Which Machu Picchu ticket should you buy?
Machu Picchu has 3 circuits and 10 routes, and you can't change at the gate. Answer up to 12 quick questions and we'll tell you which route to book, and what to buy if it's sold out.
Updated 19 October 2026 · No sign up, no email
Are you hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Why we ask: Inca Trail permits include entry to Machu Picchu, so you may not need to buy a ticket at all.
How the quiz decides
Every answer adds points to one or more of the 10 routes, and the route with the most points wins. Some answers rule routes out completely: a visit in January rules out the four routes that only run from about June to mid October, a child in your group rules out the routes our guides list as adults only, and a standard ticket budget rules out Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and the Great Cavern, which cost more.
What matters most to you carries the most weight. If you want the photo and the temples, route 2-A almost always wins, because it's the only route that does both well. If you're hiking the Inca Trail, the quiz stops early: your permit already includes entry.
Every result comes with a backup. You can't change circuits at the gate, and a sold out route often has a near identical alternative, so it pays to know your second choice before you book.
The 10 routes at a glance
| Route | What you see | Postcard photo | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-A Machu Picchu Mountain | Climb to about 3,080 m, plus the upper terraces | Yes | All year |
| 1-B Upper Terrace | The classic view from the top | Yes, highest | Closed mid Oct to late Dec |
| 1-C Sun Gate | Upper terraces and the walk to Inti Punku | Yes | June to mid Oct |
| 1-D Inca Bridge | Upper terraces and a cliff path to the bridge | Yes | June to mid Oct |
| 2-A Designed Classic | Classic view, then the main temples | Yes | All year |
| 2-B Lower Terrace | The city with fewer steps | Yes, from lower | All year |
| 3-A Huayna Picchu | Lower city and the steep peak | No | All year |
| 3-B Royal Route | Lower city and royal areas, no climbs | No | All year |
| 3-C Great Cavern | Lower city and the Temple of the Moon | No | June to mid Oct |
| 3-D Huchuy Picchu | Lower city and the small peak | No | June to mid Oct |
Times, prices and booking tips in our Machu Picchu tickets guide.
Which ticket has the classic photo?
The famous view, with the citadel below and Huayna Picchu behind, is taken from the upper terraces near the Guardhouse. All four Circuit 1 routes reach it, and route 1-B gives the highest angle. Both Circuit 2 routes pass just below it, which is why 2-A is the best single ticket for most people.
None of the Circuit 3 routes reach the high terraces. Huayna Picchu gives you a different, dramatic view straight down onto the city instead.
What sells out first, and when to book
- June to August: book as soon as you know your dates, and at least 2 to 3 months ahead. Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, the Upper Terrace and route 2-A go first.
- April, May, September and October: popular slots usually go a few weeks ahead.
- November to March: easier, except around Christmas and New Year.
- Already in Peru: about 1,000 tickets a day are sold in Aguas Calientes for the following days. Queue before dawn and have a backup plan.
What the quiz can't tell you
Peru's Ministry of Culture changes the routes, seasons and rules often, and sources disagree on some details, such as minimum ages for the hikes. We follow the stricter rule and check our guides regularly, but always confirm on the official site before you pay. Since September 2026 you must pay within 15 minutes of reserving, and tickets carry your name and passport number. See how to get there to match your train to your entry time.