The trip to the Wonder of the World allows you to enjoy one of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world. It also offers a tour of the mysterious Inca constructions of more than 600 years ago. But that’s not all, it is also possible to do two hiking trails considered among the best on the planet. It is about the treks to the peaks of the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains. Both promise to see the Inca citadel from the top. Which of the two to choose? Learn a little more about each of these experiences in the Inca llaqta and be encouraged to live the trip of your life.

• What are the mountains of Machu Picchu?
• Huayna Picchu, the young mountain
• Machupicchu, the old mountain
• What adventure to choose?
• The Ticket Machupicchu + Mountain (Route 1A)
• The Ticket Machupicchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)
• Some advices
• Frequently Asked Questions

Lower part of Machu Picchu – Route to Huayna Picchu mountain

What are the mountains of Machu Picchu?

• By orders of the Inca Pachacutec, the people of Tahuantinsuyo built an urban, religious and resting place for the emperor and his family around 1450.
• This important building was made as high as possible on a slope of the Machu Picchu mountain and at the foot of Huayna Picchu, another lower summit. In this last mountain there is also a small peak called ‘Huchuy Picchu’ ( Small mountain). In the distance you can also see the top of the imposing Putucusi mountain.
• The result was the Wonder of the World, an enclosure that harmonizes with the nature around it. Many things have changed since then.
• Now, the site is one of the largest tourist spots on the planet. However, the two peaks where the Inca llaqta (citadel) was raised remain firm: the Machu Picchu mountain and the Huayna Picchu.
• Currently, these two mountains offer incredible adventures for the visitor.

Huayna Picchu, the young mountain

• Huayna Picchu, translated from the Quechua language, means ‘young mountain’. This is due to its smaller size compared to the imposing Machu Picchu mountain.
• It is located north of the Inca citadel, at 2,720 meters above sea level. On the slopes of the mountain you can find the Temple of the Moon, right between two natural caverns. To get there you have to go down a path of stairs and trail.
• The Temple of the Moon is also known as the Great Cavern. According to some studies it would have a strong relationship with fertility.
• After the changes of 2024, it is now possible to visit the Temple of the Moon during the high season (from June 19 to November 02), for which you must book the ticket “Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon (Route 3C)”.
• You can also find amazing constructions near the top of the mountain. There are the famous stairways of death.

View of Huayna Picchu mountain from Machu Picchu

Do I need hiking shoes to do the hikes?
It is not really necessary to have hiking shoes to do these hikes. However, you will need to have sneakers or shoes that are comfortable both for traction and for the flexibility of the feet. That is to say, it must be comfortable, and it will be important that the footwear is resistant to avoid accidents or injuries. It is also recommended to dress comfortably to make the routes without any problems or inconveniences.

Machupicchu, the old mountain

• Machu Picchu comes from a Quechua word that means ‘old mountain’. This may be due to its greater dimension to the Huayna Picchu (young mountain).
• It is located in the upper part of the Inca citadel, at 3,082 meters above sea level
• Inca trails were erected on its slopes in order to reach the top and worship the Andean gods such as the hills, the sun, etc.
• Although no Inca temple was built on its roads, the great elevation of this summit made it one of the most important ‘apus’ that surround the Wonder of the World.
• Today, the steep trails that lead to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain are one of the most adventurous new tourist attractions in the Inca llaqta (citadel).
• This hiking route covers almost 2 kilometers of steep Inca roads from where you can appreciate all the beauty of the geography that surrounds the Inca citadel.
• Unlike Huayna Picchu, the paths are wider and safer. Getting to the top and back takes an average of 3 to 4 hours depending on your fitness level.

Cina de la Montaña Machupicchu

What adventure to choose?

• Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain offer different experiences in the Wonder of the World.
• The hike to Huayna Picchu is shorter, but by a steeper route. It requires more effort and is only valid for people over 12 years old.
• The ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain is easier to do and the best thing is that people of all ages can do it. In addition, it allows you to see Machu Picchu from the highest point of the place.

Here are the characteristics of each mountain.

Why choose Huayna Picchu?

• Because the adrenaline rush is unlike any other hike. At the top the effort will be rewarded with a full view of the Wonder of the World. During the tour you can see part of Machu Picchu. Also, you will see part of the Inca Trail or Qhapac Ñam.

Why choose Machu Picchu mountain?

• It is one of the best routes to spend with friends or family (suitable for all people). During the ascent hike you can gradually appreciate the beautiful views of Machu Picchu. In addition, it is easy to book the entrance ticket to this route.

The Ticket Machupicchu + Mountain (Route 1A)

• The Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain allows access to the ‘old mountain’.
• This ticket is preferred by adventurers who did not get access to Huayna Picchu.
• Daily only 300 people can walk the roads of this summit. It is advisable to reserve it at least 1 month in advance.
• The Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket allows only the tour of the upper platform of Machu Picchu.
• It allows to obtain the classic postcard photograph of Machu Picchu.

The entrance has 2 schedules which are:

• Group 1 – The entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is from 6 in the morning. The entrance to the Machupicchu mountain is from 7 to 8 in the morning.
• Group 2 – The entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is from 8 in the morning. The entrance to the Machupicchu mountain is from 9 to 10 in the morning.

The Ticket Machupicchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)

• The Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) allows access to the ‘young mountain’.
• This ticket is the one with the highest demand. For security reasons, only 350 people a day can enter the Huayna Picchu mountain.
• Due to this, it is recommended to reserve it up to 3 months in advance.
• The entrance fee allows you to tour the lower platform of Machu Picchu.

The entrance has 2 schedules which are:

• Group 1 – The entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is from 7 am. The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain is from 8 to 9 in the morning.
• Group 2 – The entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is from 9 am. The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain is from 10 to 11 in the morning.

Some advices

The mountains of Machu Picchu are considered the quintessential adventures in the Wonder of the World. To fully enjoy them, the following must be taken into consideration:

• The Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) must be reserved a minimum of 3 months in advance, especially during high tourism season (from April to October).
• The Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) Ticket must be booked 1 or 2 weeks in advance.
• Although it is not necessary to be an expert mountaineer, it is advisable to be in an acceptable physical condition before the adventure.
• Before doing either of the two walks, it is recommended to adapt to the height of Cusco. Two days of acclimatization will be enough to avoid altitude sickness.
• The ascent to the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains is not a race for who comes first. Walk at your own pace. There is enough time to complete the tour.
• During the rainy season (November to March) mountain trails tend to get wet. It is recommended to wear suitable shoes or shoes for hiking.
• In both cases it is only allowed to carry a backpack with no more than 5 kilos of weight. Take only the most important things: sunscreen, water, sunglasses, hat or hat, rain poncho, camera and some snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What are the mountains that surround Machu Picchu?

  The main mountains surrounding the Inca citadel are Huayna Picchu (young mountain) and Machu Picchu Mountain (old mountain). Also notable are the smaller peaks of Huchuy Picchu and Putucusi Mountain.

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

  Huayna Picchu offers a short but steep hike, while Machu Picchu Mountain offers a longer but easier climb.

• 3) How high are these mountains?

  Machu Picchu mountain reaches 3,082 meters above sea level, while Huayna Picchu is located at 2,720 meters above sea level.

• 4) What ticket do I need to visit Huayna Picchu?

  The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket is required; this ticket also includes a tour of circuit 3.

• 5) What ticket do I need to climb Machu Picchu Mountain?

  You must purchase the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (Route 1A), this ticket also includes a tour of circuit 1.

• 6) At what age can you climb Huayna Picchu?

  Admission is only permitted for persons over 12 years of age due to the difficulty of the trail.

• 7) Which mountain is the hardest to climb in Machu Picchu?

  Huayna Picchu is the most challenging due to its steepness and narrow sections, while Machu Picchu Mountain requires greater physical endurance due to its distance, but its trails are wider and safer.

• 8) How long does it take to climb each mountain?

  The climb to Huayna Picchu takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, while the climb to Machu Picchu mountain takes around 2 hours.

• 9) How many tickets are sold per day for each mountain?

  For Huayna Picchu there is a maximum of 350 daily spots, and for Machu Picchu Mountain the daily limit is 300 people.

• 10) What is the best season to hike in Machu Picchu?

  The best time to visit is the dry season, from April to October, when the roads are less slippery. During the rainy season, from November to March, caution should be exercised due to wet roads.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Andrés V.

“Excitement and adrenaline at the top“

“The climb to Huayna Picchu is intense, with steep and narrow stretches, but the view from the top is breathtaking. Feeling Machu Picchu from that height is something you will never forget, highly recommended!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 6, 2025