Which Mountain Should I hike? Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

By shortinca
March 8, 2023

There are now 3 extra hikes in Machu Picchu (three mountains) to visit and hike at Machu Picchu Inca ruins with the opening of the Huchuy Picchu Mountain Trail. Here are the list.

  • Huchuy Picchu Mountain
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Machu Picchu mountain.

Each of these mountains has something to offer and well worth a visit. Below we delve into what makes each mountain unique and help you decide the best option for your individual needs. For a fully comprehensive and enriching experience at Machu Picchu ,we highly recommend adding a mountain to your regular Machu Picchu ticket.

Here is a list of all the circuits:

  1. Machu Picchu only ticket (circuit 1,2,3 or 4)
  2. Circuit 4 + Huayna Picchu
  3. Montaña Machu Picchu + Circuit 3
  4. Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu Mountain
  5. Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge

Don’t forget: First you must buy your Machu Picchu entrance and add any of this mountains on top. SAM Travel Peru can help with all these reservations.

1.- All About Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Huchuy Picchu mountain is called the small mountain for good reasons. Its peak lies at 2,497m/8,192ft, just 50 meters (164 feet) above the principal archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

Huchuy Picchu is located next to Huayna Picchu, they share the same entrance and offers terrific views over the entire Inca citadel.

The trail features original Inca stairs and pathways. Some areas are surrounded by beautiful orchids, and the air is filled with bird songs.

Incas would climb Huchuy Picchu enroute to the summit of Huayna Picchu when Machu Picchu was in its pomp. Both formations helped guard the site.

Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain

How Difficult Is the Huchuy Picchu Hike?

The Huchuy Picchu hike is much less strenuous than the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain options.

A one-kilometer pathway starts on flat trails before heading up some Inca stairs, constructed in the 15th century, towards its summit.

Guides recommend taking an hour to walk the hour-long pathway so you can enjoy the vegetation and views. People need to be in reasonable shape to cope with the stairs. The return journey is a descent down the same path, and people should consider walking poles to assist with potential shocks to the knees.

The walk’s relative brevity means it feels like a 40-60 minute extension of the two-hour-long Machu Picchu ruins tour.

Fit and acclimatized hikers can walk to Huchuy Picchu’s summit much more quickly.


2.- All About Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is a mountain located near Machu Picchu in Peru. It is often referred to as the “Young Peak” and stands at 2,720 meters (8,920 feet) above sea level. Huayna Picchu is a popular destination for visitors to Machu Picchu, as it provides a stunning panoramic view of the Inca ruins and the surrounding landscape. However, climbing Huayna Picchu is a challenging and steep hike that requires a certain level of physical fitness and agility. Visitors must also obtain a separate ticket to climb Huayna Picchu, as there is a limit of 400 climbers per day and it can be done only the morning.

How Difficult Is the Huayna Picchu Hike?

Huayna Picchu certainly lives up to that notion, with tremendous views after an energising ascent.

Hikers need to ascend 300 m and two kilometres of steep and occasionally vertigo-inducing Inca stonework, passing other walkers on the way up and down. It certainly gives an insight into what life atop Peru’s steep Andean mountains meant.

Some steps are high and narrow and may be close to long drops to the valleys below. Experienced mountain hikers will enjoy the romp. However, it’s best to reserve your entrance ticket fully knowing what to expect.

Huayna Picchu’s summit sits at 2,693m/8,835ft and has four separate entry times (At 7, 8, 9 and 10am). It’s one of the most sought-after tickets in town because of the vistas it offers. We highly recommend you book up your Huayna Picchu ticket when you book your Inca Trail or Machu Picchu tour.

Children under 12 years old cannot climb Huayna Picchu, and a parent or guardian must accompany those aged 12-18.

The Temple of the Moon, also located on Huayna Picchu

Huyan Picchu Mountain

What’s the Highest Altitude at Huayna Picchu?

The maximum altitude at Huayna Picchu is 2,693m/8,835ft.

Where Can I Buy Huayna Picchu Entrance Tickets?

Huayna Picchu entrance tickets are restricted to 300 per day. They can sell out many months in advance, especially during the peak season (May-Sept).

In theory, in some quieter months, people can buy Huayna Picchu tickets in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. We recommend avoiding the risk of disappointment by booking up at the time you reserve your Machu Picchu tour or Inca Trail hike.

What Are the Entrance Times for Huayna Picchu?

There are four entrance times for Huayna Picchu:

  • 7 am
  • 8 am
  • 9 am
  • 10 am

Allow two hours to summit and descend Huayna Picchu.


3.- All About Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is another peak located near Machu Picchu in Peru. It is much taller than Huayna Picchu, standing at 3,082 meters (10,111 feet) above sea level. Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain is also a popular activity for visitors to Machu Picchu, as it offers a less crowded but equally stunning view of the Inca ruins and the surrounding area. Like Huayna Picchu, visitors must obtain a separate ticket to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, and there is a limit of 200 climbers per day.

How Difficult Is the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike?

Machu Picchu Mountain’s ascent is a moderate one to start with, swiftly turning into a more challenging climb. The hike winds for two kilometers through verdant forest, with birdsong and beautiful flowers accompanying the walker’s passage before the final steep section.

Machu Picchu doesn’t have the sheer drops and awkward staircases of Huayna Picchu, but it is a longer walk that goes higher. Allow up to two to three hours to ascend the entire 500m/1,640 feet and a further 25 minutes to walk from the entrance to Machu Picchu to the start of the walk.

The view from the summit gives an unparalleled panoramic of the area’s peaks. There is also the small matter of the Machu Picchu ruins below and glimpses of the Urubamba canyon that snakes around the entire location. The return is along the same path to the ruins.

What’s the Highest Altitude at Machu Picchu Mountain?

The maximum altitude at Machu Picchu Mountain is 3,082m/10,112 feet,

Where Can I Buy Machu Picchu Mountain Entrance Tickets?

Machu Picchu Mountain entrance tickets are restricted to 200 per day. They may sell out a few weeks in advance in the peak season (May to Sept), but you may be able to find availability close to your departure date.


Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain

People can buy Machu Picchu Mountain tickets in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. We recommend avoiding the risk of disappointment and booking up at the time you reserve your Machu Picchu tour or Inca Trail hike.

What Are the Entrance Times for Machu Picchu Mountain?

There are two entrance times for Machu Picchu Mountain:

  • 7 am
  • 8 am

Huchuy Picchu, Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Huchuy Picchu offers a new, exciting, and accessible way to climb above Machu Picchu ruins. All three offer a sense of personal achievement and great photo opportunities.

Demand will be high for tickets, just as they are with Huayna Picchu. Below is a quick summary of all three.

Huchuy Picchu

  • Easy, 1km
  • 50m ascent
  • 40 minutes
  • Views over Machu Picchu, flowers, birds
  • Inca staircase

Machu Picchu Mountain

  • Moderate, 3km
  • 500m ascent
  • 3 hours
  • Views over Machu Picchu, flowers, birds, Urubamba canyon
  • Path with some steep sections

Huayna Picchu

  • Hard, 2km
  • 300m ascent
  • 2 hours
  • Views over Machu Picchu, Inca ruins
  • Steep drop-offs, Inca stairs, vertiginous

Whichever you choose, we recommend making reservations at the time you book your Machu Picchu tour. You’ll probably only visit the Inca citadel once in your life – so make the most of it.

You Might also Like