A few years ago, new destinations were opened to improve visitor numbers at Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is one of these new destinations. This option is ideal for those looking to hike through the Cusco jungle, following the Inca Trail. The route isn’t very long, but it allows for a special adventure. Let’s learn about the travel experience.

• What is the experience like on the route to Huchuy Picchu?
• What should I bring on my way to Huchuy Picchu?
• What information is there about Huchuy Picchu?
• How do I get the ticket to Huchuy Picchu?
• Other hiking options in Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain

The summit of Huchuy Picchu is 2,497 meters above sea level, while the Machu Picchu buildings are at 2,430 meters above sea level. The two structures are connected by Inca trails. It is estimated that a major temple was built at Huchuy Picchu.

What is the experience like on the route to Huchuy Picchu?

• This hiking route begins after a tour of the llaqta (citadel) of Machu Picchu, on circuit 3, which is the only one that takes you to visit Machu Picchu.
• We will have to undertake a journey to the access area to the Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains, very close to the Sacred Rock.
• Upon entering, you must register and show the corresponding ticket for the mountain.
• Before starting the hike, you can take a break, hydrate, and pack your belongings and shoes.
• To begin the route, we’ll take the detour toward our destination. We’ll arrive at a crossroads between two forking paths; one leads to Huayna Picchu, and the other leads to the one we’ve been describing.
• The climb is steep, but manageable due to the presence of steps.
• Along the way we will be able to appreciate some plants such as orchids, Yuraq – Rup’u p Machu Picchu flower and some others.
• When we get close to the summit, we’ll see a large part of the llaqta of Machu Picchu, especially the area where the Intihuatana stone was carved.
• Once we reach the summit, we can see some carved stones and the entire valley formed by the passage of the Vilcanota River.
• The summit of this Huchuy Picchu is located at 2,497 meters above sea level.
• The return is easier, you just have to be careful on the way down because the dirt tends to accumulate, but only for a short time.
• We will end our hiking route at the same point where we started.
• Upon leaving, we can conclude our visit to Machu Picchu.

View of the Inca citadel from the path to Huchuy Picchu

What should I bring on my way to Huchuy Picchu?

• Even if it’s a short route, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring some snacks, fruit, nuts, and especially a water bottle in your backpack.
• Although it may not seem like a long route, you may feel thirsty from the heat and hungry from the effort.
• Have mosquito repellent.
• Cameras will be necessary to immortalize your tour of either Machu Picchu or Huchuy Picchu.

What information is there about Huchuy Picchu?

• Huchuy Picchu would complete the triad of mountains alluding to the stages of human existence. “Huchuy” is a Quechua word that can be translated as child, small child, or infant.
• The other mountains would refer to youth (huayna) and old age (machu). Where Inca buildings can be found, only the first two are present.
• However, these three mountains offer a special route along unique trails, giving visitors unforgettable experiences.
• In the case of Huchuy Picchu, it is located approximately one kilometer away. The route involves steps and ascending paths.
• From this spot, you can see part of the main plaza of the Machu Picchu citadel. To date, there are no studies detailing the function of Machu Picchu, but the idea that it was built as a temple is suggested, given the presence of some finely carved stones, as is the case with most temples.
• Due to its altitude, it probably served as a temple to observe the cosmos. It is also rumored to have been built as a special temple for the coca leaf.

Pictures of Huchuy Picchu mountain

How do I get the ticket to Huchuy Picchu?

• The entrance ticket is called “Machu Picchu plus Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)”.
• This ticket allows you to visit the llaqta (citadel) of Machu Picchu circuit 3.
• You can book it through a travel agency or online.
• It is recommended to make a reservation 2 or 3 months in advance.
• There are two visiting times to Huchuy Picchu, at 9:00 in the morning and at 11:00 in the morning.
• Schedules are set with a tolerance of up to one hour during high season (June 19 to November 2), when only the entrance to Huchuy Picchu is available.

Other hiking options in Machu Picchu

If you’d like to learn about other options available for exploring Machu Picchu via hiking trails, we’ll introduce each one so you can have a wide range of options when choosing your ideal ticket.

• Hike to the Inca Bridge

  This is a hiking experience included with the Machu Picchu with Inca Bridge (Route 1D) ticket. It also allows you to tour the Inca citadel via Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit). It is only available during Machu Picchu’s peak season (June 19 to November 2) and is only suitable for guests over 12 years of age.

• Walk to Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol

  Another hiking route you can choose is the one included with the Machu Picchu with Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C), which also allows you to explore Circuit 1 of the citadel (panoramic circuit). It is only available during Machu Picchu’s peak season (June 19 to November 2) and is suitable for people of all ages.

• Hike to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern

  One of the best adventures in Machu Picchu is with the Machu Picchu Ticket with Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C), which includes the third circuit of the citadel (the royal circuit). It is only available during peak season in Machu Picchu (June 19 to November 2) and is only open to those over 12 years of age.

• Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain

  Another option is the Machu Picchu Mountain Tour (Route 1A), which also includes admission to Circuit 1 of the citadel (panoramic circuit). It is available year-round and is suitable for people of all ages.

• Hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain

  The most popular hike is Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A), which takes you through the third circuit of the citadel (the royal circuit). It’s available year-round and is only suitable for those over 12 years old.

View of Huayna Picchu mountain

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Where does the route to Huchuy Picchu begin?

  The route begins inside the citadel of Machu Picchu, specifically on circuit 3, the only one that allows you to enter Machu Picchu.

• 2) How difficult is the hike to Huchuy Picchu?

  Although the trail is short, it involves a steep climb. It’s considered of medium to high difficulty, so we’ll need to be in good physical condition to complete it.

• 3) How long does the hike to Huchuy Picchu take?

  The hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu takes about an hour, depending on your pace. But you have almost three hours to complete the round trip.

• 4) How high is the summit of Huchuy Picchu?

  The summit of Huchuy Picchu is 2,497 meters above sea level, slightly above the Inca citadel.

• 5) What can you see from the top of Huchuy Picchu?

  From Huchuy Picchu, you can enjoy sweeping views of Machu Picchu, including the Intihuatana area, as well as the mountainous surroundings of the archaeological site.

• 6) What does the name “Huchuy Picchu” mean?

  “Huchuy” is a Quechua word meaning “small,” while “Picchu” means “mountain.” It means “young mountain.”

• 7) What to bring for the hike to Huchuy Picchu?

  It’s important to wear comfortable shoes, water, a snack like fruit or nuts, insect repellent, and a poncho if you visit during the rainy season.

• 8) What ticket do I need to enter Huchuy Picchu?

  You will need the “Machu Picchu plus Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D)” ticket, which includes access to circuit 3 of the citadel.

• 9) What are the entry times to Huchuy Picchu?

  Admissions are scheduled in two shifts: at 9:00 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m.

• 10) Is the route to Huchuy Picchu available all year round?

  Yes, the route to Huchuy Picchu is available year-round. However, please note that you must book at least three months in advance.

Advice from people who have been there

Huchuy Picchu

By: Daniela E.

“Perfect for those looking for something quiet“

“Huchuy Picchu is ideal if you want a short hike but with nice views. It is less demanding than other routes, but offers a unique perspective of Machu Picchu. A quiet and special option.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 30, 2025