Lately, several friends have reached out to me (Summer) with the same frustrating news: they’re planning to visit Machu Picchu, only to find that tickets are already sold out!
Yep, it’s true—Machu Picchu tickets have been selling like hotcakes lately.
Back in March, I was still able to help a friend grab a Route 2 ticket just two days in advance. But once April hit, the official ticketing website started showing nothing but Sold Out signs.
As of now, the next available dates for Route 1 and Route 3 are already pushed out to late May 2025. And as for the most popular Route 2? The earliest online ticket you can get is for late June!
So what if the online tickets are all gone but you still want to visit Machu Picchu?
Don’t panic—the answer is: buy your ticket in person!
If online tickets are sold out, there’s still a good chance you can score one on the ground in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
Here’s the deal: the Peruvian Ministry of Culture has an office in Aguas Calientes that releases 1,000 tickets daily for next-day entry. These tickets are reserved for travelers who didn’t manage to book online in advance.
The 1,000 daily tickets include entries for Route 1, Route 2, and Route 3—with the highest number available for Route 2. Routes 1 and 3 tend to have fewer spots, so availability can vary.
So, how does the in-person ticket process actually work?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you plan:
- Day 1: Travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. You can either take a scenic Sacred Valley day tour and continue on to Aguas Calientes, or head straight there. Spend the night in town.
Why stay overnight? Because the next morning, you’ll need to line up early at the Ministry of Culture office. The earlier you go, the better your chances of getting a ticket! - Day 2 (Early Morning): Head to the Ministry of Culture office in Aguas Calientes to queue and get a numbered ticket. This number reserves your spot in line for purchasing a ticket later that day.
When you receive your number, you’ll also be told what time to return in the afternoon to complete the purchase. - Later That Day: Come back at your assigned time and wait for your number to be called. Once it’s your turn, tell the staff which route you want (as long as there are still tickets available), show your ID/passport, make the payment, and voilà—you’ve got your Machu Picchu ticket in hand.
- The earlier you show up to get your queue number, the earlier your turn will be—and that means better chances of getting a ticket, especially for the popular Route 2. Early birds definitely have the advantage here!
Important: This in-person method only allows you to buy tickets for the following day, not for same-day entry. So once you secure your ticket, you’ll need to wait until the next day to actually visit Machu Picchu—no entry on the same day. - Day 3: Time to Visit Machu Picchu!
On the morning of your ticket date, meet up with your guide, hop on the shuttle bus, and head up the mountain to finally enter the awe-inspiring site of Machu Picchu.
No matter which route you choose, you’ll have about 2 to 2.5 hours to explore the ruins. That’s plenty of time to soak in the views, snap those bucket-list photos, and listen to the fascinating stories behind the Inca citadel.
In the afternoon, you can head back down to Aguas Calientes, catch your train, and transfer back to Cusco by car. - Day 4: Back to Lima or Off to Your Next Adventure
From Cusco, you can fly back to Lima or continue on to your next destination in Peru—or wherever your journey takes you!
How Many Days Do I Need in Cusco if I’m Buying Machu Picchu Tickets On-Site?
Great question! If you plan to buy your Machu Picchu ticket in person, you’ll need to stay at least two nights in Aguas Calientes. That’s because you can only buy tickets for the next day, not same-day entry.
In the past, a typical 2-day Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu tour from Cusco worked fine if you had a pre-booked ticket. But now, with the extra step of getting your ticket on-site, that trip becomes a 3-day itinerary instead.
Sample Itinerary (If You’re Starting from Lima)
If you’re flying in from Lima, here’s a suggested 5-day plan to make it all work smoothly:
- Day 1: Fly from Lima to Cusco
- Day 2: Sacred Valley day tour + travel to Aguas Calientes in the evening → overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Day 3: Wake up early to queue for a ticket number, return in the afternoon to purchase the ticket
- Day 4: Visit Machu Picchu in the morning, return to Cusco in the afternoon
- Day 5: Fly back to Lima or head to your next destination
But… Is It Really Possible to Get a Ticket On-Site?
Some of you have been asking: “What are the chances I’ll actually get a ticket if I try to buy it in person?”
The good news? Pretty high—as long as you get there early enough.
Each day, 1,000 tickets are released for next-day entry, and if you’re not set on Route 2, your chances are even better. Once you’ve got a queue number in hand, scoring a ticket for Route 1 or Route 3 is almost guaranteed.
Now, if you’re really set on Route 2 (I get it, it’s the most iconic!), and one day of waiting doesn’t work out, then simply plan to stay two nights in Aguas Calientes. A bit more flexibility can make all the difference.
Let’s be real—Machu Picchu’s advance ticket system has turned away a lot of spontaneous travelers. Not everyone can plan months ahead and commit to an exact date. That’s why this in-person option is such a game-changer.
Just because the website says sold out, doesn’t mean your dream is over. There are still 1,000 daily chances waiting for you—right at the base of the Andes.
If you need the latest updates on Machu Picchu ticket availability, route breakdowns, or itinerary help, feel free to DM me—Summer’s here to help.
I’m Summer, a backpacker who’s always chasing the next great outdoor adventure.
I only recommend the best hidden gems and unforgettable journeys.
Follow me, and let’s talk South America. Let’s talk travel. ✨🌎
