Documents in Machu Picchu for children, university students and more
Machu Picchu is one of humanity’s greatest cultural icons. The Peruvian government offers all university students, minors, and citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru) the opportunity to purchase a discounted Machu Picchu ticket. Learn about all the discounts.
- Learn about discounts for children, college students, and more.
- What documents are needed to visit Machu Picchu?
- More information about documents to visit Machu Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
An unforgettable trip between siblings to Machu Picchu
Is the ISIC card valid for entry to Machu Picchu?
The ISIC university card is no longer valid for purchasing a Machu Picchu ticket. Currently, only the university card is valid for purchasing a discounted ticket. Also not valid are: academic certificates, enrollment certificates, library cards, etc.
Learn about discounts for children, college students, and more.
When purchasing your ticket to Machu Picchu, you have the option to access some of the discounts offered:
- Children’s Discounts – Children (ages 3 to 17) receive a discount. They only need to purchase their ticket with a passport or ID and be accompanied by a parent. Remember that children under 3 years old are free.
- Discounts for university students – Undergraduate university students and those under 25 years of age receive a discount. To do this, they must have a valid university ID at the time of their visit.
- Discounts for the Andean Community – Citizens of Andean Community countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru) are eligible for this discount. To qualify, they must have a passport, ID, or alien registration card certifying their nationality.
Young student enjoying his visit to Machu Picchu
What documents are needed to visit Machu Picchu?
- To purchase admission to Machu Picchu, you need at least one of the following documents: passport, ID, university ID, or foreigner’s ID.
- To enter Machu Picchu, you must show your printed Machu Picchu ticket and the ID you used to register your purchase.
- To take a tour to Machu Picchu, you only need one of the following documents: passport, ID, university ID, or foreigner’s ID.
The passport
- The passport is the most commonly used document by tourists around the world to purchase tickets or book a tour to Machu Picchu.
- To travel to Peru, a passport is sufficient for all South American countries, the European Union, the United States, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. A few countries require a visa to enter Peru and visit Machu Picchu.
The identity document
- An ID is sufficient to purchase the Machu Picchu ticket if the tourist does not have a passport. This document is primarily used by visitors from South America: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Paraguay.
- Your ID must have a valid expiration date. This document is also sufficient to purchase a tour to Machu Picchu.
The current university card
- Currently, the valid document for accessing the student discount on the Machu Picchu ticket is a university ID. This is the official identification document issued by universities (or similar institutions) to their students.
- The university ID must contain the name of the university, the student’s name, a photo of the student, and the printed date of validity.
- Remember that your university ID must be valid at the time of ticket purchase and upon entering the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
Booking card to reserve the Machu Picchu ticket with a student discount
The alien card
- Those with a foreigner’s identification card from countries in the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil) can access the discounts offered. Remember that the foreigner’s identification card must be valid at the time of your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Citizens of the Andean Community only need to present their ID or passport to access the discounted Machu Picchu ticket.
The Andean Migration Card (TAM)
- Some travel agencies will ask you for the Andean Migration Card (TAM) after purchasing your tour or entrance to Machu Picchu .
- The TAM is sent by email, after receiving it at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.
- The TAM is a document that is always given to tourists visiting countries in the Andean Community of Nations (Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru). It is sent to travel agencies for security reasons.
The printed entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- At the entrance to the Inca City, you will be asked for the printed Machu Picchu ticket, as well as the ID or passport used to make the purchase.
- University students must present their Machu Picchu admission ticket (with a discount) as well as their valid university ID.
- Remember that each Machu Picchu ticket has a different entry time (selected by the tourist at the time of purchase). Therefore, each visitor must enter Machu Picchu at the designated time.
Digital ticket in PDF format
More information about documents to visit Machu Picchu
- Children under 3 years old do not pay to enter Machu Picchu. However, they must have an ID or passport certifying their age.
- Children and adolescents (ages 3 and under 18) must enter with their Machu Picchu ticket, as well as their ID or passport. Admission is subject to a parent/guardian.
- The ISIC card is not valid for university students when purchasing their Machu Picchu ticket. However, this document is still valid for discounts on the Inca Trail, the Cusco Tourist Ticket, tours, and more.
- Citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia receive an even larger discount if they are minors or university students.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What types of discounts are available for entering Machu Picchu?
Discounts are available for three main groups: children (ages 3 to 17), undergraduate university students under 25, and citizens of Andean Community countries (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador).
2) What document should I present to purchase a ticket to Machu Picchu?
To purchase your ticket, you must present at least one of the following documents: passport, ID, valid university ID, or alien ID.
3) What documents do I need to present when entering Machu Picchu?
Admission requires a printed Machu Picchu ticket and the document used to purchase it (passport, ID, university ID, or immigration ID).
4) Is the ISIC card valid for obtaining a discount?
No, the ISIC card is no longer valid for purchasing discounted Machu Picchu tickets. However, it can be used to obtain other benefits, such as tourist tickets to Cusco or the Inca Trail.
5) What happens if I don’t check in at the time indicated on my ticket?
The ticket has a specific time slot selected at the time of purchase; entry is required within the indicated time. Late arrival may result in the loss of admission.
6) Can children enter unaccompanied?
No, minors must enter accompanied by their parents or guardians and present their ID or passport along with their ticket.
7) What benefits do citizens of the Andean Community have?
Citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia receive a reduced rate on the Machu Picchu ticket.
8) What other benefits do students have besides the discount on admission?
It also allows you to receive discounts on the Cusco Tourist Ticket, some museums, the Inca Trail, and other tours.
9) Do Peruvian citizens have special benefits?
Yes, Peruvians have access to reduced rates on all Machu Picchu ticket options.
10) What is the recommended time to visit Machu Picchu?
Depending on the experience you’re looking for, the earlier times (from 6:00 a.m.) allow for a clearer view and avoid crowds. Midday times offer better light for photography, but are more crowded.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Mario R.“An unforgettable experience“
“On summer vacations and thanks to a student exchange I was able to get to know Peru, it's amazing. But knowing Machu Picchu was what most marked me, I was surprised at its natural beauty and the perfect constructions of the Incas, it is truly a wonder. And best of all, the income came out at a discount, what more to ask for. Super recommended.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 31, 2025