Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain takes more than strong legs: first, you need to get the right ticket. This is a separate admission ticket from the classic route, with limited availability, fixed entry times, and rules worth knowing before you pay.
In this guide, we explain what the Route 1-A ticket includes, how much it costs depending on your visitor category, which entry times are available, how to buy it step by step, and which mistakes could cause you to lose your admission.
What the Route 1-A Ticket Includes
The official ticket is called Circuit 1, Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain. It allows you to enter the archaeological site, visit the upper viewpoints, and hike to the mountain’s summit.
| Includes | Does not include |
|---|---|
| Entry to the archaeological site at your selected time | The tour of the temples and lower sections of the archaeological site |
| Access to the upper viewpoints on the panoramic circuit | An official guide, who must be hired separately |
| The hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain | The bus from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site and the train |
Why You Won’t See the Temples With This Ticket
Each Machu Picchu circuit follows a fixed route. Route 1-A is designed for hiking and panoramic views, so it does not pass through areas such as the Temple of the Sun or Intihuatana. If you want to see both, you can purchase another ticket for a different day, such as one for Circuit 2.
What Is the Hike Like?
If you want to know how tall the mountain is, how long the climb takes, and what you’ll see at the top, check out our guide to the Machu Picchu Mountain hike.
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Prices in 2026
A foreign adult pays S/ 200 for the Route 1-A ticket. It is one of the more expensive admission options at the sanctuary because it is a mountain route, which has more limited availability.
| Visitor category | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign adult | S/ 200 |
| Foreign student | S/ 125 |
| Foreign visitor under 18 | S/ 118 |
| Peruvian or Andean Community adult | S/ 112 |
| Peruvian or Andean Community student or minor | S/ 80 |
Compared With the Classic Ticket
| Ticket | Foreign adult price | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Standard routes, such as Circuit 2 | S/ 152 | Tour of the archaeological site, without the mountain hike |
| Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain | S/ 200 | Upper viewpoints and hike to the summit |
You pay S/ 48 more than for a standard route in exchange for the hike and the views from the summit.
For Your Budget
Children under 3 enter for free. If you pay by card, an additional fee may apply, and prices may change, so confirm them when you purchase your ticket.
Ticket Availability, Entry Times, and Visit Duration
Route 1-A has approximately 300 to 350 spots per day, divided between two morning entry slots. Your exact entry time is printed on your ticket.
The Two Entry Slots
| Entry slot | Entry to the archaeological site | Ideal if |
|---|---|---|
| First | Starting at 6:00 a.m. | You’re staying overnight in Aguas Calientes and want to hike in cooler temperatures |
| Second | Mid-morning | You need more time to arrive or prefer to wait for the fog to clear |
Time Restrictions You Must Follow
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Check-in at the mountain checkpoint | Within the time indicated for your entry slot |
| Grace period at the checkpoint | None: if you’re late, you lose access to the hike |
| Time allowed on the mountain | Maximum of 4 hours between check-in and check-out |
| Re-entry to the archaeological site | Not permitted |
Plan Your Arrival Carefully
Between the bus line in Aguas Calientes, the ride up, and the walk to the checkpoint, more than an hour can pass. If you choose the first entry slot, take one of the first buses of the day.
How to Buy Your Ticket Step by Step
The official sales channel is the Ministry of Culture’s TuBoleto platform. You can also book through an authorized travel agency, which can coordinate it with the rest of your trip.
Buy Through the Official Platform
- Go to tuboleto.cultura.pe and choose your visit date.
- Select Circuit 1 and Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Choose the entry slot that best fits your train schedule or your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
- Enter each visitor’s details exactly as they appear on their passport or identification document.
- Pay online and download your digital ticket.
When to Book
| Season | Months | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| High season | June 19 to November 2 | Book several months in advance |
| Regular season | November 3 to June 18 | There’s more availability, but it’s still best to buy as soon as you know your dates |
Book Everything Together
If you’d rather not work out train times, bus schedules, and entry slots on your own, a 2-day Machu Picchu tour arranges your mountain ticket along with transportation and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Buying Tickets in Person (Not Recommended)
Some tickets are sold in Machu Picchu Pueblo for the following day, but mountain routes often sell out months in advance. It’s best not to rely on this option.
Requirements and Mistakes to Avoid
The ticket is issued in your name: it’s valid only for the person, date, entry slot, and route you selected. You’ll be asked for your original identification document at the archaeological site’s entrance and at the mountain checkpoint.
What You Need to Bring
- Your original passport or identification document, the same one you used when purchasing the ticket.
- Your downloaded digital ticket or a printed copy.
- A valid university student ID if you purchased the student rate.
Changes and Refunds
Changes to the date or name are not allowed, and an unused ticket loses its validity. Double-check all the details before paying.
Common Mistakes When Buying Tickets
| Mistake | What happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Buying a circuit other than 1-A | You won’t be allowed through the mountain checkpoint | Check that your ticket says “Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain” |
| Entering the wrong passport number | You may be denied entry | Copy the details directly from your document |
| Choosing an entry slot that doesn’t match your train schedule | You arrive late at the checkpoint and miss the hike | Book your admission ticket first, then your train |
| Buying a student ticket without a student ID | You may be asked to pay the difference or denied entry | Bring your valid student ID or pay the regular rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does the Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Cost?
S/ 200 for a foreign adult in 2026. Students and minors pay reduced rates.
Does the Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket Include the Archaeological Site?
It includes admission and the upper viewpoints on the panoramic circuit, but not the tour of the temples in the lower section.
Can I Buy the Ticket on the Same Day?
It’s unlikely. Spots on Route 1-A are limited and often sell out months in advance, especially during high season.
What Happens if I’m Late for My Entry Slot?
There’s no grace period at the mountain checkpoint. If you arrive after your assigned time, you’ll miss the hike.
Can I Change the Date on My Ticket?
No. The ticket is issued in your name and does not allow changes to the date or ticket holder’s name.
