Economical Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets Now to Be Offered in Shifts
Machu Picchu is the Peru's main tourist destination, attracting 2,700 to 3,000 visitors each day. 90% of these enter around 6am and leave by midday, while only 10% visit in the afternoon and stay until 4:30pm- a disparity that accelerates the wear and tear on the site, which is literally sinking under the weight. To incentivize afternoon visits, from this month onwards tickets will be sold in shifts (8am-1pm; 1pm-8pm), with 2nd shift tickets being cheaper.
Published on 01-07-2014, por Inca World
Machu Picchu is the Peru's main tourist destination and a mainstay on bucket lists worldwide. A requisite stop for seasoned travelers, it received more than 1,170,000 visitors last year, more than 2 out of 3 of which were foreigners.
This popularity translates to 2,700 to 3,000 visitors each day; 90% of which enter around 6am and leave by midday, while only 10% visit in the afternoon and stay until 4:30pm. This disparity accelerates the wear and tear on the site, which is literally sinking under the weight.
Currently, admission is US$45 and the ticket is good from 6am to 4:30pm, with minors paying about half-price.
In order to incentivize afternoon visits, Fernando Astete, the director of Machu Picchu Archeological Park, has announced that from this month onwards tickets will be sold in shifts from 8am to 1pm and from 1pm to 8pm. Tickets for the second shift will be cheaper. The exact date of the change hasn't been decided, but it's expected to be around July 15th. The hope is that half or more of visitors will choose to visit the sanctuaries in the afternoon.
Machu Picchu is the Peru's main tourist destination, attracting 2,700 to 3,000 visitors each day. 90% of these enter around 6am and leave by midday, while only 10% visit in the afternoon and stay until 4:30pm- a disparity that accelerates the wear and tear on the site, which is literally sinking under the weight. To incentivize afternoon visits, from this month onwards tickets will be sold in shifts (8am-1pm; 1pm-8pm), with 2nd shift tickets being cheaper.
Published on 01-07-2014, por Inca World
Machu Picchu is the Peru's main tourist destination and a mainstay on bucket lists worldwide. A requisite stop for seasoned travelers, it received more than 1,170,000 visitors last year, more than 2 out of 3 of which were foreigners.
This popularity translates to 2,700 to 3,000 visitors each day; 90% of which enter around 6am and leave by midday, while only 10% visit in the afternoon and stay until 4:30pm. This disparity accelerates the wear and tear on the site, which is literally sinking under the weight.
Currently, admission is US$45 and the ticket is good from 6am to 4:30pm, with minors paying about half-price.
In order to incentivize afternoon visits, Fernando Astete, the director of Machu Picchu Archeological Park, has announced that from this month onwards tickets will be sold in shifts from 8am to 1pm and from 1pm to 8pm. Tickets for the second shift will be cheaper. The exact date of the change hasn't been decided, but it's expected to be around July 15th. The hope is that half or more of visitors will choose to visit the sanctuaries in the afternoon.
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Are you planning to visit
Machu Picchu in 2026?
We would like to inform our travelers that availability for Circuit 1 and 2 for the months of November, December and January is at 85% of capacity. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
New Circuits and Routes
The Ministry of Culture has consolidated the three main tours. As of 2026, Tour 2 (The Royal Route) remains the only one that allows visitors to take the classic photo from the Guardian’s House. We have adapted all our packages to ensure this access.
Digital Check-In and Biometric Verification
Say goodbye to long check-in lines! Starting this season, entry is faster thanks to the new digital check-in system. Our packages include full management of your personalized tickets to prevent errors on the state platform.
| Circuit | Ideal for... | Clasic photo | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 (Panoramic) | High views and photo posts | Yes | Low |
| Circuit 2 (Andean) | Complete circuit through the ruins | Yes | Medium |
| Circuit 3 (Reality) | Persons or reduced movement | No | Very low |
Ask about our Machu Picchu packages
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Explore the breathtaking diversity of the Central Andes. From ancient archaeological wonders and surreal high-altitude landscapes to world-class gastronomy and Amazonian adventures, our updated 2026 guides showcase the very best of this premier global destination.
