If you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu and relying on outdated recommendations from influencers or travel books that suggest you can get a last-minute entry, you may be making a big mistake on your trip.
Many sources still mention that you can easily buy a Machu Picchu ticket at the last minute. However, especially during peak and even low tourist seasons, this is often not possible. Many travelers arrive in Cusco only to be surprised that entry tickets are unavailable and the most popular circuits have been sold out for months.
In recent years, access to Machu Picchu has changed significantly. Before the pandemic, there were only three main ticket types: entry to the Machu Picchu citadel, Huayna Picchu, and Mount Machu Picchu, with 4,600 tickets available daily. However, today, even with a higher allowance of 5,650 tickets per day during peak season—including an extra 1,000 released in Aguas Calientes—this still falls short of demand.
On January 2025 , many travelers with dreams of visiting Machu Picchu were unable to find available tickets and returned to Cusco disappointed. Don’t complicate your plans—secure your entry by booking your ticket well in advance to ensure your place in this wonder of the world.
Can I buy Machu Picchu tickets in Cusco?
Yes, it is possible to find tickets available for Machu Picchu, though availability might be limited to less popular circuits. Circuit 1, for instance, allows you to view Machu Picchu from the Guardian House viewpoint but doesn’t include exploration of the main citadel. However, the most popular option, Circuit 2, often sells out 3 to 5 months in advance, and Circuit 3 is typically sold out 2 to 3 months ahead. As a result, securing last-minute entry tickets is highly unlikely.
If you want to fully explore the Inca citadel, Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 are the best options for experiencing Machu Picchu.
Last Minute Machu Picchu Tickets
Can’t find available Machu Picchu tickets? Don’t worry – there’s still hope for last minute Machu Picchu tickets! Here’s what you can do in this situation:
First, it’s important to stay informed about Machu Picchu ticket availability. If you arrive in Cusco and find that tickets are sold out, check sources of information about the city of Aguas Calientes, such as Cusco newspapers or social media, as locals often share updates about ticket availability and the latest news from the area.
Second, once informed, plan to stay at least three days to get to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, check for current ticket availability and find the line to purchase last-minute tickets.
Important Note: We recommend that you take the train to Aguas Calientes instead of the bus, as it’s faster and more reliable, giving you a better chance of securing your ticket.
Third, do not leave the line, as there are many people waiting for tickets. Usually the Ministry of Culture staff will provide updates and instructions on what to do next.
Fourth, the Ministry of Culture will issue ticket purchase numbers. Later in the afternoon, you’ll be able to purchase your ticket and plan to visit Machu Picchu the next day.
Note: If tickets are still not available, please review steps three and four, as you may need to stay an extra day to try again.
These tips require patience and can be stressful, but they will give you the best chance of securing a ticket.
Recommendation: Get your Machu Picchu ticket in advance or contact us and we can arrange it for you.
Last Minute Machu Picchu tickets price
The price of the Machu Picchu ticket is the same whether you buy it online, in Ministry of Culture office in Cusco or in Aguas Calientes. The only difference is that last minute Machu Picchu tickets may require additional expenses. For example, you will need to account for extra costs such as food, lodging in Aguas Calientes, and other expenses. The travel budget typically ranges from U$50 to U$100 per day, depending on the type of hotel you choose and where you eat. Keep in mind that Aguas Calientes is a tourist city, so prices tend to be higher.
Last Minute Machu Picchu tour
If you need a last minute Machu Picchu tour, contact us! We have a dedicated team ready to help you plan your last minute trip. BoletoPeru by Inca Trail Machu offers the best Machu Picchu tours from Cusco. Below you’ll find a list of our most popular Machu Picchu tours:
Peruvian Government Increases Machu Picchu Visitor Capacity Following Ticket Sell-Out
After Peru’s Ministry of Culture announced that tickets to the country’s most iconic and sought-after site, Machu Picchu, were sold out by mid-August, the government to extended the daily visitor limit.
The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism jointly confirmed that visitor capacity has now been increased to 6,000 entries per day, up from the previous limit of 4,500. This increase will allow more tourists to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which UNESCO describes as “arguably the most remarkable urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height”.
This latest increase follows a similar move earlier this month as Peru works to accommodate high tourist demand while protecting the site. In May 2024, the Ministry of Culture officially increased the daily admission limit from 4,500 to 6,550.
In a statement on Facebook, the ministry emphasized that these decisions were made with the preservation of Machu Picchu in mind, to prevent irreversible damage that could compromise its universal cultural significance. The ministry’s actions are in line with UNESCO recommendations that encourage careful management of visitor numbers.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips to Machu Picchu well in advance. For availability and booking options, visit the official Ticket Machu Picchu website.
Read More: Machu Picchu ticket is sold out