Machu Picchu Ticket: Skip the Lines, Four Routes to Choose
You choose which of four circuits fits your pace and interests, not the other way around.
An official entry ticket to Machu Picchu that skips the entrance queues and gives you three to four hours to explore at your own pace across four different self-guided routes. The ticket covers access to major temples and structures (the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Temple of the 3 Windows, Intihuatana, Sacred Rock, and Temple of the Condor), and lets you take the classic postcard photo. You pick your arrival time and circuit at checkout. A guide can be hired on-site if you want one.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Visit Machu Picchu ruins independently
- Arrive at Machu Picchu entrance
- Present official entrance ticket
- Explore Temple of the Sun
- Visit Sacred Plaza
- See Temple of the 3 Windows
- View Intihuatana stone
- Discover Sacred Rock
- Explore Temple of the Condor
- Take classic Machu Picchu photo
The experience
You arrive in Aguas Calientes with your own transport sorted and just need the official ticket to walk the ruins. This is the entry pass for travelers who've already arranged their way up the mountain or prefer to move through Machu Picchu solo. The ticket bypasses the line at the gate and opens access to the sanctuary's four marked circuits, each one designed around different clusters of structures and viewpoints. Circuit 2 is the most recommended by the operator, but the choice is yours depending on how much time you have and which temples matter most to you.
The site itself spans more than 32,000 hectares and holds far more than the famous temples: roads, bridges, waterfalls, and sections still being discovered sit alongside the structures most visitors come for. Because you're moving at your own pace, you can linger at the Temple of the Sun or the Sacred Plaza as long as you want, or move quickly through to catch the light on the postcard angle. The four circuits let you navigate the ruins without being herded through a fixed sequence. You walk the routes the authorities have marked out, but the timing and the stops are entirely up to you.
Note that two popular extensions: the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol) walk and the Inca Bridge, are no longer included in the standard ticket and require separate bookings if you want them. A guide can meet you at the ruins and walk with you for an additional fee, or you can move through the circuits with a map and your own knowledge. Children from age 8 are welcome on this ticket.
What’s included
- Official entry to Machu Picchu.
- access to all four self-guided circuits.
- entry to the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Temple of the 3 Windows, Intihuatana, Sacred Rock, and Temple of the Condor.
- skip-the-line access at the gate.
- the ability to take the classic postcard photo. Bus and train tickets from Aguas Calientes are available on some options but not others. Check your selection at checkout.
Options for this experience
46 optionsSee 43 more options
Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you check availability.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 8 days ago
Operated by GO PERU ADVENTURE
Is this one for you?Pick your arrival time and circuit based on your own schedule and interests, not a fixed itinerary. If you've already arranged your transport to the mountain and want to move through the ruins at your own pace without a guide, this ticket is all you need. If you prefer a structured tour with a guide included from the start, look for a full-day tour package instead.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
Can I hire a guide once I'm already at Machu Picchu with this ticket?
Yes, guides are available for hire on-site if you decide you want one after arriving. The standard ticket itself does not include a guide, so arranging one in advance is optional.
What's the difference between the four circuits, and which one should I choose?
Each circuit groups different temples and structures across the site. Circuit 2 is the most recommended by the operator. Your choice depends on how much time you have and which buildings matter most to you: the ticket covers all major temples across all four routes, so you're picking a path through them, not limiting what you can see.
Does this ticket include the Inca Bridge or the Intipunku walk to the Sun Gate?
No, neither is included in the standard ticket. The Intipunku walk is no longer available at all. The Inca Bridge requires a separate ticket if you want that 20-minute route.
How do I get to Machu Picchu if I'm arriving from Aguas Calientes?
This ticket covers only entry to the ruins. You'll need to arrange your own transport up the mountain: bus and train tickets are available separately, and some purchase options include them while others do not.
How long should I plan to spend at Machu Picchu with this ticket?
The operator estimates three to four hours to walk the circuits and see the main structures. Your actual time depends on which circuit you choose, how many stops you make, and whether you hire a guide.
Machu Picchu Ticket: Skip the Lines, Four Routes to Choose
3h–4h
from US$ 77 per person
5.001 reviewVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider