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Problems to buy the ticket Huayna Picchu?

The entrance to Huayna Picchu is the most difficult to obtain in Machu Picchu. Booking a ticket can be frustrating. First, there’s the problem of reserving it in advance. Then, there’s the hassle of purchasing it online. However, getting a ticket isn’t as complicated as it seems. These are the most common problems with purchasing a Huayna Picchu ticket. And, of course, their solutions.



View of the ruins of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu
View of the ruins of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu in Quechua) is a mountain located north of Machu Picchu. It stands at 2,720 meters above sea level. Reaching its summit is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world.


There is no availability for Huayna Picchu!

The most common problem is finding availability. Reservations for Huayna Picchu must be made three months in advance . If you plan to visit during peak tourist season (April to October), you must book up to four months in advance.

If you no longer find availability, try these steps:

  • Check that a space does not suddenly become available on the day and time of Wayna Picchu you wish to enter.
  • Contact a travel agency or the official website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to verify if the ticket is truly no longer available.
  • If they confirm that there is no availability, all you have to do is change the date to another date where there are available spaces.

Are children not allowed to enter Huayna Picchu?

Only those 12 and older will be allowed to enter Huayna Picchu. This is likely to prevent accidents or overcrowding. The change was implemented during the ticket changes that also officially opened new routes and the peak season.


Isn’t there an entrance ticket just for Huayna Picchu?

No, the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket is the only entry ticket that allows access to Huayna Picchu. This ticket includes access to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. There is no ticket designed exclusively for access to Huayna Picchu. Remember that the entrance to this adventure tourist attraction is located inside Machu Picchu.

About the entry times to Huayna Picchu

Previously, there were four entry times; now, they are divided into only two groups or entry times. Therefore, when making your reservation, you will have to choose between the first time slot, which allows entry at 7:00 a.m. with a 45-minute wait time. The second time slot is at 9:00 a.m., with a similar wait time. The change in wait time has been announced, so please be aware of the digital tickets that will be sent after booking. These details are provided there.


Can’t I pay for the Huayna Picchu ticket with a Visa card?

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture’s website is the official ticket sales site. Visa is the only accepted online payment method. However, this card must be affiliated with the ‘Verified by Visa’ security service.

If you don’t have a ‘Verified by Visa’ card, you won’t be able to make your purchase on the official website. We recommend following these steps to resolve the issue:

  • Contact the bank that issued your Visa card and request a ‘Verified by Visa’ affiliation.
  • To complete your membership, you’ll need to enter some information, including a new password and a personal message.
  • If problems persist with your Visa card after registering your card, please contact the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
  • If there’s no solution and you want to purchase your ticket without any problems, contact an agency that offers this type of ticket.
A cloudy day at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain
A cloudy day at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

Is the official website working?

A very common problem with the official Machu Picchu ticket sales website is that it doesn’t work. What causes this problem? Most of the time, it’s because the website is undergoing maintenance . Other times, the website isn’t compatible with a particular type of mobile device.

Try these steps to troubleshoot the problem:

  • Go to http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/
  • If you see a message before accessing the site, just click “Allow.” This will help you navigate the website more easily.
  • If you see a message right after you start browsing, simply exit the message and continue browsing.
  • If you are unable to access the official website, please contact the Peruvian Ministry of Culture’s call center.
  • Many times the problem is only temporary, so all you have to do is be patient and keep trying.

I can’t make my Huayna Picchu ticket reservation for next year!

Another of the most common problems on the official website is with reservations for next year. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture only allows booking a Wayna Picchu ticket for the following year in mid-December. This creates a rush to get the first entry to Wayna Picchu Mountain during the last few days of the year.

One solution to this problem is to keep an eye on the official website for openings . As soon as tickets for the following year go on sale, many people will try to get theirs.

Want to secure your ticket to Mount Wayna Picchu next year? Book at boletomachupicchu.com and reserve your tickets before everyone else. Tickets will be sent to you the last week of December.


I made a mistake! How do I change my Huayna Picchu ticket information?

To reserve an entrance to Huayna Picchu, you must complete your personal information, including your first and last name, ID type, and ID number. This information must match your passport or ID to enter the Wonder of the World.

Did you make a mistake and want to change your information? Stay calm. Yes, it is possible to change personal information on the ticket. However, in any case, there is a financial penalty that varies depending on how far in advance you request the procedure .

Remember that admission is only valid for the day and time indicated on the ticket. If for any reason you cannot visit on that date, there are no refunds.


How to access Huayna Picchu ticket discounts?

Special discounts are available on the ticket price for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu. To access this benefit, you must make a reservation and submit the necessary documents proving the benefit via email.

These are the types of discounts offered by the Wayna Picchu ticket and the documents required to access these benefits:

  • Undergraduate university students under 25 years of age: send a digital copy of your current university ID.
  • Minors (ages 8 to 17): Send a digital copy of your passport or ID document that proves the minor’s age. Valid for those 12 years and older.
  • Citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia): a digital copy of the passport or identity document that proves the person’s nationality.
Tourist climbing the stairs of death
Tourist climbing the stairs of death

What’s the best option if Huayna Picchu tickets are sold out?

Looking for adventure in Machu Picchu, but tickets to Huayna Picchu are sold out? The best options are to hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) or climb to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain. Which is the best option?

  • Intipunku Hike: This hiking route is of moderate difficulty. It is suitable for all ages. It takes approximately 4 hours (round trip). The Sun Gate was the ancient gateway to Machu Picchu during Inca times . From there, you have beautiful views of the archaeological complex.
  • Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain: This short hike is of moderate difficulty. This route is only accessible to all travelers. The round trip takes an average of four hours. Its wide stone paths pose no difficulty. From any point along the trail, you can appreciate the beauty of the Wonder of the World . It is located at the highest point, at 3,082 meters above sea level.

To reach Inti Punku and hike there, you can only do so with the respective ticket: Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C). Similarly, for Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need the corresponding ticket. It’s important to note that, although both routes are part of the Panoramic Route, it’s not possible to hike both routes with a single ticket.


Which Huayna Picchu group should I choose?

There are two schedules for visiting Machu Picchu and then ascending to the summit of Huayna Picchu. The first schedule allows entry to Machu Picchu at 7:00 a.m., and the ascent begins at approximately 8:00 a.m. To do so, you must pass through the checkpoint, showing your ticket and ID again. The second schedule begins with entry to Machu Picchu at 9:00 a.m. and the ascent begins at 10:00 a.m. You must also register in the visitor’s book before beginning the hike.

  • Group 1 (7 am to 8 am) – The ascent begins very early. At this time, the sun doesn’t physically exhaust visitors. With this group, tourists can be among the first to appreciate Machu Picchu from the summit of Wayna Picchu. To arrive early, it’s necessary to spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes .
  • Another advantage is the cool or temperate climate. Ideal for hiking without mosquitoes or strong sun. However, all of this will be present upon returning. Don’t forget to use sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
  • Group 2 (9 a.m. to 10 a.m.) – During this time, you’ll find more radiant sunshine, but with occasional blizzards or traces of sunrise. It’s ideal for taking photos. However, the sun can be tiring for visitors. At the summit, you can enjoy beautiful views. During the ascent, visitors must give space to those descending.
  • When taking this tour, you should wear sunscreen and even a hat from the start. It’s important to take care of your skin to ensure a better experience during the tour. Also, don’t forget to use mosquito repellent at least every hour of the tour.

Features of Huayna Picchu

Learn more about the most impressive mountain in Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu. We present its outstanding features, which make it so beautiful and popular.

Main Features of Huayna Picchu Mountain
CategoryDetails
Height2,720 meters above sea level.
Location in Machu PicchuIt rises just behind the archaeological site and is the iconic background for the photos.
AccessSteep and narrow path from the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Difficulty of ascentMedium to high (medium physical effort).
DurationApproximately 1 to 2 hours (one way).
LandscapesPanoramic view of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains.
TicketMachu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (Route 3A).
Recommended seasonDuring the dry season (April to October).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1) Can children enter Huayna Picchu mountain?

    No, entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain is only permitted for people over 12 years of age.

  • 2) What is the ticket to enter Huayna Picchu mountain?

    To enter Huayna Picchu, you must purchase the “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)” ticket. This ticket includes access to Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu and the mountain itself.

  • 3) Are there discounts on the ticket to Huayna Picchu?

    Yes, discounts are available for university students, minors, and citizens of CAN countries (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia).

  • 4) Can ticket information be modified after purchase?

    Yes, it’s possible to correct errors in ticket information, but this will incur a penalty. Date changes and refunds are not accepted.

  • 5) What is the best time to enter Huayna Picchu?

    It depends on your itinerary and preference, but you can choose one of the following two:

    • Group 1 (7:00 a.m. entry to Machu Picchu / 8:00 a.m. ascent to Huayna Picchu): Ideal for those who wish to avoid the strong midday sun.
    • Group 2 (9:00 a.m. entry to Machu Picchu / 10:00 a.m. ascent to Huayna Picchu): Sunnier, with better lighting for photographs, but it may be more physically demanding.
  • 6) Is it necessary to book the ticket to Huayna Picchu in advance?

    Yes, due to high demand and limited capacity. It’s essential to book tickets to Huayna Picchu several months in advance, especially during peak season (April to October).

  • 7) How difficult is the hike to Huayna Picchu?

    The climb to Huayna Picchu is of medium to high difficulty. The trail is steep, with many steps and narrow sections.

  • 8) What is the best season to visit Huayna Picchu?

    The dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit Huayna Picchu. During these months, the weather conditions are best for the hike, with less rain.

  • 9) Can I bring food during the hike to Huayna Picchu?

    You can bring some snacks to fuel your hike, and it’s also a good idea to stay hydrated before you begin the climb.

  • 10) Is it possible to hike Huayna Picchu at night?

    No, the tour to Huayna Picchu is only permitted during daylight hours.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

Mario R.By: Mario R.

“An unforgettable experience“

“During the summer vacations and thanks to a student exchange I was able to visit Peru, it is incredible. But to know Machu Picchu was what marked me the most, I was amazed at its natural beauty and the perfect constructions of the Incas, it is truly a wonder. And best of all, the entrance fee was discounted, what more could I ask for. I highly recommend it.“

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 12, 2025