How much is the Machu Picchu entrance in 2026? +
152 PEN (about $40) for a foreign adult on the standard circuits, 200 PEN (about $53) for tickets including Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Discounts apply for ages 3-17 and students under 25. Buy only on machupicchu.gob.pe or at official counters in Cusco; tickets are name-bound and checked against your passport.
Which circuit should you choose: 1, 2 or 3? +
Circuit 2 is the most complete: the panoramic view from the guardian's terrace plus the heart of the citadel. It also sells out first, often months ahead. Circuit 1 focuses on the upper terraces and the classic photo, Circuit 3 on the lower town and pairs with the mountain hikes. If 2 is gone, take 1 for the view.
How far in advance should you book? +
3 to 4 months for high season (June-August) and for Circuit 2 or Huayna Picchu, 4 to 6 weeks in shoulder season. Quotas are 4,500 visitors per day in low season and 5,600 in high season, split into hourly entry slots from 6am to 2pm. Book the train right after the ticket.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain? +
Huayna Picchu for the legendary climb and the top-down view of the citadel: steep, exposed stairways, 200 spots per day, not for anyone with vertigo. Machu Picchu Mountain for a wider panorama and a longer but gentler climb, fine for families. Both carry a ~48 PEN supplement and morning slots only.
How do you get to Machu Picchu from Cusco? +
Simplest: colectivo or taxi to Ollantaytambo (1h45), train to Aguas Calientes (1h45, from $80 round-trip), then the shuttle bus to the gate (25 min, $24 return). Budget option: minibus to Hidroelรฉctrica plus a 2h30 walk. Trekking option: the 4-day Inca Trail or the 5-day Salkantay route.
Is a guide mandatory? +
Rules call for a guide on a first visit, though enforcement at the gate stays loose. A shared guide costs $15-20 per person (groups form at the entrance) and transforms the visit; without context, the citadel is just beautiful stones. Circuits are one-way, no backtracking allowed.
When should you avoid Machu Picchu? +
February: it's the wettest month and the Inca Trail closes for maintenance (the citadel stays open). Year-end holidays and June-August bring peak crowds. April-May and September-October offer the best balance of clear skies and manageable numbers.
Do you need a visa for Peru? +
No for French and EU nationals: up to 90 days visa-free with a passport valid 6 months after entry. See our [Peru visa guide](/en/destinations/peru/practical/visa-peru/) for other nationalities.
