Machu Picchu tickets

This item appears on page 4 of the October 2012 issue.

Since mid 2011, the number of visitors at Machu Picchu has been capped at 2,500 per day, and Peru requires tickets to be purchased in advance. While tour operators will handle that for their clients, independent travelers need to make their own arrangements.

However, the official ticket website of the Peruvian Ministerio de Cultura is difficult to navigate and currently is not accepting payments by credit cards. Reservations can still be made on the website, but payments for the tickets must be made in country at one of several Banco de la Nación de Peru locations. A ticket costs about 152 nuevo soles (near $58).

Travelers can also purchase tickets through tour operators in Lima, Cuzco and the Sacred Valley; a small service charge can be expected.