Changes to in-person ticket sales for Machu Picchu in August 2025

What has changed?

One of the main changes has been the elimination of the “pre-ticket” system. Previously, tourists had to wait in two lines: one to obtain a pre-ticket (a kind of temporary reservation) and another to validate and purchase the final ticket.

 Now, there is only one line, in which visitors can directly purchase their ticket to the Inca citadel.

This change aims to streamline the process and reduce waiting times. However, high demand has exceeded the system's capacity, forcing additional measures to be taken.

Tickets available only for later dates.

Due to the large number of people arriving in Aguas Calientes, same-day tickets tend to sell out very early. As a result, authorities have begun selling tickets for later dates, i.e., for 2 or 3 days in advance.

This means that if a tourist arrives today without a ticket, they will probably have to stay several additional days in the town in order to enter Machu Picchu. This entails higher expenses and may affect the travel plans of those who have not made an advance reservation.

Recommendations to avoid setbacks

If you are traveling to Machu Picchu, keep the following in mind:

• Purchase your ticket in advance on the official website of the Ministry of Culture or through an authorized agency.
• Avoid arriving without a confirmed ticket, especially during high season, such as August.
• If you purchase your ticket in person, be prepared to stay more than one day in Aguas Calientes.
• Follow updates on official channels and local networks, as measures may change depending on demand.

Machu Picchu remains one of the most incredible destinations in the world. However, to enjoy it to the fullest, good planning is key.