Visiting Machu Picchu is the dream of thousands of travelers… but one of the most common mistakes is leaving the reservation until the last minute. Every year, many people arrive in Cusco thinking they can easily buy their entrance ticket—only to face an unpleasant surprise: sold-out tickets.
If you want to avoid stress, changes to your plans, and unnecessary expenses, here’s why booking Machu Picchu in advance is essential and how to do it the right way.
đźš« Limited (and strictly controlled) daily entries
Daily access to Machu Picchu is strictly limited to protect the archaeological site. This means:
- Tickets sell out, even weeks in advance
- During high season (May–September), they can sell out months ahead of time
- Same-day availability is not guaranteed
👉 Simply arriving in Cusco does not guarantee entry to Machu Picchu.
🗓️ Schedules and circuits: not all visits are the same
Machu Picchu is currently visited through specific circuits and time slots. Booking in advance allows you to:
- Choose the time slot you prefer
- Select the most complete circuit
- Better plan your route and photo opportunities
If you wait until the last minute, only limited options—or none at all—may be available.
🚆 Trains and transportation also fill up
It’s not just the entrance ticket. Transportation to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) is also in high demand:
- Trains have limited schedules
- Last-minute prices are usually higher
- Less flexibility for your itinerary
Booking ahead gives you better schedules and more stable prices.
🥾 Inca Trail: even more advance planning required
If you dream of hiking the Inca Trail, planning ahead is absolutely essential. Permits are very limited and usually sell out 4 to 6 months in advance.
👉 There’s no room for improvisation here.
đź’¸ Is booking in advance more expensive?
Actually, no. Booking early often helps you:
- Avoid extra costs due to last-minute urgency
- Choose better combinations of train tickets and entry times
- Save money with well-planned packages
Last-minute travel almost always costs more.
đź’ˇ Key tips for booking Machu Picchu
- First, decide your travel dates to Cusco
- Book Machu Picchu before reserving other tours
- Carefully check the circuit and time slot
- Save all confirmations and digital tickets
- If traveling in high season, book months in advance
✨ Travel relaxed, enjoy more
Machu Picchu is not a destination to leave to chance. Booking in advance allows you to travel stress-free, avoid forced changes, and feel confident knowing you’ll experience one of the most important journeys of your life.
📌 Avoid unnecessary surprises:
Plan ahead, book on time, and let Machu Picchu amaze you… for all the right reasons 🏔️✨


Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (PET)

