The mountains surrounding Machu Picchu are among the main attractions you can visit in the Inca sanctuary. Both Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu offer thrilling adventure experiences. The hiking trails are full of adrenaline, where you’ll not only admire historical structures but also stunning landscapes of the surrounding nature. If you’re planning your ideal trip to this world wonder, we’ll provide you with the best options to include one of the mountains along with all the necessary information.

• Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: hiking trails
• Machu Picchu Mountains visit itinerary
• How to organize my trip to Machu Picchu?
• Price of tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
• More information about the mountains of Machu Picchu
• Questions and answers about Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

View of the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain

Huchuy Picchu Mountain
The most famous and adventurous mountains you can visit in the Inca city are definitely Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. However, there is another peak that offers a lighter hike, less than 1 kilometer. Huchuy Picchu is the smallest mountain, located next to Huayna Picchu. From its summit, you can enjoy beautiful views of the entire archaeological site and the surrounding nature. Its name, translated from Quechua, means ‘small mountain’, as its summit is only 50 meters above the archaeological site. The route takes an average of 30 minutes and is only suitable for visitors over 12 years old.

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: hiking trails

• Huayna Picchu

  Huayna Picchu is the most famous mountain in the entire Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, standing out in the background of classic photos. Its summit is 2,693 meters above sea level, which means a hike along Inca trails with a constant ascent. The trail is nearly 2 kilometers long and takes approximately 1 hour to reach the summit. Access to Huayna Picchu is only allowed for visitors over 12 years old.

• Machu Picchu

  Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest peak in the Inca city, with its summit at 3,082 meters above sea level. Thanks to this mountain, the Historic Sanctuary gets its name. The hiking route to the top is light, though much longer compared to other mountains in the area (a total of 2.5 kilometers). The average time for a tourist to complete the round trip is 3 hours. Access to this summit is suitable for visitors of all ages.

Machu Picchu Mountains Visit Itinerary

To enter any of the mountains in Machu Picchu, you will need to purchase tickets that come with their own specific schedule, and each ticket includes a tour of one of the three circuits dividing the Inca citadel.

Check the available schedules for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (route 3A) to plan your itinerary

• Itinerary for group 1: Access to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 7:00 AM, while access to Huayna Picchu is between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
• Itinerary for group 2: Access to Machu Picchu circuit 3 from 10:00 AM, while access to Huayna Picchu is between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Organize your trip with the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (route 1A) according to available schedules and groups:

• Itinerary for group 1: Access to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 7:00 AM, while access to Machu Picchu Mountain is between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
• Itinerary for group 2: Access to Machu Picchu circuit 1 from 9:00 AM, while access to Machu Picchu Mountain is between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Access to the mountains of the Inca citadel is only in the morning, with prior hours available for touring the circuit included in your ticket. Also, upon descending, you can make a small visit to the structures along the route as you head to the exit gate of the Historic Sanctuary.

The average stay time in Machu Picchu with these tickets is five hours, which includes the hiking route and the visit to the Inca citadel. Both are available year-round, although only Machu Picchu Mountain is suitable for visitors of all ages (Huayna Picchu is only available for those over 12 years old).

How to organize my trip to Machu Picchu?

• The classic trip to Machu Picchu starts early in the morning from the city of Cusco towards the town of Ollantaytambo. From there, a train is taken to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village). It’s a full-day experience with a return scheduled for the evening.
• However, if you prefer a more relaxed and stress-free trip, it’s recommended to arrive in Aguas Calientes a day before your visit to Machu Picchu. This way, you can rest enough for a better experience in the Inca citadel. It will also allow you to explore more of the village and its attractions.
• The following day, after breakfast, you should head to the bus station that departs for the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Buses depart from 5:00 AM in 15-minute intervals. Keep in mind that the journey takes about 30 minutes. The entrance gates to the Inca city open from 6:00 AM.
• There is also the option to ascend to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu on foot, via a staircase with a continuous ascent (about 1 hour 30 minutes). It is recommended to do this on your return trip, as it will be a simpler path where you can appreciate more of the biodiversity surrounding this world wonder.
• After visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll still have additional time to continue exploring the tourist attractions in Aguas Calientes. The return can be in the afternoon, allowing you to reach the city of Cusco in the evening without any issues.

Archaeological site of Machu Picchu

Price of tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

More information about the mountains of Machu Picchu

• The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (route 3A) is one of the most requested by visitors to Machu Picchu, so it is recommended to book it 2 to 3 months in advance.
• For the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (route 1A), you only need to make a reservation 3 weeks in advance.
• The weather in Machu Picchu can be unpredictable, so it is always recommended to bring a rain poncho or waterproof clothing.
• Only during the high ticket season (June 19 to November 2) will the Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu ticket (route 3D) be available, which is an excellent option if you were unable to get a ticket to Huayna Picchu.
• The Huayna Picchu mountain is recommended for young travelers, groups of friends, and visitors who want an adrenaline-filled experience on one of the best short hikes in the world.
• Despite having a higher summit than Huayna Picchu, the Machu Picchu mountain offers a lighter trek due to its longer route, making it suitable for people of all ages. It is ideal for traveling with family or children. If you’re looking for the best view of the entire Inca citadel, this is your best option.
• Remember, with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your ideal experience visiting Machu Picchu. Consult with our sales advisors for all the available options.

Tourist at the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

Questions and Answers about Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

• 1. What is the best time to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  The first time slot (entry to Machu Picchu from 07:00 AM) is the best time to visit Huayna Picchu, as it allows you to hike in cooler weather and enjoy the landscapes at sunrise.

• 2. What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu Mountain?

  The first time slot (entry to Machu Picchu from 07:00 AM) is the best time to visit Machu Picchu, as you will encounter better weather and appreciate the magical scenery when the clouds surround the Inca citadel.

• 3. What circuit is included with the Huayna Picchu ticket?

  The ‘Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (route 3A)’ ticket includes the tour of circuit 3 of the Inca city, which runs through the lower part of Machu Picchu, where some of the most important buildings and temples are located.

• 4. What circuit is included with the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket?

  The ‘Machu Picchu + Mountain (route 1A)’ ticket includes the tour of circuit 1 of the Inca city. On this route, you will explore the panoramic path, from where you can take the iconic postcard photo from the Guardian’s House.

• 5. Can I visit Huayna Picchu Mountain in one day from Cusco?

  Yes, Huayna Picchu Mountain can be visited in one day from Cusco. You should choose the second time slot (entry to Machu Picchu from 10:00 AM).

• 6. Can I visit Machu Picchu Mountain in one day from Cusco?

  Yes, although you would need to plan your trip starting at 2 or 3 AM to reach the last time slot for Machu Picchu Mountain (at 09:00 AM). The ideal option is to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes the day before to have a more relaxed experience.

• 7. What photo can I take from the top of Huayna Picchu?

  From the top of Huayna Picchu, visitors can take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu and the entire Andean geography surrounding it.

• 8. What photo can I take from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain?

  From the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, visitors can take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu and the entire Andean geography surrounding it. It is the highest point.

• 9. How much does the entry to Huayna Picchu cost?

  This ticket costs 200 soles for foreign adults and 112 soles for citizens of the Andean Community (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, or Bolivia). Discounts are also available for university students and citizens under 18 years old.

• 10. How much does the entry to Machu Picchu Mountain cost?

  This ticket also costs 200 soles for foreign adults and 112 soles for citizens of the Andean Community (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, or Bolivia). Discounts are available for university students and citizens under 18 years old.

Advice from people who have been there

Wayna Picchu

By: Harry Q.

“Exhausting, but the best thing I've ever done“

“Waynapicchu is one of those challenges that seems impossible, but with determination and a lot of will, you can reach its summit. The best experience and adventure of my life. My advice: make sure to be well-rested, as you'll need extra energy after walking through the ruins of Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 3, 2026