Free travel to Machu Picchu is only available to children under 3 years old. This is because both train and bus tickets, as well as admission, allow free entry for children in this age range. Therefore, it is important that parents interested in entering with their children show their passports or identification documents. Children and adolescents between 3 and 17 years old will find special discounts on any of the services or admission tickets needed to get to Machu Picchu. Let’s learn more about all the details for making the trip with your children and the littlest members of the family.

• Is entry to Machu Picchu free with children?
• How much does admission to Machu Picchu cost for children over 3 years old?
• Why is admission to Machu Picchu free for children?
• What requirements must a child meet to enter Machu Picchu for free?
• Can children visit all the routes Machu Picchu offers?
• Is it possible to do route 1A to Machu Picchu Mountain with children?
• Is it possible to do route 1B to Upper Terrace or Classic Photo with children?
• Is it possible to do route 1C to Inti Punku with children?
• Is it possible to do route 1D to Inca Bridge with children?
• Is it possible to do route 2A to Classic Circuit or Classic Designed with children?
• Is it possible to do route 2B to Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace with children?
• Is it possible to do route 3A to Huayna Picchu Mountain with children?
• Is it possible to do route 3B to Lower Part Temples or Designed Royalty with children?
• Is it possible to do route 3C to Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern with children?
• Is it possible to do route 3D to Huchuy Picchu Mountain with children?
• Are train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu free for children?
• Recommendations for a perfect trip to Machu Picchu with children
• Frequently Asked Questions

Girls visiting Machu Picchu

Is entry to Machu Picchu free with children?

Tickets to Machu Picchu are free for children under 3 years old. Children and adolescents between 3 and 17 years old receive discounts upon reservation and purchase. To do so, they must verify their age by attaching their ID and passport.

Children must be accompanied by their guardians or parents for entry. Parents must also present identification during travel to Cusco and Peru. Here are some details to keep in mind when entering Machu Picchu:

• All minors or those between 0 and 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parents.
• If accompanied by a guardian, parental permission must be provided.
• Children under 3 years old do not need to make a reservation. They will be admitted automatically.
• Children ages 3 to 17 do require a reservation. The discounted rate will be shown when booking.
• When making a reservation, you must attach your ID or passport.
• You will receive confirmation of the document sent and also.
• The document to be sent must be in optimal condition and completely legible.

Observing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

How much does admission to Machu Picchu cost for children over 3 years old?

Children over 3 years old pay a discount of almost 50% on the Machu Picchu admission price. Children from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia enjoy an even greater discount.

Approximate official prices for Machu Picchu tickets for children (ages 3-17):

* Price for children (3 to 17 years old). The CAN members are: Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

Why is admission to Machu Picchu free for children?

In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Since then, the number of visitors has increased. To ensure that no one misses out on one of the world’s top destinations, Peruvian authorities decided to establish benefits for children, adolescents, and citizens of countries in the Andean Community (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia).

Little ones (up to 3 years old) enter the Wonder of the World for free. Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular destinations for families from all over the world.

What requirements must a child meet to enter Machu Picchu for free?

To enter Machu Picchu for free, children must meet the following requirements:

• Be under 3 years old at the time of entry to Machu Picchu.
• Enter accompanied by your parents or guardian.
• Show your passport or ID document that certifies your age upon entry.
• Babies must be carried by their parents in carriers. Strollers are not permitted.

The admission of minors between 3 and 17 years of age is carried out by following these steps:

• You must be under 17 years of age to receive special discounts.
• Please make your reservation in advance. Tickets recommended for minors are Circuit 2.
• To reserve Circuit 2, you must start booking 3 or 4 months in advance.
• Circuit 2 is ideal for family outings because its route is easy to follow.
• If you’re looking for another ticket, it’s also recommended to do so well in advance, especially for groups or entire families.
• Since they are still minors, they must be accompanied by their parents or guardian.
• Parents are encouraged to bring drinks and snacks with them.

THE BEST TOUR FOR FAMILIES
New tours are now available for visiting Machu Picchu. The tour that hasn’t undergone many changes is Tour 2, or the Classic Route of Machu Picchu. It offers two entrance tickets and allows you to visit the Inca buildings up close, stroll through the narrow streets, and admire the most important temples. In this sense, the ideal tour for the whole family is Tour 2 , which is also easy to follow and quite attractive.

Can children visit all the routes Machu Picchu offers?

Currently, there are 10 admission tickets to Machu Picchu. Following the changes made to ticket availability, it was deemed appropriate to formalize a high season and a regular season. The first of these begins June 19 and ends November 2.

On the other hand, the rest of the year can be considered the regular season, with only six admission tickets available during the regular season. During the season, four new routes and admission tickets are available for exploring Machu Picchu through different experiences.

Below, we’ll learn more about the tickets and access allowed for children. This way, you can make the reservation that best suits you and ensure your trip runs smoothly and according to plan.

Is it possible to do route 1A to Machu Picchu Mountain with children?

• According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu admission tickets, children are also allowed to hike this route.
• If you are visiting with older adults, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to authorize the visit.
• This ticket includes two schedules: the first starts at 6:00 a.m. and the second at 8:00 a.m.

Is it possible to do route 1B to Upper Terrace or Classic Photo with children?

• This ticket does allow minors to enter Machu Picchu.
• Reservations must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.
• Children from 3 years old up to 17 years old receive discounts.
• You can find 10 groups of schedules that start at 6:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.
• The tour offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

Classic photo in Machu Picchu

Is it possible to do route 1C to Inti Punku with children?

• This ticket does allow minors to enter Machu Picchu.
• Reservations must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.
• Children from 3 years old up to 17 years old receive discounts.
• You can find 4 groups of schedules that start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m.
• The tour allows you to appreciate the main Inca buildings and also the entrance to the citadel.
• The tour can only be done during high season.

Tourists at the Sun Gate (Intipunku) of Machu Picchu

Is it possible to do route 1D to Inca Bridge with children?

• According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, only those 12 and older are allowed to hike this route.
• If you are visiting with older adults, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to authorize the visit.
• You can find 4 groups of schedules starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 11:00 a.m.
• The tour can only be done during high season.

Is it possible to do route 2A to Classic Circuit or Classic Designed with children?

• This ticket does allow minors to enter Machu Picchu.
• Reservations must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.
• Children from 3 years old up to 17 years old receive discounts.
• You can find 10 groups of schedules that start at 6:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.
• The tour allows you to appreciate the main Inca buildings and also the entrance to the citadel.
• This route can be done all year round.

Observing the constructions of Machu Picchu

Is it possible to do route 2B to Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace with children?

• This ticket does allow minors to enter Machu Picchu.
• Reservations must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.
• Children from 3 years old up to 17 years old receive discounts.
• You can find 10 groups of schedules starting at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m.
• The tour allows you to appreciate the main Inca buildings and also the entrance to the citadel.
• This route can be done all year round.

Is it possible to do route 3A to Huayna Picchu Mountain with children?

• According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, only those 12 and older are allowed to hike this route.
• If you are visiting with older adults, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to authorize the visit.
• This ticket includes two schedules: the first starts at 7:00 a.m. and the second at 9:00 a.m.
• This route can be done all year round.

Is it possible to do route 3B to Lower Part Temples or Designed Royalty with children?

• This ticket does allow minors to enter Machu Picchu.
• Reservations must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.
• Children from 3 years old up to 17 years old receive discounts.
• You can find 10 groups of schedules that start at 6:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.
• The tour allows you to appreciate the main Inca buildings and also the entrance to the citadel.
• This route can be done all year round.

Buildings in the lower part of Machu Picchu

Is it possible to do route 3C to Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern with children?

• According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, only those 12 and older are allowed to hike this route.
• If you are visiting with older adults, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to authorize the visit.
• This ticket includes two schedules: the first starts at 7:00 a.m. and the second at 8:00 a.m.
• This route is only available during peak season, from June 19th to November 2nd.

Is it possible to do route 3D to Huchuy Picchu Mountain with children?

• According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, only those 12 and older are allowed to hike this route.
• If you are visiting with older adults, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to authorize the visit.
• This ticket includes two schedules: the first starts at 9:00 a.m. and the second at 11:00 a.m.
• This route is only available during peak season, from June 19th to November 2nd.

Are train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu free for children?

Train and bus tickets are only free as follows:

• Children ages 0 to 2 do not pay for train fare on either of the two train companies that serve Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). They must travel in the arms of a parent.
• Children ages 3 to 11 receive a discount of almost 50% on the regular train fare. Tickets can be booked online.
• Children ages 0 to 12 do not pay the bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Reservations can be made online or once in Cusco.

Family of tourists traveling by train to Machu Picchu

Recommendations for a perfect trip to Machu Picchu with children

Machu Picchu is ideal for a family trip. To get the best experience at the Wonder of the World, follow these tips:

• Book tickets, train tickets, and tours in advance. Don’t forget to bring your children’s documents (passport, ID).
• If you’re coming with babies, remember that strollers are not allowed. The best option is to bring baby carriers.
• Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent to protect little ones (especially if you’re traveling between April and October).
• Please keep a close eye on little ones if you plan to visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
• Tour guide service is mandatory at Machu Picchu. Guided tours make visiting the Inca city more entertaining with children. Tour guides are available at the entrance gate. Another option is to book one online through an agency.
• Visiting the Butterfly House or the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs are the best ways to entertain the little ones after or before exploring Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the recommended age for children to visit Machu Picchu?

  As we saw, children under 3 years old can enter Machu Picchu. However, it is recommended that children be over 6 years old so they can enjoy the tour and receive information, thus achieving a cultural interaction with the archaeological site.

• 2) Is it necessary to take the tour with children accompanied by a tour guide?

  It’s not mandatory, but we’re sure it’s one of the best decisions you can make. This is because the information received will spark the interest of even the youngest children. The tour will be educational and even more interesting.

• 3) Where can I buy children’s tickets to Machu Picchu?

  Tickets for children are only required for those 3 and older and 17 and under. Children under 3 do not require an admission ticket. Reservations for these events can be made through the official website and our website.

• 4) What clothes should children wear to visit Machu Picchu?

  The rainy season and entry times to Machu Picchu should be taken into account. With this in mind, you should wear comfortable clothing. Also, bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

• 5) Is it safe to tour Machu Picchu with children?

  Yes, it’s quite safe. It’s even possible to travel to Machu Picchu year-round, that is, during the rainy season. Furthermore, the tour of the Inca citadel is safe because all the circuits of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu are constantly inspected and restored.

• 6) Can children visit all the available routes in Machu Picchu?

  Not all circuits are accessible to minors. Of the 10 available routes, only a few allow entry to children under 12 years old. The most challenging routes, such as Huayna Picchu, the Inca Bridge, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, and the Temple of the Moon, are restricted to those 12 and older.

• 7) Can route 1D to the Inca Bridge be done with children?

  No, this route is only open to people over 12 years old. It’s a more physically demanding hike and is open only during peak season.

• 8) Is it possible to do Route 3A to Huayna Picchu Mountain with children?

  No, this route is restricted to people over 12 years old due to its difficulty. Access is available year-round at two times: 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

• 9) Is it possible to do route 3C to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave with children?

  No, this route is reserved for ages 12 and up and is only available during peak season. This is a challenging tour with entry between 7:00 and 8:00 am.

• 10) Can the 3D route to Huchuy Picchu Mountain be done with children?

  No, it’s only open to visitors over 12 years old. The trail is short but steep and is available exclusively during peak season.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Mariana L.

“Machu Picchu is always magical“

“I came with my two children and we enjoyed everything, everything was wonderful, the stones, the landscape, everything was very beautiful...“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 10, 2025