On your trip to the Wonder of the World you will have the possibility of hiking through two mountains: Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Both mountains need a special ticket. Both offer spectacular views. However, these two adventures are not the same. Know the differences between both tourist attractions.

• Learn more about Huayna Picchu mountain
• Learn more about Machu Picchu mountain
• Differences between the mountains Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
• Detailed information of the Huayna Picchu mountain
• Detailed information of the Machu Picchu mountain
• Frequently Asked Questions

View of the Inca City of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu Mountain

Learn more about Huayna Picchu mountain

• The mountain Huayna Picchu is the one that appears behind the Inca City in the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
• It is known as the ‘Young Mountain’. The walk along its paths is recognized as one of the most incredible short walks on the planet.
• Its Inca trails are steep and narrow. They were built on the side of the mountain. They can be scary for people with fear of heights.
• If you suffer from vertigo or cannot control your fear of heights, you better overlook this mountain.
• In Huayna Picchu there is a famous archeological site called Temple of the Moon. The Incas built this temple in the middle of a cave.
• The only way to access the Temple of the Moon is with the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern ticket (Route 3C).

The hike to the top of Huayna Picchu is more vertical than the Machu Picchu mountain. However, climbing the Waynapicchu will take less time. The trails on Machupicchu mountain are longer. From both places you can see incredible landscapes.

Learn more about Machu Picchu mountain

• Machu Picchu Mountain offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening roads than Huayna Picchu.
• As in Huayna Picchu, its stone paths were built by the Incas hundreds of years ago.
• It is known as the ‘Old Mountain’. In their skirts the Incas built the Inca City that today amazes the world.
• The hike to this place is only for people over 12 years old.
• It is not necessary to reach the top to enjoy the scenery. In the middle of the road you can take good photos of Machu Picchu.
• In Machu Picchu mountain there is no temple or Inca site.

The Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket or Route offers a total of 350 tickets available daily, year-round. This number is valid for the regular season (November 3 to June 18) and high season (June 19 to November 2). Similarly, tickets for the Huayna Picchu route will have 350 daily tickets available during both seasons.

Differences between the mountains Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu

The ascent to the Huayna Picchu mountain is one of the most amazing walks. However, if you cannot overcome your fear of heights, we recommend you book the ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain.

Detailed information of the Huayna Picchu mountain

Learn in detail everything that Waynapicchu mountain offers:

• Restrictions: Only for people over 12 years old.
• Height: 2,720 masl
• Walking distance: 2 kilometers of steep and narrow roads.
• Location: North of the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Road Description: The trails are quite steep, you will need ropes to overcome some parts of the road. It will cross rock-built staircases and wooden stairs; The road is visually scary.
• Access: From the Inca City of Machu Picchu, through the Sector de las Huayranas (Sacred Rock). Here you will find the entrance control booth to the Waynapicchu mountain.
• Schedules: Group 1 (Machu Picchu from 7:00 a.m., Huayna Picchu pass from 8:00 a.m.). Group 2 (Machu Picchu from 9:00 a.m., Huayna Picchu pass from 10:00 a.m.).
• Number of visitors: 175 tickets per time slot. A total of 350 tickets per day.
• Walking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (ascent and descent).
• Circuit: It allows a short tour of the lower temples of Machu Picchu and the ascent to Huayna Picchu.
• Re-entry: It does not allow re-entry to Machu Picchu.
• Degree of Difficulty: Moderately high. It is a steep mountain, with cliffs and many steps (not recommended if you suffer from vertigo).
• Archaeological Attractions: Andenería and the amazing Temple of the Moon, built inside a natural cave.
• Flora and fauna: Landscape of jungle eyebrow, abundant vegetation, which serves as habitat for birds, butterflies and insects.
• Advantages: Some of the best panoramic views of the Inca City and the amazing mountain environment where it is located.
• Disadvantages: Precipitation covered with vegetation, steep ascent, narrow roads.

Detailed information of the Machu Picchu mountain

Learn in detail everything that Machu Picchu mountain offers:

• Restrictions: Only for people over 12 years old.
• Height: 3,082 masl
• Walking distance: 2 kilometers where you will ascend approximately 300 vertical meters.
• Location: In front of Huayna Picchu and to the left of the traditional road.
• Road Description: Abundant vegetation, wild orchids stand out. The wide paths will allow you to travel in a calm way.
• Access: From the Machu Picchu Complex, go up to the viewpoint (Guardian’s House) continue until the detour indicated by a sign.
• Schedules: Group 1 (Machu Picchu from 6:00 a.m., access to Machu Picchu Mountain from 7:00 a.m.). Group 2 (Machu Picchu from 8:00 a.m., access to Machu Picchu Mountain from 9:00 a.m.).
• Number of visitors: 150 tickets per time slot. A total of 300 tickets per day.
• Walking Time: 3 hours and a half (round trip).
• Circuit: It allows a tour of the upper platforms of Machu Picchu, have the postcard photo and ascend to the viewpoint of Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Re-entry: Re-entry to Machu Picchu is not permitted.
• Degree of Difficulty: Moderate / high.
• Archaeological Attractions: None.
• Flora and fauna: You will find a variety of orchids, butterflies and birds.
• Advantages: Less steep trails, panoramic views of the Inca City and the Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Disadvantages: It has no archaeological remains. It’s not that difficult to reach the top.

If you are hiking, wear hiking shoes. Also carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, mosquito repellent and rain gear. All items should be in a medium sized backpack that allows you to keep your hands free.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Do the entrances to these mountains include a visit to the Inca City of Machu Picchu?

  It is important to note that, after the changes in the routes since June 1, 2024, the route to Machu Picchu Mountain only allows the tour of the upper platforms of Machu Picchu. On the other hand, the route to Huayna Picchu, allows a tour of the lower temples of Machu Picchu so you can appreciate the Sacred Rock, the Plaza Pisonay and the Temple of the Condor.

• 2) How long before buying tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain?

  It is recommended to buy the entrance to Huayna Picchu 3 months in advance. The entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu mountain must be purchased 3 weeks before.

• 3) Can children enter Machu Picchu mountain?

  Yes, although due to changes made by the Ministry of Culture, hiking trails are only for those over 12 years of age.

• 4) Which of the tickets is cheaper?

  The price of tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain have the same cost. Check the prices of the Machu Picchu tickets.

• 5) Can I suffer from altitude sickness in these mountains?

  Yes. Huayna Picchu is 2,720 meters above sea level Machu Picchu Mountain, 3,082 meters above sea level At that height it is normal to suffer from altitude sickness. However, if the tourist has already acclimatized to the city of Cusco (3,399 masl) the symptoms will be zero or minimal.

• 6) Are the mountains Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu dangerous?

  No. Both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains have security elements such as ropes or assistants. The tourist is recommended not to look for a road through sections not marked or allowed.

• 7) In which of the two mountains can I find the best photos of Machu Picchu?

  Both mountains offer spectacular views, not only of Machu Picchu, but also of the entire geography surrounding the wonder of the world. From the top of both mountains you can appreciate the mountain range and beautiful panoramic views.

• 8) Which of the two mountains to choose?

  Machu Picchu mountain is ideal for families looking for a little adventure in their vacations in Peru. Huayna Picchu is recommended for young adventurers. After all, both summits are good options in the Wonder of the World.

• 9) With these tickets can I do other routes such as going to Huchuy Picchu or Inti Punku?

  No, the circuits must be respected in order to maintain order and avoid crowds at the sites to be visited.

• 10) Is it necessary to hire a tour guide to visit the mountains?

  No, the tour of the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains is optional with a tourist guide. Most tourists prefer to do the tour without a guide.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu Mountain

By: Julieta M.

“Quiet, scenic and less crowded“

“Machu Picchu Mountain offers a longer but less demanding hike than Huayna Picchu. The trail is wide and the views from the top are spectacular. Ideal if you are looking for a more relaxed experience.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 25, 2025