Huayna Picchu is often the main goal for many visitors. The entrance ticket to this mountain also includes access to Machu Picchu through the lower sector, which in theory allows visiting both places on the same day thanks to the established schedules. However, not all travelers wish to rush the experience. Both Huayna Picchu and the citadel deserve to be explored calmly, dedicating the necessary time to appreciate their landscapes, history, and enigmatic constructions. Given this, a common question arises: is it possible to visit these two sites on different days?

• Difference between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
• Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (Route 3A)
• Huayna Picchu entry schedules
• Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu on different days
• Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu in one day
• Recommendations
• Frequently asked questions

Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Difference between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu

• The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is the Inca city built on the mountain of the same name. In Quechua it means ‘Old Mountain’.
• Its main attraction lies in the historical constructions of the Inca culture, as well as the natural biodiversity surrounding this archaeological site.
• On the other hand, Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain) is the mountain that appears in the background of the classic postcard photos of Machu Picchu.
• Huayna Picchu is not only one of the most important sacred mountains for the Incas, but also an ideal place to appreciate incredible landscapes of the entire historical and natural environment.
• On the slopes of this mountain, adrenaline-filled paths are built, and there are also enclosures, terraces, and a great diversity of flora along its trail to the summit.

The Temple of the Moon
Along the trails of Huayna Picchu mountain there are two detours: one leads to the small summit of Huchuy Picchu, while the other path continues to the Temple of the Moon (also known as the Great Cavern). This enigmatic structure, built inside a cave, features some of the finest stonework in the entire Inca citadel, which adds greater value to its legacy. Today, it is only possible to visit it from June 19 to November 2 by purchasing the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern Route ticket (3C).

Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (Route 3A)

• The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain not only includes the hiking route to its summit, but also the tour through Circuit 3 of the Wonder of the World.
• This circuit, also known as the Royal Route, covers the lower sector of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
• The route passes through temples and important constructions such as: the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, the Royal Tomb, the Sacred Fountains, and Agricultural Terraces.
• This ticket has 400 daily spots; 350 are purchased online and 50 can be purchased in person in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
• Due to high demand, the Huayna Picchu mountain ticket (Route 3A) must be booked at least 2 months in advance.

View of Huayna Picchu mountain

Huayna Picchu entry schedule

• Huayna Picchu Group 1: Schedule 07:00 a.m. to 07:30 a.m.

  The first Huayna Picchu schedule allows entry to Machu Picchu starting at 7:00 in the morning, where Circuit 3 is completed first. Afterwards, entry to the Huayna Picchu mountain route takes place between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. After descending from the ‘Young Mountain’, you may remain in the Inca City until 12:00 noon.

• Huayna Picchu Group 2: Schedule 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

  The second Huayna Picchu schedule allows entry to Machu Picchu starting at 10:00 in the morning, where Circuit 3 is completed first. Afterwards, entry to the Huayna Picchu mountain route takes place between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. After descending from the summit, you may remain in the Inca City until 3:00 p.m.

View from Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu on different days

• The Huayna Picchu mountain ticket (Route 3A) allows access to the lower sector of Machu Picchu. If you want a more complete experience of the site, it is recommended to purchase one of the classic circuit tickets.
• There are two tickets to enter Circuit 2 (Classic Route): Classic Designed ticket (Route 2A) and Classic Lower Terrace ticket (Route 2B).
• These tickets allow an immersive tour through the main enclosures and temples, as well as access to panoramic terraces.
• To fully enjoy the Machu Picchu citadel and the hiking route to Huayna Picchu mountain with time and peace of mind, it is recommended to do them on different days. This way, you won’t feel rushed exploring both attractions in detail on the same day.
• Classic circuit tickets have the same entry schedules. There are 10 different groups in total:
  • Group 1 – Entry time from 06:00 a.m. to 06:30 a.m.
  • Group 2 – Entry time from 07:00 a.m. to 07:30 a.m.
  • Group 3 – Entry time from 08:00 a.m. to 08:30 a.m.
  • Group 4 – Entry time from 09:00 a.m. to 09:30 a.m.
  • Group 5 – Entry time from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Group 6 – Entry time from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Group 7 – Entry time from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Group 8 – Entry time from 01:00 p.m. to 01:30 p.m.
  • Group 9 – Entry time from 02:00 p.m. to 02:30 p.m.
  • Group 10 – Entry time from 03:00 p.m. to 03:30 p.m.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu entry schedule
Machu Picchu is open every day of the year from 06:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. It is not possible to visit the Inca citadel at night. Additionally, there are only 10 entry time slots, from opening at 06:00 a.m. until 03:00 p.m., and visitors may stay until closing time at 05:00 p.m. Each of the ten tickets has its own designated entry time.

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu in one day

• The Huayna Picchu ticket is designed so that visitors can complete both the hiking route to the mountain and the tour of the Inca citadel in the lower sector.
• The ascent and descent of Huayna Picchu take approximately 3 hours on average, while the visit to Machu Picchu takes about 2 hours—one hour upon entering and another when exiting the citadel.
• To explore Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu in one day, it is important to enter punctually according to the selected schedule and group. For example, in the first schedule at 7:00 a.m., you can tour the Inca citadel until 9:00 a.m., which is the deadline to enter the Huayna Picchu mountain route.
• For this, it is recommended to spend the night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) and start activities calmly. It is advisable to choose the first schedule to enjoy part of the sunrise and make the ascent in milder weather conditions.
• In the case of the second schedule, the same applies, although you have the advantage of starting your journey from the city of Cusco on the same day. If you depart early in the morning, you can arrive on time to enter Machu Picchu at 10:00 a.m.
• This schedule allows you to explore the Historic Sanctuary under completely clear weather conditions, although due to the heat, the ascent may become more demanding. Remember that the maximum stay time with the Huayna Picchu mountain ticket is 5 hours.

View of the Inca citadel from Huayna Picchu

Recommendations

• The reservation of the Huayna Picchu mountain ticket (Route 3A) must be made at least two months in advance.
• If you want to add the classic circuit experience, either Classic Designed (2A) or Classic Lower Terrace (2B), the reservation should be made up to three months in advance.
• It is important to note that entry to Huayna Picchu is only allowed for people over 12 years old (minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
• To explore Machu Picchu in detail, it is highly recommended to visit over two days, allowing you to fully discover the most popular circuits of the Inca archaeological site.
• If you were unable to get a Huayna Picchu ticket, the best alternative is to book the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (Route 1A), which also offers a panoramic hiking experience.

Frequently asked questions

• 1) What is the difference between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu?

  Machu Picchu is the Inca City built on the mountain of the same name, while Huayna Picchu is the mountain that appears in the background of the classic panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.

• 2) How difficult is the hike?

  The hike is considered moderately difficult. The ascent includes steep sections and narrow stairs. It is not recommended for people with a fear of heights or heart conditions.

• 3) How long does it take to hike up and down Huayna Picchu?

  The full ascent and descent takes between 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and weather conditions.

• 4) How many people can enter Huayna Picchu per day?

  Entry is limited to 400 people per day, divided into two groups of 200. Because of this, it is essential to book at least two months in advance, especially during high season (April to August).

• 5) What does the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A) include?

  This ticket allows entry to both the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu via Circuit 3 and the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

• 6) Can I visit Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu on different days?

  Yes, it is highly recommended to visit both sites on different days to explore them without rushing. For this, you should purchase the Huayna Picchu mountain route ticket (3A) for one day and one of the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit tickets for another.

• 7) What is the best time to hike Huayna Picchu?

  Group 1 (7:00 a.m.) allows you to enjoy the hike in milder weather with fewer visitors, while Group 2 (10:00 a.m.) offers clearer views and more time to prepare in the morning.

• 8) Are there age restrictions for entering Huayna Picchu?

  Yes, entry is only allowed for people over 12 years old. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

• 9) How far in advance should I buy the Huayna Picchu ticket?

  It is recommended to purchase it at least 3 months in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

• 10) What other mountain options are available if I can’t get a Huayna Picchu ticket?

  Other excellent alternatives are Machu Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu Mountain. Both also offer spectacular views, and access is granted with the Machu Picchu Mountain route ticket (1A) and Huchuy Picchu Mountain route ticket (3D).

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Rocío L.

“Worth it!“

“You need to be attentive to book in advance and start your visit there because it is a truly demanding climb. I recommend returning via the back route, which is less visited and has a lot of magic.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 21, 2026