When you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the village next to Machu Picchu, you will already feel the magic in the air! Soon you will visit the ancient Machu Picchu ruins and maybe also climb up Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.
Talking about the hiking options, what are the differences between the two and which ticket do you have to get for each option?
After having read this article, you will know the most important info about the hikes and the respective differences of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu so that you can see which hike is the most suitable for you when doing your Machu Picchu tour.
Before we start, I’d like to clarify that Machu Picchu Mountain is not the same as the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, also known as the Machu Picchu ruins.
As you can see in the picture below, the Machu Picchu ruins (2430 m) are located between the Huayna Picchu (2693 m) and the Machu Picchu Mountain (3082 m).
There are 3 different sites to see:
View from the Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain has an elevation of around 3,082 m above sea level, whereas Huayna Picchu (2,693 m) is almost 400 m lower.
As both mountains are quite high and the respective hikes require some physical exercise, it is very important that you get acclimated properly so you don’t suffer from the altitude sickness. Some of the symptoms are shortness of breath, nauseas or little headaches; something you definitely want to avoid during your vacation.
Before you decide which mountain is the right fit for you, you should evaluate the hiking time required and the corresponding length of the hike.Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain takes around 3.5 – 4 h (both ways) and the length is around 5.68 km (3.5 miles).
The hike to Huayna Picchu takes less time (3 – 3.5 h for both ways) but the distance is the same (4 km / 2.5 miles). However, you should definitely be aware that the hike is a very steep and especially narrow path.
On the one hand, hiking Machu Picchu mountain is a hard hike as you hike on a steep path. Some travelers prefer it because it is not as steep as the Huayna Picchu and the paths are wider.
On the other hand, hiking Huayna Picchu is moderate to difficult, because the mountain is -as already said- very steep and you have to climb many steps to get to the top.
This hike is not recommended if you are afraid of heights or if you are not in a good physical shape.
On the way up to Machu Picchu mountain, you won’t see any archaeological attractions.
However, during your hike to Huayna Picchu, you will be able to witness the ancient agricultural developments of the Incas, the Andeneria systems – a group of earth patches arranged in steps on hills to be used in the sow.
You will also pass by the amazing temple of the moon, a temple built in a natural cave. You have to see it with your own eyes in order to believe it! Review our historical and architectural facts about Machu Picchu for more info.
Huayna Picchu
Both mountains offer you an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding mountain landscape. When you made it to to the top of Huayna Picchu, you will be able to see the Machu Picchu ruins and Machu Picchu mountain.
Conversely, from the top of Machu Picchu mountain, you can see the ruins of the ancient city and Huayna Picchu in the back. Therefore, you will find amazing spots to take your unforgettable picture at both sites.
For Machu Picchu mountain, the first group will start at 07:00 – 08:00 am and the second group at 09:00 – 10:00 am.
People wanting to climb Huayna Picchu mountain start at 07:00 – 08:00 am and the second group will go at 10:00 – 11:00 am.
Please note that these are just the starting times, you do not have to finish the hike within one hour.
You have to keep in mind that for both mountains there are only 400 daily tickets available. Therefore, it is recommended to make the reservation as early as possible. More info about that in our article about Machu Picchu tickets.
The tickets for Machu Picchu mountain are available most of the time. They are called Machu Picchu Circuit 1: Route 1A. The 400 hikers are divided into 2 groups of 200 people in each group per day.
For Huayna Picchu, there is also a maximum availability of only 400 people per day and they are divided into 2 groups of 200 people in each group. The tickets for this are labeled Machu Picchu Circuit 3: Route 3A.
However, the demand for this ticket usually is quite high which is why often you need to book it at least 2-3 months (depending on when you want to do the hike) in advance.
Also, whereas Machu Picchu mountain doesn’t require a minimum age, you need to be at least 12 years old in order to hike Huayna Picchu.
| Machu Picchu Mountain | Huayna Picchu | |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 3,082 m (10,111 ft) | 2,692 m (8,832 ft) |
| Hiking time & length | 3.5 – 4h hiking (both ways) and the length is around 5.68 km (3.5 miles) | 3 – 3.5h hiking (both ways) and the length is around 4 km (2.4 miles) |
| Difficulty | Moderate – difficult | Difficult |
| Archaeological sites | None | Ruins & Temple of the moon |
| View | Stunning view over Machu Picchu ruins and Huayna Picchu in the background. | Amazing view over the panoramic landscape, the Machu Picchu ruins with the Machu Picchu Mountain and Sun Gate in the background. |
| Schedule: | 1. Group: 07:00 – 08:00 am 2. Group: 09:00 – 10:00 am | 1. Group: 07:00 – 08:00 am 2. Group: 10:00 – 11:00 am |
| Amount of visitors | 400 daily tickets available (200 people per schedule) | 400 daily tickets available for Huayna Picchu Route (100 people every hour from 7 – 10am) |
No matter which hike you will choose, it’s highly recommended to have good hiking shoes (especially for Huayna Picchu). If it rains, the path can get quite slippery and you don’t want to injure yourself.
Besides, you should bring trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, sun protector, insect repellent, water, snacks, good hiking shoes, and a camera.
Furthermore, remember that you are in the mountains and in the mountains, the weather can change very fast. The same holds for the Machu Picchu weather, which is why it is crucial to wear various layers of clothes so that you are prepared for different scenarios.
In case you are planning on visiting Machu Picchu in high season, make sure to book everything in advance as the demand can be really large.
Apart from Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets, you also need the ticket for the train to Machu Picchu and bus tickets.
Feel free to check out our guided Machu Picchu day tour which includes all of the above so that you can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Undoubtedly, visiting Machu Picchu when in Peru is a must. The hike to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain is the cherry on the cake.
When visiting Machu Picchu mountain, you will have more time to explore the ruins as the hike is closer to the ruins than Huayna Picchu.
This hike is the perfect choice for you if you want to get a panoramic picture of Machu Picchu’s ruins with Huayna Picchu in the background.
For that, you will need to be in a good physical shape. As Huayna Picchu is the more popular option, most of the time it’s easier to get tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain.
Hiking Huayna Picchu itself is a lot steeper and narrower, but it’s the right choice for you if you want to “feel the adventure” of the ancient Incas and if you are not afraid of heights.
The view from the top is also amazing, but as many people want to climb up it can sometimes get a little crowded in the beginning (especially as the path is quite narrow). If you decide to take on this hike, make sure to book your tickets months in advance and you will be fine.
No matter which option you end up choosing, we can guarantee you that you can’t make a bad decision as both hikes will reward you with amazing views.
Learn more about our different Peru tours that include a visit to the magical Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu usually feels harder for most people because the trail is shorter, steeper, and more exposed. It has tight switchbacks and narrow stone steps with steep drop-offs. Machu Picchu Mountain is longer and climbs higher, but the path is wider and more regular. The effort feels more like a steady uphill walk instead of a sharp climb with exposed sections. Very fit hikers often prefer Huayna Picchu for the challenge, while many visitors find Machu Picchu Mountain more comfortable, even though it takes more time.
Huayna Picchu typically takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip, including time for photos at the top. The ascent is short in distance but very steep, so the effort is packed into a smaller time window. Machu Picchu Mountain usually takes around 3 to 4 hours round trip. The trail is longer with a more gradual rhythm, so you spread the effort over more time. Actual duration depends on fitness, pace, and how often you stop to rest or enjoy the views.
Machu Picchu Mountain is usually the better choice for people who are nervous about heights. Its trail is wider and feels more open, with fewer sections that cling to the side of the mountain. Huayna Picchu has several narrow paths, steep stairs, and places where the drop-offs can feel intense. Many visitors who have vertigo or who do not like exposed trails feel safer and more relaxed on Machu Picchu Mountain.
Both hikes offer impressive views, but in different ways. From Huayna Picchu you look almost straight down onto the classic Machu Picchu citadel, terraces, and surrounding peaks, which creates a dramatic postcard view. From Machu Picchu Mountain you stand higher and farther away, so you see a broader panorama of the sanctuary, river valley, and distant mountains. Travelers who want the famous overhead shot of the ruins often choose Huayna Picchu, while those who prefer wide, sweeping scenery tend to prefer Machu Picchu Mountain.
Start with your fitness level, comfort with heights, and how you want to spend your time at Machu Picchu. Pick Huayna Picchu if you are fit, do not mind steep and narrow paths, and want the classic overhead view of the ruins. Pick Machu Picchu Mountain if you prefer a longer but steadier trail, need more space on the path, or feel uneasy with strong exposure. Also consider ticket availability and schedule, since each hike has fixed entry times and limited spots, which can influence what is realistic for your visit.
boris12 January, 2023 at 8:56 am
We also do not care about the difficulty, but we want to enjoy the best view! Especially as we are planning on visiting Peru in July. Which one would you recommend?
Konsti from Exploor Peru16 January, 2023 at 8:02 am
Hello Boris,
thank you for your comment. As we wrote in our blog post, both mountains offer incredible views of the Machu Picchu ruins.
However, Huayna Picchu offers the “bigger” adventure, as the hike is very special and you will feel like a real explorer – therefore go with this mountain!
I hope this answer is helpful 🙂
Best regards,
Konsti
Erin D14 January, 2022 at 10:29 am
We do not care about the difficulty, but we want to enjoy the best view! Especially as we are planning on visiting Peru in April. Which one would you recommend?
Oliver from Exploor17 January, 2022 at 8:10 am
Hey Erin, thanks for your comment. You’ll have a beautiful view from both mountains and in April the weather tends to get better again as this is the beginning of the dry season. I just sent you some more info via email, looking forward to your thoughts. 🙂