Reaching Huayna Picchu is one of the world’s most incredible experiences, involving a short hike through Inca steps that border ravines. The landscapes and the extreme terrain to overcome make this adventure so sought-after. Plus, by purchasing the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket, you’ll also gain access to Circuit 3 of the Inca citadel, allowing you to explore the incredible mountain and the lower reaches of Machu Picchu. Learn more about this unforgettable experience.

• Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the same day
• The visit to Huayna Picchu mountain
• The visit to Machu Picchu
• Entry and exit times for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A)
• Tips for visiting Huayna Picchu in Group 1
• Tips for visiting Huayna Picchu in Group 2
• Characteristics of Huayna Picchu mountain
• Recommendations on Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Visitor entering the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the same day

• All 10 Machu Picchu tickets include a tour of the Inca citadel; the only difference is that they are divided into three circuits. For example, the ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain includes Circuit 3 (Royal Route), which covers the lower part of Machu Picchu.
• The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket is designed to give visitors enough time to first tour the Inca citadel and then hike up the mountain.
• This ticket has two schedules available, giving you slightly different views as you ascend the route.
• The first group enters Machu Picchu, through circuit 3, at 7:00 a.m. and the second group at 9:00 a.m.
• All schedules allow you to spend a maximum of 6 hours at Machu Picchu, enough time to explore both attractions in detail.

Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu

The best way to explore Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Since there are only two entry times, both starting very early in the morning, it’s best to spend the night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). This way, you’ll have a better experience, well-rested and without rushing. You can also take the opportunity to explore more of Aguas Calientes and all its tourist attractions.

The visit to Huayna Picchu mountain

• To enter Huayna Picchu mountain you must first enter Machu Picchu through circuit 3.
• The ascent hike, like the descent, takes an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• It is recommended to climb slowly, as it can be tiring due to the number of steps and the height (2,693 meters above sea level).
• From the top of the mountain, and all along the way, you’ll see dreamlike landscapes, so don’t forget to stop to take the best photo.
• A proper visit to Huayna Picchu takes 3 hours, once you reach the summit you can take some time to sit and contemplate how impressive Machu Picchu is.

Tourist climbing Huayna Picchu mountain

The visit to Machu Picchu

• The tour of Machu Picchu Circuit 3 takes an average of 2 hours. The most recommended route is to visit the first part of the circuit upon entering, then visit Huayna Picchu, and then tour the remaining part of the circuit upon leaving.
• The Royal Route tour includes visits to some of the area’s most important tourist attractions, such as the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Condor, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, and more.
• Along the way, you’ll be able to climb some small agricultural terraces, from where you can get the iconic photo of Machu Picchu.
• It’s best to visit Circuit 3 with a tour guide, so you won’t miss any details and understand the full context of the buildings.

Family of tourists finishing the tour in Machu Picchu

Entry and exit times for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A)

To enter Huayna Picchu there are two entry times where the 350 daily tickets are distributed:

Group 1

• The first time slot allows you to enter Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu from 7:00 a.m.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain takes place between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning.
• The schedule is ideal for hiking in a cool environment.
• If you purchase a ticket to Huayna Picchu in group 1, it is recommended to spend the night before in Aguas Calientes, so you arrive on time and without rushing.
• Once at the top, you’ll be able to see Machu Picchu in all its splendor, as the sky clears completely from 10:00 a.m.
• Remember that you can stay a maximum of 6 hours in Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

Group 2

• The second time slot allows you to enter Machu Picchu Circuit 3 from 9:00 a.m.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain is between 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning.
• Along with this schedule, it’s possible to arrive from Cusco on the same day; however, you’ll have to get up early and take one of the first trains.
• Throughout the tour, you’ll experience warmer, clearer weather, perfect for appreciating each of the landscapes.
• Remember that either group can stay a maximum of 6 hours at Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

Visitor observing from the top of Huayna Picchu

Booking tickets to Huayna Picchu
The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A) is one of the most popular tickets to the Inca city, which is why you should purchase it 2 or 3 months in advance, regardless of the season of your visit.

Tips for visiting Huayna Picchu in Group 1

• Purchase tickets to Huayna Picchu two months in advance, especially during peak tourist season (June through August).
• Stay the night before your visit to Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes. This way, you can take the opportunity to learn more about this charming place, which offers first-class services and many tourist attractions.
• It is possible to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes on foot, but it is preferable to do so by bus, reserving your energy for exploring Huayna Picchu.
• Bring only the necessary clothing and items: a rain poncho, a hat, a water bottle, light clothing suitable for the hike, mosquito repellent, and a backpack.
• At this time, you won’t have to worry too much about the heat, so you’ll have a cooler ride.

Tourists at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

Tips for visiting Huayna Picchu in Group 2

• This time is in high demand, so purchase tickets to Huayna Picchu up to 3 months in advance.
• You can travel to Machu Picchu from Cusco early in the morning, so you can arrive on time, even if you’re in a hurry.
• To access the Huayna Picchu mountain route, you must first complete circuit 3 of Machu Picchu.
• Prepare yourself with a hat and sunscreen before climbing. This is one of the hottest times of the day inside the Inca citadel.
• Tour the Inca city of Machu Picchu as soon as you arrive. The rest of your time is dedicated to an adventure up Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Don’t forget to bring a canteen of water and some snacks, as well as a camera.

Characteristics of Huayna Picchu mountain

Tickets in Aguas Calientes for Huayna Picchu Mountain
If you didn’t get a ticket online for Huayna Picchu, there is still a way to purchase one. In Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), 50 additional tickets are available daily for in-person purchase, but as you can imagine, they sell out quickly. Therefore, if you want one of these tickets, go to Aguas Calientes the day before and purchase your ticket for the following day.

Recommendations on Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu

• Safety at Huayna Picchu is largely a tourist priority. Don’t seek out unmarked trails or attempt to take photos on the edge of cliffs.
• On Mount Wayna Picchu, teenagers should be closely supervised by their parents. Older adults should consult their doctor before trekking.
• Allow enough time to visit the Machu Picchu citadel in detail, as well as enjoy the route up Huayna Picchu mountain.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu is only permitted to persons over 12 years of age. Parents are responsible for minors.
• Climbing Wayna Picchu is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or fear of heights.
• If you didn’t get tickets to visit Huayna Picchu, another option is to book the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket.
• At the entrance to Wayna Picchu Mountain, there is a checkpoint where tourists must register. This procedure monitors the number of tourists entering and leaving the site.
• If you visit Huayna Picchu during the rainy season (November to March), you should always be prepared with a poncho or rain gear, because you never know when it might rain.
• During the dry season (April to October), you’ll need to make your reservations further in advance, as it coincides with peak tourist season. This is due to the pleasant weather during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Can I visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu in one day?

  Yes, it’s possible. The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket is designed specifically to give you time to first tour the Inca citadel and then climb the mountain.

• 2) How much time do I need to get to know both places?

  In total, you have a maximum of 6 hours inside the historic sanctuary. The tour of Machu Picchu generally takes about 2 hours, while the hike up and down Huayna Picchu takes about 3 hours.

• 3) What is the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 tickets for Huayna Picchu?

  The main difference is the schedule: Group 1 arrives at 7:00 a.m. and Group 2 arrives at 9:00 a.m. The first group enjoys cooler, calmer weather, while the second group has clearer views.

• 4) Which group is best to enter Huayna Picchu mountain?

  If you can spend the night before in Aguas Calientes, Group 1 is ideal because it will provide a more peaceful and cool hike. If you prefer to travel from Cusco the same day, Group 2 is more convenient, although it does require a fairly early start.

• 5) Do I need to buy my ticket in advance?

  Yes, tickets to Huayna Picchu sell out quickly because there are only 350 spots per day. It’s recommended to book at least two months in advance, and up to three months if you plan to travel during peak season (June through August).

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

  This ticket includes the hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain and the tour of Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu, known as the “Royal Route.”

• 7) What is the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain like?

  The hike to Huayna Picchu is challenging but short, traversing steep stretches and stone stairs built by the Incas. It takes about two hours and 30 minutes to climb and descend. It also requires good physical fitness and extreme caution, especially on the sections near precipices.

• 8) Can I enter Huayna Picchu with children?

  Yes, although only those over 12 are allowed entry. Teenagers must always be accompanied and supervised by their parents throughout the tour.

• 9) What do I do if I can’t get tickets to Huayna Picchu?

  If you can’t find a spot, you can opt for the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (Route 1A). Although it’s a different route, it also offers impressive views with less difficulty than Huayna Picchu.

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

  The dry season, from April to October, is the best time because there’s less rain and the weather is more stable. However, it’s also when there are more tourists, so book your tickets in advance.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Carolina F.

“A demanding but unforgettable adventure“

“Climbing Huayna Picchu is a real challenge, with steep and narrow trails that make the heart pound. But the view from the top of Machu Picchu is indescribable, a reward worth every effort.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 9, 2025