Avoid These Mistakes When Buying Tickets to Machu Picchu

All our trips to Machu Picchu have entry tickets, including Cusco and Machu Picchu by Train. Concerned you may need help with your trip? Ask us.

Can travelers buy their own tickets to Machu Picchu? Should they? What are the risks for making a mistake? Do people actually go to Machu Picchu and get turned away if there's an issue with their ticket or document? 
The short quick answer is "Yes," anyone can access the official Machu Picchu website (TuBoleto) and buy entry tickets. If you're one of those people who is comfortable navigating new websites and understand what each of the 10 circuits offers, then there's no reason why you can't and shouldn't buy your own Machu Picchu entry tickets online.  
NOTE: Effective June 1, 2024, Machu Picchu National Park rearranged all the tours of the national park into 10 circuits. Check out info about each circuit at Machu Picchu

How do you decide which tickets to buy for your trip to Machu Picchu?

Not fully understanding your Machu Picchu ticketing options is one of the first steps in making mistakes. This is where it can get complicated because there are now 10 routes and 6 hikes inside the park. Each of the 6 hikes is paired with one entry ticket to a circuit that may or may not include access to explore inside the ancient city. In the year 2023, there was an unexpected shift in visitor preference for tickets that included access to the upper terrace. And why? Because that is the only location for the Classic View of Machu Picchu. Let's say access to the Classic View of Machu Picchu is now a high priority for most visitors. What's so special about the upper terrace? CLICK HERE to read more. 

Mistake #1. You think you're buying Machu Picchu tickets from the official Peru government website. But you're not.

The official Peru government website (TuBoleto) that sells Machu Picchu tickets, launched in August 2024 and displays online entry tickets for all 10 circuits, with maps and highlights of each circuit now in one handy place. TuBoleto is the only official website that sells Machu Picchu entry tickets directly to consumers, operators, travel agents and anyone with internet access. Private companies are permitted to sell entry tickets to Machu Picchu, but be aware that each company decides how to display availability and how much extra to charge you. If they don't ask you for photos of each passport and full payment for each ticket at the time you make your booking, that's a red flag. No one can buy an entry ticket to Machu Picchu for you without entering your passport details and paying in full for the ticket.

Mistake #2: Payment for Machu Picchu tickets did not go through

• Credit cards / debit cards are the only way to pay for Machu Picchu tickets online. People in Cusco used to be able to make the reservation online and then have a 3 hour window to make the payment. But that was changed in October 2026, when it was discovered that a group of private companies were using bots to block over 200,000 tickets. This created unnecessary ticket scarcity. The window for payment was changed to 15 minutes. It's similar to buying your airline tickets online. You select the ticket, enter your personal details, then pay.
• Machu Picchu website offers two options for processing credit cards. When we buy tickets we use VISA which we have noticed doesn't always work after hours. For some reason it only works during Peru business hours. We think it might be the merchant service provider NIUBIZ. We also have Mastercard and we have found the 2nd processor (which is IZIPAY) works round the clock with MC. (see the image at the top of this post. The payment options are displayed in the lower left corner)
• After completing your payment, you will get an email with a notification of payment and your receipt. Save it. Then go to your credit card or bank statement and look for the transaction. It may be pending, in which case you need to check back just to confirm that the payment was successful. Payments can be rejected. If that happens your reservation code could be cancelled and your tickets could be returned to the TuBoleto website. If you don't want that reservation for some reason, just let it time out and start again. There's no way to double check by pasting your reservation code on the official government website. The old website had a search bar where you could paste the code and if it was valid, your actual tickets would pop up. But that has been eliminated. So. Make sure you confirm that the payment definitely didn't go through before you start over. 
• If your payment is successful you will get an immediate download to view your tickets in your account on the TuBoleto website. Then you can print and review. NOTE: print your tickets immediately. A valid ticket will show your passport details, date and entry time and a scannable code. If changes to the website occur before you travel, it has happened that people were locked out of their accounts and had to contact the official office in Cusco to get their tickets emailed to them. Always print and download tickets right away. Don't store them in your account on TuBoleto as your only source. How many tickets are available? CHECK THIS OUT

Mistake #3: You bought tickets but you printed the wrong page. 

If you're buying online entry tickets from the TU BOLETO platform, after your payment on the website, your tickets will be loaded into your account on TuBoleto. You may also get an email with a receipt for payment and another email with a PDF for your tickets. Print them right away. If you're buying tickets from a 3rd party, make sure they provide a scannable ticket for each person on the reservation. Printing the payment confirmation email you got from TuBoleto or your travel agency doesn't count. If you're buying a package tour from a tour operator, with tickets and tour guide in advance, it's possible the tour guide will have your entry tickets. That's how we do it at Adios. If you're not sure, Ask! You need to have a scannable "ticket," not an email or receipt confirming that you paid for your tickets.

Mistake #4: You bought the wrong ticket to Machu Picchu.

Here's the thing. If you print the ticket right after your purchase it and discover you got the wrong one, you could contact the TuBoleto office in Cusco and ask for assistance to change it. But don't get your hopes up. If they permit you to change it, I'll be happily surprised. There's no policy allowing people to make changes within a certain time frame. No matter what ticket you get, you're still going to see Machu Picchu, which is amazing!  As long as the date and entry time of the ticket you buy is compatible with your trains and other logistics, just go and enjoy. Have fun!. You're still in Machu Picchu! I'm jelly! Although confirmed tickets cannot be changed, we have confirmed that you can buy more than 1 entry ticket per person on the same date as long as it's a different category of ticket. No matter what tickets you get, they must be purchased in advance online or in person in the city of Cusco. You cannot buy tickets on site. CLICK HERE to read more. If you make an irrevocable mistake buying tickets, they're not so expensive that you can't just buy another one. I know. Ouch. Keep in mind it is permitted to buy more than one entry to Machu Picchu on the same day. (if tickets are available)
Note: there is a way to buy Machu Picchu entry tickets in person in the village of Aguas Calientes. These tickets are sold directly to the visitor who shows up in person. No one can pre-buy tickets for you through this method. You show up early and get in line. There is a TV monitor in the office that shows live ticket availability. We wrote a blog about those tickets with a link to view the live monitor. The tickets are usually for entry on the next day. There's up to 1000 of these tickets per day. There's no way to guarantee the entry time or the circuit you will be able to buy. It's possible that all 1000 could sell out. 

Mistake #5: You showed up at Machu Picchu main gate with the wrong passport

Passports expire, get lost, dogs eat them etc. But here's what you need to know. The one and only passport you used to buy your Machu Picchu entry ticket (also Inca Trail permit) is the exact same one and only passport you need to show when you enter the joint. "But Jacquie!. I need to buy my ticket now and then renew my passport!" Don't worry. There is a solution. You have to travel with both your old passport and your new passport. That's simple to do. Just don't forget to bring it!

Mistake #6. You entered the wrong personal info when you generated your reservation for Machu Picchu tickets

People make typing errors from time to time, if not daily. When you book airline tickets you know to double check the information you provided before you click the magic button that locks down that reservation. The same attention to detail should apply to your Machu Picchu entry tickets, your train tickets and any other tickets that asks for personal information. However there's one big difference between booking tickets for airlines and Machu Picchu, at least the airlines have a 24 hour forgiveness window to cancel your reservation for any reason.
Recently we had a young man mistakenly enter the wrong year for his birth when he bought his own Machu Picchu tickets. Vidal thought it was worth asking about and went to the office in Cusco to talk to an agent. They said as long as he didn't pay a lower student rate trying to pass himself off as younger than he is, it would be fine. I'm not telling you that you can disregard typos or errors that could potentially make your tickets invalid. It depends on the severity of the error. If you make a mistake just send an email to the office and ask them how they would like you to handle it.

Mistake #7. You bought a non-refundable flight to Peru before you confirmed that tickets to Machu Picchu are available

Here's the first thing you should ask yourself if you see really cheap last-minute international flights to Peru. "Why are they so cheap? Could it be that all Machu Picchu entry tickets are sold out?" With all the increased availability for tickets I can't imagine this would happen. But as we have seen in Inca Land, anything is possible. You only need to check the one and only official Machu Picchu government website to get the answer to that question. I showed you how to do that in the list of TIPS above. In case they are sold out you need to read my post about what to do when Machu Picchu entry tickets are sold out. 

Mistake #8. You bought train tickets that include Machu Picchu entry tickets right?

Yes and no. Be very careful. If you don't see tickets available for your dates on the official Machu Picchu government website, that means tour operators, hotels, tour guides and train companies can't buy tickets either. In order to buy a ticket, everyone must make full payment and present a valid passport for the Machu Picchu visitor..In other words, no one can store blank tickets for later use. Perurail has Hiram Bingham luxury trains that include entry tickets but they must be purchased at least 30 days in advance. Given the nature of the fluctuating availability for Machu Picchu tickets in 2023, I would double check that entry tickets are guaranteed for any dates regardless of how early you are organizing your trip. IncaRail offers upgraded service that includes private tour guides and bus tickets but they will use YOUR entry tickets. Once you are less than 30 days from your proposed visit to Machu Picchu, all bets are off. Here's a link to our blog about "When Machu Picchu Tickets are Sold Out."

Mistake #9. You bought a ticket based on the entry time for the hike you wanted, but found out there's a mistake on your entry time to the Machu Picchu main gate.

Visitors who want to do the hikes inside the park need to understand how to choose the correct entry time. Each hike is coupled with a circuit. For instance Wayna Picchu hike comes with circuit 3 and the ticket for both is 3A. The entry time displayed on the official website is the exact time you need to enter the Machu Picchu main gate. And right under that it will show the tolerance for being late. It's usually 30 minutes in high season, or 45 minutes in low season. If you enter the main gate at 7am, you will see small print that shows you can enter Wayna Picchu UNTIL 9am. Note that there is no tolerance for being late for entering any hike! This means you have almost 2 hours to tour circuit 3 on the way to the checkin for Wayna Picchu hike. If you're a little late entering the main gate that means you have less time to explore circuit 3 before you begin the hike. You can enter the hike as early as you like between 7am - 9am.

Get your entry tickets first, then confirm that your transportation is synchronized with the entry time at the MAIN GATE. This was such a problem in 2023 that there is a new regulation in 2024 stating that there is a 30 minute tolerance for entering the main gate late. I suggest you buy your Machu Picchu tickets first, then review the entry time displayed on your tiicket before you book your trains. This is not usually a big deal for people doing a 2-day trip to Machu Picchu. But for people on 1-day trips, it could be a heachache to try to coordinate all the transportation with the entry time you got, not the entry time you selected. For hikes that begin from the upper terrace, usually you can do the hike before the tour of the circuit. Keep in mind that the Montana Machu Picchu hike is roughly 3 hours roundtrip. I recommend using trekking poles for the descent just because the cobblestone sections are rough. 

Mistake #10.  You are late for your entry to Machu Picchu ruins.

Regulations state that there will be no more than a "30 minute tolerance" for entering Machu Picchu after the time printed on your official entry ticket during the low season and 45 minutes during the high season. This applies to the main gate known as Machu Picchu Llaqta. Planning and coordinating the logistics for arriving on time is more important now than ever before. MP tickets now have a specific entry time, not a 1 hour window for entry as in years past. We recommend that you allow extra time in the village of Aguas Calientes in case your train is late or if there is a long line waiting for buses. (in case of a long line at the bus stop, there's nothing wrong with asking the bus agent standing at the head of the line if there is allowance for you to skip the line and board in front of others.) The high season in 2026 was June 19-Nov 2.

To buy your own tickets online at the official Machu Picchu government website, you basically need two things:

• Passports - must be valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates. Can you use an expiring passport? Yes but you need to travel with both your new passport to enter the country, and your old passport if that's what you used to buy your tickets. You will show the exact same passport upon entry to Machu Picchu. You need the passport for each person you're buying a ticket for. 
• Payment - the new TU BOLETO website will generate a reservation code immediately followed by the request to complete the payment within the prescribed time limit. If the payment is successful then you will see an instant download for your tickets.  In 2024, there is a 5 hour window to complete the transaction or your reservation will be cancelled.

What should you do after you pay for your Machu Picchu tickets online?

• The Tu Boleto website will show a download link in your account immediately after a successful payment. The may get 2 emails, one is the receipt of your payment online and the other includes a PDF attachment with your tickets. If you don't see the email with your tickets, always check your account on TuBoleto. Print hard copies of those tickets and remember to bring them with you. 
• Send the PDF document with the tickets to your email so you have them on your phone as a backup. If you get to the main entrance and you don't have your tickets, you can search your emails and find them.
• Double check the official entry time printed above the scannable code. then book your trains.
• Check your bank account or credit card statement ASAP to confirm the transaction was completed. (some cc accounts may show recent purchases pending. I would go back and confirm a day later to make sure nothing was rejected.)

Is it OK to buy Machu Picchu entry tickets from a private party reselling?

No. No. Never. Tickets cannot be resold. People trying to resell their personal Machu Picchu tickets have no idea what they're doing. Or they're swindlers. CLICK HERE to read more. (just to be clear, if you are in Cusco and working with a trained tour operator, there is a method to transfer a ticket. The process is complex and above my pay grade)

If Machu Picchu Tickets are sold out on the official government website, can we purchase from tour operators or hotels?
No. No. And No. I've mentioned this before. Every Machu Picchu entry ticket is connected to a unique passport number. No one can hold or store "blank" entry tickets to sell later. This is why I warn people that you cannot buy a Machu Picchu ticket from a private party. The private party used their passport to get the ticket. What are you going to do with a ticket with someone else's passport and name on it? It's like trying to sell your own personal driver's license. Tour operators cannot hold or reserve Machu Picchu tickets. If you go to the official Machu Picchu government website and the tickets you want are sold out, that's it. They're gone for all of us.

Is it possible to buy Machu Picchu tickets in person in Aguas Calientes?

Starting in September 2022, the residents of the village of Aguas Calientes insisted that they be allowed to sell tickets in the village. Surprising just about everyone, the government granted 1000 tickets per day to be sold in the village of Aguas Calientes directly to any visitor willing to jump through the hoops of fire to get one. If you have a flex schedule and are desperate, it's worth a shot right? We have heard of companies who will meet you at the train station in Aguas Calientes and walk you to the place where you stand in line and coach you through the steps to get one of the those revered tickets. They will charge you a fee of course. I have no idea how much. If in-person Machu Picchu tickets sell out, it's my understanding they may start selling in advance for entry 2 days later. Or you can come back the next day and get in line again. Ask your hotel for more details.  Buying tickets like this can be stressful since you may not know how many nights you need to stay in the village of Aguas Calientes, and you won't know what train to depart on until you have your Machu Picchu entry tickets in hand.
It's interesting that the first tickets to sell out are between 9AM-12N, while tickets are plentiful at 6-7am and 7-8am. We believe this is due to the prevalence for visitors to set up 1 day trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Most trains start arriving after 7AM. That's why we recommend setting up a 2-day trip to Machu Picchu. Here's a link to read more about that. 

Is there anyone who can help us if we make a mistake or need assistance? 

For ticket problems. it's best to at least try to resolve them yourself by contacting the official Machu Picchu office as shown on the official government website. (TuBoleto). But if your final ticket displays an entry time that is off by an hour or so from the Machu Picchu entry time you selected, you're out of luck. The word we got is to "suck it up buttercup!" .Prevention is the key here, but no one can predict when computer glitches will affect your final tickets. If you already done fell into the dark hole, there's only so much that can be done. However. Sometimes we can make suggestions or throw a life preserver ring at you and pull you back from the black drain hole you're about to fall in. But the only way to fix tickets with computer glitches is to contact the officials.
Disclaimer: I'm sharing details to help you prepare for your trip to Machu Picchu and to inform travelers of the potential pitfalls in the booking process. This information is subject to change. I am not responsible for procedures or changes to procedures. 

Here's a post we made that includes the English translation for 13 pages of Machu Picchu "Terms and Conditions." CLICK HERE.