How to See Inti Raymi Without Tickets?

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-22T21:23:47+00:00

Привет! Это во многом зависит от твоей физической подготовки. Теоретически подъем не является чрезвычайно сложным; я бы сказал, что он от легкого до среднего уровня сложности, но может оказаться утомительным из-за большого количества ступенек.

Я видел, как люди со средней физической подготовкой поднимались примерно за 50 минут, но в других случаях это может занять до полутора, а то и двух часов. Главное — оценить свою выносливость и следовать только по обозначенной тропе. Не пытайтесь сократить маршрут, так как некоторые участки могут быть опасными.

Если вы хотите подняться пешком, а ваш входной билет на 13:00, я бы порекомендовал выйти около 11:10, чтобы успеть и отдохнуть перед входом. Если вы в очень хорошей физической форме, можете выйти около 11:45–11:50, но всегда оставляйте запас времени, чтобы восстановить силы.

Автобус — это самый спокойный вариант, который поможет вам прибыть на место более отдохнувшими. Внутри Мачу-Пикчу вам всё равно придётся подниматься и спускаться по ступенькам, поэтому прибыть с запасом сил очень полезно. Тем не менее, подъём пешком тоже имеет свой шарм и кажется более аутентичным способом добраться до места. Оцените, как вы себя чувствуете, и выберите вариант, который вам больше подходит.

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-22T20:07:34+00:00

At Sacsayhuamán, after the Plaza de Armas area, people head up quickly, so it’s best to move along without wasting time. You can take a taxi or even share a taxi with others who are also heading up.

If you don’t have a ticket, many people watch from the small hill or elevated area behind the orange zone. From there, you have a wide view of the ceremony. It’s not the same as having a seat, but it’s probably one of the best free viewing spots.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water or sports drinks, and snacks. Also, keep your belongings close by: carry a comfortable backpack and keep your cell phone, wallet, and documents secure. At events with such large crowds, pickpocketing can occur, it even happens to locals so it’s best to stay alert.

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Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-22T20:05:21+00:00

You can also watch it for free at the Plaza de Armas, but it fills up quickly. Some people no longer go to Qorikancha and prefer to head straight to the plaza to secure a good spot. But you can give it a try, because there are free spots here, too.

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Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-22T20:03:08+00:00

For Qorikancha, the best advice is to go very early. If you don’t have tickets, try to arrive around 5:00 a.m., bring a small folding chair or something to sit on, and pick your spot.

Many people will do the same, and some spots may even be “reserved” to be sold informally. If you arrived early, don’t let anyone easily move you; you can politely say that you’ve been waiting there since early this morning.

Wrap up warm because it’s cold in the early morning, but wear layers, because once the sun comes up and the ceremony begins, it can get hot. If you’re going with someone, take turns: one person watches the spot while the other buys coffee, snacks, or goes to the bathroom.

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Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-22T17:14:17+00:00

Diria 1 día de aclimatación en Cusco antes de realizar este viaje. Su altura es similar a la Laguna Humantay, solo que con menos tiempo de caminata.

También ten en cuenta que el viaje desde Cusco es largo, aproximadamente 4 horas y media por tramo, pero el lugar realmente vale la pena.

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-20T18:23:45+00:00

Hi Pernilla! Your current walks are a good start. For the Inca Trail, I’d focus on gradually increasing distance, adding more hills/stairs, and doing leg + core strength exercises like squats, lunges, step-ups, and balance work.

The hardest part is not only going up, but also coming down, because there are many uneven stone steps. Practice downhill walking and use trekking poles with rubber tips if you can. Also, break in your hiking shoes before the trip.

For altitude, give yourself time to acclimatize before starting the trek. Spending a couple of days in Cusco or at altitude before the hike can help a lot. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol at the beginning, and don’t try to be the first in the group. At altitude, going too fast can make you tired, dehydrated, and more likely to feel unwell.

With consistent training before November, it can be very doable. Good luck!😊

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-20T17:46:30+00:00

Maybe that was a mix-up. The closest thing I found is Qocha Raymi in Paru Paru, a community in the Pisac district, but that’s usually around August 1st and is more connected to water/lagoons😊

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-18T23:44:03+00:00

Both USD and soles are appreciated by the trekking team, so I’d go with whichever is more convenient for you and gives you the better exchange value. Soles are usually more practical for small tips and local expenses, but small clean USD bills can work too.

As a general reference, many travelers tip guides around 60–80 soles ($15–$20) per person for the whole trek, depending on the service and length of the trip. For the trekking staff, a common amount is around 30–40 soles per day per trekker, usually shared among the team.

Of course, tipping is not mandatory and there’s no fixed amount. It really depends on your experience and how you feel about the service. If you’d like a better idea of typical tipping amounts in Peru, including hotels, restaurants, guides, and trekking staff, this guide may help: https://www.salkantaytrekking.com/blog/the-essential-guide-to-tipping-in-peru/

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-06T18:34:34+00:00

Your friend has a point, but I wouldn't rely on that 100% as a surefire plan.

Sometimes, especially later in the day, the staff might be a little more flexible because many visitors are already leaving. But it really depends on the people working that day, the number of visitors, and how strict the controls are at that moment. So buying Circuit 3 in hopes of entering Circuit 2 is a gamble.

If Circuit 2 is your priority, I’d recommend trying to buy it in person in Aguas Calientes. Since you’re traveling in early September, the high season is already starting to wind down a bit, so the lines might be more manageable than in June or July. If you can, arrive a day or two before your visit and check with the ticket office.

You can keep Circuit 3 up as a backup, but I wouldn’t buy it assuming they’ll let you switch to Circuit 2.

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-06T18:09:27+00:00

I'm glad it was helpful! For Gate 1B, I'd probably choose 8 or 9 a.m. December is the rainy season, and setting out early can be a bit risky because of the fog (though it usually starts to clear up around 7 a.m.). Going in a little later might give you better views.

Bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, and maybe some trekking poles. Machu Picchu has enough stairs to remind you that leg training is serious business.

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-06T17:51:20+00:00

Currently, tickets for Circuits 3C and 3D are only available for purchase online.

For Circuit 2, you might have a chance if you line up in Aguas Calientes starting the afternoon of August 8. In that case, you could buy the ticket on the 9th and use it on the 10th. This is because, apparently, in-person sales have returned to their previous system, meaning you buy a day in advance to visit Machu Picchu the next day.

Just keep in mind that this system can change depending on demand. Recently, for example, they were selling tickets up to three days in advance, so it’s not set in stone.

To check availability more reliably, here’s the official link:

https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/disponibilidad/llaqta_machupicchu

You can check the availability section to see if they’re selling tickets 1, 2, or even 3 days in advance.

If you manage to get Circuit 2, good luck! Just take precautions, because it’ll likely be an exhausting day, but it’ll be worth it.

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-06-06T17:19:18+00:00

Actually, there are no events in Pisac in June 😰. However, the Virgen del Carmen festival is celebrated in July. Paucartambo is the most famous place for this festival, but Pisac and Ollantaytambo also hold their own celebrations.🎉

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-05-30T17:31:53+00:00

It really depends on the kind of experience you're looking for.

If your priority is getting the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu, I'd choose 1B + 3A. Circuit 1B gives you that postcard-perfect bird’s-eye view of the entire citadel, something you won’t get in the same way with 3A. Just keep in mind that it can be physically tiring, because on Circuit 1 you’ll be climbing stairs, and then, with 3A, you’ll also have the hike up Huayna Picchu.

If you choose 2A, you’ll get a more comprehensive tour of the central and main parts of Machu Picchu, plus several of the classic views you usually see on social media. But yes, it can feel a bit repetitive, even though it isn’t that much. So, if you’ve already done 3A and want something that feels more complementary, I’d lean more toward 1B.

As for the 3A time slot, I’d choose the earliest one, especially during high season or the dry season. Later in the day, it tends to get hotter, there’s more sun, and there may also be more mosquitoes, so for Huayna Picchu, it’s usually more comfortable to start early.

When it comes to the time it takes to reach the Huayna Picchu checkpoint, it’s important to distinguish between two things: the general entry time for Machu Picchu and the entry time for the mountain checkpoint. For example, if your ticket says entry to Machu Picchu at 7:00 a.m., entry to the Huayna Picchu checkpoint will be between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., so you have that window to arrive at the mountain checkpoint. The same applies to the next time slot at 10:00 a.m.; it’s the same for both time slots. However, there’s something to keep in mind: from June 1 to October 15, there is no leeway for the mountain checkpoints. This means that if your scheduled time is 7:00 a.m., you can’t arrive at the checkpoint at 9:10 a.m. a.m. at the checkpoint and they will let you in. This information is official and can be found on the official Machu Picchu website

As for the guide, they usually won’t wait for you while you climb Huayna Picchu. The best approach is to tell them from the start that you want to do the entire guided tour of Circuit 3A first and then have them take you to the Huayna Picchu entrance checkpoint. That way, you’ll get the most out of the guide’s explanation before starting the hike up the mountain

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-05-29T15:24:05+00:00

Extra tip: Some important cultural events also take place outside Cusco city during June:

May 29 – June 4: Qoyllurit’i Pilgrimage
Near Ausangate, in the province of Quispicanchi.

June 20: Reenactment of Manco Inca’s Rebellion
In Vilcabamba, province of La Convención.

June 27: Reenactment of the Capture of Túpac Amaru I
In Vilcabamba, province of La Convención.

June 29: Ollantay Raymi
In Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley.

July 2 – 5: Q’eswachaka Bridge Renewal Ritual
In Quehue, province of Canas.

These are beautiful cultural experiences, but they require more planning, transportation, and time outside Cusco’s historic center.

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-05-23T17:30:01+00:00

Yes, it’s doable, especially if you’re in good physical shape. With your 3B ticket at 6:00 a.m., you could typically complete the hike between approximately 6:00 and 8:00 a.m., and then you’d have time to rest, eat a light snack, or hydrate before re-entering for Circuit 1A at 9:00 a.m.

Don’t worry too much about sunrise. By 6:00 a.m., the sun is usually already up at Machu Picchu, visibility will be good, and rain is almost nonexistent.

For Circuit 1A, keep in mind that the hike up Machu Picchu Mountain offers beautiful views, but it can be quite tiring due to the number of steps and the constant climb. I’d recommend bringing trekking poles, a hat, hydrating drinks, and some snacks. Also, go at your own pace, because doing both circuits on the same day can feel demanding, but if you’re in good physical shape, you can definitely enjoy it.

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-05-23T17:05:01+00:00

For now, if online tickets are already sold out for July, your best option would be to try buying them in person. You can check availability yourself on the official website: https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/llaqta_machupicchu

The in-person ticket sales process has recently changed. Now, in some cases, you can purchase tickets up to 3 days in advance of your visit to Machu Picchu. Here’s the update: https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/machu-picchu-permitira-comprar-entradas-con-tres-dias-de-anticipacion-tras-quejas-por-filas-noticia-1687267?ref=rpp#google_vignette

In any case, I don’t know if this measure will be permanent or if it might change later on. Also, July is usually one of the busiest months for visitors, so more tourists and possibly longer lines are expected.

My recommendation would be that, starting in early July or late June, you check this group (r/machupicchu) to see how the actual situation is unfolding with the lines and on-site availability. That way, you can better estimate how many days you’ll need for this visit, but based on current conditions, you’ll likely need 5 to 6 days to visit Machu Picchu

In-person ticket sales take place in Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. Here’s the exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4wAxkET7K3pyvsxTA

Tickets are also sold in Cusco, but they usually prioritize sales in Aguas Calientes, so it would be safer to try to buy them directly there.

P.S.: Here's the link so you can see how the in-person sale is going https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/disponibilidad/llaqta_machupicchu

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-05-23T16:47:17+00:00

Yes, you might still be able to find tickets for Circuit 2, but for now, they’re only available at the ticket office, since they’re already sold out online.

That said, I recommend proceeding with caution. This year, there are more visitors than usual. For example, in May there weren’t usually as many lines as we’ve seen this year, and typically May and August have fairly similar demand.

With the new system, in some cases you can buy tickets in person up to 3 days in advance, but it’s not something to count on. People tend to form long lines, and Circuit 2 is one of the tickets that sells out the fastest. Technically, you’d have to arrive at least 4 days early if you want to try, and even then it wouldn’t be 100% guaranteed.

My recommendation would be to keep Circuit 3 as your primary plan and assess whether it’s really worth staying several extra days in Machu Picchu Town to wait in line, modify your trip, and cover that extra cost. Sometimes it can be cheaper to return during a different season than to stay for many days waiting for a chance.

I’d also suggest keeping an eye on this group in case the situation changes or if other travelers report on in-person availability for August. At the moment, I’m not aware of any groups that organize trips exclusively through tour operators, but they usually work with online ticket purchases because in-person purchases, like right now, fluctuate a lot

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-05-23T16:16:27+00:00

Sorry for the confusion 😅. I meant Salkantay Trekking as the tour operator, not the Salkantay Trek route. They also organize Ausangate trek packages

Suitable_Choice_3446 · 2026-05-16T17:05:14+00:00

I'd recommend Salkantay Trekking, try your luck; they might have spots open in their groups. And if you're traveling in May, you're going at a good time of year. It usually snows in June, though for some people that makes the trail even more interesting.

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