Machu Picchu in a wheelchair: tickets and discounts
Machu Picchu is located in a mountainous geography of high jungle, which makes it a destination that is difficult to access by wheelchair, but not impossible. Trains and buses do not have adequate ramps so the cooperation of other people will be needed for the trip. Access to Machu Picchu still does not have adequate ramps, so the support of other people is also required. However, the effort is worth it once you get to appreciate the beautiful landscape of Machupicchu.
- Is Machu Picchu suitable for people in a wheelchair?
- People in wheelchairs Which ticket to Machu Picchu should they choose?
- Discounts on Machu Picchu tickets for people with disabilities
- How to enjoy an accessible trip in Machu Picchu?
- Free entrance to Machu Picchu for Peruvians with disabilities
- Questions and answers about visiting Machu Picchu in a wheelchair
People with disabilities receive the necessary means and help during their visit to Machu Picchu
What is the circuit that I will do in Machu Picchu?
People in wheelchairs will do circuit 3 or 4 within Machu Picchu. This circuit is done through the lower part of the citadel, where wheelchair access is easier. However, in any case, the tourist will require the help of at least two people to overcome a few stone stairs. It is recommended to visit in the company of a professional tour guide.
Is Machu Picchu suitable for people in a wheelchair?
- Machu Picchu is suitable for people in wheelchairs. However, the help of other people is needed to enter and travel.
- This is because the final train and bus trip does not have adequate accessibility. On both routes, the support of other people is also required to access your seat.
- Enjoying Machu Picchu is quite an experience. But the challenge is greater when you come in a wheelchair so you will have to come with a companion.
- In the Inca City there are support staff willing to help visitors in wheelchairs.
People in wheelchairs Which ticket to Machu Picchu should they choose?
- Machu Picchu is the biggest tourist attraction in Cusco and South America. It is one of the most desired destinations for people around the world.
- Just like all tourists, visitors in wheelchairs must choose between one of the 5 tickets available.
Inca City of Machu Picchu in a wheelchair?
- People in a wheelchair must choose to buy the Machu Picchu Solo ticket.
- This ticket will allow you to enter the Inca City and do circuit 3. This circuit is done in the lower part where there is a viewpoint where you can appreciate the beautiful landscape under a roof.
- The other alternative is to ascend many stairs until reaching the Guardian’s House. To get there, the support of more than two people is required since the physical effort will be demanding.
- Therefore, it is recommended to do circuit 3 in Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu for people in wheelchairs?
- The Huayna Picchu mountain has very narrow and steep trails.
- Huayna Picchu is famous for hosting the Temple of the Moon, the ‘Stairs of Death’ and one of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu.
- Unfortunately, people in wheelchairs cannot ascend the paths of Huayna Picchu.
Machu Picchu Mountain in a wheelchair?
- The Machu Picchu mountain has steep roads until reaching the highest point of the Wonder of the World.
- At the foot of this summit, the Incas built Machu Picchu, whose name was adopted by the Inca City.
- Unfortunately, this adventure is also not allowed for visitors in a wheelchair.
Huchuy Picchu Mountain in a wheelchair?
- Huchuy Picchu mountain is located next to Huayna Picchu, the largest mountain. Precisely its name means ‘Small Mountain’.
- Although the climb to this mountain is shorter, the narrow stone steps make wheelchair access difficult.
- Therefore, and unfortunately, this adventure is not allowed for visitors in wheelchairs either.
Inca Bridge in a wheelchair?
- The Inca Bridge marks one of the limits of the Inca citadel. It is located a 25-minute walk from the Casa del Guardian sector, a route characterized by flat paths but close to scary cliffs.
- To access the Inca Bridge in a wheelchair, you must first access the Guardian House area, a task that requires a lot of support to move the wheelchair up the stone stairs.
- Therefore, access to the Inca Bridge by wheelchair is not accessible or recommended for tourists in wheelchairs.
Discounts on Machu Picchu tickets for people with disabilities
- All foreign people with disabilities will be able to obtain a 50% discount on the normal price of the Machu Picchu ticket.
- To access these discounts, the tourist in a wheelchair must make the reservation with the Conadis card or a disability certificate.
What is the Conadis card and what is it for in Machu Picchu?
- The Conadis card is a card issued to accredit people with disabilities.
- This card can be obtained throughout Latin America at the offices of Conadis (National Council for the Integration of People with Disabilities).
- The Conadis card is used to obtain discounts and special prices of all kinds, such as the purchase of the Machu Picchu ticket.
What is a disability certificate and how to use it in Machu Picchu?
- The disability certificate is a public document issued by a medical board to every person with a disability.
- This certificate shows that the person has a functional, physical, mental or sensory alteration.
- This certificate gives you access to a series of benefits such as the discount at the Machu Picchu entrance.
According to statistical data, the majority of visitors with disabilities in Cusco and Machu Picchu; They come from the United States, Canada and Western Europe.
How to enjoy an accessible trip in Machu Picchu?
- The town of Aguas Calientes (at the foot of Machu Picchu) has streets, restaurants, hotels and other services adapted to comfortably receive people with disabilities.
- The Inca City of Machu Picchu is not well adapted to receive people with disabilities. This is due to its mountain geography where the Incas built stone staircases everywhere.
- So, although Machu Picchu is not a wheelchair accessible destination; Yes, you can make the visit accompanied by two or more people.
- The largest number of visitors in wheelchairs occurs between May and November. They take advantage of the absence of rain to tour Machu Picchu.
Free entrance to Machu Picchu for Peruvians with disabilities
- In the case of Peruvian wheelchair tourists, the entrance to Machu Picchu is free on the first Sunday of each month.
- To enter Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites in Cusco for free, you will need a Conadis card.
Questions and answers about visiting Machu Picchu in a wheelchair
1) Is Machu Picchu accessible by wheelchair?
No, Machu Picchu does not have ramps or elevators suitable for people in wheelchairs. However, a visit is possible. This requires the support of two or more companions. These will help the visitor cross the stone stairs on the way through the Inca citadel.
2) Is the train journey wheelchair friendly?
Unfortunately the train to Machu Picchu does not have ramps suitable for people in wheelchairs. However, the train support staff lend their help so that the wheelchair-bound tourist can board the train and take his seat in the carriage.
3) Is the Consettur bus trip suitable for wheelchairs?
No, unfortunately the Consettur bus trip is not suitable for people in wheelchairs as it does not have ramps or spaces on the bus that are suitable. However, the staff provides assistance so that the tourist in a wheelchair can board the bus and take his seat. The bus covers the route Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
4) What is the circuit through Machu Picchu in a wheelchair?
The suitable circuit for tourists in wheelchairs is number 3. This circuit runs through the lower part of Machu Picchu and allows you to avoid a few stone steps. In any case, the support of other people is required to complete the circuit.
5) How much does entry to Machu Picchu cost for people in wheelchairs?
People in wheelchairs enter Machu Picchu with the normal adult tourist price.
6) How to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo for people in wheelchairs?
To get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, public or private transportation is required. Public transportation is taken on Pavitos Street in the historic center of Cusco. However, for people in wheelchairs, the best option is to hire a private service or an all-inclusive tour through a tourism agency.
7) Can I visit the Guardian House of Machu Picchu in a wheelchair?
Circuit 3 is the most recommended for wheelchair tourists visiting Machu Picchu. This circuit does not include a visit to the Guardian House sector. To reach this point in a wheelchair, it is necessary to have the support of at least two people and thus ascend dozens of stairs.
8) Can I do the entire Machu Picchu tour in a wheelchair?
No, unfortunately Machu Picchu has sections of stone stairs that make wheelchair access difficult. To complete the complete circuit, the support of at least two people is required.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Alexis F.“Machu Picchu in a wheelchair“
“I am disabled and I would like to tell all the people who, like me, travel with a wheelchair and a companion, that they can do this trip; they can board a train and enter Machu Picchu with their wheelchair. When I did, a couple of young people offered to help me with my wheelchair, and they did; but I met many people who would have also been delighted to do it; I was able to see all of Machu Picchu, I even reached one of the highest places known as the guardian's house, from where I could see all the wonder. If you want it is possible; cheer up.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 11, 2023