Huayna Picchu Mountain is the most popular attraction in Machu Picchu. Reaching its summit involves an adrenaline-filled hike surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, making it one of the best short hikes in the world. However, this creates high demand for tickets, often selling out months in advance. If you are unable to secure a ticket to this iconic peak, here are four alternative hiking routes to enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu Mountain Hiking Route
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain Hiking Route
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Hiking Route
• Temple of the Moon Hiking Route
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain Hiking Route

• Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest peak surrounding the Inca citadel. Reaching the summit requires a longer hike, but it is less demanding than the Huayna Picchu trail.
• The summit (3,082 meters / 10,111 ft above sea level) rises approximately 600 meters above the citadel, which sits at 2,430 meters (7,972 ft).
• The panoramic views from Machu Picchu Mountain are truly breathtaking. It is the highest viewpoint in the region, offering a complete perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The trails along this route are wider and less crowded than Huayna Picchu, making it ideal for a more experience without large crowds.
• An average hiker will take around 2 hours to reach the summit and just over 1 hour to descend.
• This hiking route is highly recommended for families with children, as the trail is long but relatively easy to complete.
• This experience also includes access to Circuit 1, which explores the panoramic sector of the Inca archaeological site.
• To hike this route, you must purchase the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (Route 1A), available year-round.

View from Machu Picchu Mountain

Huchuy Picchu Mountain Hiking Route

• Huchuy Picchu is the smallest mountain in Machu Picchu. It is the short peak located next to Huayna Picchu.
• Its summit reaches 2,497 meters (8,192 ft above sea level), just 50 meters above the Inca archaeological site.
• The hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu is only 1 kilometer long. This easy trail includes a final section of stone steps and can be completed in less than an hour by most visitors.
• The view of Machu Picchu from Huchuy Picchu is highly scenic, offering a clear perspective of many important temples and structures within the archaeological complex.
• The trail is easy, but due to nearby cliffs, it is only permitted for visitors over 12 years old.
• To reach Huchuy Picchu, visitors must first enter Circuit 3, which explores the lower urban sector of Machu Picchu.
• From the Sacred Rock area, you access the Huchuy Picchu trail, which is shared with the Huayna Picchu route.
• To enjoy this experience, you must purchase the Huchuy Picchu Mountain ticket (Route 3D), available only from June 19 to November 2.

View from Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Ticket Seasons
When purchasing your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, you will notice that there are two ticket seasons, each offering a different number of available routes. From June 19 to November 2 (high ticket season), all 10 routes are available, while from November 3 to June 18 (regular ticket season), only 6 routes are open. As an additional note, on December 30 and 31, all routes are available.

Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Hiking Route

• If you enter Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail experience, the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is the first panoramic viewpoint where you will approach the Inca citadel. This iconic spot offers spectacular views of the sacred city.
• The summit of Inti Punku stands at 2,745 meters (9,006 ft above sea level), about 300 meters higher than Machu Picchu. From here, you can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding Andean landscape.
• If you arrive at Machu Picchu by train, you can also access this experience with the Inti Punku Route ticket (1C), which is only available during high season (June 19 to November 2).
• This experience first includes the panoramic circuit (Circuit 1), followed by the hike to Inti Punku.
• The hike is approximately 2 kilometers long and can be completed in just over one hour.
• Along the trail, visitors can enjoy beautiful landscapes and small archaeological structures that enhance the overall experience.

View from Inti Punku

Temple of the Moon Hiking Route

• The Temple of the Moon is an enigmatic structure located on the slopes of Huayna Picchu Mountain. Surrounded by lush nature, it offers a mystical and immersive setting.
• The route is the longest hike in Machu Picchu, but it does not include extremely difficult sections. The journey takes approximately 3 hours (round trip), depending on your physical condition, and is only permitted for visitors over 12 years old.
• The Temple of the Moon is also known as the Great Cavern, as it is built inside a natural cave formation.
• The Great Cavern sits at 2,256 meters (7,402 ft above sea level), lower than the Inca citadel, and is the route where visitors can observe the greatest diversity of flora and fauna.
• This experience also includes Circuit 3, which explores the lower sector of Machu Picchu.
• To hike this route, you must purchase the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon ticket (Route 3C), available only from June 19 to November 2.

Frequently Asked Questions about Machu Picchu Hiking Routes

• 1) What can I do if Huayna Picchu tickets are sold out?

  If Huayna Picchu tickets are sold out, you can choose other equally impressive hiking routes such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Inti Punku (Sun Gate), or the Temple of the Moon. Each offers unique views and a different experience inside Machu Picchu.

• 2) What is the best alternative to Huayna Picchu?

  Machu Picchu Mountain is the most complete option if you are looking for panoramic views and a rewarding hiking experience. The summit offers one of the most spectacular landscapes in the entire archaeological site.

• 3) Can I visit Machu Picchu without doing any additional hike?

  Yes, you can choose tickets that only include one of the three Machu Picchu circuits. However, adding a hike will provide a more complete experience and access to viewpoints that many visitors miss.

• 4) Which hiking route is the easiest?

  The Huchuy Picchu hike is the shortest and easiest route. It can be completed in less than one hour and does not require advanced physical fitness. It is ideal for those looking for a light hike with great views.

• 5) Can I do these hikes with children?

  Yes, the Machu Picchu Mountain and Inti Punku routes are ideal for families with children. These trails are wider and safer compared to Huayna Picchu.

• 6) Which route offers the best panoramic view?

  The summit of Machu Picchu Mountain offers the most complete panoramic view of the historic sanctuary and surrounding biodiversity. It is the perfect place to relax and take in one of the most impressive landscapes you will ever see.

• 7) What is the difference between Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu?

  Huchuy Picchu is a more accessible mountain compared to Huayna Picchu. It is located on the same mountain slope but is lower and much shorter, making it ideal for a lighter hiking experience.

• 8) What can I see on the Temple of the Moon route?

  This hike takes you into a quieter and more natural area surrounded by lush vegetation. The Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cavern, is a ceremonial space carved inside a cave, full of mystery and historical significance.

• 9) How long does each hike take?

  It depends on the route: Machu Picchu Mountain takes 3 hours (round trip), Huchuy Picchu less than 2 hours, Inti Punku just over 2 hours, and the Temple of the Moon 3 hours in total. Times may vary depending on your pace and fitness level.

• 10) What is the best time of day to hike?

  Early morning is the best time to start. The first time slots help you avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for panoramic views, as well as cooler temperatures during the hike.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu Mountain

By: Jorge H.

“The Best Trip“

“I had always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, but hiking Machu Picchu Mountain exceeded all my expectations. The hike is challenging, but every step is worth it: the views from the summit are simply breathtaking, with the entire Inca citadel unfolding before your eyes, surrounded by green mountains and clouds that feel within reach.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 5, 2026