How to travel to Machu Picchu free with children?
Traveling to Machu Picchu for free is only possible for children under 3 years old. This is because both the train and bus tickets and the entrance itself allow free entry for children in this age range. In this sense, it is important that parents interested in entering with their children show their respective passports or identification documents. On the other hand, children and adolescents between 3 and 17 years old will find special discounts for any of the services or entrance tickets they need to get to Machu Picchu. Let’s learn more about all the details of making the trip with your children and the little ones in the family.
- Is entry to Machu Picchu free with children?
- How much does the Machu Picchu entrance fee cost for children over 3 years old?
- Why is entry to Machu Picchu free for children?
- What requirements must a child meet to enter Machu Picchu for free?
- Can children visit all the routes offered by Machu Picchu?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard Photo route with children?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Mountain route with children?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku route with children?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge route with children?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Classic Route with children?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Classic Route and lower terrace route with children?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Lower Temples route with children?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu route with children?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu route with kids?
- Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon route with children?
- Are train and bus tickets in Machu Picchu free for children?
- Recommendations for a perfect trip to Machu Picchu with children
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to Machu Picchu free with children?
Tickets to enter Machu Picchu are free only for children under 3 years old. For children and teenagers between 3 and 17 years old, discounts are offered at the time of booking and the purchase itself. To do so, they will have to prove their age by attaching their ID and passport.
In order for children to enter, they must be accompanied by their guardians or parents. Also, during the trip to Cusco and Peru, parents will have to present their identity document. Let’s learn some details to keep in mind when entering Machu Picchu:
- All minors or those between 0 and 18 years old must be accompanied by their parents.
- If accompanied by a guardian, parental permission must be provided.
- In the case of children under 3 years old, it is not necessary to make a reservation as such. They will be automatically admitted.
- In the case of children between 3 and 17 years old, a reservation is required. The discounted cost will be shown at the time of booking.
- When making the reservation, an identity document or passport must be attached.
- You will receive confirmation of the document sent and also.
- The document to be sent must be in optimal condition and completely legible.
How much does the Machu Picchu entrance fee cost for children over 3 years old?
Children over 3 years old pay the entrance fee to Machu Picchu with a discount of almost 50%. Children from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia enjoy an even greater benefit.
Official prices for Machu Picchu tickets for children (between 3 and 17 years old):
Ticket type | Price (foreigners) | Price (foreigners from CAN) |
---|---|---|
Machu Picchu only | 77 S/. | 32 S/. |
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu | 125 S/. | 80 S/. |
Machu Picchu + Mountain | 125 S/. | 80 S/. |
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu | 77 S/. | 32 S/. |
Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge | 77 S/. | 32 S/. |
* Price for children (3 to 17 years). The CAN includes the following countries: Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Why is entry to Machu Picchu free for children?
In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Since then, the number of visitors has increased. To ensure that no one misses out on one of the main destinations on the planet, the Peruvian authorities decided to establish benefits for children, adolescents and citizens of countries in the Andean Community (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia).
The youngest children (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 identification document certifying your age upon entry.
- Babies must be carried by their parents in carriers. Strollers are not permitted.
The entry of minors between 3 and 17 years old is by following these steps:
- Be under 17 years old to access special discounts.
- Make your reservation in advance, the recommended tickets for minors are those for Circuit 2.
- To make a reservation for Circuit 2, you must start your reservation 3 or 4 months in advance.
- Circuit 2 is ideal for a family tour because its route is easy to follow.
- If you are looking for another ticket, it is also recommended to do so in advance, especially for group or entire family bookings.
- Since they are still minors, they must be accompanied by their parents or guardian.
- Parents are advised to bring drinks and snacks in their belongings.
THE BEST CIRCUIT FOR FAMILIES
Now you can find new circuits to visit Machu Picchu. The Circuit that has not undergone many changes is Circuit 2 or the Classic Route of Machu Picchu. It has two entrance tickets and allows you to visit the Inca constructions up close. You can walk through the little streets and also contemplate the most important temples. In this sense, the ideal route for the whole family is Circuit 2 , which also has an easy route to follow and is quite striking.
Can children visit all the routes offered by Machu Picchu?
There are currently 10 entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. Following the changes made to the availability for 2024, it was deemed appropriate to formalize a high season and a regular season. The first of these begins on the first day of June and will end on October 15.
On the other hand, the rest of the year can be understood as the regular season and it will be during the regular season where only 6 entrance tickets can be found. While during the season 4 new routes and entrance tickets are enabled to know, from different experiences, Machu Picchu.
Below, let’s find out more about the tickets and access allowed for children. This way, you can make the reservation that best suits you and ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch and according to plan.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard Photo route 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 to 17 years old have the benefit of discounts.
- You can find 10 groups of schedules that start at 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- The tour offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Mountain route with children?
- According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, minors cannot do this hiking route.
- If visiting older adults, it is recommended that they visit a doctor to authorize the visit.
- This ticket has two schedules: the first starts at 7:00 and the second at 9:00.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku route 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 to 17 years old have the benefit of discounts.
- >There are 4 groups of schedules that start at 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
- The tour allows you to appreciate the main Inca constructions and also the entrance to the citadel.
- The tour can only be done during the high season.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge route with children?
- According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, minors cannot do this hiking route.
- If visiting older adults, it is recommended that they visit a doctor to authorize the visit.
- There are 4 groups of schedules that start at 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
- The tour can only be done during the high season.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Classic Route 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 to 17 years old have the benefit of discounts.
- You can find 10 groups of schedules that start at 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- The tour allows you to appreciate the main Inca constructions and also the entrance to the citadel.
- This route can be done all year round.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Classic Route and lower terrace route 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 to 17 years old have the benefit of discounts.
- You can find 10 groups of schedules starting at 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- The tour allows you to appreciate the main Inca constructions and also the entrance to the citadel.
- This route can be done all year round.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Lower Temples route 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 to 17 years old have the benefit of discounts.
- You can find 10 groups of schedules that start at 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- The tour allows you to appreciate the main Inca constructions and also the entrance to the citadel.
- This route can be done all year round.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu route with children?
- According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, minors cannot do this hiking route.
- If visiting older adults, it is recommended that they visit a doctor to authorize the visit.
- This ticket has two schedules: the first starts at 7:00 and the second at 9:00.
- This route can be done all year round.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu route with kids?
- According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, minors cannot do this hiking route.
- If visiting older adults, it is recommended that they visit a doctor to authorize the visit.
- This ticket has two schedules: the first starts at 7:00 and the second at 9:00.
- This route can only be done during the high season, that is, from June 1st to October 15th.
Is it possible to do the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon route with children?
- According to the latest updates on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, minors cannot do this hiking route.
- If visiting older adults, it is recommended that they visit a doctor to authorize the visit.
- This ticket has two schedules: the first starts at 7:00 and the second at 9:00.
- This route can only be done during the high season, that is, from June 1st to October 15th.
Ticket type | Admission for minors |
---|---|
Machu Picchu + Classic Photo Postcard | Yes |
Machu Picchu + Mountain | No |
Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge | No |
Machu Picchu + Inti Punku | Yes |
Machu Picchu Classic Circuit | Yes |
Machu Picchu Classic Circuit + Lower Terrace | Yes |
Machu Picchu + Lower Temples | Yes |
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu | No |
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu | No |
Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon | No |
An additional option is a visit to the Machu Picchu Butterfly Garden
At the end of the tour of Machu Picchu, you can visit the Machu Picchu Butterfly Farm on the way down. This place is located near the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and on the route to the archaeological site.
The tour of the butterfly farm is accompanied by a guide who explains the life, development and care of the butterflies in the area. In addition, you can learn about other species and take photographs. It really is an ideal experience for children or the youngest members of the household.
Are train and bus tickets in Machu Picchu free for children?
Train and bus tickets are only free as follows:
- Children from 0 to 2 years old do not pay for the train fare on either of the two train companies that go to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). They must travel in the arms of their father or mother.
- Children aged 3 to 11 pay a discount of almost 50% on the regular price of the train ticket. Tickets can be booked online.
- Children from 0 to 12 years old do not pay the price of the bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Reservations can be made online or once in Cusco.
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 your tickets, train tickets and tours in advance. Don’t forget to bring your children’s documents (passport, ID) with you.
- If you are coming with babies, please note that strollers are not allowed. The best option is to bring baby carriers.
- Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent to protect the little ones (especially if you travel between April and October).
- Keep a close eye on little ones if you plan to visit Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu.
- The tour guide service at Machu Picchu is mandatory. A guided tour makes visiting the Inca City with children more entertaining. At the entrance gate, there are tour guides offering their services. Another option is to book one online through an agency.
- Visiting the ‘House of Butterflies’ or the ‘Thermal Baths’ of Aguas Calientes are the best alternatives to entertain the little ones after or before touring Machu Picchu.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the recommended age for children to visit Machu Picchu?
As we have seen, children even under 3 years old can enter Machu Picchu, however, it is recommended that minors be over 6 years old so that 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 is not mandatory, but we are sure that it is one of the best decisions to make. This is because the information received will spark the interest of children, even the youngest ones, having an educational and much more interesting journey.
3) Where can I buy entrance tickets to Machu Picchu for children?
Tickets for children will only be required for those over 3 years old and under 17 years old. Children under 3 years old do not require an entrance ticket. In the case of these, reservations can be made from the official website and from our website.
4) What clothes should children wear to visit Machu Picchu?
The rainy season and the time of entry to Machu Picchu must be taken into account. Taking this as a reference, you should wear comfortable clothing. Also, bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
5) Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu with children?
Yes, it is quite safe. It is even possible to make the trip to Machu Picchu throughout the year, that is, during the rainy season. In addition, the tour of the Inca citadel is safe because inspections and restorations of all circuits of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu are constantly carried out.
Advice from people who have been there
“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, January 8, 2025