Machu Picchu New Ticketing System 2025: Your Guide to Routes, Prices, and Booking

Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, but with the Machu Picchu New Ticketing System 2025, there are some important changes to how you can book your tickets and select your route. With new visit circuits and ticket categories, it's essential to know your options before you go.

The updated system is a lot more complex, and it also requires careful planning to ensure you get the experience you desire. Understanding Machu Picchu route options is key, as each route offers a unique perspective of this historic site.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the new ticketing system, how to secure your tickets, and which routes are best for your visit. Get ready to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu with ease!

Machu Picchu New Ticketing System 2025: a Brief Intro

Our first time visiting Machu Picchu was back in 2019, and our second time visiting was this January (2025). To say things are different is an understatement! Before getting into the confusing Machu Picchu new ticketing system though, we're going to go over a few of the basics, so you can have a better understanding of what's happened.

What are the Changes to Machu Picchu?

A few years ago, all you needed to do was pay an entry fee to enter Machu Picchu. It was super affordable, easy, and thought-free.

As of recently though, that's all changed- now you need to reserve your ticket with time. There are limited spots for Machu Picchu, and each ticket is only good for one of 4 circuits that you can choose from.

This means no aimlessly wandering on your own, you can't stay for as long as you want, and you are only permitted to enter a small area of Machu Picchu. Tickets are much more expensive, and there are a lot more rules than there were before.

 Why is There a New Machu Picchu Ticketing System?

While we are undoubtably disappointed by the changes at Machu Picchu, the changes have been made for one big (and valid) reason, which is conservation.

Machu Picchu is one of the world wonders, and with such heavy traffic, the site has been in danger. In order for the government to preserve the ancient site, they've had to drastically decrease the amount of traffic coming to Machu Picchu each day.

Creating circuits and time slots has limited the number of steps across the entire area by a lot. Is it enough though? They're even speaking about taking away visits all-together, and creating platforms above the site to limit visitors to instead. For no though, there are still certain areas of Machu Picchu that you can visit though!

Can You Do 2 Machu Picchu Circuits in One Day?

You CAN do 2 Machu Picchu circuits in one day! That being said, you'll have to purchase 2 separate tickets.

Machu Picchu New Ticketing System 2025: Booking Your Tickets

The moment we found out there was a new ticketing system for Machu Picchu, we panicked- which circuit should we pick? How far in advance did we need to purchase tickets? Were we going to get to capture our favorite spots while we were there?

Well, unfortunately the website wasn't made very user-friendly, and we're certainly not the only ones who were extremely confused by the different circuits. Don't worry though- we're here to break it all down for you, so that you can seamlessly book your tickets for Machu Picchu, and choose the circuit that best suits you and your group.

What is the Best Website to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets?

The best website to buy Machu Picchu tickets from is the official site! Buying from someone else can be risky, and there aren't any "discounts" to be found unfortunately.

How to Get Tickets Through the Machu Picchu New Ticketing System

In order to get tickets through the new Machu Picchu ticketing system, you'll have to go through the Peruvian state platform. You'll then have to choose the circuit you wish to take, the date, and even the time slot! While they aren't extremely strict on being there at the exact time, you will have to choose a time and try to get there close to your window.

If you are taking a bus to Machu Picchu, then they will organize groups up there by the ticket time.

Is it Hard to Get Tickets for Machu Picchu?

Getting tickets to Machu Picchu is easy! However, getting the circuit and time you want is definitely dependent on booking in advance. (Circuit 2 sells out much earlier than the others FYI).

 How Far in Advance Should I Get Machu Picchu Tickets?

As soon as you know you're visiting Machu Picchu, get your tickets! Certain circuits can be sold out several weeks, or even months, in advance. If you're visiting in the dry season (May-September), this is the busiest season, so probably the hardest to get tickets for.

We visited in January, and we attempted to get tickets for circuit 2 a couple of weeks out and it was already sold out anyway.

Can I Buy Machu Picchu Tickets in Aguas Calientes?

Planning a spontaneous trip to Machu Picchu? While it's not ideal, it's NOT impossible. We actually met a group that didn't have tickets- there are a certain amount of tickets for each circuit that open up the day of, so if you want to go this route, just get there early and have patience.

Do I Need to Print my Machu Picchu Tickets?

In order to enter Machu Picchu you'll have to print your tickets (or at least we had to when we went). We'd recommend having them printed just in case. If you're going to take the bus then you can go right to the office of the bus station right in the center of Aguas Calientes.

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Machu Picchu New Ticketing System 2025: the Different Ticket Options

So now that you know how to get the tickets through the Machu Picchu new ticketing system, let's go over the different circuits.

Circuit Options for Machu Picchu

There are 3 main circuits, with a few deviations for each circuit. It's not even as simple as choosing "circuit 2"- actually you'll have to decide if you want to do "circuit 2A" or "circuit 2B". 

You can do more than one circuit, BUT you WILL have to purchase separate tickets for each, and each circuit is close to $50 USD/person. But I mean, hey- if you're going to Machu Picchu once and want to see all of it, it may be worth the splurge moment of getting more than one ticket.

⭐️ Which Machu Picchu Ticket is Best?

There is no "best" ticket option (although the most popular is circuit 2)- as there are different aspects offered on each circuit. That's why we're going to go into detail about the various options, so you can choose which one is right for you!

Here are the different circuit options for Machu Picchu that you can choose from:

 Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route)

Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu is the one that we did, and is honestly the next best option (in our opinion) after circuit 2 (which was sold out when we wanted to go).

See all those Instagram-worthy photos facing Machu Picchu? Most of them are from circuit 1. This is the area that has the best views of Machu Picchu, and is mostly the panoramic ticket.

Every circuit 1 ticket includes a loop of panoramic stops, but A, C, & D have additions to them.

• 1-A: This one includes Machu Picchu Mountain, which is a 3-4 hour hike round trip. (200 soles)
• 1-B: This is the most basic ticket with just the different viewpoints (152 soles)
• 1-C: This includes Intipunku, which is the original entry point to Machu Picchu (152 soles- it's only available in the high season)
• 1-D- This includes Puente Inca, a bridge made of two tree trunks and has unique views along the way (152 soles- it's only available in the high season)

Is Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu Worth it?

We'll be honest, we were a bit disappointed by circuit 1, but maybe that's because we had visited once before. If you're looking for a quick visit with good photos, then circuit 1 is worth it, but if you're looking to get up close and really experience Machu Picchu, then we'd recommend one of the other two routes, or having this one as an addition.

 Circuit 2 (Classic Route)

Circuit 2 is the most sought-after ticket at Machu Picchu. It is a great ticket because it allows you to have scenic views of Machu Picchu (slightly different than circuit 1), but it also gives you access to the old city of Machu Picchu, a prominent part of visiting.

Circuit 2 is sold is well in advance, and is arguably the best option if you're visiting Machu Picchu for the first time.

• 2-A: This circuit includes the Mirador Templo de Sol, which is a viewpoint of the sun temple. (152 soles) 
• 2-B: This circuit doesn't include the Sun Temple viewpoint, but it includes Caos Granitico & Inferior Platform. The Caos Granitico is a quarry used by the Incas during Machu Picchu's construction, and the Inferior platform has one of the best views of Machu Picchu next to circuit 1. (152 soles)

 Is Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu Worth it?

Out of all of the circuits, 2 is definitely the most worth it, as it provides nice views, but also with an up close experience of the old city of Machu Picchu.

Out of the two "circuit 2" options, we'd probably choose 2-B if possible, as it'll give slightly better views for photos, but honestly there isn't a massive difference between the 2 circuit variations.

 Circuit 3

Circuit 3 is actually a circuit we kind of accidentally entered- the rope was open, and we were wandering, to find ourselves at the first parts of the loop.

This is the side view of Machu Picchu, and allows you to tour the essential parts of the lower part of Machu Picchu. It's a less photogenic tour of Machu Picchu, but a more historically significant one. All of the variations include the principal area (photos below), and each one has an addition.

We did Wayna Picchu back in 2019, and it was a tough hike, but truly a special area with fantastic views of the valley surrounding Machu Picchu.

• 3-A: This allows additional access to Wayna Picchu (200 soles)
• 3-B: This is the basic route, so if you are on a time crunch, then this is the only reason to get this ticket. (152 soles)
• 3-C: This includes Gran Caverna, which is the temple of the moon (200 soles- it's only available in the high season)
• 3-D: This includes Huchuypicchu, a new mountain includes for panoramic views. (152 soles- it's only available in the high season)

Is Circuit 3 Worth it for Machu Picchu?

If it's your first time visiting Machu Picchu, then this isn't the circuit we'd choose. However, if you are doing one of the other circuits as well, this makes a great addition, especially with Wayna Picchu.

Machu Picchu Ticketing System 2025: Recap & Conclusion

• There are 3 main circuits, with a total of 10 variations.
• Circuit 2 is the one that gives both good views and access to the old city. It's also the most popular route, and the one that sells out the fastest.
• Circuit 1 has the best photo opportunities, but is very short.
• Circuit 3 has access to the surrounding mountains, like Wayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu
• You can get multiple tickets, but you'll have to pay for each circuit you do!
• Machu Picchu is more expensive, but still worth a visit!
• Purchase tickets in advance, so that you can make sure to get the circuit you want.

 Is Machu Picchu Still Worth it in 2025?

If you've already been to Machu Picchu, you'll inevitably be disappointed, as the circuits are short, and prices are 5x what they used to be. With the Machu Picchu new ticketing system in 2025 is it still worth it? Honestly, despite the high prices and tough restrictions, it's an absolutely bucket-list destination. We'd recommend visiting before it gets blocked off from visitation completely!

So are you ready to experience one of the incredible world wonders? We hope this guide has helped you understand the Machu Picchu new ticketing system in 2025.

Want to learn more about Machu Picchu? Check out our other Machu Picchu Travel Guides, as well as our other Peru travel guides, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, plus exclusive content.

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