On your trip to Machu Picchu, you will have the possibility to visit Machu Picchu and the Huayna Picchu mountain. Both mountains need a special entrance ticket. Both offer spectacular views. However, these two adventures are not the same.
Learn about the differences between Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain. One thing you should know is: You can’t do both activities, so we have this whole article to help you choose the best of the two.
Don’t forget to see our Machu Picchu Tours.
Huayna Picchu
- The mountain of Huayna Picchu is the one behind the Inca city in the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
- “The Young Mountain” is known for its incredible short walks on the planet. People recognize the walk along its trails as one of the most amazing experiences.
- Its Inca trails are steep and narrow. They were built on one side of the mountain. They can frighten people who are afraid of heights.
- If you suffer from vertigo or can’t control your fear of heights, it’s better to go through this mountain.
- The Temple of the Moon is a famous archaeological site located in Huayna Picchu. The Incas built this temple in the middle of a cave.
Machu Picchu Mountain
- The mountain of Machu Picchu offers less steep, wider and visually less terrifying trails than Huayna Picchu.
- It is known as the “Old Mountain”. On its slopes the Incas built the Inca City that today wonders the world.
- The walk on this mountain is suitable for tourists of any age. It is ideal if you come with children or older people.
- It is not necessary to reach the top to enjoy the landscape. In the middle of the road you can take good pictures of Machu Picchu.
- In the mountain Machu Picchu there are no temples or Inca sites.
Stop looking
Plana a trip to Machu Picchu
Differences between the Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu mountain
- The hike to the top of Huayna Picchu is more vertical than the mountain of Machu Picchu. However, climbing Huayna Picchu will take less time.
- The Machu Picchu mountain offers 400 entrances every day. You can reserve tickets weeks in advance for Huayna Picchu.
- The biggest difference between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu for us is related to their difficulty and availability.
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Look at this important Waynapicchu Mountain stuff.
- Restrictions: Only for people over 12 years old.
- Height: 2,720 m.a.s.l.
- Walking distance: 2 kilometers of steep and narrow roads.
- Location: North of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
- Trail description: The trails are quite steep, and ropes are needed to overcome some parts of the trail. You will cross stone and wooden stairs; the trail is visually scary.
- Access: From the Inca city of Machu Picchu, through the Sector of the Huayranas (Sacred Rock) Here you will find the entrance checkpoint to Waynapicchu Mountain.
- Number of visitors: 400 tourists per day.
- Walking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (ascent and descent)
- Degree of difficulty: Moderately high. It is a steep mountain, with cliffs and many steps (not recommended if you suffer from vertigo).
Entry Hours
- First group: Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. / Huayna Picchu from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Second group: Machu Picchu from 7 a.m. / Huayna Picchu from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Third group: Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. / Huayna Picchu from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Archaeological Sites
- Platforms.
- Temple of the Moon, built inside a natural cave.
Flora and Fauna
- Forest brow landscape.
- Abundant vegetation, which serves as a habitat for birds, butterflies and insects.
The good
Some of the best panoramic views of the Inca City of Machu Picchu and the incredible mountain environment where it is located.
The bad
Precipices covered with vegetation, steep ascents, narrow paths.
Machu Picchu Mountain
- Restrictions: Suitable for tourists of any age.
- Height: 3,082 m.a.s.l.
- Walking distance: 2 kilometers where you will ascend approximately 300 vertical meters.
- Location: In front of Huayna Picchu and to the left of the traditional road.
- Trail description: Abundant vegetation, with wild orchids standing out. The wide trails will allow you to walk on them in a quiet way.
- Access: From the Machu Picchu Complex, go up to the viewpoint (Casa del Guardián) and continue to the detour indicated by a sign.
- Number of visitors: 800 people per day.
- Walking time: 3 and a half hours (round trip).
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate/high.
Schedules
First group: Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. / Mountain from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Second group: Machu Picchu from 7 a.m. / Mountain from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Third group: Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. / Mountain from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Archaeological Attractions
- Platforms
- Panoramic view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
Flora and Fauna
You will find a wide variety of orchids, butterflies and birds.
The good stuff
Less steep trails, panoramic views of the Inca city and the Huayna Picchu mountain.
The bad
There are no archaeological remains. It’s a little difficult to get to the top.
FAQs
The mountain of Machu Picchu is ideal for families looking for a little adventure in their vacation in Peru. The Huayna Picchu is recommended for young adventurers. After all, both mountains are good options in the Wonder of the World.
Both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains offer incredible views of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Tourists can also walk to Intipunku (Sun Gate) for a good view of the Wonder of the World.
No. Both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu have safety measures that tourists should follow, the most difficult being the Huayna Picchu mountain. It is recommended that tourists do not look for the trail in sections that are not marked or permitted.
It is not common to suffer from altitude sickness. Huayna Picchu is 2,720 meters above sea level. Machu Picchu Mountain is at 3,082 meters above sea level. But it can have some symptoms that are not serious. We recommend acclimatizing at least 1 day in the city of Cusco.
Yes, the entrance to the mountain of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu is allowed for children and adults. Minors must enter with their respective father, mother or both.
For Huayna Picchu 3 months in advance, for the high season (May, June, July and August) more months in advance. The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu must be bought 3 weeks in advance.
Since 2022, No, you have to buy another ticket for enter to Machu Picchu citadel.
