The entrance to Huayna Picchu is one of the most desired adventures when visiting Machu Picchu. Not only because the experience is considered one of the best short hikes in the world, but also because it allows you to contemplate the Inca citadel from an incredible panoramic perspective. Due to the high demand and the limited number of daily spots, it is essential to book in advance. Discover everything you need to know about this route and secure your entry ahead of time.

• What does the Huayna Picchu ticket include?
• Huayna Picchu entry schedules
• How far in advance should you book the Huayna Picchu ticket?
• How to buy Huayna Picchu tickets step by step
• Why visit Huayna Picchu?
• Requirements to climb Huayna Picchu
• What is Huayna Picchu?
• What is the Huayna Picchu hike like?
• Duration of the Huayna Picchu route
• Is it safe to hike Huayna Picchu mountain?
• Best time to visit Huayna Picchu
• What to bring to Huayna Picchu
• Frequently asked questions

View of Huayna Picchu mountain

To visit Huayna Picchu, you must purchase online the Mountain Huayna Picchu ticket (route 3A) at least 2 months in advance; during high season, you will need to do so up to 3 months ahead. Otherwise, you may not find availability. If you cannot find availability online, as a last resort, you can travel to Aguas Calientes to try to obtain one of the 50 tickets sold daily in person.

What does the Huayna Picchu ticket include?

• This ticket allows you to hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain.
• It also includes access to Circuit 3 (royalty route), which passes through the lower sector of the Inca citadel.
• The route through the urban sector allows visitors to explore some of the most important structures, such as: the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Fountains, some agricultural terraces, and large open esplanades.

Huayna Picchu entry schedules

• The Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (route 3A) is available throughout the year, with two entry groups each day.

  • Group 1

    • Entry to Machu Picchu Circuit 3: From 07:00 to 07:30 in the morning.
    • Entry to Huayna Picchu mountain: From 08:00 to 09:00 in the morning.
    • Maximum visiting time: Until noon.

  • Group 2

    • Entry to Machu Picchu Circuit 3: From 10:00 to 10:30 in the morning.
    • Entry to Huayna Picchu mountain: From 11:00 to 11:30 in the morning.
    • Maximum visiting time: Until 03:00 in the afternoon.

How far in advance should you book the Huayna Picchu ticket?

• To secure a ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain, you must book online at least two months in advance.
• During high season (April to August), the purchase should be made up to three months in advance to find availability.
• The Huayna Picchu ticket has 350 spots available per day for online purchase, even up to a year in advance.
• If you cannot find tickets online, there is still one last alternative. In Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), 50 tickets are made available for in-person purchase each day. It is recommended to travel one day before your visit to secure availability early.

Structures at the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain

How to buy Huayna Picchu tickets step by step

• The first step to get a ticket to the mountain is to enter the website www.ticketmachupicchu.com/ and check availability.
• If you find available spots, you must select your preferred date and time.
• Then, a reservation form will open where you must fill in the personal details of each visitor.
• Payment can be made using credit or debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, or PayPal.
• Finally, the ticket will be sent to the registered email, ready to be printed and used on the day of the visit to Machu Picchu.

Discounts on the Huayna Picchu Mountain route
The price of the Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (route 3A) includes exclusive discounts for minors under 18, undergraduate students, and citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia). Please note that entry is only allowed for visitors over 12 years old.

Why visit Huayna Picchu?

• The hiking route to the summit of Huayna Picchu is considered one of the best short hikes in the world, thanks to its incredible landscapes and adrenaline-filled trail.
• Additionally, this ticket also allows visitors to explore the Inca citadel through the lower urban sector.
• From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire archaeological complex and the natural diversity surrounding the site.
• Along the way, you can also discover some Inca structures and a great diversity of flora typical of the cloud forest region.

Tourists at the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain

Requirements to climb Huayna Picchu

• Access to the Huayna Picchu route is only allowed for visitors over 12 years old.
• The experience is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or fear of heights.
• Physical condition or age does matter during the hike; however, when climbing the mountain, the desire to reach the summit is even more important.
• Older adults should consult with their doctor before doing the hike.

What is Huayna Picchu?

• Huayna Picchu is the tall mountain that appears in the classic postcard photos of the Inca site.
• Its Quechua name means “young mountain.”
• Its summit is at 2,720 meters above sea level, almost 300 meters higher than the citadel.
• For the Inca culture, this mountain was considered sacred (apu), so they built terraces, paths, and even a temple known as the “Great Cavern.” This site can only be visited with the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern ticket (Route 3C)
• Today, Huayna Picchu is one of the most desired destinations for travelers seeking a more adventurous experience on their trip to Machu Picchu.

What is the Huayna Picchu hike like?

• The route to the mountain has a moderate difficulty level.
• Along the trail, you ascend approximately one kilometer of stone paths and stairways.
• The trail is very steep. The total ascent reaches 300 meters above the urban sector of Machu Picchu.
• The adventure follows paths built along the mountain slopes, next to massive cliffs.
• Along the route, there are small enclosures, agricultural terraces, and a great diversity of flora.
• The summit offers one of the most impressive views of Machu Picchu.

Duration of the Huayna Picchu hike

• The ascent to the summit takes approximately one hour, depending on the visitor’s pace.
• The descent is easier, taking around 40 minutes.
• The entire experience of the Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (route 3A), including the Circuit 3 tour, can last up to 5 hours.

Is it safe to climb Huayna Picchu mountain?

• The route to the summit is very safe, although it is always recommended to hike calmly and take breaks.
• You must follow the marked trail; walking off-path or leaving designated routes poses a risk.
• In the most difficult sections, there are safety ropes and staff available to assist you.
• The greatest dangers arise from irresponsible behavior, such as taking photos at the edge of cliffs or crossing safety barriers.

Views from Huayna Picchu

Best time to visit Huayna Picchu

• The Huayna Picchu route is available all year round.
• Any time is a good opportunity to visit Huayna Picchu, although the landscapes will vary depending on the season of your trip.
• During the dry season (April to October), Machu Picchu has more stable weather, clearer views, and safer trails.
• During the rainy season (November to March), rainfall is more frequent, resulting in greener landscapes. Visitor numbers are also lower, allowing for a more immersive experience.

What to bring to Huayna Picchu

• It is mainly recommended to bring hiking gear and comfortable shoes.
• It is also important to carry a small backpack to keep your hands free during the hike.
• Essential items include: a rain poncho, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottles, and snacks.

Frequently asked questions

• 1) What does the Huayna Picchu ticket include?

  This ticket includes access to the hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu and the tour of Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu, where you can explore some of the most important temples of the site.

• 2) How far in advance should I buy my Huayna Picchu ticket?

  We recommend booking at least 2 months in advance. During high season, it is best to do so up to 3 months ahead to ensure availability.

• 3) Are Huayna Picchu tickets available all year round?

  Yes, access is available throughout the year. However, daily spots are limited, so it is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance.

• 4) How many people can enter Huayna Picchu per day?

  Access is limited to 400 people per day, divided into two entry groups. Of these, 350 tickets are sold online and 50 are available daily for in-person purchase in Aguas Calientes.

• 5) Is it possible to buy tickets in Aguas Calientes?

  Yes, as a last alternative, 50 tickets are sold daily in person in Aguas Calientes. It is recommended to arrive one day in advance and purchase early due to high demand.

• 6) How long is the Huayna Picchu hike?

  The ascent takes approximately one hour and the descent about 40 minutes. The full experience, including the Machu Picchu tour, can last up to 5 hours.

• 7) Is it safe to climb Huayna Picchu?

  Yes, as long as you follow staff instructions and stay on marked trails. It is recommended to proceed calmly and take breaks, especially on steep sections.

• 8) Who can climb Huayna Picchu?

  Access is allowed for visitors over 12 years old. It is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo or mobility issues.

• 9) What is the best time to climb Huayna Picchu?

  The first group, at 07:00 a.m., offers fewer visitors and milder weather. The second group, at 10:00 a.m., allows for clearer views but with more visitors.

• 10) What is the best time of year to visit Huayna Picchu?

  The dry season, from April to October, offers better weather conditions. The rainy season provides greener landscapes and fewer tourists.

Photos Huayna Picchu

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Felipe G.

“Impressive from the very first step“

“The hike to Huayna Picchu is intense, but every section offers incredible views. Reaching the summit and seeing Machu Picchu from above is one of those experiences that stays with you forever.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 23, 2026