Are you ready for Machu Picchu? The documents you need
Are you sure you have everything ready to go to Machu Picchu? Sometimes, it’s the little details that can ruin a great trip. Before you get excited about your adventure, make sure you don’t forget the most important thing: your documents. In this blog, I’ll tell you which ones you need and why it’s best to review everything carefully before you leave.
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Mandatory Personal Documents
What documents do I need to enter Machu Picchu?
Traveler, a super important detail for your trip to Machu Picchu is to always have your personal documents on hand, as they will be requested frequently. Write this down! Also, you should be very cautious: prepare them before your departure and take care of them throughout your trip. Below, I’ll share the documents you’ll need, depending on your country of origin.
| DAYS | Identity document | Visa | Passport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizens of the Peruvian state. | Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile. | Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua. | Countries not mentioned above. |
These documents must be presented in physical form. If you bring them in digital format or as photographs, you will not be allowed access. Don’t forget this!
Can you enter Machu Picchu with just your ID?
Of course! This document is valid only for Peruvian citizens and is known as the National Identity Document (DNI). You’ll need it not only to enter the citadel, but also to reserve your ticket to Machu Picchu, as your personal information must appear on the ticket.
For additional services such as buses and trains, you will also be asked to show your ID, as they will verify your identity with the tickets you purchased. Don’t forget to bring it with you or lose it close to your travel date, as it’s essential to avoid any setbacks.
Do I need a passport to go to Machu Picchu?
Yes, if you are not a Peruvian citizen, you will need a valid passport. This document is required to enter Peru and will be requested at the airport, hotels, Machu Picchu checkpoints, and even when booking your entry ticket.
Remember that your passport is an essential document. Ideally, you should apply for one at least five to six months before your trip. If you don’t have one, you won’t be able to enter the country, much less visit Machu Picchu.
What happens if I lose my document before entering Machu Picchu?
This is a situation you should avoid at all costs. Both your ID and passport are very important. If you lose them, you won’t be allowed to enter Machu Picchu , and you could lose this opportunity entirely, even if you’re ready.
What if I forget? If you act quickly, you can contact your travel agency to get your documents. However, if you’re already a few minutes away from your reserved time slot, you unfortunately won’t be able to enter. Therefore, it’s very important to have these documents ready before starting your journey to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Do minors need special documents?
Like any adult traveler, minors must also carry the necessary documents. Remember that some require a VISA, others a PASSPORT, and still others only require their ID. I can help you with the table I showed you in the first part of this article.
Remember! If you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu, you’ll also need entrance tickets. Don’t forget that, to obtain them, you must have these documents on hand to avoid any setbacks.
Can I use my expired passport to enter Machu Picchu?
Traveler, if your passport has expired, it’s important to know that you won’t be able to use it to enter Peru or Machu Picchu. Therefore, it’s recommended that this document be current and have sufficient validity for use.
Also, keep in mind that passport codes often change at the time of renewal. Therefore, when booking your ticket to Machu Picchu, you must use your updated passport. Your documents are verified along with your entry ticket, and if the passport code doesn’t match your current one, you won’t be allowed entry.
Machu Picchu Tickets
Can I show my ticket from my cell phone?
Please note! Yes, you can, but keep in mind that your ticket must be in PDF format to be shown at the entrance to Machu Picchu. Photographs and screenshots are not accepted, as they could be considered fake documents and invalid.
Sometimes inconveniences arise, such as your phone not working at the moment for whatever reason. Therefore, it’s recommended to bring your ticket in both digital (PDF) and printed format. A simple mistake could ruin your entire trip.
What do they check on my ticket? Traveler, your ticket includes your personal information, the date and time of entry, which are verified with your ID or passport. Additionally, to expedite entry, the ticket includes a QR code that will be scanned at the entrance.
Student documents and discounts
What documents do I need to access the student discount?
To begin, you must take into account the necessary documents mentioned in the first part of this text, which you must have on hand to make your reservation. Additionally, you must select the “student” option when making your purchase.
That’s it! Even though the booking platform doesn’t ask for your student ID, at the entrance to Machu Picchu, you’ll be asked for your current university student ID, certified by your government. This will be enough to access the student discount ticket .
How old do students have to be to get the discount?
To qualify for this discount, you must be between 18 and 25 years old. If you are an older traveler, the discount will unfortunately not apply. If you purchased a ticket with an incorrect fare and it is confirmed, you may be denied entry to Machu Picchu due to the incorrect fare.
Travelers, when booking your ticket to Machu Picchu, it’s very important to choose the fare that best suits your age, situation, and nationality. Taking advantage of discounts that aren’t eligible for can have serious consequences, including the loss of your trip altogether.
The ISIC student ID is no longer valid for obtaining the student discount for Machu Picchu, so it is recommended that you have a university ID issued by your institution.
Do schoolchildren also get a discount?
Take note! Schoolchildren are considered minors in Peru, as they typically finish their studies at age 17. The tuition fee for them ranges from ages 3 to 17 , and you can take advantage of it without needing to present additional documentation proving your student status.
Traveler, one thing you should keep in mind is that minors cannot reserve their tickets themselves; this must be arranged by an adult. Also, remember that to travel to Machu Picchu, minors must always be accompanied by their parents and/or guardian.
Documents for the Inca Trail
What documents are required to do the Inca Trail?
Just like entering Machu Picchu, you’ll need the same documents: passport, visa, or ID, depending on your country of origin (as mentioned in the table in the first part of this text).
Caution! In addition to having your documents and the entry ticket, it is mandatory to travel the Inca Trail with a travel agency authorized by SERNANP (National Park Service). This agency will be responsible for providing you with all necessary support throughout the trek. If you attempt to enter on your own, you will not be allowed access, even if you have all the required documents.
When should I show my documents during the tour?
I see you’re very curious. If you’ve already planned a trip to Machu Picchu, you should keep in mind that you’ll be asked for your documents at several points: at the airport, at the bus terminal, at the train station, and finally at the checkpoint to enter the Machu Picchu citadel. This is because many of the tickets you purchase will be linked to your ID or passport.
If you’re a traveler who uses a travel agency, they’ll keep you informed when you need to have your documents ready. Also, keep in mind that these documents should be the first to be prepared for your trip, thus avoiding forgetting them.