Based on the trend in ticket sales in 2024, visitors are shifting their preferences to buying tickets that include access to the upper circuits of Machu Picchu, rather than the previously coveted tickets to hike Wayna Picchu. Until the big change to the circuit took effect in June 2024, tickets that included access to the upper circuits were selling like hot cakes, while tickets to hike Wayna Picchu were not as popular. That never happened before. Wayna Picchu tickets always sold out first, often weeks if not months in advance. Why did that happen? We believe it was because the Wayna Picchu tickets did not include access to Machu Picchu upper terraces for the classic view. Huayna Picchu tickets come with 1 entry to Machu Picchu lower circuit #3 and therefore visitors who hike to Wayna Picchu do not have access to the classic view of Machu Picchu. 

How the Changes to Circuit 1 Tickets in 2024 and 2025 Will Affect the Experience of Ticket Holders.

This was one of the most profound changes to visitors experiences at Machu Picchu, that we've seen in a while. In 2024, they took away access to explore the actual ancient Inca city for all circuit #1 ticket holders. The circuit 1 tickets are ONLY for access to the upper circuits for the panoramic views. Then in 2025, they shrunk the route on circuit 1B to a single overlook. "Panoramic view, my eye!"

Why it's important to understand the difference between Machu Picchu Upper Terraces and Upper Circuits to the city.

The ancient city of Machu Picchu was constructed in a saddle between two mountains and has changes in elevation that provide natural separation between what is known as the upper terraces, and the lower routes to the actual ancient city. In the old days visitors could wander back and forth and up and down all day if they wanted. But in the last 3-4 years, park authorities set up one-way circuits to reduce congestion. On June 1, 2024, park authortieis reorganized the routes and created 10 new circuits. And then, on August 5, they launched a completely new government controlled website! (CLICK HERE for more info)

The upper terrace has become popular because it's the primary spot for getting that classic photo of Machu Picchu with the little mountain visible behind the ancient city. The four new circuit 1 routes are all about the panoramic views of Machu Picchu from varous upper platforms. NOTE: none of the circuit #1 routes include access to the actual ancient Inca city!  The upper terrace is only accessible for people with tickets that include circuits 1, or hikers coming off the Inca Trail. But, the routes on upper circuit 1 do not permit ticket holders access to all the platforms in the upper terraces. For instance the famous guardshack is positioned on a terrace that is now only accessible to hikers as they come down from the Inca Trail. is not the same as having access to the upper circuit inside the ancient city. The upper terraces (all the circuits #1) are the main viewing spots for taking photos and enjoying the classic image of Machu Picchu.

Starting in January 2025, they changed circuit 1B so much, that our manager in Cusco was discusted. We wrote up an entire story about that situation. CLICK HERE to read more. 

There are only 2 routes that include access to a platform for the classic view AND the route through the entire ancient Inca city. Those two circuits are Circuit #2A and #2B. These two circuits begin with a stop at a lower platform of the upper terrace then continue into the upper regions of the ancient city.and wind down into and include access to the latter half of circuit #3 and the lower section of the ancient city.

What's the single biggest change to Machu Picchu tickets that has had the most profound impact on the visitor experience?

One of the biggest changes they made to entry tickets at Machu Picchu was not to allow visitors to re-enter on the same day using the same ticket. There's no allowance for bathroom breaks! This is important to know if you're on your own. Tour guides usually make sure everyone has a chance to use the one and only restroom before they enter the park. When people ask me how long they can stay inside Machu Picchu, the answer is, "How long can you hold it?" Meaning how long can you go between restroom stops. Of course we have a complete analysis of the toilet situation at Machu Picchu. Click here to read more.

There are 5 options for gaining access to the upper terrace for the view of Machu Picchu: (plus one Hail Mary long shot)

  • Hiking the 4-day Inca Trail. Hikers have exclusive access to the Guard Shack in the upper terrace for the classic view of Machu Picchu. However, the guided tour of the Inca city is on the lower circuit. Usually hikers arrive on foot on day 4, crossing the Sungate and descending into the upper terrace for "the view." From there they go down to the lower circuit in the city for the tour. Then return to Cusco later the same day. For hikers who choose the 5-day Inca Trail, they will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and do the tour on the lower circuit on day 5, then return to Cusco. Permits for this hike can only be obtained by licensed tour operators.
  • Hiking the short 2-day Inca Trail. Hikers have exclusive access to the Guard Shack in the upper terrace for the classic view of Machu Picchu. However, the guided tour of the Inca city is on the lower circuit. Hikers cross over the Sungate and descend into the upper terrace for "the view." Then they exit the park and spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and do the tour on the lower circuit the next day. before they return to Cusco. Permits for this hike can only be obtained by licensed tour operators. 
    (when all tickets to Machu Picchu are sold out, permits may still be available. This is one way we can get people in when all entry tickets are sold out. You don't have to do the hike. We can just use the entry ticket to the lower circuit. Contact Jacquie or Heather in Virginia to ask about this. 757-714-6649, Call, Text, WhatsApp)
  • Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Tickets. Anyone can buy these tickets on the new Tu Boleto Machu Picchu official government website. Ticket holders can choose one of the 2 one-way circuits. This is the most popular entry ticket to Machu Picchu this year.
  • Inca Bridge + Circuit 1. Anyone can buy these tickets on the official government website. They cost the same as the Llaqta tickets. But note that the entry time at the Machu Picchu main gate is one hour before the entry window where you checkin for the hike to see the bridge. The checkin for the hike is located in the upper terrace.
  • Montana Hike + Circuit 1. Anyone can buy these tickets on the official government website. The cost is slightly higher than Machu Picchu Llaqta tickets. But note that the entry time at the Machu Picchu main gate is one hour before the entry window where you checkin for the hike. In 2023 the trend is for these tickets to sell out more quickly than Wayna Picchu tickets. We believe this is due to the fact that the Montana hike checkpoint is located in the upper terrace and visitors with these tickets have access to the Classic View of Machu Picchu. However the guided tour in the Inca ruins is on a lower circuit. It's not necessary to do the Montana hike. You can use the ticket to get access to the upper terrace before the tour of the lower circuit.
  • 1000 tickets per day sold in person in the village of Aguas Calientes. They sell limited numbers of tickets for each category including some for upper terraces with hikes and others with lower circuits. These tickets are only sold to the actual visitor. Tour guides and operators are not permitted to buy these tickets for you. There is no guarantee to get a certain ticket. You show up. It's first come, first serve. If they sell out, you can come back the next day. It's been reported that it takes 2 days.

There are 2 routes that provide access to Machu Picchu Ancient Inca City. 

  • Machu Picchu Circuit #2 tickets. These tickets let you choose circuit 2A or 2B. These tickets are the only tickets that offer access to the entire ancient city. The city is divided into an upper route and a lower route. 2A and 2B includes both upper and lower routes. The lower route is also called circuit #3 for which there is a separate entry ticket. Let's say these tickets are the "Cinderella" tickets to the Inca ball. 
  • Machu Picchu Circuit #3 tickets. These tickets are for the lower section of the ancient city and although they "mention" that visitors get the "classic photo quite close to the urban area," we're not buying it! it's not THE classic view. It's a version of the view from the lower agricultural terraces on the side of the urban center. Right after you enter the Machu Picchu circuit #3 main gate, you walk past a couple of adobe structures and out onto the open area on the terraces. From here you can climb up to a slightly higher terrace for the view before you tour the lower section of the city. I don't want to insinuate that circuit #3 tickets are the "Ugly Step Sister" tickets to the Inca ball. But perhaps they're more like a trusy sidekick to Cinderella whose foot might be a half size too big!

Can you buy more than one entry ticket to Machu Picchu?

Yes you can buy more than one entry ticket for the same day as long as the ticket is different. But should you? That's up to you. In the big picture the cost of individual tickets are about $50 USD to $65 for adults. If available you can buy tickets to hike Huayna Picchu that include circuit #3. There's various ways to organize your trip with two entry tickets. Here's a link to read more about things to consider regarding whether or not you should buy extra entry tickets to Machu Picchu and what you need to know if you do.

Let me know if you need help untangling the variables about how and when to buy your Machu Picchu entry tickets. Call, text or What'sApp our US office. 757-714-6649

Should you hire a tour guide for your trip to Machu Picchu? Click Here to read more.