Machu Picchu tickets can not be purchased at the actual Machu Picchu Citadel, you must purchase your tickets in advance, especially if you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña). Tickets to climb Huaynapicchu is sold out 3 months in advance. This is a guide to help you buy entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. We will explain how to buy machu picchu tickets online, in-person in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
The best way to buy Machu Picchu tickets is from the Ministry of Culture in Peru or one of its authorized agencies. The #1 website according to TripAdvisor is MachuPicchu.Center so we will show you how to make your Machu Picchu ticket reservation from their website.
Your first step is to decide what type of ticket you want. Visit the Official Machu Pichu ticket price list and decide what type of ticket you would like. There are basically 2 types of tickets.
After filling out the reservation form, you have the chance to verify your information one last time. If all is correct, click on "Confirm Reservation" and prepare to pay for your reservation.
Prior to making your payment, the system will show you a message asking you to Accept the Terms of the Machu Picchu ticket purchase. You must know that there are no cancellations, you can only change the date of the ticket and the ticket is not transferable, meaning only you can use it. Click on "Accept Terms" to proceed.
You can pay with any debit card or credit card. The credit card does not have to be shown at the entrance if you purchase your tickets from MachuPicchu.Center as they have the highest security protocols. But if you purchase it from the government website, you will have to bring the credit card you used for verification. This verification will slow you down at the entrance of Machu Picchu. This is why purchasing your tikets from MachuPicchu.Center is recommended.
After entering your credit card, the system will query your credit card and figure out the cost to charge your credit card. Many credit cards and debit cards have different transaction fees depending on Credit Card brand, issuing bank and country. The system will tell you in real time what the surcharge amount will be and add it to the total.
After you make your payment, you will receive an email with a link to download your Machu Picchu tickets along with any other additional options you have purchased such as Machu Picchu bus tickets or Machu Picchu train tickets or hiring a guide to Machu Picchu.
In Cusco, tickets can be bought at the Ministerio de Cultura which is open Mon-Sat, 7AM-8PM. The address is Casa Garcilaso on Calle Garcilaso S/N, just before the Plaza Regocijo and near the Chocolate museum. You must bring your passport and either a credit card or cash in Peruvian Soles to purchase tickets. There are long lines to purchase tickets specially during peak season months. Buying machu picchu tickets online is recommended so you don't waste your precious vacation time. The only time you will be required to go in person to the Ministry of Culture is if you bought your Machu Picchu tickets directly from the Ministry of Culture site and you want to make a change of date or transfer your ticket to another person. No refunds are allowed.
In Aguas Calientes, tickets can be bought at the Ministry of Culture located in Av. Pachacutec (just off the main square), and hours are Mon-Sun, 5AM-10PM. You must bring your passport and cash to purchase tickets. No credit cards are accepted here. The ATMs in Aguas Calientes charge higher fees, so try to withdraw extra cash beforehand if you're able. The office is small and there is usually long lines until 1pm. From 1pm after, there is hardly no lines.