The Peru Guides

Machu Picchu Peak Season Starts 19 June: More Entry Slots Available

· 2 min read Travel News
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the cloud forest above Aguas Calientes, Peru

Contents

  1. What changes from June 19
  2. Inca Trail permits no longer include site entry
  3. How to book
  4. Getting there

Machu Picchu transitions from regular season to peak season on 19 June 2026, bringing a meaningful practical change for visitors: the number of authorised daily entry time slots increases from six to ten. Combined with the start of the Peruvian dry season, this marks the most popular window of the year to visit the citadel — and the period when advance booking becomes essential.

What changes from June 19

During regular season (November through 18 June), the Ministry of Culture offers six daily time windows for entry to the citadel. From 19 June through 2 November, ten time windows become available across the day. The general daily visitor cap is set at 4,500, with the possibility of rising to 5,600 on specifically designated high-demand dates during July and August.

Inca Trail permits no longer include site entry

A significant 2026 change confirmed for trekkers: Inca Trail permits no longer bundle in Machu Picchu entry. Anyone arriving via the trail now needs a separate citadel ticket on top of their trail permit, adding USD 65 or more to the total. We recommend booking both the trail permit and the entry ticket at the same time to avoid the frustration of securing a trail permit but finding the citadel fully booked.

How to book

All entry tickets must be purchased in advance through the official portal (machupicchu.gob.pe). No tickets are sold at the site gate. Morning slots, particularly the 6am and 7am windows, sell out within hours of going live during peak season. If you already have Cusco on your itinerary and want to add a Machu Picchu day, check availability immediately.

Getting there

The standard approach is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the base town directly below the citadel, followed by a 25-minute shuttle bus to the site entrance. There is no road access to the main entrance. Train bookings should also be made well in advance during peak season, as seats on the IncaRail and Peru Rail services sell out alongside the entry tickets.