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 visits to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, but many travelers don’t realize that there are two additional hiking options available: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
For those who are aware, common questions include: “Which hike is better, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?”, “What is the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?”, and “Which mountain should I hike during my trip to Peru?”
The truth is, there is no single “right” choice—both hikes offer stunning landscapes and unique views. It all depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trips to Peru. If you don’t want to miss either hike, a reliable tour company can help secure the permits for you.
Alternatively, if you prefer to book your own Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets, make sure to reserve months in advance to ensure a smooth and memorable experience on your adventure.
Huayna Picchu Mountain Information
Many travelers wonder why Huayna Picchu sells out so quickly. One reason is that it’s home to the stunning Temple of the Moon, a unique part of the Inca heritage. The hike is known to be steeper and more challenging than Machu Picchu Mountain, especially for those who are afraid of heights.
You’ll climb long staircases, narrow paths, and even use ladders and cables along the way. It’s an adventure that many thrill-seekers love.
Along the trail, there are spots with dramatic drop-offs, and the summit can get crowded. But reaching the top is truly rewarding: you can look straight down at the Machu Picchu ruins and the Urubamba River, and catch glimpses of some unfinished Inca buildings.
The roundtrip hike usually takes about 2 hours, making it faster but more intense than the Machu Picchu Mountain hike. Keep in mind that the trail can be slippery when it rains.
Are Huayna Picchu Tickets Limited?
Yes! Only 400 hikers are allowed per day, so it’s important to plan ahead. Ideally, book Huayna Picchu tickets at least 2–3 months in advance. If you’re traveling with a trusted tour company, they can help secure your permit so you don’t miss out.
Hiking Schedule
You can choose from morning or afternoon slots, which makes it easy to combine the hike with a visit to the Machu Picchu ruins.
- First Schedule: 07:00 – 09:00 AM
- Second Schedule: 09:00 – 10:00 AM – This is the best schedule for Inca Trail trekkers.
These times indicate when your hike begins. The roundtrip hike to Huayna Picchu takes approximately 2 hours.
Important: To hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must follow Circuit 3. With this ticket, you cannot explore the Machu Picchu Inca city afterwards.
Prices:
- Inca Trail trekkers to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
- Alternative treks to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
- Tours to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
Difference Between Buying a Huayna Picchu Ticket With and Without the Inca Trail
When you book the permit for the Inca Trail trek, the Machu Picchu entrance is included. However, the government only sells Inca Trail permits combined with Machu Picchu entrance, and it does not allow adding Huayna Picchu to this combined ticket.
This means that Inca Trail trekkers who want to climb Huayna Picchu need to purchase an additional ticket that combines Machu Picchu entrance with Huayna Picchu entrance. It is not possible to buy only a Huayna Picchu ticket separately.
For alternative treks like Vilcabamba, Salkantay or Lares Trek, you don’t need an Inca Trail permit, so it’s possible to buy a Machu Picchu ticket combined with Huayna Picchu – Circuit 3 directly.
Tips for Hiking Huayna Picchu
- Avoid carrying anything dangling on your shoulders, waist, or neck—it can snag or cause you to lose balance.
- Keep your hands free. If you use trekking poles, stash them during the steepest sections.
- Be prepared for narrow paths, ladders, and dramatic drop-offs, especially if it’s wet or rainy.
Machu Picchu Mountain Information
Machu Picchu Mountain rises more than 652m/2139 ft above the Sacred City of Machu Picchu, sitting at an elevation of 3,082 m / 10,111 ft. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the surrounding Andean mountains, and the Vilcanota River canyon.
This mountain is located at the base of the Inca citadel and was considered a sacred place by the Incas. Inca priests used the summit for rituals on special dates, and it is a site of worship for the Apu Salkantay, a sacred mountain deity.
Thousands of visitors are drawn daily by the unique energy of Machu Picchu, which remains a spiritual and cultural highlight of Peru.
About the Hike
Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu. Most visitors do it on their own after touring the ruins, as it typically does not include a guide.
- You must respect the scheduled entrance times, which are 07:00 – 08:00 AM or 09:00 – 10:00 AM. Arriving even 5 minutes late means you will not be allowed to start the hike.
- The time to climb depends on your fitness level. On average:
- 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the summit
- 2 to 3 hours round-trip
From the top, you can admire:
- Machu Picchu ruins from above
- The last section of the Classic Inca Trail
- The stunning canyon formed by the Vilcanota River
- Green mountains on one side and the Cordillera Vilcabamba with the snowy Salkantay summit (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) on the other
The climb is considered moderate to difficult, but not overly challenging. Average physical condition is sufficient. During the rainy season, trails can be slippery, so extra caution is needed.
Schedules for Hiking Up to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Morning Slot: 07:00 – 08:00 AM
- Late Morning Slot: 09:00 – 10:00 AM
Tip: Many hikers prefer the 09:00 – 10:00 AM schedule, especially after completing sections of the Inca Trail, allowing time to explore the Machu Picchu ruins first.
Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets & Prices
Prices:
- Inca Trail trekkers to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
- Alternative treks to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
- Tours to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
Difference Between Tickets for the Inca Trail and Alternative Treks
When you book the permit for the Inca Trail trek, the Machu Picchu entrance is already included. The government only sells Inca Trail permits as a combined ticket with Machu Picchu entrance, and it does not allow adding Machu Picchu Mountain to this ticket.
This means that Inca Trail trekkers who want to hike Machu Picchu Mountain must purchase an additional ticket combining Machu Picchu entrance with Machu Picchu Mountain access. It is not possible to buy only a Machu Picchu Mountain ticket by itself.
For alternative treks like Vilcabamba, Ancascocha, Salkantay, or Lares, you don’t need an Inca Trail permit. You can purchase a Machu Picchu ticket with any circuit, but if you want the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket, it must be purchased separately (Circuit 1A).
Tips for Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain
- Use a trekking pole—the risk of slipping is higher on steep sections.
- Bring extra water and a small snack to stay energized.
- Travel light; avoid carrying a heavy backpack if possible.
- Plan according to your schedule: if you only have a short time in Machu Picchu, this hike may not fit.
- If you have 2 days in Machu Picchu, adding this hike can greatly enhance your experience.
- For those who don’t have the time or budget to hike the 1 day Inca Trail, these hikes offer a faster, rewarding alternative.
FAQs – Hikes to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
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