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Mountains HuaynaPicchu vs MachuPicchu

Each and every day thousands of people venture up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Out of those thousands, only a brave few choose to test their fitness by climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains that surrounds the ruins. Undoubtedly, they both serve to take some panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. The most popular is Huayna Picchu Mountain. But since only 400 climbers are allowed on Huayna Picchu each day, many are left out. Luckily for those adventurers, there is an even higher and equally beautiful climb: Machu Picchu Mountain or ¨Old Mountain¨.

Huayna Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu, which means “Young Mountain” in Quechua, is the towering mountain behind the Machu Picchu Ruins. Watching the mountain from the distant it may seem impossible mission to climb it on your own foot! There are some parts where you need actually your both hands and feet literally climb up the mountain, but is quite possible for all adventures who are at least averagely fit. For most of the travelers to hike up the Huayna Picchu Mountain is one of the highlights when visiting Machu Picchu. And there is a reason to do so, it is a route, carved into the pure face of a granite wall by the Incans, that goes up to the top of the mountain, where there is a whole complex of Incan buildings, overlooking Machu Picchu from different angles.  

On the way to the top of the Huayna Picchu Mountain you will go through a tunnel carved in the rocks and the higher you get the more structures of Ancient Incas you will recognize. We recommend to take your time, spend few moments up to looking the sites around and get breath back. The way the Incas built these structures directly into face of a mountain peak, belies a civil engineering project that is truly one of the most magnificent anywhere.  

The views of Machu Picchu from the top of the Huayna Picchu Mountain are breathtaking and will give you an impression of the magnitude of the site.  You will be able to appreciate the different sectors of the main ruins surrounding landscapes and mountains.

To start climbing the Huayna Picchu Mountain all tourists have two time slots, first group of 200 people can start at 7 am and the second group at 10am. The hike to Huayna Picchu Mounatin takes around an hour each way, depending how fast and fit you are, and how long you going to enjoy and explore the site on top. Use the hand rails where provided, and take your time to climb up and down the mountain, however, the security is first!

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain (´´Old Mountain´´) is less popular than Huayna Picchu but not less beautiful. Machu Picchu Mountain is the higher peak above the Incan city. The mountain can be entered between 7 and 11 am. As Huayna Picchu, this mountain has also 400 permits to enter enter it. This climb is not so steep but it takes longer to get to the top, around 1.5 hour climb up and same get down, also time depends on your fitness level.

After the wardens hut the trail follows to 1 hour or so climb in 30-35 degrees. Getting closer to the top of the mountain, the views of Machu Picchu ad the surroundings mountains become more impressive. There are few rest points on the way. Just before the top the steps become steeper, narrower and gives you last challenge before you reach the top! On the top there is a small round hut provides shelter and seating to enjoy the view. From top you will be able to see the ruins of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains.

Book in Advance

The booking for both mountains need to be done enough time in advance, because of 400 limit people per day, both mountains have same limit of people, just time slots slightly different.

Please note that your entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain always displays your name and passport details so it is not transferable to another person and not refundable either.

Take lots of water with you, as climbing is never easy, respect the environment, be careful and enjoy the most spectacular views in your life!


For more information and ticket reservations contact us.