How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets on TuBoleto: Step by Step with the New System
How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets on TuBoleto: Step by Step with the New System
Updated: October 26, 2026
TuBoleto (tuboleto.cultura.pe) is the Ministry of Culture's official platform for Machu Picchu tickets. In September 2026 the buying process changed: there are no more unpaid reservations, purchases are confirmed instantly and you have little time to pay. Here's how it works and the mistakes we see most often.
What changed in 2026
Since September 22, 2026, the system works like this:
- You can't hold tickets without paying. Tickets used to be held for hours, which let some people block thousands of spots to resell them (more in the bots scandal).
- You have 15 minutes to pay after choosing your date and time. If you don't pay, the spot is released.
- The ticket is issued in the visitor's name and linked to their ID.
Visitor caps, circuits and entry times did not change with the new system.
Before you log in, have this ready
- Each traveler's details: full name, nationality, date of birth and passport number exactly as shown on the document.
- Your date and a backup, in case the first one is full.
- The circuit you want. If you're unsure, read Machu Picchu tickets and circuits and, if you want a mountain, Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain.
- A card enabled for online purchases.
With 15 minutes to pay, hunting for each traveler's passport at that moment is the fastest way to lose your spot.
Step by step
- Create your account on tuboleto.cultura.pe as an individual (or as a company, if buying for a business).
- Choose the destination: the Llaqta of Machu Picchu.
- Pick the date on the calendar. You'll see availability per day.
- Choose circuit, route and time slot. If you want Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you choose it here, together with the entrance.
- Enter each visitor's details. Check them twice: a mistyped passport number can keep you out.
- Pay within 15 minutes.
- Download and save your ticket. Keep it on your phone and, if you can, printed.
Payment methods and fees
According to the Ministry of Culture, you can pay with Visa, Mastercard and Yape (a Peruvian app). The payment gateway charges a fee: about 2.83% for domestic payments and 4.69% for international ones. Diners, American Express and Págalo.pe have been announced as coming soon.
If your foreign card is declined, try another one or let your bank know you're making a purchase in Peru.
Common mistakes
- Name or passport number different from the document. On the day of your visit you'll be asked for your original passport, and it must match the ticket.
- Buying with your old passport and traveling with a renewed one. If you change passports, let us know or check with the Ministry before you travel.
- Getting the entry time wrong. Your ticket has a fixed time slot; arriving late can cost you entry.
- Assuming you can change the date. Tickets can't be moved to another date or transferred to another person.
- Buying the ticket without train or bus. The ticket is only one part: you also need to get to Aguas Calientes and up to the citadel.
Buy it yourself or through an agency?
Buying on TuBoleto yourself works well if you travel in low season, have flexible dates and will arrange the train, bus and guide on your own.
An agency makes sense if you travel in high season or on holidays, want a mountain, or prefer someone to make sure ticket, train and hotel times fit together. We buy our travelers' tickets and build them into the tour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official website to buy Machu Picchu tickets?
It's tuboleto.cultura.pe, run by Peru's Ministry of Culture. There are also in-person sales points in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
How long do I have to pay on TuBoleto?
15 minutes from when you choose your date and time. If you don't pay in that time, the spot is released.
Which cards does TuBoleto accept?
Visa and Mastercard, plus the Peruvian app Yape. Diners, American Express and Págalo.pe have been announced.
Can I buy tickets for someone else?
Yes, by entering their details exactly as shown on their ID. The ticket is issued in their name and can't be transferred later.
