Should you hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
If you’re planning a visit to Peru, a trip to the incredible, mythical citadel of Machu Picchu is a must. You can also choose to add on an extra hike from Machu Picchu Citadel itself to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. The entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is a priceless gem where you will see stunning views below. Machu Picchu is surrounded by beautiful peaks and the two most spectacular are Machu Picchu Mountain peak at 3,051m/10,010ft and Huayna Picchu peak at 2720mt/8,924ft. Both are open for visitors to climb and are very popular. Tickets are sold out almost on a daily basis, but Huayna Picchu usually sells out faster, months in advance in the high season.
Tickets are on sale on www.machupicchu.gob.pe or at Professional Licensed Tour Operators in Cusco.
The entrace tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain are ONLY for hiking these treks. You must buy a separate ticket to explore Machu Picchu Citadel. Two tickets are needed, Machu Picchu Citadel and a separate trek ticket.
HUAYNA PICCHU
MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Hiking Huayna Picchu Peak is not for the Faint of Heart
Why does Huayna Picchu sell out faster? Well for starters, Huayna Picchu is home to the breathtaking Temple of the Moon. This hike has the reputation of being the more difficult, and scarier climb of the two, especially for people with a fear of heights. Huayna Picchu peak is a steeper climb in comparison. You’ll encounter long sets of stairs and very steep, narrow paths. You’ll need to keep your hands free as it gets trickier towards the top. Ladders and cables are provided to hold on to. This hike is perfect for adventureous adrenaline seekers.
Along the climb, there are areas of great exposure, to big drop offs and the top can feel very crowded. However, the great thing about Huayna Picchu is that when you’re at the summit, you are able to look straight down over the Machu Picchu ruins and the Urubamba River. It´s a faster hike and you get the bonus of seeing some partially completed Inca buildings. The hike will take about 2 hours, roundtrip. Finally, please note that the trail can be very slippery when it’s wet or rainy.
ARE THE ENTRANCE TICKETS LIMITED?
Yes! They are limited to 400 hikers per day so you will need to plan early to book this extra hike. At least 2 to 3 months in advance. Any agency can purchase the permit for you with your trek, if tickets are available.
Schedules for hiking up to Huayna Picchu:
- First schedule: 7 – 8 AM
- Second schedule: 8 – 9 AM
- Third Schedule: 10 – 11 AM – * This is the best schedule for Inca trail trekkers.
***These are the times you start the hike. It takes approximately 2 hours (roundtrip) to hike Huayna Picchu.
*** In order to climb Huayna Picchu, you need to purchase 2 tickets into Machu Picchu. One ticket to explore the Citadel and the other to climb Huayna Picchu (ticket includes circuit #3)
PRICES
- For trekkers of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
- Alternative treks to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
- Tours to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
Permits are required for both of these hikes and either can be added to any visit to Machu Picchu. Any quality agency can book your hike and handle all of the details for you.
*** Ticket doesn´t include entrance into the Machu Picchu Citadel, its only valid for the mountain climb. You must purchase a separate ticket for Machu Picchu Citadel.
Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain offers Stunning Views
On the flip side, Machu Picchu Mountain is higher than Huayna Picchu. The elevation gain for Huayna Picchu is about 300mts/984ft. Generally fewer people choose this peak. However, it is packed with the promise of a 360 degree panoramic view of Machu Picchu Citadel, including Huayna Picchu. You will feel as if a helicopter dropped you right there!
When climbing Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll find wider paths and a more gradual ascent. When approaching the summit, there’s a narrow ridge and a stone gateway.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The amount of time to climb Machu Picchu mountain depends on the physical condition of the individual and can range from 1.5 to 2 hours for just the ascent, which will make it 3 to 4 hours roundtrip depending on your hiking abilities. From the top, you have incredible views of Machu Picchu, with the picturesque Huayna Picchu behind it and the last part of the Classic Inca Trail. You can also admire the amazing canyon formed by the slope of the Vilcanota river with green mountains on one side and Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snowy summit of Salkantay (6,271m/20,574ft) on the other and much more.
The climb to Machu Picchu Mountain is considered moderate to difficult but not challenging. An average physical condition is required. During the rainy season, the road can be very slippery, making the ascent more difficult.
Schedules for hiking up to Machu Picchu Mountain:
- First schedule: 7 – 8 AM
- Second schedule: 8 – 9 AM .
***This is the time you start the hike. It takes approximately 3 hours to 4 hours (roundtrip) to hike Machu Picchu Mountain.
***Ticket doesn´t include entrance into the citedal, its only valid for the mountain climb.
PRICES
- For trekkers of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
- Alternative treks to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
- Tours to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
Permits are required for both of these hikes and either can be added to any visit to Machu Picchu. Any quality agency can book your hike and handle all of the details for you.
*** The entrance tickets will mainly be for hiking the Mountain, not to explore Machu Picchu Citadel. You must have a separate ticket for Machu Picchu Citadel.
The Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain information was provided by Orange Nation Peru.
