Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, is undoubtedly a great attraction that all visitors want to know about. This famous archaeological site not only draws attention not only to its archaeological remains but also to the nature that surrounds it. It is built between two mountains, which are part of the attractions that can be visited and climbed. The Huayna Picchu mountain is the one that appears in all the classic photos and, right in front of it, is the great Machu Picchu mountain. Learn more about this summit!

• The old mountain that gave Machu Picchu its name
• Machu Picchu Mountain: an adventure you won’t forget
• How to climb Machu Picchu Mountain?
• Difference: Machu Picchu mountain and Huayna Picchu mountain
• Questions and answers

Classic photo in Machu Picchu

Which one to choose: Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest peak surrounding Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru. Its summit is at 3,082 meters above sea level. From there, you have panoramic views of the Inca citadel and all the beautiful surrounding geography. The Huayna Picchu mountain is another summit, located around Machupicchu and at 2,693 meters above sea level. Both routes are challenging but with beautiful views and lots of adventure. Huayna Picchu is only suitable for people over 12 years old. The Machu Picchu mountain is suitable for visitors of all ages. Which is better? This depends on the taste of each visitor. The Huayna is more intense but shorter. The mountain is longer but with more rest.

The old mountain that gave Machu Picchu its name

• Machu Picchu is a Quechua word that translates as “old mountain”.
• The Inca city owes its present name to this mountain. However, according to some research, the real name of Machu Picchu would be Patallaqta.
• This magnificent mountain is part of the eastern slope of the Central Andean Cordillera and is surrounded by the Urubamba River. Its elevation is about 3082 meters above sea level.
• On one of its slopes was built the road that Hiram Bingham, linking the town of Aguas Calientes with the Inca city, on the back is the final route of the Inca Trail.
• And in one of its promontories, the one that unites it with the Huayna Picchu mountain, the Inca city of Machu Picchu was built.
• And it seems that this mountain was not chosen at random, from its location you have dominion over the surrounding landscape and the unique way in which it is attached to the “young mountain” (Waynapicchu mountain) made it a perfect place for the claims that had their Inca builders.
• Surrounded by abundant vegetation, typical of the jungle, Machu Picchu Mountain rises impressively in the middle of the Andes and the cloud forest.

Machu Picchu Mountain: an adventure you won’t forget

• The hike up Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the best experiences you can have in Machu Picchu.
• The climb takes place between trails that open between the lush flora of the place and that are combined with more than 1600 stone steps.
• The trail is more gentle in its slope compared to Waynapicchu, but it takes a little longer to reach its summit. During the hike, you can stop to rest in several of the viewpoints that there are and that have conditioned sheds.
• As you climb, the views get more and more incredible. Getting to the top can be exhausting, partly due to the altitude, but the reward will be sublime when you are at the summit.
• Many people who have experienced the experience will tell you that there is no better view of the sanctuary than from here.
• Machu Picchu and its surroundings will give you the best view you can have of this sacred place of the Incas.

Complete view of Machu Picchu from the Mountain

How to climb Machu Picchu Mountain?

To climb Machu Picchu mountain you must first purchase your entrance ticket online.

The entrance ticket costs 200 Peruvian soles (for foreign tourists) and includes the visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (circuit 3).

These are the admission times you can choose from:

• Schedule 1 – The entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is between 6 am and 7 am / The entrance to Machu Picchu mountain is between 7 am and 8 am.
• Schedule 2 – The entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is between 7 am and 8 am / The entrance to Machu Picchu mountain is between 8 am and 9 am.

Once you have chosen your entrance ticket, you must enter Machu Picchu and go to the entrance gate to the mountain, at the top of the Guardian’s House.

The trekking route takes almost 3 hours up and 2 hours down.

Difference: Machu Picchu mountain and Huayna Picchu mountain

Questions and answers

• What is Machu Picchu mountain?

  The Machu Picchu mountain is the highest peak that surrounds and on which the citadel of Machu Picchu was settled. Its name means ‘old mountain’. It is an alternative route to visit the Inca archaeological site.

• What was the real name of Machu Picchu?

  According to chronicles of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the real name of Machu Picchu was Patallaqta.

• Is it difficult to reach the top of Machu Picchu mountain?

  Reaching the top of Machu Picchu mountain is a challenging adventure. In total, it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes for an average visitor. The roads are ascending on stone paths made by the Incas.

• Which is more difficult, Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  Machu Picchu Mountain is the most challenging short trekking route within Machu Picchu. Then there is the route to Huayna Picchu Mountain.

• How is the view from the top of Machu Picchu mountain?

  From the top of Machu Picchu mountain (3,082 meters above sea level), you have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the beautiful Andean geography that surrounds it.

• Can children climb Machu Picchu mountain?

  Yes, children can climb the trails of the Machu Picchu mountain. It is not necessary to reach the summit to get beautiful views since there are up to three viewpoints along the route.

• Can older adults climb Machu Picchu Mountain?

  Yes, seniors can climb the trails of Machu Picchu Mountain. It is not necessary to reach the summit to get beautiful views since there are up to three viewpoints along the route.

• Are there Inca constructions along the Machu Picchu mountain?

  The route to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain does not have Inca constructions of great importance, only paths, stairways, and terraces.

• Where is the entrance gate to Machu Picchu mountain?

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

• Is the hike to Machu Picchu mountain dangerous?

  No, the hike to the top of Machu Picchu mountain is arduous but not dangerous. It is only recommended that children be closely supervised by their parents. Older adults should be in good physical and heart condition.

Advice from people who have been there

Waynapicchu

By: Gabriela R

“Machu Picchu and its great mountain“

“I have spent the last few years traveling and I have never returned with as much satisfaction as from this place. The atmosphere, the climate, the people, the landscapes, the energy, everything is worth a thousand times. I climbed Machu Picchu Mountain and despite the fatigue, and the effort it took to get there, everything is forgotten when you are at the top. Machu Picchu looks simply wonderful.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 20, 2024