Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, is undoubtedly the top attraction every traveler wants to visit in Peru. This world-famous archaeological site stands out not only for its historic structures but also for the vast natural landscape that surrounds it. Built between two mountains, both are iconic attractions that can be explored and climbed. Huayna Picchu mountain appears in all the classic photos and, right in front of it, stands the great Machu Picchu Mountain, which gives the entire site its name. Discover more about this incredible summit!

• The ancient mountain that gave Machu Picchu its name
• Machu Picchu Mountain: an unforgettable hiking adventure
• How to hike Machu Picchu Mountain?
• Difference: Machu Picchu Mountain vs Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Questions and answers

Classic photo at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest peak surrounding the Historic Sanctuary. Its summit reaches 3,082 meters (10,111 ft) above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Inca citadel and the diverse Andean landscape. Huayna Picchu is another peak, even more challenging, located at 2,693 meters (8,835 ft) above sea level. Both hiking routes are spectacular, featuring stunning scenery and adventure. Additionally, Huayna Picchu is only suitable for visitors over 12 years old, while Machu Picchu Mountain is accessible for all ages. Which one is better? It depends on each traveler’s preference. Huayna Picchu is more challenging but shorter, while Machu Picchu Mountain offers a longer but less steep hiking route.

The ancient mountain that gave Machu Picchu its name

• Machu Picchu is a Quechua word that translates as “old mountain.”
• The Inca city owes its current name to this mountain. However, according to some research, the original name of Machu Picchu may have been Patallaqta.
• This magnificent mountain is part of the eastern slopes of the Central Andes, surrounded by the Urubamba River. Its elevation reaches approximately 3,082 meters (10,111 ft) above sea level.
• One of its slopes features the road built by Hiram Bingham, connecting the town of Aguas Calientes with the Inca citadel. On its rear side lies the final section of the Inca Trail.
• The archaeological sanctuary, across its vast extension, appears to connect the summit of Machu Picchu (old mountain) with Huayna Picchu (young mountain).
• The location of the Inca complex was not chosen at random. It dominates the surrounding landscape and is surrounded by sacred mountains, known as “apus” (protective spirits) in Andean culture, to which many structures pay tribute.
• Surrounded by lush vegetation typical of the cloud forest, Machu Picchu Mountain rises impressively between the Andes and the jungle fringe.

Panoramic view of the Inca citadel

Machu Picchu Mountain: an unforgettable hiking adventure

• Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the best experiences you can have when visiting the Inca citadel.
• The ascent follows trails that wind through lush vegetation, combined with more than 1,600 stone steps.
• The route crosses hundreds of stone stairways, offering incredible scenic views at every step.
• The trail does not include steep climbs like Huayna Picchu, but the journey to the summit is much longer.
• During the hike, you can rest at several viewpoints equipped with shelters.
• As you ascend, the views become increasingly spectacular. The hike can be physically demanding due to the altitude (around 3,000 meters / 9,843 ft), but the experience is truly unforgettable.
• According to many travelers, the panoramic view of the Inca citadel from Machu Picchu Mountain is the best of all.
• Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain also grants access to the panoramic circuit, which runs along the upper section of the citadel. Here you will find the Guardian’s House, the iconic spot for the classic postcard photo.
• The hike takes approximately 4 hours (round trip). The maximum stay inside the citadel is 6 hours.
• Along the way, you can stop as many times as you wish to explore the rich biodiversity of this historic sanctuary.
• The entrance ticket for this experience is called the Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A), available year-round and suitable for all ages.

Full view of Machu Picchu from the mountain

How to hike Machu Picchu Mountain?

To enjoy this adventure, you must first purchase the “Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A)” ticket online through the Ticketomachupicchu website.

Ticket prices

Entry schedule

These are the two time slots you can choose to visit the mountain:

• Schedule 1 – Entry to the Inca citadel is at 07:00 a.m. / Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain is between 08:00 and 09:00 a.m.
• Schedule 2 – Entry to the Inca citadel is at 09:00 a.m. / Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain is between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Difference: Machu Picchu Mountain vs Huayna Picchu Mountain

Questions and answers

• 1) What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

  Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest peak surrounding and overlooking the Machu Picchu citadel. Its name means “old mountain.” It is an alternative hiking route available during a visit to the Inca archaeological site.

• 2) What was the original name of Machu Picchu?

  According to 16th and 17th century chronicles, the original name of Machu Picchu may have been Patallaqta.

• 3) Is it difficult to reach the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain?

  Reaching the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain is a challenging hiking adventure. It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes for an average visitor. The route consists of ascending stone paths built by the Incas.

• 4) Which is more difficult: Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  Machu Picchu Mountain is the most challenging short hiking route within Machu Picchu. It is followed by the Huayna Picchu Mountain route.

• 5) What is the view like from the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain?

  From the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters / 10,111 ft), visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean landscape.

• 6) Can children hike Machu Picchu Mountain?

  Yes, children can hike along the Machu Picchu Mountain trails. It is not necessary to reach the summit to enjoy incredible views, as there are up to three viewpoints along the route.

• 7) Can older adults hike Machu Picchu Mountain?

  Yes, older adults can hike the Machu Picchu Mountain trails. Reaching the summit is not required to enjoy the views, as there are several scenic viewpoints along the way.

• 8) Are there Inca constructions along Machu Picchu Mountain?

  The route to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain does not feature major Inca structures, only trails, stairways, and agricultural terraces.

• 9) Where is the entrance gate to Machu Picchu Mountain located?

  The entrance gate to Machu Picchu Mountain is located in the upper section of the Inca citadel, just a few steps from the Guardian’s House sector.

• 10) Is hiking Machu Picchu Mountain dangerous?

  No, hiking Machu Picchu Mountain is physically demanding but not dangerous. Children should be closely supervised by parents, and older adults should be in good physical and cardiovascular condition.

Advice from people who have been there

Waynapicchu

By: Gabriela R

“Machu Picchu and its great mountain“

“I have been traveling for the past few years and I have never returned with as much satisfaction as I did from this place. The atmosphere, the weather, the people, the landscapes, the energy—everything is absolutely worth it. I climbed Machu Picchu Mountain and despite the fatigue and effort it took to get there, everything is forgotten once you reach the summit. Machu Picchu simply looks breathtaking.“

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