Peru: Machu Picchu in-person tickets to be sold up to three days in advance

00:00 | Cusco (Cusco region), May. 10.

The Decentralized Directorate of Culture in Cusco (DDC Cusco) announced that it will exceptionally implement advance in-person ticket sales at its office in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Town), amid the massive influx of tourists arriving in the area seeking to visit the Machu Picchu Inca citadel.

In a statement, the agency informed citizens, tourists, and tour operators that, given the unusual and significant increase in visitors, it will facilitate access to the world wonder, Machu Picchu.

"Therefore, the sale of the 1,000 daily tickets at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Cultural Center will not be limited solely to admission for the following day, but will allow the purchase of tickets up to three days in advance, subject to availability and in compliance with the authorized carrying capacity for each date," the document stated.

According to authorities, the measure aims to provide greater convenience for visitors, contribute to better travel planning, and support a more orderly management of tourist flows during high demand periods.

Nevertheless, the DDC stated that it will continue implementing measures aimed at improving the visitor experience and ensuring proper organization of access to the cultural heritage site, Machu Picchu.

Massive influx

Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is the destination reached by tourists traveling via the rail routes from Ollantaytambo and Hidroelectrica before boarding buses to ascend to the Inca citadel.

In Aguas Calientes, 1,000 in-person tickets are offered for tourists who are unable to secure any of the 3,500 tickets made available by the institution through its virtual platform.

Over the past week, there has been a massive influx of visitors, signaling the start of high tourism season.

Currently, the daily visitor capacity stands at 4,500.

However, according to Ministerial Resolution No. 000528-2023-MC, the maximum carrying capacity for visits to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu has been set at 5,600 visitors per day during high tourism season this year.

This visitor limit was established for January 1, 2026; from April 2 to 5, 2026; from June 19 to November 2, 2026; and from December 30 to 31, 2026.

Nevertheless, the daily capacity remains at 4,500 visitors during the rest of the year.