In many cases, older adults are more susceptible to rapid fatigue and weather conditions during their trip to Machu Picchu. If you are an elderly person, or traveling with one, it’s important to keep in mind some recommendations that can help ensure a smooth trip. Also, discover the best tickets to explore Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu for seniors
• Best tickets for seniors at Machu Picchu
  • Panoramic tour of Machu Picchu
  • Tour of the most important temples and buildings
  • Hiking in Machu Picchu
• Prior acclimatization in Cusco
• Ticket prices for seniors
• The best trip to Machu Picchu
  • First option: Machu Picchu in 2 days
  • Second option: Machu Picchu full day
• Tips for traveling to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Family of foreign tourists visiting Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu for seniors

Machu Picchu is an ideal destination for people of all ages. When you purchase your ticket, you’ll notice that there are many tickets (ten in total), which allow you to follow routes with different experiences and difficulty levels. Therefore, regardless of your physical condition, you can explore Machu Picchu without much effort, or if you prefer, you can push yourself further along the longer routes.

Machu Picchu for Disabled Visitors
Machu Picchu may seem like a difficult place to navigate due to its geography, although the reality is that it also has large sections that allow entry and enjoyment even for wheelchair users. The most recommended route is the one that follows Circuit 3 (Royal Route), which runs through the lower part of Machu Picchu, where visitors will have more spacious areas to contemplate the Inca citadel. The ideal ticket is the “Machu Picchu Royal Design (Route 3B),” which is available year-round.

Best tickets for seniors at Machu Picchu

When purchasing your tickets to Machu Picchu online, you’ll find up to 10 types of tickets available, with different routes. Some are historical tours that explore the main structures, others allow for a more relaxing and scenic visit, and some even include hikes to mountains or impressive structures. Discover the best tickets for seniors to Machu Picchu.

Panoramic tour of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Upper Terrace Ticket or Classic Photo (Route 1B): If you’re looking for a peaceful, panoramic tour of Machu Picchu, this is your best option. You’ll see the upper reaches of the archaeological site, plus you’ll have plenty of space to rest and take in the entire site. It’s ideal if you’re not in good physical condition and just want to relax.

• Pre-booking period: 1 month
• Tour circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
• Maximum stay: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Availability: All year round

Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B): Another option, although less panoramic than the upper terrace, is the classic circuit along the lower terrace. With this ticket, you can also tour the middle section of the Inca citadel, along with some of the most important buildings and temples. It’s a panoramic and historic route.

• Pre-booking period: 3 months
• Tour circuit: Circuit 2 – Classic Route
• Maximum stay: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Availability: All year round

Tour of the most important temples and buildings

Designed Classic Machu Picchu Ticket (Route 2A): This route is one of the most immersive and informative in Machu Picchu. It runs through the middle of the citadel, alongside important buildings and temples. It’s an easy route, but one that will keep you constantly on the move.

• Pre-booking period: 3 months
• Tour circuit: Circuit 2 – Classic Route
• Maximum stay: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Availability: All year round

Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temples Ticket (Route 3B): With this ticket, you’ll explore the lower part of the archaeological sanctuary, along with some of its buildings, on a very informative tour. It’s easy to complete, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu from a lower area filled with greenery.

• Pre-booking period: 2 months
• Tour circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
• Maximum stay: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Availability: All year round

Hiking in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A): If you’re in good physical condition, you can opt to hike Machu Picchu Mountain, a long but fairly uneven route. It’s a 3-hour, 30-minute round-trip hike, ideal for getting a unique view of the archaeological site. From its summit, 3,082 meters above sea level, you’ll see all the natural beauty of this area.

• Pre-booking period: 1 month
• Tour circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic route
• Maximum stay: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Medium
• Availability: All year round

Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Route 1C): The Inti Punku entrance is a significant structure at the top of one of the surrounding mountains. It involves a gentle two-hour uphill hike (round trip), from which you’ll get a glimpse of the back of Machu Picchu. Ideal for photo postcards.

• Pre-booking period: 1 month
• Tour circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
• Maximum stay: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Medium
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)

Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket (3D Route): One of the best hiking routes is the Huchuy Picchu mountain. It involves a two-hour hike (round trip), the ascent is short, and you can ascend at your own pace. From the summit, you’ll have a unique panoramic view of Machu Picchu, as well as direct views of some of the most important structures.

• Pre-booking period: 2 months
• Tour circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
• Maximum stay: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Medium
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)

Prior acclimatization in Cusco

• Before making your trip to Machu Picchu, it is very important that you acclimatize beforehand, since the altitude (2,430 meters above sea level) and the humid climate could cause you to suffer from altitude sickness.
• Light activities are highly recommended during your first two days of stay. You can take city tours or visit the Sacred Valley, given that it is located at a lower altitude (2,800 meters above sea level on average).
• It’s also highly recommended to spend the night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) before visiting Machu Picchu, as you’ll be better rested and able to explore the area at your leisure.
• Also remember to stay well hydrated at all times, avoid heavy meals, avoid alcoholic beverages, and get plenty of sleep.

Main square of the city of Cusco

Machu Picchu
Opening Hours Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each ticket has an approximate stay time, generally 2 hours and 30 minutes, although if your ticket includes an additional hike, it can be extended up to 6 hours. Remember that the last entry time to Machu Picchu is at 3:00 p.m.

Ticket prices for seniors

Discover the prices for adults at Machu Picchu and all the discounts you can qualify for based on your nationality.

*Available only during high season (June 19 to November 2).

The best trip to Machu Picchu

If you’re planning to explore this wonder of the world, discover how you can organize the best trip for seniors to Machu Picchu. This way, you can have a dream itinerary without overexerting yourself, dedicating yourself solely to enjoying this mountain paradise.

First option: Machu Picchu in 2 days

• Make your trip to Machu Picchu Town at midday from Cusco. You’ll have plenty of rest and a leisurely breakfast. The trip to the Ollantaytambo train station takes two hours, while the train ride is also approximately two hours.
• You’ll arrive at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) at dusk, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the sights of this town nestled among lush, vegetation-filled mountains. One of the best options is to visit its hot springs at night to relax.
• Aguas Calientes offers top-quality tourist services, so you’ll have a wide range of options when choosing a hotel for your stay.
• At dawn on the second day, you can visit Machu Picchu during its early morning hours. This means a more relaxed, unpressured tour at your own pace, and best of all, you’ll be well-rested.
• You can return to Cusco at dusk after lunch and a brief tour of the town.

Second option: Machu Picchu full day

• If you only have one day to travel to Machu Picchu, remember to acclimatize the day beforehand with light activities in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
• Your itinerary will begin early in the morning, generally starting at dawn, so you can arrive at Machu Picchu by midday.
• The best option, if you only have one day of travel, is to book the full-day Machu Picchu tour package. This tour includes everything, so you don’t have to worry about tickets, transportation, or meals.
• After exploring Machu Picchu in the early afternoon, you can have a leisurely lunch in Aguas Calientes and even take a short walk. The return journey to Cusco is usually in the evening.
• It’s a very exhausting experience, but it allows you to see Machu Picchu in just one day.

Tips for traveling to Machu Picchu

• Drink plenty of water during your tour of Machu Picchu. Staying hydrated will help you have a better, unhurried tour.
• Avoid exerting yourself the day before your visit to Machu Picchu; you’ll need plenty of energy during your visit.
• If you take any additional walks in the Inca citadel, remember to take it easy; no one will rush you, so enjoy the journey.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as radiation in this part of the world is quite high.
• If you visit Machu Picchu during the months of April to October, you’ll find the weather with sunnier and clearer skies, although it’s also usually more crowded.
• Machu Picchu peak season tickets are only available from June 19th to November 2nd. However, they are also available on December 30th and 31st.
• During the months of November and March, there’s a greater chance of rain in Machu Picchu, so you’ll need to be prepared with rain gear or a poncho. These dates also offer a higher number of visitors and offer greener landscapes.
• Book your tickets to Machu Picchu at least one month in advance, although if you want one of the most popular tickets, such as the classic circuit, you’ll need to book three months in advance.
• If you want to avoid the stress of planning your trip to Machu Picchu, remember that with Boletomachupicchu you can book your ideal experience. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the best ticket for seniors to Machu Picchu?

  The Machu Picchu Superior Terrace or Classic Photo ticket is the best option, as it offers a light panoramic tour and agricultural terraces for a break.

• 2) What is the best hiking route in Machu Picchu for seniors?

  The easiest hike in Machu Picchu is to the Inti Punku gate, a structure at the top of one of the surrounding mountains. It’s a two-hour round trip with gentle climbs and dreamy scenery.

• 3) What is the best season to visit Machu Picchu?

  From April to October, you’ll find the best weather in Machu Picchu, with clear skies and sunny days. However, there will also be a greater number of tourists touring the citadel.

• 4) How high are Machu Picchu and Cusco?

  Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level, while Cusco is 3,399 meters above sea level. Therefore, acclimatizing in Cusco will make your trip to Machu Picchu much easier.

• 5) How to avoid altitude sickness?

  The best thing you can do is rest during your first day of travel. It also helps to eat light, stay hydrated, and drink coca tea before and during your trip.

• 6) Until what time is Machu Picchu open?

  Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last entry time is at 3:00 p.m.

• 7) What is the difficulty of the classic Machu Picchu circuit?

  The classic circuit route is very simple, although there are no places to take a break. The route continues through the most important temples and buildings in the middle section of the Inca citadel.

• 8) How long can I stay in Machu Picchu?

  The average stay at Machu Picchu is 2 hours 30 minutes, although if your ticket includes an additional hike, you can extend your stay up to 6 hours.

• 9) Can I visit Machu Picchu in one day?

  Yes, it’s one of the best options. Booking the Full-Day tour allows you to explore Machu Picchu in a single day, starting early in the morning and returning at dusk.

• 10) Is it advisable to spend the night in Aguas Calientes?

  Yes, it’s the best option if you want a relaxing tour that’s well-rested. Plus, you’ll have more time to explore and get to know the attractions of Aguas Calientes.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Alejandra M.

“A marvel difficult to describe“

“Being in Machu Picchu is a deeply moving experience. The combination of landscapes, history and mysticism makes it a unique destination. Undoubtedly, one of the most impressive places on the planet.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 27, 2025