Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain – Which one to Hike?

Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain: Which Hike Is Best?

Traveling to Machu Picchu is often synonymous with trekking. However, the options for trekking are far wider and more varied than just the Inca Trail to the ancient Inca citadel. For those who don’t have the time or desire to trek for days (or those who are but want even more), there are plenty of trails on the site itself that visitors can experience in just a couple of hours. Here we take a look at the different treks available within Machu Picchu and the difference between two of the most popular options, hiking Huayna Picchu vs. Machu Picchu Mountain.

Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain

Before we take a look at their differences, let’s take a look at their similarities. Both require special tickets bought in advance with your main entrance ticket, have a limited number of spaces – 400 per day – and involve entering Machu Picchu early in the morning.

Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket time slots:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 am with entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain between 7-8 am
• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 am with entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain between 7-8 am
• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 am with entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain between 10.30-11.30 am

Please note that the cost for Huayna Picchu Mountain is US$ 80, is not possible to buy this mountain separately. You can only enter through the lower part of Machu Picchu, and you will not be able to access the upper part where the best photo places are. These tickets will not allow you to re-enter.

To have the Full experience of Machu Picchu and get the pictures from the upper part, you must purchase a separate regular Machu Picchu ticket (US$ 50).

When you take a trekking tour, tour by train, or any other tour that Includes Machu Picchu entry, the regular Entry to Machu Picchu is always included.

Machu Picchu Mountian ticket time slots:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 am with entrance to the Machu Picchu Mountain between 7-8 am
• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 am with entrance to the Machu Picchu Mountain between 7-8 am
• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 am with entrance to the Machu Picchu Mountain between 9-10 am

Please note that the cost for Machu Picchu Mountain is US$ 80, is not possible to buy this mountain separately. You can only enter through the lower part of Machu Picchu, and you will not be able to access the upper part where the best photo places are.

Machu Picchu Mountain tickets allow you to re-enter Machu Picchu but only through the shortest circuit called “CIRCUIT 3 OR LOWER ENTRANCE.”

To have the Full experience of Machu Picchu and get the pictures from the upper part, you must purchase a separate regular Machu Picchu ticket (US$ 50).

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain Differences

Huayna Picchu Mountain

Rising above the citadel of Machu Picchu in every classic image, Huayna Picchu is the infamous sugar-loaf mountain that sits at an elevation of 2,720m. While the trek is known to be a more challenging hike than its counterpart, Machu Picchu Mountain, it is the more popular choice of the two.

The track – Huayna Picchu is very steep, narrow, and in many parts, you are required to use your hands for balance or use cables provided to hold onto. There are many stone steps and some stone ladders to climb up the cliff face along the way. Much of the track is exposed to drop offs; if you suffer from vertigo this may not be the hike for you. The summit itself is not flat but is instead rocky, therefore when the crowd picks up it can be a bit difficult to move around.

Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.

Duration – Keeping in mind stopping along the way and admiring the view from the summit, the hike can take between 2 and 3 hours.

Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 2,693m, while the climb itself is 353m.

Machu Picchu Mountain

While known as the not-as-steep and not-as-difficult hike, the less-frequented Machu Picchu Mountain offers arguably more spectacular views due to the difference in elevation. From the summit, you are offered incredible vistas down to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, as well as the lush, surrounding valley.

The track – Machu Picchu Mountain begins as a wider path; however, the trail gets steeper and narrower along the way up. Compared to Huayna Picchu the ascent is more gradual but reaches a higher elevation. The path doesn’t involve elements necessary on Huayna Picchu (e.g. ladders, the need to clamber with your hands), but instead is a mostly continual climb of stone stairs before reaching a stone gateway before the summit. The summit offers a rather extensive area to sit and enjoy the views and is generally less crowded than Huayna Picchu.

Difficulty – This hike is reasonably challenging, although arguably more manageable than Huayna Picchu as the climb is more gradual.

Duration – Keeping in mind stopping along the way and admiring the view from the summit, the hike can take between 3 and 4 hours.

Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 3,082m, while the climb itself is 652m.

Other Treks At Machu Picchu

When you arrive at Machu Picchu, you’ll be given a map with information on all of the main site treks and a few other walks or points of interest. As none of these need to be reserved in advance (and sometimes vary seasonally), it’s best to arrive in the morning and allow a little wiggle room in your day should you choose to explore any.

The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

For those who haven’t done the Inca Trail, this is a great glimpse of the experience. The Sun Gate is the very end of the Inca Trail, through which the Incas would enter Machu Picchu. Hike up to it and see the same view they did when arriving at the site.

This trek is one of the best on Machu Picchu’s main site because it’s entirely no fuss. It is included with your main entrance ticket, there is no limit to how many people can do it, and you don’t need to reserve anything in advance.

The Sun Gate is a great alternative to Machu Picchu Mountain because it is still an adventure but accessible to a wider range of fitness levels. The uphill walk takes about three to four hours to complete round trip, and you’ll see all type of travelers making the journey; families, honeymooners, etc.

Inca Bridge

Last but not least, is the Inca Bridge. Unlike the other treks on top of Machu Picchu, this short walk with ancient ruins is a breeze. Great for families or those who want something to do without too much of a physical challenge, this short journey gives you views of the valley behind Machu Picchu Mountain and a glimpse of what remains of an ancient Inca Bridge used to access Machu Picchu.

Now you know a little bit more about the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes, which do you prefer? Whichever trek at Machu Picchu you choose, keep in mind that (like the main site), they do not have any facilities on them. Make sure to bring snacks, water in a reusable bottle, and visit the restrooms outside the main entrance before your trek. Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain options give rare spectacular views and access to additional ruins that the average traveler are not likely to experience and are highly recommended if you have the time.

Which do I choose?

While Huayna Picchu is a more dramatic and popular hike, Machu Picchu Mountain offers just as incredible (some argue paramount) views from the summit. As the mountains are facing one another, both hikes offer similar views of the surrounding landscape and stunning views of the citadel.

Both treks have exposed sections along the way; therefore, those with a strong fear of heights or are prone to suffering vertigo may prefer to stick with a hike closer to the ruins, such as to the Sun Gate. Both options are fairly challenging and require a moderate fitness level, although Huayna Picchu may be the preference of the more adventurous. The climb is well worth the effort, and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views regardless of your choice.

If you are interested in hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, talk to one of our experts to find out which might be the better fit for you. Permits for each hike are limited to 400 a day and tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend purchasing these in advance.