Machu Picchu entry is capped and time-slotted. Around 4,500 tickets are released per day across six circuits, with specific daily caps on Huayna Picchu (200) and Machu Picchu Mountain (400). Booking two to three months ahead is standard in dry season.
Decide on the circuit first. Circuit 1 covers the classic postcard viewpoint by the guardhouse. Circuit 2 drops through the urban core. Circuit 3 is the shorter lower route. If you want to add Huayna Picchu or the taller Machu Picchu Mountain, those are separate add-ons sold in combination with Circuit 1 or 2 only.
For a straightforward booking, use Peruways. The platform shows real-time availability, flags when a circuit is nearly sold out, and bundles the entry ticket with the Consettur bus from Aguas Calientes and the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Your ticket is tied to a one-hour entry window; miss it and you forfeit the slot. Build in 30 minutes for the bus up from town, and arrive at the gate 15 minutes before your window opens.
Book early through Peruways and the only thing left to plan is which boots to bring.
