Difference Between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

Difference Between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?. The first thing you should know is to not confuse both of these add ons with the archaeological site of Machu Picchu as seen in the picture below.

The majority of tour companies in Peru offer the archaeological site but many do not know that there are two extra add-on options available to hike. For those that do know of the extra add ons, many ask “Which hike is better Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?” or “What is the difference between Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Hike?” and “Which Mountain should I hike?”

Truth be told, there is no right or wrong answer for everyone who plans on hiking these beautiful mountains with awesome landscapes. It is a matter of preference and what it is you wish to see. If you don’t want to miss out on either one you can definitely A reliable tour company can purchase the permits If you want to book your own Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets make your reservation months ahead and enjoy your trips to Peru.

HuaynaPicchu mountain Information:

Difference Between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

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 scary climb of the two, especially for people with a fear of heights. Huayna Picchu peak is the 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 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 peak, you are able to look straight down over the Machu Picchu ruins and the Urubamba River. It is 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. We will purchase the permit for you with your trek, if tickets are available.

Schedules For Hiking Up To Huayna Picchu:

huayna picchu mountain

First schedule: 07 – 09 AM
Second Schedule: 09 – 10 AM – * This is the best schedule for Inca trail trekkers.

***This are the times you start the hike. It takes approximately 2 hours (roundtrip) to hike Huayna Picchu.

*** To hike the Huayna Pichcu mt, you need ot follow the circuit 3, with this ticket, you are not allowed to explore Machu Picchu Inca city anymore

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

What Is The Difference In Buying A Ticket To Huayna Picchu With And Without The Inca Trail?

When we buy the permit for the Inca Trail trek, the Machu Picchu entrance is included with it. The government only sells the Inca Trail permits as a combined ticket with Machu Picchu entrance. It does not allow us to add on the Huayna Picchu entrance with the combined permit.
In order for our Inca Trail trekkers to climb Huayna Picchu, we have to buy another entrance ticket to Machu Picchu combined with the Huayna Picchu entrance ticket. It is not possible to buy just a Huayna Picchu entrance ticket by itself!
Salkantray/Lares Treks and other alternative treks do not need an Inca Trail permit, thus we can just buy a Machu Picchu entrance combined with the Huayna Picchu entrance together.

Tips for hiking Huayna Picchu:

avoid having anything dangling and swinging on your shoulders, waist or neck, as this is most likely to cause you to get snagged or lose your balance.}
keep your hands free and if you hike with a trekking pole there are really steep sections where it’s best to stash the pole out of the way.

Machu Picchu Mountain Information:

Difference Between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

The great Machu Picchu mountain rises more than 652m/2,139ft above the Sacred City of Machu Picchu and is located at 3,082m/10,111ft above sea level. It offers some breath taking views of Machu Picchu, a uniqueness like no other place in the world. It is seated at the base of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Thousands are drawn everyday, by the unique energy emanating from the earth at Machu Picchu, which is considered sacred to the Inca civilization. Machu Picchu Mountain’s summit was used by Inca priests to perform rituals on special dates and is a place of worship of the Apu Salkantay.

***This is an optional trek within Machu Picchu that does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after you tour of Machu Picchu.

***You must always respect the scheduled entrance times between 7 to 8am or 9 to 10am. If you arrive 5 minutes late you will not be allowed to enter!

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 to 1.5 hours to climb or 2 to 3 hours (round-trip). From the top, you have incredible views of Machu Picchu 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 on the other side the mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snowy summit of Salkantay (6,271 m/20,574ft) and 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:

Machu Picchu Mountain

First schedule: 7 – 8 AM
Second schedule: 10 – 11 AM .

***This is the time you start the hike. It takes approximately 3 hours (roundtrip) to hike Machu Picchu Mountain.

*** To hike the Machu Picchu mt, you need ot follow the circuit 3, with this ticket, you are not allowed to explore Machu Picchu Inca city anymore.

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

What Is The Difference In Tickets For The Inca Trail And Alternative Treks?

When we buy the permit for the Inca Trail trek, the Machu Picchu entrance is already included with it. The government only sells the Inca Trail permits as a combined ticket with Machu Picchu entrance. It does not allow us to add on Machu Picchu Mountain entrance with the combined permit.
In order for our Inca Trail trekkers to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, we have to buy another entrance ticket to Machu Picchu combined with the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. It is not possible to buy just a Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket by itself!
Salkantray/Lares Treks and other alternative treks do not need an Inca Trail permit, thus we can just buy a Machu Picchu entrance combined with the Machu Picchu Mountain entrance together.

Tips for hiking Machu Picchu Mountain:

Use a trekking pole. The risk of falling is high.
Bring additional water and a little food
Lighten your load and don’t carry a backpack if possible
The decision to do one of these hikes may depend on the amount of time you have to spend in Machu Picchu.
If you have 2 days in Machu Picchu, then adding this hike can enhance your overall experience.
If you don’t have the time or budget to hike the 1 day Inca Trail, these hikes can be a good faster option.

Even if you’re just beginning to dream of your trip to Peru, click here to chat with one of our Cusco Journeys Experts.