Looking over Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu peak

Economical Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets Now to Be Offered in Shifts

Home

/

Blog

/

Impressive stonework at Machu Picchu Archeological Site

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.

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 15^th. 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.

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 15^th. The hope is that half or more of visitors will choose to visit the sanctuaries in the afternoon.

News, routes, and expert tips

Explore the latest from our Cusco travel blog. Get practical guides, Machu Picchu updates, and fresh trekking and culture recommendations. Everything you need to travel Cusco safely and stylishly in 2026. Your next Andean story starts here!

original entry documento for machu pichu

Inca World Travel Your ticket to Machu Picchu cannot be lent: What you need to know before the holiday

With the national holiday on August 6 (Battle of Junín) right around the corner, many travelers are organizing last-minute visits to Machu Picchu. Before buying, there is a rule that causes more trouble than it seems: the ticket is personal, unique, and non-transferable. Learn how this rule works at the checkpoint, why you cannot give your ticket away, and how to avoid inconveniences to enjoy your trip to the sanctuary with complete peace of mind.

Inca World Travel Official Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes Guide 2026: How to Choose Your Ideal Ticket

Choosing your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is no longer just buying a simple ticket; it is selecting a strategic route for your trip. The official system organizes the citadel into 3 main circuits with 10 route variants tailored to different traveler profiles. From the classic panoramic photo to the ascent of Huayna Picchu or the legendary Inca Trail, understanding how each circuit works is key to avoiding inconveniences and securing your spot in advance on the official platform.

Inca World Travel Seven Natural Wonders Hidden By Peru Discover Now

Ready to explore beyond Machu Picchu? Discover the 7 natural wonders of Peru, a country brimming with hidden ecological treasures. From deep turquoise lagoons and the famous rainbow mountain of colors to surreal stone forests and vast rivers, these stunning destinations are waiting for you. Get ready to dive into the raw, untouched beauty of South America!

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

Explore the best of our land

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.