According to the Ministry of Culture, there are limited tickets available for Machu Picchu. These tickets are classified into two periods: high tourist season and low tourist season. In the high tourist season, 5,650 tickets are available daily in April, May, June, July, and August. In the low season, only 4,550 tickets are available, a difference of 1,000 tickets. Machu Picchu rules prohibit increasing the number of tickets once they are sold out.
Machu Picchu is the top destination in Cusco, Peru, but the available tickets are not enough to accommodate all visitors traveling to the Inca citadel. Each year, the number of visitors increases, as Machu Picchu has become the most visited destination in Peru.
There are many travelers looking for last-minute tickets to Machu Picchu, but this is not possible. According to the rules, tickets cannot be canceled and are non-refundable. Tickets also cannot be transferred to other travelers, making it impossible to find tickets at the last minute.
Usually, the last option for travelers is to go to Aguas Calientes and wait at the Ministry of Culture office, which sometimes releases 1,000 next-day tickets. However, if these tickets sell out, you will need to spend an extra night and try again the next day. This situation can result in additional costs or missing the chance to visit Machu Picchu.
If you don’t have a ticket, we recommend staying up-to-date on ticket availability and avoiding unnecessary risks that could cause you to lose money and time.
If you don't have a ticket to Machu Picchu, it is very important to find out before you travel. If you have already made all your plans and reservations, there is no turning back. You will need to travel to Aguas Calientes three days in advance and it is crucial to book your hotel for two nights. The first day you can arrive late and explore the city. On the second day you can get up early and try to get your ticket. If you have it, you can visit Machu Picchu the same day. If you don't find a ticket, the alternative is to use the last day to try again. This is not a guarantee of availability.
If you are unable to secure a ticket, we recommend that you contact a travel agent who can help you get one. However, please remember that travel agencies cannot purchase the ticket for you; they can only help you find a ticket with the best itinerary and support staff in Aguas Calientes. These Machu Picchu tickets are personal and linked to your identification; it is not possible for another person to buy your ticket.
Machu Picchu, October 18, 2024: Tickets for Machu Picchu are sold out until November 20th. Many people are standing in line in Aguas Calientes waiting for the Ministry of Culture to open the system to sell tickets for the next day. We recommend spending an extra night and bringing soles, as hotels are not available and booking prices have increased by 200%.
