Machu Picchu has many different experiences and although they are all very amazing, there is one that travelers must book a long time in advance. There are only 350 tickets available to enter Huayna Picchu mountain, it is entered from the Inca city of Machu Picchu and although you do not need to have great physical gifts to climb to the top, not everyone can do it, and is that the impressive trails built on cliffs with falls of hundreds of meters deter many people; however, if you can be one of the 350 lucky ones to climb Huayna Picchu, know that reaching the top of this mountain can radically change your life.

• When should you book tickets for Huayna Picchu mountain?
• When is the best time to climb Huayna Picchu?
• What options do I have if I don’t get to book the Huayna Picchu tickets?
• Who can climb Huayna Picchu mountain?
• Important recommendations
• Frequently Asked Questions

Visitor at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

When should you book tickets for Huayna Picchu mountain?

As we said there are only 350 tickets available to enter the Huayna Picchu mountain, these are divided into 2 schedules or groups of income. Let’s look at the schedules in more detail.

• Group schedule 1: the entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu begins at 07:00 in the morning. One hour later you must enter through the checkpoint and ascend to Huayna Picchu.
• Group 2 schedule: the entrance of this group is at 9:00 am. The entrance to Huayna Picchu will start at 10:00 am.

To be able to choose an exact day and the group in which you want to enter Huayna Picchu mountain we recommend you book the tickets 3 months in advance, otherwise you may have to book tickets for the days you find available. Please note that the second group tickets sell out faster, but also remember that if you want to be in Machu Picchu during the high season (June, July, August) all tickets, especially the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, must be booked 4 months in advance.

When is the best time to climb Huayna Picchu?

Most people prefer the dry season to hike the Huayna Picchu mountain, however, coming to Machu Picchu during the rainy season has its own thing, less people, greener landscapes, cooler days, but you will have to be a little more careful when hiking the narrow stone paths of the “Huayna”.

Tourists climbing Huayna Picchu

What options do I have if I don’t get to book the Huayna Picchu tickets?

If you could not book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) tickets because they were simply sold out or because you wanted them for a special day, and there were no more places for that date, then you can book the Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) tickets; which will allow you a beautiful hike and not miss the chance to see the Inca city from above. One of the most popular options for thousands of tourists is the Machu Picchu Mountain. You can find 300 daily entrance tickets.

Incredible view from the summit of Machupicchu Mountain

The road to the summit of Huayna Picchu
The trail to Huayna Picchu begins after passing the Sacred Rock. Before going up, all tourists will have to register their data and even put the time of entry. This in order to have a proper control of those who enter and at the same time act in case of an emergency. The route that follows, is part of the Inca Trail or Qhapc Ñam. Place where you can appreciate details of the largest network of roads in South America.

Who can climb Huayna Picchu mountain?

Only people over 18 years of age, willing to face the heights and cliffs of the mountain can enter Huayna Picchu. There have been cases of people having panic attacks while hiking the Huayna. If you are afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo, it is possible that the section known as “the stairs of death” may play a trick on you as you ascend the mountain; so if you think you will not be able to overcome your fear of heights, maybe (just maybe), you should choose Machu Picchu mountain instead of the “Huayna”.

Tourists visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Important recommendations

• To tour the Inca city of Machu Picchu and the Huayna Picchu mountain without risk, you will need to bring hiking shoes, especially if you plan to come during the rainy season.
• Protect your skin, bring protection against the sun and insects, especially if you come during the dry season, where insects abound and radiation is stronger.
• Bring rain protection no matter what time of year you come, you will need it, Machu Picchu’s location between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon jungle means that it can rain at any time.
• We recommend spending the night in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. This in order to avoid getting up early and making the trip in a hurry. You should also keep in mind that in the first schedule it is possible to find Machu Picchu, surrounded by abundant fog, especially during the rainy season.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) When should I book tickets to Huayna Picchu?

  Tickets to Huayna Picchu must be booked at least three months in advance. During peak season (June to August), it’s best to book four months in advance, as demand is highest.

• 2) What are the entry times to Huayna Picchu?

  There are two entry groups: the first group enters Machu Picchu at 7:00 a.m. and can begin the ascent of Huayna Picchu starting at 8:00 a.m. The second group enters the citadel at 9:00 a.m. and begins the ascent at 10:00 a.m.

• 3) When is the best time of year to climb Huayna Picchu?

  The dry season, between May and October, is the most recommended due to its stable climate. However, during the rainy season (November to March), the hike offers greener landscapes and fewer visitors.

• 4) What alternatives are there if I can’t get a ticket to Huayna Picchu?

  An excellent option is Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A). It offers a more peaceful hike with equally impressive panoramic views.

• 5) How many tickets are there per day for Huayna Picchu?

  Only 350 tickets are sold per day for Huayna Picchu, distributed among two entry groups.

• 6) What does the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket include?

  This ticket allows entry to Machu Picchu via circuit 3 (Royal Route) and access to Huayna Picchu mountain.

• 7) How much does the ticket to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu cost?

  The price for foreigners is 200 soles per adult. For citizens of the Andean Community or Chile, the cost is 112 soles.

• 8) Can I climb Huayna Picchu with children?

  Yes, but it is only allowed for those over 12 years old.

• 9) Is it dangerous to climb Huayna Picchu mountain?

  The route is well signposted, and despite the steep steps, it is safe, but you should always follow the signs and be very careful.

• 10) What should I bring for my hike to Huayna Picchu?

  We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. During the rainy season, you should always bring a poncho or raincoat.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: María R.

“The Temple of the Moon“

“You can only get to the temple of the moon by ascending the huayna picchu, it is one of the most beautiful constructions I have seen in my life, you have to book well in advance if you want one of the tickets for this mountain, also you have to get up very early to arrive on time.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 20, 2025