Machu Picchu has 10 types of tickets to enter and explore it, enjoying all its natural and architectural beauty. Of these tickets, the most popular is the one that allows you to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. But there’s also another adventure: the new Machu Picchu Mountain.

• What is the difference between the mountains and Machu Picchu?
• Huayna Picchu and its entrance ticket
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) – Group 1
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) – Group 2
• Machu Picchu Mountain and its entrance ticket
• Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) – Group 1
• Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) – Group 2
• When to buy tickets to Huayna Picchu?
• When to buy the ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain?
• Recommendations for climbing the Machu Picchu mountains
• Frequently Asked Questions

Incredible landscape of Machu Picchu

What is the difference between the mountains and Machu Picchu?

Huayna Picchu

• Huayna Picchu is at 2,720 meters above sea level
• Climbing to the top takes between 1 to 2 hours.
• The walking distance is approximately 2 kilometers.
• The walk has a moderate difficulty.
• The trails are steep and narrow (close to ravines).
• In Huayna Picchu there is an Inca construction: the Temple of the Moon .
• Entry is only permitted to tourists over 12 years of age.

Machu Picchu Mountain

• Machu Picchu mountain is 3,082 meters above sea level
• Climbing to the top takes between 2 to 3 hours.
• The distance of the walk is approximately 2 kilometers.
• The walk has a moderate-high difficulty.
• The trails are wide and not too steep.
• There are no Inca buildings on Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Admission is permitted to tourists of all ages .

Machu Picchu in Quechua (the language of the Incas) means ‘old mountain’. Huayna Picchu, on the other hand, means ‘young mountain’.

Huayna Picchu and its entrance ticket

• Huayna Picchu, also known simply as Waynapicchu, is the picturesque and unique mountain that always appears in classic photos of Machu Picchu.
• It is one of the main attractions of Machu Picchu and the most requested by visitors who wish to venture to climb this steep summit .
• To access Mount Wayna Picchu, you must book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket. This ticket allows you to do two things: visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on Route 3 and climb Mount Huayna Picchu.
• The ticket is limited to 350 entries per day and is divided into 2 groups.

Machu Picchu observed from the Huayna Picchu mountain

Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) – Group 1

• Quotas: Approximately 175 per day.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 7 am
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu: from 8 am to 9 am
• Walking time: 2-3 hours (up and down) approximately.
• Length of stay: 6 hours from check-in.

Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) – Group 2

• Quotas: Approximately 175 per day.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 9 am
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu: from 10 am to 11 am
• Walking time: 2 – 3 hours (up and down) approximately.
• Length of stay: 6 hours from check-in.

Machu Picchu Mountain and its entrance ticket

• Machu Picchu mountain is the summit on which the Inca Citadel was built.
• This great mountain is over 3000 meters above sea level.
• Despite the difficulty of climbing this mountain, it is the most suitable for all types of people.
• Its trails are wide and not very steep. They allow for a hike that isn’t strenuous—unlike Wayna Picchu—although it is somewhat exhausting .
• The views of Machu Picchu and the landscape surrounding this mountain are simply wonderful and spectacular.
• To access this mountain, you must book the Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket. This ticket allows you to do two things: visit the entire Inca Citadel on the first circuit and climb Machu Picchu Mountain.
• The ticket is limited to 300 entries per day and is divided into 2 groups.

The Inca city observed from Machu Picchu mountain

Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) – Group 1

• Quotas: Approximately 150 per day.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 6 am
• Mountain Entrance: 7 am to 8 am
• Walking time: 3 – 4 hours.
• Stay time: 7 hours from check-in (up and back).

Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) – Group 2

• Quotas: Approximately 150 per day.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 8 am
• Mountain Entrance: 9 am to 10 am
• Walking time: 3 – 4 hours.
• Stay time: 7 hours from check-in (up and back).

When to buy tickets to Huayna Picchu?

• The ticket for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) must be purchased online two months in advance.
• During the peak tourist season (April to October), purchases must be made 3 months in advance.

When to buy the ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain?

• The Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) ticket must be purchased online at least 3 days in advance.
• To ensure entry, during the high tourist season, the purchase must be made 2 weeks in advance .

Please note that each ticket to Huayna Picchu and the mountain is specific to each mountain and its respective group. It cannot be used to enter a mountain or group other than the one indicated on the ticket.

Recommendations for climbing the Machu Picchu mountains

• Huayna Picchu is a peak that requires both hands to climb. A medium-sized backpack is recommended to hold the necessary items and keep both hands free.
• Reaching the summit of Machu Picchu is a difficult task. However, it’s not necessary to reach the top to appreciate the beautiful landscapes. Climb as far as your energy allows, especially if you’re traveling with children.
• Both Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu have signs along the trail . Do not leave the marked trails or seek paths other than those permitted.
• Before accessing both mountains, you must register at a security checkpoint. This is for security reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains?

  Huayna Picchu is a mountain that offers spectacular views and is home to the Temple of the Moon. It is only accessible to those over 12 years of age. Machu Picchu Mountain, on the other hand, has wider paths and can be hiked by visitors of all ages, although the climb is longer.

• 2) What does the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket include?

  This ticket allows you to tour Circuit 3 of the Inca Citadel and then ascend Huayna Picchu. It is limited to 350 people per day, divided into two entry groups: one early and one mid-morning.

• 3) How does the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket – Group 1 work?

  Group 1 allows entry to Machu Picchu from 7 am and Huayna Picchu between 8 am and 9 am. It is recommended to complete the hike in approximately 2 to 3 hours and stay up to a maximum of 6 hours from the entrance.

• 4) How does the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket – Group 2 work?

  Group 2 allows entry to Machu Picchu from 9 am and to Huayna Picchu between 10 am and 11 am. The walking time is similar to that of Group 1 and the total stay time is also 6 hours.

• 5) What does the Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket offer?

  This ticket provides access to Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu and allows you to ascend Machu Picchu Mountain. The tour offers panoramic views of the entire citadel and the surrounding landscape, making it an excellent option for hikers of all levels.

• 6) How does the Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket – Group 1 work?

  Admission to Machu Picchu starts at 6 a.m., with access to the mountain between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The hike takes between 3 to 4 hours and allows you a stay of up to 7 hours to complete the tour.

• 7) How does the Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket – Group 2 work?

  This group allows entry to Machu Picchu from 8 am and to the mountain between 9 am and 10 am. The walking and staying time is the same as in Group 1.

• 8) When should I buy my ticket to Huayna Picchu?

  It is recommended to purchase the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket online at least two months in advance. During peak season (April to October), it is advisable to purchase it up to three months in advance due to high demand.

• 9) When should I buy my ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain?

  The Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket can be booked one month in advance during the low season. During the high season, it’s advisable to purchase it two months in advance to ensure availability.

• 10) What recommendations should be followed when climbing the mountains of Machu Picchu?

  It’s advisable to carry a light backpack and use both hands when climbing, especially Huayna Picchu. Always register your entry at checkpoints and follow marked trails for added safety.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Esteban L.

“Aventura y vistas que quitan el aliento“

“Subir Huayna Picchu es una experiencia intensa y emocionante. El camino es empinado, pero cada paso te acerca a una vista espectacular de Machu Picchu desde lo alto. ¡Una aventura que no se olvida!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 7, 2025