Machu Picchu for students: tickets and discounts
Peru is a fascinating place, and no trip to South America would be complete without the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. Fortunately, there are discounts that make tickets to the Wonder of the World affordable. University students, for example, enjoy almost 50% discount on the normal ticket price. They must have a valid university card and be under 25 years of age. What other requirements are necessary to access this promotion? Learn more about discounts for university students!
- How to buy Machu Picchu tickets for students?
- How much does the Machu Picchu entrance cost for students?
- Steps to buy Machu Picchu tickets for students
- Documents needed to access the student discount
- Characteristics of the university card to access the student discount
- Requirements to access the Machu Picchu discount for students
- Which ticket should I choose?
- Is the ISIC student card valid for the purchase of the Machu Picchu ticket?
- I can not buy the Machu Picchu tickets for students!
- Important information to book the Machu Picchu ticket for students
- Photo gallery
- Other discounts for students in Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to buy Machu Picchu tickets for students?
There are 2 ways to get tickets to Machu Picchu for students. The first is acquiring a ticket in person in the city of Cusco. The other way is to book it in advance online.
Today, most students acquire their entry ticket online. Why do they prefer to do it that way? Well, because they manage to get a ticket with time in advance. If they do not, they run the risk of arriving in Cusco and not finding tickets available.
To make the reservation online you need 2 documents: In addition to the university card, you need a copy of your passport (or identity document). The passport is used to reserve the ticket and the university card, to obtain the student discount.
What are the discounts for university students at Machu Picchu?
University students under 25 years old and pursuing undergraduate studies pay 77 soles for the following admissions: a) Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B), b) Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C), c) Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D), d) Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed (Route 2A), e) Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B), f) Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Royal Designed (Route 3B), and g) Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D). Students from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, or Bolivia pay 32 soles. Unfortunately, students do not receive discounts on the final train or bus ticket to Machu Picchu. In any case, there are discounts for university students on the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which provides access to Cusco’s main tourist attractions.
How much does the Machu Picchu entrance cost for students?
There are up to ten types of tickets to Machu Picchu. Each offers a different experience at the Wonder of the World. Prices depend on the type of ticket chosen.
Official prices of the Machu Picchu entrance for students:
Machu Picchu Entrance | Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) | Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B) | Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) | Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D) | Machu Picchu Classic or Classic Designed Circuit (Route 2A) | Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B) | Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (Route 3A) | Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) | Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) | Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University students | 125 S/. | 77 S/. | 77 S/. | 77 S/. | 77 S/. | 77 S/. | 125 S/. | 77 S/. | 125 S/. | 77 S/. |
CAN university students | 80 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. | 80 S/. | 32 S/. | 80 S/. | 32 S/. |
* The Andean Community of Nations (CAN) is composed of citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia. The prices shown are in Peruvian soles.
Steps to buy Machu Picchu tickets for students
To make the reservation of the entrance to Machu Picchu you must enter our website. The sending of requested documents is info@boletomachupicchu.com.
Follow these 6 steps to get your ticket:
- Choose ‘very well’ what days you want to be in Machu Picchu and the type of ticket.
- Check the tickets available for those days.
- Book Machu Picchu tickets by filling out the reservation form.
- Send the scanned copy of your university card along with a copy of your passport or identity document.
- Pay for Machu Picchu tickets through our multiple forms of payment.
- Print the tickets. While they are electronic tickets, you will need the printed Machu Picchu ticket.
Documents needed to access the student discount
- For students of universities or institutes of the same rank of all nationalities you need a copy of your valid university card, in addition to your passport or National Identity Document (DNI) as appropriate.
- For Peruvian students you need your valid university card and your ID
- For students aged 8 to 17 a copy of their passport or identity document is required.
- Children under 8 years old do not pay but need their passport or identity document to enter Machu Picchu.
Characteristics of the university card to access the student discount
The university card is the necessary document to reserve an entrance to Machu Picchu. This document must be valid at the moment of entering the Wonder of the World.
The university card must meet the following requirements:
- Be of PVC material.
- Own the name of the university.
- Possess the student’s readable names and surnames.
- Have the student’s photo
- Have the expiration date still valid at the time of entering Machu Picchu.

Card Model to reserve Machu Picchu with student discount
The documents of registration, certificate of studies, master’s degree, doctorate or post-graduation are not accepted to access the Machu Picchu ticket discount.
Requirements to access the Machu Picchu discount for students
To access the ticket Machu Picchu discount for students, the following requirements must be met:
- Be a undergraduate university student (or university-level institute).
- Be less than 25 years old.
- Own the university card valid at the time of entering Machu Picchu.
- Possess a valid identity document or passport.
If the visitor meets the requirements, you only need to make your reservation online. In the case of students belonging to the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia); they access an even higher discount.
Which ticket should I choose?
When you purchase your ticket to Machu Picchu, you’ll find 10 types of routes during the high season (June 19 to November 2) and six types during the regular season (November 3 to June 18). These routes are divided into three different circuits: the Panoramic Route, the Classic Route, and the Royal Route. Each of these routes allows you to experience the Inca citadel in a unique way. Discover the main features of each one.
Features of tickets to Machu Picchu | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Route (Ticket) | Accesses included | Duration | Availability | Reservation time | Restrictions |
1A – Machu Picchu Mountain | Upper platform, Guardian’s House, ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain | Up to 6 hours (including the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain) | All year | 1 month before | Suitable for all audiences |
1B – Classic Photo or Upper Terrace | Upper Platform and Guardian’s House | 2 hours 30 minutes | All year | 1 month before | Suitable for all audiences |
1C – Inti Punku | Upper platform, Guardian’s House, hike to Inti Punku | Up to 4 hours (including the hike to Inti Punku) | High season only (June 19 – November 2) | 1 month before | Suitable for all audiences |
1D – Inca Bridge | Upper platform, Guardian’s House, hike to the Inca Bridge | Up to 3 hours (including the hike to the Inca Bridge) | High season only (June 19 – November 2) | 1 month before | Only for ages 12 and up |
2A – Classic Designed | Tour of the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, Water Mirrors and the Temple of the Three Windows | 2 hours 30 minutes | All year | 2 months ago | Suitable for all audiences |
2B – Classic Lower Terrace | Tour of the Lower Terrace, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, and the Temple of the Three Windows | 2 hours 30 minutes | All year | 2 months ago | Suitable for all audiences |
3A – Huayna Picchu Mountain | Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor, Royal Tomb and the ascent of Huayna Picchu | Up to 5 hours (including the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain) | All year | 2 months ago | Only for ages 12 and up |
3B – Lower Temple or Designed Royalty | Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor, Royal Tomb and Agricultural Areas | 2 hours 30 minutes | All year | 1 month before | Suitable for all audiences |
3C – Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon | Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor, Royal Tomb and the hike to the Great Cave | Up to 5 hours (including the hike to the Great Cavern) | High season only (June 19 – November 2) | 1 month before | Only for ages 12 and up |
3D – Huchuy Picchu Mountain | Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor, Royal Tomb and the ascent to Huchuy Picchu | Up to 4 hours (including the hike to Huchuy Picchu mountain) | High season only (June 19 – November 2) | 2 months ago | Only for ages 12 and up |
Is the ISIC student card valid for the purchase of the Machu Picchu ticket?
A few years ago, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) was valid to acquire the Machu Picchu entrance with a student discount. However, currently this document is no longer valid to make the purchase (online or in person).
The valid university card issued by your university is the only valid document to buy the ticket. Also, no other type of document is accepted as proof of registration, library card, etc.
I can not buy the Machu Picchu tickets for students!
When buying Machu Picchu tickets for students, there are usually some drawbacks. Here are the most common problems during online booking:
The official ticketing website does not work!
Quiet. It is normal that the official Machu Picchu ticketing website does not work. Keep patience and keep trying until the problem has been resolved automatically.
The official website only accepts ‘Verified by Visa’ cards as a method of payment!
Yes. The official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru only accepts ‘Verified by Visa’ cards as a method of payment. If you do not have this type of card, request it with your bank or make the purchase through another agency online. Paying the Machu Picchu ticket with Visa is easy.
Tickets are no longer available!
Each type of ticket has a ticket limit. A recurrent problem is the absence of tickets available for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu entrance. This ticket must be reserved 3 months in advance. The others, with 2 or 3 weeks in advance.
I am a university student but I can not reserve my tickets for students!
Not all university students can access the discount. Students must be undergraduate, have less than 25 years old at the time of the visit to Machu Picchu and have the current university card.
I can not book my tickets for next year!
To book a Machu Picchu ticket with or without a discount for next year, you must wait until mid-December. Only during this part of the year, ticket sales are enabled.
In ticketmachupicchu.com you can secure your ticket for next year from before. With us you assure your entrance to the Wonder of the World.
Important information to book the Machu Picchu ticket for students
- Machu Picchu tickets must be reserved at least one month in advance. This will give you enough time to reserve everything else, such as: train tickets, guides, hotels and other tours in Cusco and Peru.
- The ascent to the Huayna Picchu mountain (with the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu) is one of the most amazing experiences in Machu Picchu and must be booked at least 3 months before.
- If you’re traveling to Machu Picchu during the rainy season (November–March), remember to always be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as there’s usually a high chance of rain.
- During the dry season (April to October), you’ll find stable, clear weather in Machu Picchu, ideal for seeing the wonder in all its splendor, although there are also usually more visitors.
- The regular season ticketing runs from November 3rd to June 18th, and you can find six types of tickets.
- Peak season runs from June 19th to November 2nd, with up to ten tickets available.
- Before traveling to Machu Picchu, remember to acclimatize during the first few days of your stay by doing light activities to avoid altitude sickness.
- The approximate height of Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level, while the city of Cusco is 3,399 meters above sea level.
- The best tickets to Machu Picchu for students are the ascents to the Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu and Machu Pícchu mountains.
- With Boletomachupicchu, you can book your ideal Machu Picchu experience. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.
Other discounts for students in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Tourist Ticket of Cusco
The university students benefit with the almost 50% discount on the price of the tourist ticket of Cusco. This ticket includes the entrance to the main archaeological sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley (Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, etc).
Inca Trail
University students have a discount of $ 20 on average when booking their entrance to the Inca Trail with a university card. This amazing trekking route of 4 days and 3 nights leads to Machu Picchu directly.
Inca Jungle and other tours
The Inca Jungle is a tour that takes Machu Picchu in 4 days and 3 nights doing adventure sports along the way. College students also access a special discount. As well as the Inca Jungle, many other tours in Cusco have a student discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I purchase my tickets to Machu Picchu as a university student?
You have two ways to purchase them: in person in Cusco or online through our website. The best option is to purchase them online in advance, as many tickets sell out weeks in advance.
2) What documents do I need to access the student discount?
You need to scan and send two documents: your current university ID (issued by a university or higher education institution) and your ID (passport or DNI). Both must be valid at the time of your visit.
3) Does my ISIC card help me get the discount?
No, the ISIC card is no longer valid for purchasing discounted tickets. Only the official card issued by your university or institute is accepted.
4) What requirements must I meet to access the discount?
You must be an undergraduate student, under 25 years old, and have a valid university ID and student ID. If you’re from the Andean Community (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, or Bolivia), you get an even bigger discount.
5) How much does admission to Machu Picchu cost with the student discount?
Prices vary depending on the route. The cheapest tickets start at 77 soles for students, while routes that include mountains like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu cost 125 soles.
6) What steps should I follow to reserve my ticket as a student?
First, choose the date and ticket type. Then, check availability, complete the reservation form, submit your documents, make the payment, and finally, print your ticket.
7) What is the most recommended route if I am a student?
Routes that climb mountains like Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain offer adventurous experiences with incredible views. If you’re looking for something less demanding, you can opt for the classic routes of Circuit 2.
8) Are there other discounted tickets or tours for students in Cusco?
Yes, the Cusco Tourist Ticket offers almost 50% off and gives you access to archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán and Pisac. There are also discounts on the Inca Trail and the Inca Jungle tour.
9) At what altitude is Machu Picchu Mountain?
The summit of Machu Picchu Mountain reaches 3,082 meters above sea level. From there, you have one of the most expansive views of the entire citadel and its surroundings.
10) What are the advantages of booking tickets in advance?
Booking tickets in advance guarantees availability on the day and time of your choice, especially for the most popular routes like Huayna Picchu.
Advice from people who have been there

“Machu Picchu student visit“
“At first I didn't know anything... but with more information we arrived at the wonder together with my friends from the university... the landscape, the citadel, very beautiful.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 4, 2025