Planning a visit to Machu Picchu during peak season? Here’s everything you need to know to arrive prepared.
When is High Season?
April through August is Machu Picchu’s high season. During these months, entry tickets routinely sell out weeks — and sometimes months — in advance, and the way visits get planned is fundamentally different from the rest of the year. If you’re traveling in this window, this guide is essential reading.
How Machu Picchu Sells Entry Tickets
The Ministry of Culture controls all entry to Machu Picchu and limits visitors to 1,000 tickets per day. The standard policy works like this:
- Tickets for tomorrow go on sale today
- Tickets must be purchased in person at the Ministry office in Aguas Calientes, with passport
Important: The Ministry can change this policy with little or no notice during periods of extreme congestion. In the past, they have adopted two alternative approaches:
- A “pre-ticket” reservation model
- Selling tickets up to 3 days in advance of the visit day
At the moment, the Ministry is selling tickets up to 3 days in advance. We continuously monitor the situation and update our guidance as policy changes.
What to Bring on Your Tour
- 💧 Water (1L minimum per person)
- 🧢 Sun hat
- ☀️ Sunscreen
- 💵 Extra cash (Soles preferred for small purchases)
- 🌧️ Rain jacket or poncho — weather changes fast
- 👟 Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- 🎒 Small backpack with snacks (large packs are not permitted inside)
- 🥾 Trekking poles — allowed only with rubber stoppers (metal tips are not permitted)
Choosing Your Circuit
Machu Picchu has three official circuits, each offering a different route and experience through the citadel. They are not ranked — each is simply a different way to experience the site. Circuit availability changes daily during high season.
Contact us to:
- Confirm which circuits are available for your travel dates
- Reserve a specific circuit if you have a preference
- Get tailored recommendations based on mobility, interests, and time
How Wonders of Peru Expeditions Helps During High Season
Booking with us during high season means:
- Real-time ticket intelligence — we monitor availability daily and know exactly what’s selling
- On-the-ground logistical support — our team meets you in Aguas Calientes, escorts you to the Ministry office, and handles the in-person ticket purchase with your passport
- Best effort on short notice — even close-in bookings get our full effort to secure entry
- Honest, up-to-date advice — we tell you when to arrive, how early, and what the realistic options are