If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu in 2025, we highly recommend staying informed about the latest updates published by the Ministry of Culture. The availability of tickets and new capacity regulations can vary throughout the year. In 2025, for instance, Machu Picchu tickets were sold out in July and August, emphasizing the importance of planning in advance.
To ensure a seamless experience, it is crucial to be aware of any changes in fees and regulations for Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tours in 2025. Stay updated with the latest information provided by the Ministry of Culture and reputable travel agencies.
Additionally, please note that there are approximately 1000 tickets available in Aguas Calientes village (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), but these tickets are often in high demand and tend to sell out in advance. Hence, it is advisable to secure your tickets as early as possible to secure your desired visit date.
By staying informed and planning ahead, you can make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu in 2025 and create unforgettable memories in this extraordinary ancient citadel.
These new rates for the entrance fee to Machu Picchu 2025 are as follows:
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu 2025 |
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| Only Machu Picchu Circuit 1 and 2 | S/ 172 |
| Machu Picchu Student tickets | S/ 86 |
| Machu Picchu Children tickets (between the ages of 3 and 17) | S/ 43 |
Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu 2025 |
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| Huayna Picchu Mountain + Circuit 4 | S/ 220 |
| Machu Picchu Student tickets | S/ 110 |
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Mountain 2025 |
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| Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3 | S/ 220 |
| Machu Picchu Student tickets | S/ 110 |
If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail in 2025, it is crucial to contact Salkantay Trek Machu, a trusted tour operator. The Inca Trail permits are typically available only through authorized tour operators. The cost of the Inca Trail can be relatively high due to several factors:
Peruvian and Sernanp Fees: Tour operators must pay fees to the Peruvian government and Sernanp (National Service of Natural Protected Areas).
Camping Equipment: Tour operators provide camping equipment, including tents for customers, guides, dining, toilets, mattresses, and more.
Porters' Welfare: Tour operators are responsible for ensuring the welfare of porters, including fair wages, life insurance, social health insurance, and contributions to AFP (Pension Fund Administrators).
Porter Equipment: Tour operators must provide appropriate clothing, hiking boots, and other necessary equipment to the porters.
Huayllabamba Camping Taxes: Tour operators are obligated to pay taxes for the camping site in Huayllabamba.
Professional Tour Guide: Qualified tour guides are essential and included in the overall cost.
Equipment Maintenance: Tour operators need to invest in pots, plates, cups, spoons, and other equipment for the trail, which requires regular replacement.
Shuttle Bus: A shuttle bus service from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes village is provided by the tour operator.
Train Tickets: Tour operators secure train tickets in advance, which are subject to regular prices without any special discounts.
Community Engagement: Responsible tour operators work closely with local communities to organize sustainable and responsible tourism initiatives.
These are just some of the factors that contribute to the cost of the Inca Trail. Salkantay Trek Machu fulfills all the mentioned requirements and has been a trusted sustainable operator since 2017.
Inca Trail 2025 |
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| 4 Day Inca Trail permits + Machu Picchu tickets circuit 4 | S/ 327 |
| 2 Day Inca Trail permits + Machu Picchu tickets circuit 4 | S/ 272 |
If you haven't booked your Inca Trail permits in advance and they are sold out, it is not possible to secure additional tickets. Once the Inca Trail permits are sold out, they cannot be transferred to other customers.
However, there are alternative treks available for those who are unable to hike the Inca Trail. One popular option is the Salkantay Trek, a 5 or 4-day hike to Machu Picchu that offers breathtaking mountain views and visits to Humantay and Soroycocha lakes. It also includes a visit to the Llactapata ruins. In the subtropical zone, you can explore the diverse flora. It is recommended to choose a sustainable tour operator as some sections of the Salkantay Trail have been affected by the construction of igloos, hotels, and local government-built roads for cars between Santa Teresa and Chaullay. However, Chaullay is still used as the second campsite by most tour operators. The earlier sections of the trail remain beautiful and authentic. Another scenic route is the Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu, which takes you through pristine landscapes, mountain glaciers, and significant Inca sites like Vitcos, Maranpata, and Llactapata.
The second option is the Lares Trek, which is a 3-day hike. After completing the trek, you will need to catch a train to Aguas Calientes and then take a bus up to Machu Picchu. Finally, you will return to Cusco. Similar options include the Inca Quarry Trail and Huchuyqosqo.
For a more adventurous experience, you can consider the Inca Jungle Trek. This tour is perfect for adrenaline-seeking travelers as it involves biking, rafting, zip-lining, and trekking to Machu Picchu.
I once heard someone who had been traveling around Peru for several months saying that they weren't going to visit Machu Picchu. When I asked why, he said that it was too overrun with tourists and there just wasn't the air of mystery surrounding it like some of Peru's lesser-known ruins. Up to a point, he's right.
Machu Picchu, particularly during the high season, can be overcrowded and has been visited by a multitude of people from all over the world. Its iconic image graces the covers of books and posters, but there is a reason why so many people are drawn to this ancient citadel - it is simply stunning and breathtakingly gorgeous. The remote location, perched high up and surrounded by mountains that are as beautiful as the site itself, adds to its allure. The convergence of clouds at this hidden gem creates a dream-like setting. While some may be able to visit Egypt without seeing the Pyramids or the Sphinx, for me, missing Machu Picchu would be a significant loss. It is the epitome of travel to Peru, the site that is synonymous with the country and the driving force behind its tourism. However, it is important to acknowledge that it is becoming increasingly overwhelmed by visitors.
Tourism in Machu Picchu increases every year, and during the high season, it is essential to book hotels, trains, and tours well in advance. From May to September, the site sees a significant influx of visitors, with thousands of people exploring it daily. By around noon, most visitors are present at the same time, which can contribute to the feeling of overcrowding. Restrictions and regulations are necessary if Machu Picchu wants to be preserved for many years to come.
Landslides are frequent in the area, and many officials are worried that the site could be a part of one of them if the tourist flow isn't slowed down. UNESCO named the site to its list of endangered world heritage sites and argues that if it sees more than 3500 - 4100 visitors each day it will sustain serious damage. That is far below the current numbers. There were plans to run cable carsfrom Aguas Calientes to the ruins, though after the a UNESCO ruling the government placed more stringent rules and the cars were disallowed. Liliting the number of tourists seems on the horizon, even though the powers that be in Lima don't seem to be considering it at this time. Restrictions have already been imposed on the Inca Trail. Only time will tell if they can be emposed on Machu Picchu before it is too late.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu in 2025 is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to September. This period offers more stable weather conditions and clearer skies, providing optimal visibility of the stunning ancient citadel. The months of June, July, and August are considered the peak season, with a higher number of visitors. If you prefer to avoid large crowds, you may consider visiting during the shoulder months of May or September when the weather is still favorable, and the site is relatively quieter. Keep in mind that Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas can still experience occasional showers, so it's essential to pack appropriate rain gear.
