Machu Picchu allows you to enjoy one of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world. It also offers hikes to the peaks of the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains. From both you can see the Inca Citadel from the top.

• The mountains of Machu Picchu
• Huayna Picchu: the young mountain
• Machu Picchu: the old mountain
• Which Machu Picchu mountain is the best?
• Huayna Picchu Ticket
• Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket
• Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

The mountains of Machu Picchu

• Approximately in 1450, the Incas built an urban, religious and resting place for the emperor Pachacutec and his family.
• This important building was built as high as possible on a slope of the Machu Picchu mountain and at the foot of Huayna Picchu, another minor peak.
• The result was the Wonder of the World, an enclosure that harmonizes with the surrounding nature.
• Many things have changed since then. Now, the site is one of the largest tourist spots on the planet.
• Nowadays, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain offer incredible adventures for the visitor.

The steep Huayna Picchu Mountain, the most popular of Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu: the young mountain

• Huayna Picchu is known as ‘the young mountain’. This is perhaps due to its smaller size compared to the imposing Machu Picchu.
• It is located north of the Inca Citadel, 2,720 meters above sea level.
• The Incas built vertiginous roads, viewpoints, and platforms on its slopes.
• During the route to Huayna Picchu, there is a detour to the Temple of the Moon. Now this destination has its entrance.
• Today the stone paths of Waynapicchu are one of the most popular tourist attractions for visitors.
• At the top of Huayna Picchu you can appreciate all the scenic beauty of Machu Picchu.
• This hike is considered one of the most incredible short hikes on the planet.
• The ascent is arduous and extreme due to the scary ravines next to the Inca trails.
• It takes on average 2 hours to climb up and down the mountain. Even so, it is still one of the favorite adventures for tourists.

Machu Picchu: the old mountain

• Machu Picchu mountain is known as the ‘old mountain’ perhaps due to its larger size compared to Huayna Picchu.
• It is located at the top of the Inca Citadel, at 3082 meters above sea level.
• On its slopes, the Incas built roads in order to get as high as possible and thus worship the Andean gods: sun, mountains, moon.
• Although no Inca temple was built on its paths, because of its height, the Machu Picchu mountain was one of the most important ‘apus’ in the area.
• Today, the steep trails that lead to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain are one of the new tourist attractions of the place.
• This trekking route covers almost 2 kilometers of steep trails.
• Unlike Waynapicchu, the trails are wider and safer. Getting to the top and back takes an average of 3 to 4 hours depending on your physical condition.

Incredible view from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain

Which Machu Picchu mountain is the best?

• The hike to the top of Huayna Picchu is more intense but shorter. It can only be done by people over 18 years old.
• The hike to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain is a longer and less intense route. Now, it can only be climbed by people over 18 years old.
• From the top of both mountains and along the route, you can see and take beautiful pictures of Machu Picchu.
• Both have beautiful views of the Inca site or wonder of the world.

It is important to check ticket availability
Although after the modifications and changes that were made in the tickets to Machu Picchu, it is not possible to find an increase of tickets during the high season. This, in both tickets. In this sense, it is very important to book in advance. There are cases in which the tickets for Huayna Picchu are sold out even trying to make the reservation 3 months in advance. The best recommendation we give is to make the reservation 4 months in advance in the best case. Only in this way, you will be able to organize your trip to Machu Picchu correctly.

Huayna Picchu Ticket

• Reservations for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, allows the ascent of the Young Mountain.
• It is the ticket with the highest demand, after the Classic Routes of Machu Picchu.
• In regular season and high season there are only 300 tickets available for reservation via virtual or web page.
• It is recommended to make the reservation 3 or 4 months in advance.
• This ticket allows you to make a tour of the lower area of Machu Picchu.

There are two groups of times to enter Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu:

• Group 1 – entrance to Machu Picchu from 7:00 a.m. / Entrance to Huayna Picchu from 8:00 a.m.
• Group 2 – entrance to Machu Picchu from 9:00 a.m. / Entrance to Huayna Picchu from 10:00 a.m.

Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket

• To get to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain you must purchase the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket.
• It is one of the best options in case you cannot buy the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket.
• The daily limit of tickets for virtual sales is 100, both in regular and high season.
• The entrance only allows the tour of the upper platforms of Machu Picchu.
• It is possible to make the reservation months in advance. It is possible to make the reservation 1 or 2 weeks in advance.

There are two groups of times to enter Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu:

• Group 1 – Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7:00 a.m. / Ascent to Machu Picchu mountain from 8:00 a.m.
• Group 2 – Entrance to Machu Picchu from 9:00 a.m. / Ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain from 10:00 a.m.

The time of the hike in the mountains
Knowing the hiking time for both destinations is quite relative. Much will depend on the type of person and the physical condition he/she is in. The normal walking time, that is, at an adequate pace, to reach Machu Picchu Mountain, is only 2 hours. To reach the summit of Huayna Picchu, the time is less and can last only 1 hour.

Tips

The mountains of Machu Picchu are considered the adventure par excellence in the Wonder of the World. To enjoy them to the fullest, the following should be taken into consideration:

• The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket must be booked at least 3 months in advance.
• The Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket should be booked one or two weeks in advance.
• Although it is not necessary to be an expert mountaineer, it is advisable to be in acceptable physical condition before the adventure.
• Before doing either of the two treks, it is recommended to adapt to the altitude of Cusco. Two days of acclimatization will be enough.
• The ascent to Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu is not a race for who gets there first. Walk at your own pace. There is plenty of time to complete the trek.
• The mountain trails tend to get wet during the rainy season in Machu Picchu (November to March). It is recommended to wear sneakers or footwear suitable for hiking.
• In both cases you are only allowed to carry a backpack weighing no more than 5 kilos. Carry only the most important things: sunscreen, water, sunglasses, hat or cap, rain poncho, camera and some snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the Machu Picchu Mountain hike like?

  The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Montaña Vieja (Old Mountain) is done from the upper platforms. After a short walk, you reach the path that will connect this place. The hike is simple but long, approximately 2 hours. In addition, it has easy sections to follow. During the walk it is possible to find part of the flora and fauna of the place. It is also possible to find beautiful views.

• 2) How is the hike to Huayna Picchu?

  The hike to the top of Huayna Picchu requires a lot of attention and some physical effort. By following part of the Inca Trail or Qhapac Ñam, you can find quite steep stretches of stairs and see Inca constructions. The hike is safe to do. However, it is recommended to be careful when hiking. Like the other route, you can find part of the flora and fauna of the place along with beautiful views of the geography of Machu Picchu.

• 3) When does Machu Picchu’s high season start?

  After the latest updates from Machu Picchu, the high season was officially determined. This begins on June 1st and lasts until October 15th. During this period of time you can find more tickets and new tickets or routes to visit Machu Picchu.

• 4) When does the Machu Picchu regular season start?

  The regular season will largely coincide with the rainy season. This is the main reason why visits to the wonder of the world decrease. Officially, Machu Picchu’s regular season begins on October 16 until May 30. However, to make reservations, it will be necessary to do so in advance even during the regular season.

• 5) What should I bring when visiting Machu Picchu?

  The visits to Machu Picchu are outdoors, in this sense, it is necessary to wear comfortable and light clothing. It will also be necessary to do the tour after applying sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Likewise, in order to validate your reservation you will need to present your identity card or passport.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Álvaro C.

“Vertigo!!“

“The climb to Huayna Picchu is highly recommended on your visit to Machu Picchu. The slope to the top is not very large, just over 250 meters above Machu Picchu, but the path is vertical and not suitable if you are afraid of heights, it is vertigo! The views from the top are spectacular. You have to book the entrance in advance, as the entrance is limited to 400 people each day.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 4, 2024