Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu are two of the best places to get a bird's eye view of the magnificent ruins, but which hike is best? Deciding which trail is right for you depends on how much you enjoy physical activity and heights, as well as avoiding crowds.
What is Huayna Picchu?
Huayna Picchu, also known as 'Wayna Picchu' ( Young Peak ), is the tall mountain that can be seen in the background of most iconic images of Machu Picchu Citadel. It is located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Up Huayna Picchu?
The hike is a 2-3 hour steep round-trip climb on a well-established trail, but the last 65 feet (20 meters) is a vertical rock slab that is climbed with a ladder and a rope.
How Hard is it to Hike Huayna Picchu?
Huayna Picchu is a challenging, steep hike but short in distance. You have to register when you start the trek and sign out when you finish releasing any responsibility. You walk up some steps like half a mile until you start ascending the mountain through a tiny dirt road that takes you through the forest. Some sections require the use of both hands and feet to scramble upwards, while some include railings and cables for support. Within Huayna Picchu are steep and narrow stairs named the "stairs of death." Huayna Picchu hikes are not recommended for those afraid of heights, ledges, or vertical stone ladders, those who are overweight, have mobility concerns, and children under 12.
Why is Huayna Picchu Famous?
According to ancient history, top priests and virgins lived at the mountain's summit, where they daily worshiped the primary deity, the sun. It towers over Machu Picchu, the Incas' mythical "hidden city." The Incas built a road up Huayna Picchu's side and temples and terraces at the summit.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain ( Old Peak ), closer to civilization, is the higher peak towering above the ruins opposite Huayna Picchu.
How Many Hours Does it take to Climb Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is a lesser-known, 2.5-3.5 hour roundtrip hike, sometimes steep, with stone steps through the forested mountainside.
Is it Difficult to Climb Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is a relatively moderate but physically challenging hike, probably harder than Huayna Picchu since you have to climb more than 1600 stone stairs. It is possible to bring healthy and active children here, but their parents must always supervise them.
Do I Need to Book Machu Picchu Tickets in Advance?
Entrance is subject to availability, and guests must choose and inform their preferred schedule when booking. Guest information such as complete name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and prepayment is necessary. Also, be advised that any permit or ticket to Machu Picchu is currently non-refundable/non-transferable. The only option to get a refund is if the government decides to close the citadel and its surroundings.
Tickets to the ruins must be purchased in advance for the specific date you will visit. Your tour likely includes tickets, contact us for more information and inquire about purchasing tickets for your travel dates. Tickets for trekking to Machu Picchu on the full Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail must also be purchased in advance.
Here are Some Differences Worth Considering When Deciding Which Trail to Hike:
Huayna Picchu
Machu Picchu
Huchuy Picchu (New hike since 2021)
Available Spaces
200 guests per day
400 guests per day
200 guests per day
Entrance Time Slots
Divided into four slots:
6:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m
Divided into two slots: 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Divided into nine daily slots. From 6:00 a.m.- 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are Kids Allowed
Not suitable for kids under 12
Suitable for fit & active kids above 12
All age groups are allowed. Every child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Months to Book in Advance
Must be purchased 2-3 months in advance.
Do not sell out as quickly and are a better option for last-minute travelers. We do, however, encourage purchasing admissions ahead of time.
Only 25 lucky ones get to experience every hour, so be sure to book well in advance. High demand and limited availability.
Circuit Entrance
The only way to go to and from is via circuit 4. This entrance does not include re-entry or a visit to Machu Picchu.
Guests can return to Machu Picchu and see the citadel through circuit 3.
Entrance is through Circuit 4. You must purchase the ticket "Machu Picchu + Mountain Huchuypicchu". It does not allow re-entry. After the hike, the ticket permits you to proceed through Machupicchu's circuit 4.
Elevation Gain
290 meters (951 ft)
Ascends nearly twice as high at 621 meters (2,037 ft)
70 meters (220 ft)
Height
2720 meters (8,923 ft)
3082 meters (10,111 ft)
2,497 ft (8,192 ft)
Sights as I Climb Up
Incas-built temples and platforms
Has more wild orchids and birds, as well as a more lush environment. No ruins at the top.
Lush, high-jungle scenery, as well as the chance to see wildlife and rare orchids
Duration
2-2.5 hours
Higher than Huayna, Picchu takes nearly twice as long at 3–3.5 hours.
The uphill hike takes 50 mins.
Difficulty
Steeper and not ideal for those afraid of heights. Some parts need your hands for balance. The hike begins on a well-established trail, but the last 65 feet (20 meters) is a steep rock slab climbed with a ladder and a rope. Take extra care when the weather is wet, as it can be slippery.
Also steep, but the path is wider and so less dangerous than Huayna. However, it's also a longer hike at 1600 stone steps, making it more physically demanding. Here you do not have any ropes to get extra help, and you can use your own hands to climb if you feel you need it.
An easy or moderate level of difficulty. A 0.6 km hike is required to reach the top of Huchuy Picchu, which may be accessed using the same route as the Huayna Picchu peak. There is a short detour of stone stairs that takes you to the peak of Huchuy Picchu on the first stretch. The route back is identical to the route out. The trail is wide and you have something to grab on to, so the steep drop-offs aren't too frightening or dangerous.
Crowds
More popular. Hence, more touristy.
Great option because it is less traveled than the trail to Huayna Picchu. If you prefer staying away from the crowds, hiking Machu Picchu is the way to go.
Unlike other trails, this one is less crowded, allowing you to pause and enjoy the scenery in peace.
Views on the Summit
Admire unique views of the citadel with Machu Picchu Mountain as a backdrop.
Take in the enclosures, temples, squares, and platforms of the Inca citadel and nearby attractions such as the Putukusi, Huayna Picchu, Salkantay glaciers, and Vilcanota rivers.
It is one of its most beautiful corners, where you can get a unique angle of the citadel.
Peak
It lacks a flat summit which can be highly upsetting for those scared of heights.
. Hiking trail to the top of Machu Picchu mountain, 3,082 masl, 1600 steps and stone trails. At the top you can glimpse entire landscape of the place. Stone steps on the steep slope of Machu Picchu Mountain
Is It Worth Climbing Huayna Picchu?
The stunning views of the Incas-built temples, platforms, and surroundings make the climb rewarding, despite its difficulty. There is nothing like seeing Machu Picchu from a new angle to broaden your perspective. In Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu is one of the most popular hiking trails.
View of Machu Picchu Mountain from Huayna Picchu
Is Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain Worth It?
The view from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain is better than Huayna Picchu's scenery. Although the climb is somewhat more difficult at 1,600 steps, Machu Picchu summit provides a truly bird's eye view of the ruins and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the ruins below, and Huayna Picchu in the back-drop. Around it is the Urubamba river, the Willkamayu sacred valley, and the Veronica mountain range, part of the sacred tears mountain range. You can also see Salkantay, the second-highest glacier in Cusco.
Exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu Should I Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
These hikes are both iconic, unique experiences that should not be missed by any traveler visiting Peru. Each trip gives you a different experience, and while they may be similar in price, they will be very different in what they offer. Either way, you can’t go wrong—be sure to bring good hiking shoes, keep your load light but don’t forget the camera, and let your guide know if you have any special requests.
Huchuy Picchu: New Hiking Option in Machu Picchu
Huchuy Picchu is Machu Picchu's smallest peak, located just next to Huayna Picchu. It is much smaller, the hike is significantly shorter, and the terrain is not extremely difficult—a newly opened hiking trail in Machu Picchu in 2021.
Formerly, Huchuy Picchu was part of the route to Huayna Picchu mountain, but many people either didn't know about it or didn't take the additional time to see it. In 2021, Cusco's Ministry of Culture recently opted to divide Huchuy Picchu from Huayna Picchu as a separate trek. You must purchase the ticket "Machu Picchu + Mountain Huchuy Picchu" in order to get to Huchuy Picchu today.
Huchuy Picchu Quick Facts:
Elevation Gain: 70 m (220 ft) Altitude: 2,497 ft (8,192 ft) Length of time: The uphill hike takes 50 mins
Huchuy Picchu's summit is 0.6 km away.
An easy or moderate level of difficulty
Huchuy Picchu Mountain offers lush, high-jungle scenery, as well as the chance to see wildlife and rare orchids (in the area of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu there are more than 300 species of orchids). It is one of its most beautiful corners, where you can get a unique angle of the citadel. Huchuy Picchu makes the cut for those who are excited to get the best views of Machu Picchu but prefer taking a light walk. It entails a 50-minute hike up some steep terraces and staircases from Inti Punku (Sun Gate) - located directly in front of Aguas Calientes train station - to reach this 8,100-foot-high peak situated above Machu Picchu.
The Sun Gate does not require any additional permits and is a great way to walk some of the old Inca trails. There are a few narrow but short stairways, but handrails are available to assist. The vegetation and rock formations along the way make this 2-hour round-trip hike enjoyable. Once you are there, the view back to the ruins and Huayna Picchu is fabulous. Visiting the Sun Gate and the Inca Bridge in 2022 is currently not possible.
Contact an Adventure Life Trip Planner if you need help deciding whether to add the extra hiking permit for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, trying to decide between the two or an alternative hike, such as the newly opened Huchuy Picchu.
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