Huayna Picchu is one of Cusco’s most popular destinations. The mountain’s popularity has grown so much that if you want to get in, you’ll have to buy a ticket months in advance. Is the mountain difficult to hike? Can children do the hike? Learn the most frequently asked questions from visitors interested in visiting this place.

• 1. How many people can enter the mountain each day?
• 2. When should I book tickets to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)?
• 3. How far in advance should I book tickets during peak tourist season?
• 4. Who can climb Huayna Picchu?
• 5. What time should I choose to climb the mountain?
• 6. I am afraid of heights. Can I climb Huayna Picchu?
• 7. What are the mountain trails like?
• 8. When is the best time to hike the mountains?
• 9. Can I visit Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain on the same day?
• 10. Can I visit Huayna Picchu and Intipunku on the same day?
• 11. Can I buy tickets from my country?
• 12. Are there discounts for university students?
• 13. What shoes should I wear?
• 14. Can seniors go?
• 15. What is the weather like?
• 16. What is the distance to climb Huayna Picchu?
• 17. Should I go to Huayna Picchu with a tour guide?
• 18. What to carry in your backpack?
• 19. How much does the ticket cost?
• 20. Is it very dangerous?

Tourist at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

To visit Huayna Picchu, you must purchase your entrance ticket online three or four months in advance. The ticket, in addition to Huayna Picchu, also allows you to visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu. If you don’t find any availability, choose to visit Machu Picchu Mountain, a similar adventure to Huayna Picchu.

1. How many people can enter the mountain each day?

The narrow paths of Huayna Picchu are only accessible to one person at a time. This means that only 350 people can hike Huayna Picchu each day.

2. When should I book tickets to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)?

All tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked several weeks in advance. However, the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) entrance ticket sells out much earlier, so it must be purchased online three months in advance.

3. How far in advance should I book tickets during peak tourist season?

The peak tourist season is between May and September. During this period, all tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu must be purchased four months in advance or even more.

4. Who can climb Huayna Picchu?

Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu can only be purchased for use by persons over 12 years of age.

5. What time should I choose to climb the mountain?

There are 2 entry times to the mountain: Group 1 (to Machupicchu from 7 am and Huayna Picchu from 8 to 9 am) and Group 2 (to Machupicchu from 9 am and Huayna Picchu from 10 to 11 am).

6. I am afraid of heights. Can I climb Huayna Picchu?

If you suffer from acrophobia (fear of heights), hiking the mountain is not a good option. The trails on Huayna Picchu are built between the mountain walls and enormous cliffs, which are visually terrifying.

7. What are the mountain trails like?

The mountain trails are made up of stone steps built by the Incas. The most difficult section is the so-called “Stairs of Death” of Huayna Picchu. In some sections, there are systems of Inca terraces and enclosures. Most of the steps are steep and narrow.

8. When is the best time to hike the mountains?

The best time to hike Huayna Picchu is during the dry season (April to October). However, during the rainy season (November to March), you can visit the mountain with a more lush and verdant landscape.

9. Can I visit Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain on the same day?

Machu Picchu is a hiking trail as challenging as Huayna Picchu. Because of the difficulty of hiking these mountains, they must be hiked on different days.

10. Can I visit Huayna Picchu and Intipunku on the same day?

The Intipunku is a hiking trail leading to the ancient gateway to Machu Picchu . It’s not as difficult as Huayna Picchu, but it does require considerable physical effort. While it is possible to visit both Huayna Picchu and Intipunku on the same day, this is not recommended due to the fatigue involved in climbing both destinations on the same day.

11. Can I buy tickets from my country?

Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu can be purchased online from anywhere in the world. Simply visit the website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture or an authorized travel agency.

12. Are there discounts for university students?

Yes. University students receive a special discount if they make their purchase with a valid university ID. Other requirements include being under 25 years old at the time of their visit and pursuing an undergraduate degree. Keep in mind that the only valid ID is a university ID. The ISIC (Spanish Institute of Statistics and Census) ID card is not. Remember that Huayna Picchu also offers discounts for minors under 18 and citizens of the Andean Community of Nations .

13. What shoes should I wear?

Hiking shoes are recommended for the hike to Huayna Picchu. Remember that some sections of the mountain can be slippery, so these types of shoes are ideal.

14. Can seniors go?

While seniors are allowed on the mountain, it is recommended that older adults consult their doctor before embarking on the hike, especially those with heart conditions.

15. What is the weather like?

The climate of Huayna Picchu Mountain is cold and dry. Temperatures range from 21°C (daytime) to 8°C (nighttime). There are two distinct periods of the year: a) the dry season (from April to October) and b) the rainy season (from November to March).

16. What is the distance to climb Huayna Picchu?

From the starting point of the hike located inside Machu Picchu to the summit of Huayna Picchu, you walk 2 kilometers (an estimated 2,000 steps).

17. Should I go to Huayna Picchu with a tour guide?

Visiting Huayna Picchu with a tour guide is not mandatory. However, touring the Inca city of Machu Picchu with a tour guide is mandatory. You can hire one at the entrance to Machu Picchu.

18. What to carry in your backpack?

When visiting the mountains, it’s recommended to bring water, snacks, a poncho in case of rain, an extra shirt, a camera, a passport (or ID), and personal hygiene items. All of this should be packed in a backpack to keep your hands free during the hike.

19. How much does the ticket cost?

The official entrance fee to Huayna Picchu is 200 Peruvian soles (approximately US$62). If you purchase your ticket through a travel agency, this price is usually higher due to a purchase fee.

20. Is it very dangerous?

Many people believe that Huayna Picchu is dangerous. However, this is false. The most difficult sections of the hike are protected by security cordons. Security personnel are stationed along the route to protect visitors.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: José S.

“Exciting and tiring“

“It's 2 hours of uphill walk, the views are incredible, love each step, the temple of the moon, the balconies, the 'stairs of death' and feel me over the clouds; I am used to walking, but still the stairs were a huge challenge, very exciting, we plan to return as soon as possible.“

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