Huayna Picchu and Machupicchu mountain: comparison!

Machu Picchu has more than 150 buildings that were part of an ancient Inca citadel. Most are located in the center of the place. Up high, in the two mountains that surround the archaeological site, there are more constructions that very few people know about. These are the platforms and enclosures located on the Huayna Picchu mountain and the Machupicchu mountain. Very few tourists dare to walk the difficult roads to its peaks. Learn a little more about both peaks, their similarities and differences.

The mountains of Machu Picchu

There are three mountains that surround Machu Picchu: a) Huayna Picchu mountain, b) Machupicchu mountain and c) Huchuy Picchu mountain. They can all be visited by purchasing three different tickets: the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket and the Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu ticket, respectively.

Huayna Picchu is the most famous mountain in the place. It is easy to recognize it as it is the summit that stands out in the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu mountain is even higher than Huayna Picchu. It is located to the south of the archaeological site. The Huchuy Picchu is a slope of the Huayna Picchu mountain.

There is also another mountain called El Putucusi. However, this summit is not prepared for tourism. Likewise, some visitors decide to go through it with great effort. The entrance to this mountain is free. Instead, access to Huayna Picchu and Machupicchu Mountain has a cost.

The Huayna Picchu

The Huayna Picchu mountain is the most famous summit of Machu Picchu. Its summit is located 2,720 meters above sea level, approximately 300 meters higher than the Inca citadel.

Huayna Picchu is a Quechua word that, translated into Spanish, means ‘young mountain’. The gateway to the mountain is to the north of the Inca city, near the so-called ‘Sacred Rock’.

The walk to the top is demanding. Almost 2 kilometers are covered by a set of stone steps built by the Incas more than 500 years ago. These stairways have slopes of up to 60 degrees. Along the way, you can also appreciate terraces, enclosures and more Inca constructions.

After an average of 1 hour 30 minutes of walking, you will reach the top of Huayna Picchu. From there you have a spectacular view of all of Machu Picchu. The way back follows the same path as the one up, only going down.

Optionally, tourists can take a longer alternative return path. This path little traveled by tourists leads to a famous temple called ‘The great cave’ or ‘Temple of the moon’. It is a mysterious construction inside a cave. However, today the visit to this temple is done by buying the ticket ‘Machupicchu + Temple of the Moon’.

Machupicchu mountain

The mountain Machupicchu is the highest peak in the wonder of the world. The locals called it ‘Machu Picchu’, which means ‘old mountain’. After its discovery in 1911, the Inca citadel took the same name with which it is known worldwide today.

It is located on the south side of the Inca city. Its summit reaches 3,082 meters above sea level, that is, it is almost 600 meters higher than the archaeological site (and 300 meters higher than Huayna Picchu).

The gateway to this mountain is also within Machu Picchu. The road to its summit is 2 kilometers long and easier to travel, compared to Huayna Picchu. Reaching the top of this mountain can take 2 hours.

From its top you can see all the natural landscapes that surround Machu Picchu. There are no Inca constructions on this mountain, except for the stone paths and terraces. The return path follows the same route as the outward journey. During the tour you can see the flowers and birds (and sometimes animals) characteristic of the wonder of the world.

Mountains location

What is the difference between them?

This table summarizes the main differences between the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains:

How to visit these mountains?

The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain and the Machu Picchu mountain is with two different entrances. In both cases, these tickets also allow the tour of the archaeological site of Machupicchu. That is, for most of its Inca constructions.

Huayna Picchu Mountain – The entrance to this mountain is called the ‘Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu’ ticket and has a cost of 200 Peruvian soles (62 US dollars, approximately). As its name suggests, it allows you to visit the archaeological site of Machupicchu (for circuit 3) and the Huayna Picchu mountain. Both sites can be covered in a time of 7 hours (enough for the adventure).

This ticket allows entry in 2 times:

• First group: Entrance to Machupicchu from 6 am. to 6.30 am / Entrance to Huaynapicchu until 8 am.
• Second group: Entrance to Machupicchu from 9 am. to 9.30 am. / Entrance to Huaynapicchu until 11 am.

The ticket ‘Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu’ must be purchased online 3 or 4 months in advance.

Machupicchu Mountain – The entrance to this mountain is called the ‘Machu Picchu + Mountain’ ticket and has a cost of 200 Peruvian soles (62 US dollars, approximately). As its name suggests, it allows you to visit the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (for circuit 1) as well as the Machupicchu mountain. Both sites can be covered in a time of 8 hours (enough for the adventure).

This ticket allows entry in 2 times:

• First group: Entrance to Machupicchu from 6 am. to 6.30 am. / Entrance to the mountain until 8 am.
• Second group: Entrance to Machupicchu from 8 am. to 8.30 am. / Entrance to the mountain until 10 am.

The ticket ‘Machu Picchu + Montaña’ can be purchased online or in person a few weeks or even days in advance.

Questions and answers

• 1) How to visit Putucusi mountain?
  The entrance to the Putucusi mountain is free. You just have to start from the town of Aguas Calientes and do the walk. Be aware that there are very difficult parts that require strength in the arms. The bravest are those who reach the top of this mountain.
  

• 2) How long does it take to go up and down Huayna Picchu?
  The hike up and back to Huayna Picchu can take from 2 to 3 hours (if you add the detour to La gran caverna, 4 hours).

• 3) How long does it take to go up and down the Machu Picchu mountain?
  The hike up and back to Machupicchu mountain can take 3 to 4 hours.

• 4) Can I buy the entrance to Huayna Picchu in Cusco?
  No. The ticket ‘Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu’ must be purchased online 3 or 4 months in advance. There are many tourists who want to do this adventure.

• 5) Can I buy the entrance to Machu Picchu mountain in Cusco?
  Yes. The ticket ‘Machu Picchu + Montaña’ is available at the points of sale in the city of Cusco: a) Calle Maruri 324 or b) Calle Garcilaso s / n.

• 6) Are there discounts on tickets to the mountains?
  Yes. Entrance fees to the mountains offer discounts for: a) university students, b) under 18s and c) citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia.

• 7) When is the best time to visit the mountains?
  The dry season (from April to October) is the best time to visit the mountains because in those months the rains are infrequent. This helps make walking safer. In addition, from the top you can better appreciate the landscapes of Machu Picchu.

• 8) What should I bring to visit the mountains?
  To visit the mountains of Machu Picchu you should not forget to take with you: a rain poncho, good shoes, a hat (or hat), a light backpack, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, an extra polo shirt, rehydrating water, snacks, your personal documents as well as a photo camera.

By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, June 17, 2024