

Your printed ticket (or digital copy).

The original passport used to purchase the ticket.

If you changed passports since booking, bring both your old and new passports to avoid problems at the gate.


Tips for a Smooth Booking Process

Book early: Huayna Picchu tickets can sell out months in advance.

Check availability first: The website lets you search before you commit.

Use a laptop/desktop: The mobile version of the site can be buggy.

Be flexible: If your first-choice date or time is sold out, adjust your plan.


Final Thoughts

Purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets on the official website is the safest and most reliable way to secure your entry. The process may take a bit of patience, but once you’re standing at the Sun Gate or gazing down at the citadel, it will all be worth it.

By planning ahead and booking directly, you’ll save money, avoid scams, and guarantee your spot at one of the most breathtaking wonders of the world.

Need more help?  Send a message and we will guide you through the process.

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