Huayna Picchu (also spelled Waynapicchu) is the famous mountain behind Machu Picchu. This mountain will offer you, besides the incredible adventure of reaching the top, some of the best aerial views of Machu Picchu. Unfortunately the entrance to the “huayna” is limited to only 350 people each day. In this blog we will know 4 alternatives to have beautiful views of Machu Picchu. Stay and learn more about the activities that can be done in the wonder of the world.

• Alternative 1: The Machu Picchu Mountain
• Alternative 2: The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
• Alternative 3: Putucusi Mountain
• Alternative 4: Huchuy Picchu Mountain
• More alternatives
• Frequently Asked Questions

View from the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

If you were not able to book in time one of the Machu Picchu tickets that include Huayna Picchu mountain, here we bring you 4 equally amazing alternatives. However, we have to emphasize that some of these hikes can be quite difficult, which means you will need more than just hiking shoes to overcome them. See if there are spaces available for Huayna Picchu trekking.

Alternative 1: The Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Your easiest alternative to see the Inca city from above is to climb Machu Picchu mountain. You can book tickets for this mountain a few weeks in advance. Note that the top of Machu Picchu mountain rises to 3,082 meters above sea level, considerably higher than Huayna Picchu mountain so it will take you longer to hike it. Still undecided between Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountain?

Allow 3 to 4 hours for the complete circuit (round trip). Tickets are limited to 300 per day. You can reserve them online at least two months in advance. The ticket required for entry is Machu Picchu with Mountain (Route 1A).

While it does not have trails next to steep cliffs like Huayna Picchu Mountain, it is higher and is still a challenging hike. You may be more alone than you could be at any time on Huayna Picchu Mountain.

See the available alternatives to see Machu Picchu mountain

View of Machu Picchu from Machu Picchu Mountain

Alternative 2: The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

The sun gate (intipunku) is a perfect alternative for people who did not get one of the 350 tickets available to climb Huayna Picchu. Not everyone likes extreme heights. Intipunku is the ancient main entrance to Machu Picchu, this is where people entered more than 500 years ago and you can do it without facing vertical drops of 400 meters or more, as in the case of the Huayna Picchu mountain.

People who decide to take the Inca Trail will enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. However, it is also possible to climb to the sun gate from Machu Picchu. To do this, it will be necessary to book the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) ticket. It allows the entrance of 180 people in 4 different but continuous schedules that start at 8:00 in the morning. Each schedule allows the entrance of 45 people to Inti Punku. Reservations can only be made virtually. It is important to know that this ticket can only be purchased during the high season (June 19 and November 2).

To visit the Intipunku, first check if there are schedules available in the Machu Picchu Classic Upper Terrace ticket (Route 1B).

Landscape of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu observed from the Sun Gate

Comparative table

Alternative 3: Putucusi Mountain

This mountain located in front of Machu Picchu offers one of the most incredible hikes in Machu Picchu, but very few people know about it. It is called Putucusi and you will not need a ticket to enter; at least for now. If you have a free morning in Aguas Calientes, it is a wonderful alternative to the “huayna” and one of the places where you will be able to be more alone, keep in mind that this is a very rare thing in a place like Machu Picchu. It is a very challenging hike and could be closed for security reasons.

The hike starts in Aguas Calientes; this mountain is famous for its wooden stairs and highly challenging trails. The round trip will take you approximately 3 hours and will take you to an altitude of 2,500 meters, from where you can get (very rare) horizontal views of Machu Picchu. We know you are coming to Cusco for Machu Picchu, so you can visit the Inca city in the afternoon and use the morning to ascend Putucusi Mountain.

The entrance to this mountain does not require any ticket, not even the Machu Picchu Classic ticket.

Side view of Machu Picchu observed from Putucusi mountain

Alternative 4: Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Huchuy Picchu, behind Machu Picchu, is the simplest alternative to climbing Huayna. It is the last option on the list; to tell the truth, it is not a true alternative but rather something of a consolation prize. Huchuy Picchu is the smallest peak of Machu Picchu and is located right next to Huayna Picchu. You will only be able to climb this mountain with valid tickets to enter Huayna Picchu mountain. The difference is that it is very small, the hike is much shorter and it is not particularly challenging.

After the changes in the Machu Picchu tickets, new routes were enabled for the high season. The ticket for Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu, this ticket was Following changes to Machu Picchu ticketing, new routes have been made available for the high season. The Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) ticket has been rebooked exclusively during the high season. It has only 50 admission tickets and two time slots. The first starts at 9:00 a.m. and the second at 11:00 a.m.

Choose one of these two times to complete the tour. It’s recommended to start the tour at 9:00 a.m. to finish right in time for lunch. The second time, you could do it after a small lunch.

The small Huchuy Picchu Mountain next to the popular Huayna Picchu Mountain

More alternatives

Visiting Machu Picchu during peak season will give you more options when purchasing your admission ticket, which this season runs from June 19 to November 2.

Ollantaytambo is only a couple of kilometers away and is probably the best alternative to Machu Picchu.

The city of Pisac is another great alternative outside of Machu Picchu; however, to visit Ollantaytambo or the city of Pisac, you will need the Cusco tourist ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the best way to see Machu Picchu from above?

  The best alternative along with an experience involving some physical effort on the climb to Machu Picchu Mountain.

• 2) How difficult is it to climb Machu Picchu Mountain?

  It’s a medium-difficulty hike. The path is safe and doesn’t involve many steep climbs.

• 3) What ticket do I need to visit Inti Punku?

  To enter the route to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) you need the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C), available only during high season.

• 4) Can I visit Putucusi Mountain without a ticket?

  Yes, Putucusi is a free mountain, with no tickets required. However, the hike is very challenging.

• 5) What is the hike to Huchuy Picchu mountain like?

  Huchuy Picchu is the easiest option among all the Machu Picchu mountains. Its short route is perfect for those looking for a light experience with great views.

• 6) How many tickets are available to climb Huchuy Picchu Mountain?

  Only 50 tickets are offered daily during peak season (June 19 to November 2).

• 7) Which of the mountains in Machu Picchu is the most challenging?

  Putucusi is the most challenging due to its steepness and lack of tourist infrastructure. It is only recommended for experienced hikers who are well-prepared.

• 8) Is Inti Punku part of the Inca Trail?

  Yes, Inti Punku is the entrance to the Inca citadel for those arriving via the Inca Trail. It can also be accessed from Machu Picchu with the Machu Picchu with Inca Bridge ticket (Route 1D).

• 9) Which tickets are only available during peak season?

  The ticket to Inti Punku, the ticket to the Inca Bridge, the ticket to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave and the ticket to Huchuy Picchu mountain are only available during the high season for tickets to Machu Picchu (June 19 to November 2).

• 10) What is the best alternative if I have little time?

  Machu Picchu is the best option for those with one or two hours. It’s easily accessible, easy to reach, and allows you to combine the hike with a tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu Mountain

By: Bryan V.

“I continue to be impressed“

“Excellent experience, my third time in Machu Picchu and I continue to be impressed; this time it was the Machu Picchu mountain. It is a really special experience, very pleasant and for all ages. I recommend taking lots of water, a good camera and sunscreen, because in case you didn't know, the radiation in this area makes you have to block yourself even if it's not sunny.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 26, 2025