When visiting the Machu Picchu citadel, you will have the opportunity to hike one of the two mountains surrounding this Wonder of the World: Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (not the Machu Picchu citadel itself). Each offers a unique attraction that makes the hike distinct and memorable.
Huayna Picchu Mountain, which in Quechua means "Young Mountain," is located at an altitude of 2,667 meters, to the north of the Machu Picchu citadel. The trail to reach the summit of this mountain is more challenging, as it features steep stairs and narrow paths. This hike is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo, nor for children under 12 or elderly individuals.
Machu Picchu Mountain is located at an altitude of 3,082 meters, to the south of the Machu Picchu citadel. Being higher than Huayna Picchu Mountain, it features more friendly and less demanding characteristics. Its ascent is not as steep, and it has wider paths and resting points along the way.
To make your choice easier, we present a comparative table of both trails:
| Differences | Huayna Picchu Mountain | Machu Picchu Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Location | To the north of the Machu Picchu citadel | To the south of the Machu Picchu citadel |
| Altitude | 2,693 meters above sea level | 3,082 meters above sea level |
| Distance | 2 kilometers, elevation 290 meters | 2 kilometers, elevation 200 meters |
| Hiking time | 3 hours (round trip) | 4 hours (round trip) |
| Access | Huayranas Sector | Guardian's House Junction |
| Schedules |
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| Number of visitors | 325 people per day | 250 people per day |
| Circuit | Circuit 3 - Waynapicchu Route | Circuit 1 - Machu Picchu Mountain Route |
| Re-entry | Does not allow re-entry to the citadel | Allows re-entry to the citadel |
| Archaeological attractions | Terraces and Temple of the Moon | None |
| Restrictions | Only for those over 12 years old | For all audiences |
| Difficulty | Medium-High | Medium |
| Advantages | Disadvantages | ||
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| Advantages | Disadvantages | ||
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It is possible to visit both mountains in one day, but it is not recommended as hiking just one mountain involves considerable physical effort, and climbing one after the other can cause significant fatigue.
Additionally, it is very challenging to organize the schedules for both mountains as they are very close together, and you would need to purchase two different tickets, one that includes Huayna Picchu Mountain and another with access to Machu Picchu Mountain.
When purchasing tickets to enter the Machu Picchu citadel, you must choose to climb one of the mountains at the time of purchase.
It is recommended to purchase the ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain 3 months in advance. The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain should be obtained 4 weeks in advance.
Only Machu Picchu Mountain allows entry for children under 12 years old. In the case of Huayna Picchu Mountain, it only permits entry for those over 12 years old accompanied by an adult.
Yes, elderly people can climb both mountains, but it is recommended that they only climb Machu Picchu Mountain as it does not require much physical effort and has resting places.
A tour guide is not necessary to hike either of the two mountains.
Happy passengers
