Huayna Picchu ticket for older adults
Older adults can also dare to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain. They only need to stay in good physical shape and book their entrance in advance. During the ascent, they can go at their preferred pace, enjoying unforgettable landscapes. The only requirement to complete the journey is the desire to reach the top of one of the Wonders of the World.
- Is Huayna Picchu accessible for older adults?
- Huayna Picchu ticket: schedules and availability
- Which Huayna Picchu group is best to choose?
- How much does the Huayna Picchu ticket cost for older adults?
- How far in advance should I book the Huayna Picchu ticket?
- How to book the Huayna Picchu ticket online step by step?
- Train tickets for older adults
- Bus tickets for older adults
- Recommendations for older adults climbing Huayna Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huayna Picchu accessible for older adults?
The journey to Huayna Picchu can be completed by anyone, but the entrance is only available for people over 12 years old. The path has very steep and narrow mountain trails, so older adults will need to be in good physical condition to complete it.
Basically, they will need to meet three essential requirements: be in good physical condition, acclimate to the altitude of Cusco beforehand, and consult with their doctor before the trip.
During the journey, they can progress at their preferred pace, always taking the necessary precautions. The encouragement from others on the trails will be key to achieving it, though the most important factor is the desire to reach the top.
The Huayna Picchu mountain (also known as Waynapicchu) is located at 2,720 meters above sea level, nearly 300 meters higher than the Machu Picchu citadel. It is highly recommended to acclimate in the city of Cusco to avoid altitude-related discomforts.
Huayna Picchu ticket: schedules and availability
To enter Huayna Picchu, you must book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A). This ticket allows 350 people to enter each day, a very limited number that often sells out months in advance, so it should be booked 2 or 3 months ahead of time. Additionally, this ticket also allows you to visit the Inca citadel from the lower sector (circuit 3). Access to Huayna Picchu is in two groups or time slots:
- Group 1: Access to Machu Picchu circuit 3 starts at 07:00 AM, while access to the Huayna Picchu mountain trail is from 08:00 to 09:00 AM (you can stay for 6 hours from your entry time).
- Group 2: Access to Machu Picchu circuit 3 starts at 10:00 AM, while access to the Huayna Picchu mountain trail is from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (you can stay for 6 hours from your entry time).
Which Huayna Picchu group is best to choose?
Not sure which time slot for the Huayna Picchu ticket to choose? Below, discover everything that each group offers:
Group 1: Those who purchase the first time slot (access to the mountain between 08:00 and 09:00 AM) will enjoy a cooler atmosphere. As a result, the physical exertion is lower. Once at the top, the landscape might be covered with clouds (especially between November and March). However, as the morning progresses, the clouds dissipate, and Machu Picchu reveals its full beauty.
It is important to note that those wishing to join the first group will need to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. It is very difficult to arrive at Machu Picchu by 07:00 AM on the same day, and there is a risk of losing the entry tickets. This time slot only allows entry until 07:30 AM.
Group 2: Visitors who ascend to Huayna Picchu in the second time slot (entry between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM) will do the climb under a bright sun. This could result in greater physical strain. However, at these hours, you will be able to appreciate all the landscapes of Machu Picchu. During the dry season (from April to October), the Wonder of the World enjoys a much more stable climate.
In this time slot, entry to Machu Picchu is from 10:00 to 10:30 AM. It is possible to arrive the same day, but you would need to start the journey early in the morning. It is also recommended to stay overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you can find a variety of hotels.
A good option for older adults is to choose Group 1: with less physical strain thanks to the cooler climate. Also, remember to wear trekking shoes for a safe ascent.
How much does the Huayna Picchu ticket cost for older adults?
Older adults pay the ‘adult’ price for the Huayna Picchu ticket. The official prices are shown below:
Official prices for Huayna Picchu entry:
| Huayna Picchu Ticket | Foreign adult price | CAN adult price* |
|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket (Route 3A) | S/. 200 | S/. 112 |
*The countries in the CAN are Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
University students and minors enjoy a special discount on the Huayna Picchu ticket. They only need to present their university ID or age-related document.
How far in advance should I book the Huayna Picchu ticket?
The Huayna Picchu mountain ticket (Route 3A) is one of the hardest to obtain due to its high demand. Whether you’re an older adult or anyone else, you need to book well in advance to secure a ticket.
- If you plan to visit Waynapicchu during the high tourist season (from April to October), you should book the ticket up to 3 months in advance.
- If you plan to visit during the low tourist season (from November to March), we recommend booking up to 2 months in advance.
The official high season in Machu Picchu starts on June 19 and lasts until November 2. During this time, new routes are available, which can be an excellent option due to the excessive demand. This is because Huayna Picchu availability remains at 350 tickets per day throughout the year.
How to book the Huayna Picchu ticket online step by step?
To book the Huayna Picchu ticket online, you need to visit an authorized website by the Ministry of Culture of Peru, such as Ticketmachupicchu.
To get a Huayna Picchu ticket on ticketmachupicchu.com, follow these steps:
- Go to ticketmachupicchu.com and click on the ‘Availability’ tab.
- Find the calendar and select the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket for your preferred group and day.
- If tickets are available, click on “Book Now”.
- Fill out the booking form with your personal information. Read and accept the terms and conditions before submitting your information.
- Send an email to info@boletomachupicchu.com with a copy or digital photo of your passport or ID (optional).
- Choose your preferred payment method: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, or PayPal.
- Once the payment is completed, you will receive an email with your reserved Huayna Picchu ticket. The tickets are in PDF format. Just print it and present it on the day of your visit to the Waynapicchu mountain.
Train tickets for older adults
The train schedules to Machu Picchu are the same for visitors of all ages. The train prices are the same for older adults and regular adults.
The train service mainly departs from the town of Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. The official train prices are as follows:
Official Peru Rail train prices (Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu – round trip)
| Train Service | Price in USD | Price in PEN |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Expedition’ Train | $ 130 | S/. 440 |
| ‘Vistadome’ Train | $ 150 | S/. 505 |
| Luxury Train ‘Hiram Bingham’* | $ 570 | S/. 1920 |
Official Inca Rail train prices (Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu – round trip)
| Train Service | Price in USD | Price in PEN |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | $ 130 | S/. 440 |
| Executive Class | $ 160 | S/. 540 |
| First Class | $ 340 | S/. 1145 |
Bus tickets for older adults
The buses transport visitors from the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. Older adults pay the ‘adult’ fare for the bus ticket to Machu Picchu. Below are the bus fares:
Official bus prices to Machu Picchu
| Bus Service (round trip) | Price in USD | Price in PEN |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Adult | $ 24 | S/. 81 |
| Peruvian Adult | $ 15 | S/. 51 |
| Foreign Child (5 to 11 years) | $ 12 | S/. 41 |
| Peruvian Child (5 to 11 years) | $ 8 | S/. 27 |
Recommendations for older adults climbing Huayna Picchu
If you are an older adult and wish to visit Huayna Picchu mountain, follow these recommendations for a perfect visit to the mountain:
- Consult with your doctor before visiting Huayna Picchu mountain, especially if you have heart problems or high blood pressure.
- Use the first few days of your trip to acclimatize to the city of Cusco. Avoid heavy meals and drink coca tea to counteract altitude sickness.
- The day before your visit to Huayna Picchu mountain, spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Rest and sleep well the day before your visit to Waynapicchu mountain.
- Bring non-slip shoes, water to stay hydrated, sunscreen, and a hat or cap.
- Bring a rubber-tipped walking stick, in case you need it. Metal-tipped walking sticks are not allowed.
- During the climb to Waynapicchu, try to go at a slow and steady pace. Take your time to capture the best photos of the Wonder of the World.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does the Huayna Picchu ticket include?
The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A) includes access to Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain.
2) How much does the Huayna Picchu ticket cost?
The official price for the Huayna Picchu ticket is S/. 200 for foreign adults and S/. 112 for adults from the Andean Community countries (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia).
3) How far in advance should I book the Huayna Picchu ticket?
It is recommended to book the Huayna Picchu ticket several months in advance. During the high season (from April to October), the booking should be made up to 3 months in advance.
4) Is climbing Huayna Picchu recommended for older adults?
Yes, as long as they are in good physical condition and have consulted a doctor beforehand. The route is safe; it depends on your determination to ascend.
5) What circuit is included with the Huayna Picchu ticket?
The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket corresponds to Route 3A, in Circuit 3. On this route, you will explore the lower part of the citadel, along with its main constructions.
6) How difficult is it to climb Huayna Picchu?
The climb to Huayna Picchu is of medium to high difficulty. It is important to be prepared, wear appropriate footwear, and take your time to ascend safely.
7) How long does it take to climb and descend Huayna Picchu?
The total time to climb and descend Huayna Picchu varies between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace. The walk is short in distance (about 2 kilometers) but demanding due to its altitude.
8) What is the best time of year to climb Huayna Picchu?
The best time to visit Huayna Picchu is during the dry season, from April to October, when rainfall is minimal and the paths are safer.
9) How many tickets are available per day for Huayna Picchu?
Availability is limited to 350 tickets per day, divided into two entry groups.
10) Is entry to Huayna Picchu mountain available year-round?
Yes, entry to Huayna Picchu is available year-round, during the high season (June 19 – November 2) and the regular season (November 3 – June 18) of Machu Picchu.
11) What other mountains can I visit if I can’t get a Huayna Picchu ticket?
If you can’t find availability for Huayna Picchu, you can opt for Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A) or Huchuy Picchu Mountain (Route 3B).
Advice from people who have been there
By: Ramona C.“Excellent experience“
“I had one of the best vacations in Cusco and Machu Picchu is such a special place, I would return without a doubt. Greetings from New Jersey!“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 11, 2026


