Starting June 1, 2024 there were major changes to all the circuits at Machu Picchu. So much is going on, we wrote up an entire new post.  CLICK HERE

A new website for buying Machu Picchu entry tickets launched on Sunday August 4. and the old Joinnus website was shutdown. Here's a link to more details about the new website where we posted the link.

Since June 1, 2024, all the new routes have now been adjusted so that they include access to at least one of the platforms that give people the classic view of Machu Picchu. However, the new question since June 1, is: do all circuits provide access to the ancient city? That answer is no. 

What you need to know about NEW circuit #1 at Machu Picchu beginning June 1, 2024 (Color: RED)

Circuit #1 is now divided into 4 routes. NONE of these routes includes access to the ancient Inca city. These routes are designed for people who want panormaic views from the upper terraces. There are 2 main levels at the upper terrace. One is the "inferior" upper level and the other is the "superior" upper level. Both levels offer visitors access to the classic view of Machu Picchu. All 4 routes on circuit #1 include access to all the upper levels for the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Three of these routes also offer entry to walk either to the Inka Bridge, or hike up to the Sungate, (estimated time is1.5 hours up and 45 minutes return) and of course the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain (estimated 2 hours up and 1 hour down) The only hike open year round is Machu Picchu Mountain. The other 3 hikes are available during the high season from June 1-Oct 15. 

What you need to know about NEW circuit #2 at Machu Picchu beginning June 1, 2024 (Color: BLUE)

Circuit #2 is now divided into 2 routes. One of these routes named "Classic Designed Route" and the other is called the "Lower Terrace Route." These two circuits are what I would describe as the longest most thorough circuits for exploring the actual city up close. Both 2A and 2B routes begin with a climb up to the "inferior" upper terrace. I wouldn't be concerned about the word inferior. You still get the classic view of Machu Picchu. These two routes offer access to what I would identify as the 3 most popular features in the park, including: 1) view from the upper terrace, 2) access to the upper section in the city and 3) access to the lower section in the city. These two routes have now become almost the same. It shouldn'd matter if you get 2A or 2B. The lower route in the city can be toured separately with a ticket named circuit #3. If you buy tickets to both circuit 2 and circuit 3, you will tour the lower city twice.

Can you access the Classic View of Machu Picchu from Lower Circuit #3?

Yes. But it's not widely known and unless you know your way around the park, you could miss it. Our manager in Cusco explained to me that right after you enter Machu Picchu main gate there is a path to the left (but not the same path that takes everyone up to the upper terraces) that is located between the upper segment of lower circuit #3, and the lower segment of the upper terraces where you see the Guard Shack. This area is known as the agricultural terrace. People could miss it if you're on your own. You can also ask a ranger. So. Visitors with circuit #3 tickets have access to an area where they can get the classic view of Machu Picchu, This is great news. 

All the content below this statement is old information based on entry to Machu Picchu before June 1, 2024
(Be aware that some of the information presented in older posts on Adios website, and any website on the internet may be outdated after June 1, 2024) 

Don't all entry tickets to Machu Picchu include access to this view of the city? Since June 1, the answer is yes, more or less. If you don't care about where you take your photographs of Machu Picchu, just ignore me, and go and enjoy yourself. This is one less thing to worry about. It won't hurt my feelings at all. 

Do all 10 circuits at Machu Picchu include access to the classic view of the Inca ruins? Yes

Here's what you need to know. Unless you're living under a rock, pretty much every human on the planet has viewed the classic image of Machu Picchu. You know the one I'm talking about. The ancient inca stone city is framed by the mountains including Huayna Picchu in the background. To see Machu Picchu from this angle, visitors must be standing on the upper terraces. This view is the most published image of Machu Picchu in the world. It's the iconic, and most recognizable angle of the Inca citadel. One or two at a time, visitors take turns proudly posing in their sweaty t-shirts, maybe flexing their biceps, or displaying the flag of their country, with Machu Picchu ruins and Huayna Picchu Mountain right behind them. And just about every visitor wants a chance to capture their version of that archetypal snapshot to cherish for the rest of their lives.  

Before you book your trip to Peru and buy flights and other non-refundable services, make sure that entry tickets are available. I've explained in my other posts, that permits for the easy 1-day Inca Trail hike come with 1 entry to Machu Picchu lower circuit 3. These don't sell out as quickly, because you have to go through a tour operator and the permit is for a 2-day trip, not a single entry to Machu Picchu. You're welcome to call me in Virginia if you want to find out more. We do offer a substitute tour of the Sacred Valley by van for people who don't want to hike. 757-714-6649 (I'm also on WhatsApp) 

Was there an increase in the number of Machu Picchu entry tickets in 2024?

Oh boy. You're going to love this. The answer is not just yes, the answer is a resounding and electrifying YES! I wrote up an an entire post explaining exactly what happened with Machu Picchu entry ticket availability in 2024. CLICK HERE to read "You won't believe how many tickets are available to Machu Picchu!"

Before you panic that you may end up with "inferior" entry tickets, remember one thing. No matter what ticket you have you're still going to the world-renowned ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu! Even if I were to enter on a lowly llama path, I would still be thrilled just to be there. Every square centimeter trembles with "that ancient Inca vibe!" You'll find your own "vantage" points no matter what circuit you're on. Do me a favor when you're there, and find a little spot to stop and take a breath. Hug yourself and then click your heals and repeat these words, "There's no place like Machu Picchu! There's no place like Machu Picchu! There's no place like Machu Picchu!" It's all amazing! Even an inexperienced 5 year old can manage to click off a few decent photos at Machu Picchu from anywhere inside the city. if you can't get at least a few gratifying photos at Machu Picchu, where images fall like raindrops into your camera lens, you should slam your camera to the ground and jump up and down on it because there must be something wrong with it. 

What is the difference between Machu Picchu upper terrace and upper circuits? If you don't know you probably should find out. Click here to read more.

Which Machu Picchu entry tickets do not include access to the upper terraces?

As of June 1, 2024, all 10 circuits at Machu Picchu offer access to some verson of the classic view of Machu Picchu. There are multiple platforms and terraces that afford that view, so it's reasonable to expect subtle variations in the angle of the view depending on your location when you take the shot.

Are there changes to the Machu Picchu tickets included with the Inca Trail permits? Yes!

The Guard Shack which is prominently located on the edge of an upper terrace of Machu Picchu, is now reserved exclusively for hikers coming off the Inca Trail. All other visitors with tickets that include access to the upper terrace, will enjoy a view from the terrace right below the guard shack. Inca Trail hikers have access to the Sungate and from there they descend to a special landing on an open terrace next to the Guard Shack. Before you hikers jump for joy, remember the saying, "The Lord giveth and the Ministry of Tourism taketh away?"  Here's a link to read about the changes to Inca Trail permits and the Machu Picchu entry tickets that come with them. There's stuff going on over there too!

What's the most popular trip to Machu Picchu and does it include access to the upper terrace? CLICK HERE to review and book the 2-day Inca Trail Hike online. (includes 1 night in hotel in Aguas Calientes) When Machu Picchu tickets are sold out, this is a great alternative to accessing the upper terrace. 

If you need a fantastic pro tour guide, let us know. We have them!. Here's a link to read more about Adios tour guides, because not all tour guide services are equal!

Do Visitors Need to Have a Private Tour Guide to Enter Machu Picchu?

The quick answer is no. But it's worth it to understand why the Peru government is recommending that everyone hire a private guide. The main reason is that the system of one-way circuits can be confusing. And there's no forgiveness if you screw it up. In my opinion, most people can benefit from advice BEFORE they actually buy tickets and set up travel dates. Once you have your trains and entry tickets in hand, your trip is kind of locked down. There's very little wiggle room to make last minute changes if you discover you have a gap or made a mistake. I get emails weekly from people who accidentally made a booboo. Sometimes we can fix it, and sometimes we can't! Having a tour guide can enhance the tour. What do you need to know about tour guides for Machu Picchu? CLICK HERE

What gear is the most essential for your trip to Machu Picchu?

Water is the top of the list. After 17 years of experimenting with several water filters, I tried several brands and styles. Below is a link to my favorite water filter for travelers. I found a pod that does the best job. It's easy to share and it's passive, so there's no pumps or mechanisms to set it up. Just drop it in your water bottle and go. Refill as needed from any hotel faucet, restaurant or public water fountain.

The next item is footwear. The terrain inside Machu Picchu ruins is a combination of rough cobble paths, dirt trails, occassional steep switchbacks and stone steps galore! While a few wooden handrails have been installed, the vibe is definitely original Inca construction!  Check out Xero sole shoes. This is what I wear when traveling. They work for day hikes and tours in archaeological sites where the landscape is still not modernized. They also work for dining and dancing in case you need to kick up your heels on occasion.

CLICK HERE to read more about the gear I recommend.

Can you resell your Machu Picchu entry tickets?

No. Don't ever buy Machu Picchu entry tickets from a private party. You can buy them from the official Machu Picchu website, a licensed travel agency or through a Peruvian tour operator. There's no Stubhub for reselling Machu Picchu tickets. I copied all 13 pages of the official Machu Picchu website "Terms and Conditions" and translated into English, then posted on our website. For your convenience here's a link to view the entire document which includes the rules about refunds, reselling and acceptable behavior at Machu Picchu National Park. (you're welcome!)

What if Machu Picchu visitors want to hike Huayna Picchu and explore the upper terraces?

Here's a couple of ideas. The first is that you can ask the rangers inside the park. It doesn't hurt right? Most understand that tourists just want to soak it all up and get their photos! The answer will depend on variables out of your control. Did the ranger sleep well the night before? Did the ranger just return from an amazing lunch? If you want to be sure you have access to the upper terraces, then buy 2 different entry tickets. Remember that you can't buy more than 1 ticket of the same kind on the same day. But you can mix and match different entry tickets on the same day. This is advanced travel planning and can be tricky to coordinate with trains for a one day trip. Which ticket should be first? How much time should you allow between ticket entry times? How long is the line to enter the only restroom at Machu Picchu? (Click here to read about toilets at Machu Picchu)  That's why we recommend doing a 2 day trip to Machu Picchu. I've been many times. I always do a 2 day trip. I have never once said to myself, "well I wish I hadn't done that!" The travel time from Cusco is a minimum of 5 hours each way. So there's that. It's so much more enjoyable to spend 1 night in the village of Aguas Calientes. But trust me, one night is plenty. There's not much going on in the village. It's a tiny town with undistinguished dining and t-shirt shops in the world's best location. But the river lends a nice vibe to the village that renders it worthy of one overnight. I love sitting at a table on the sidewalk at Hot Springs restaurant in "downtown" Aguas Calientes, slurping my latte. After that, I'm outta there! 

Can you buy additional Machu Picchu entry tickets after you get there? 

Let's say you get to Machu Picchu and realize your entry ticket doesn't offer the access to the areas of Machu Picchu you want. Can you buy additional entry tickets? Yes. But not at the entrance, or even in the village of Aguas Calientes! (starting in Sept 2022, there is an office in the village selling up to 1000 tickets per day. It takes several hours of waiting in various lines set up to accommodate people not able to find tickets online and who have the flexiblity to stay another day if they sell out.) If tickets are available they can only be purchased online or at the ticket office in Cusco. Technically, visitors can buy as many tickets as they want as long as they buy in advance or in person in Cusco. Keep in mind you cannot buy two of the same kind of ticket for entry on the same day. But you can buy different tickets on the same day. I have this theory that someone could buy entry tickets online after they get to Aguas Calientes. But we haven't tested this option. If you do try it and are successful, or even if you fail, I'd love to hear from you. And then there's the logistics. Train tickets and hotel reservations could be affected. That's when people call me for help! Let's say organizing trips to Machu Picchu with all the changes and new regulations, is my superpower. And of course I have my super top secret asset. Vidal! haha.  (text Heather: 757-270-9293 and on What'sapp)