The majestic citadel of Machu Picchu offers much more than its ancient ruins. For adventurous travelers, two peaks rise up, inviting a memorable challenge: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. Both offer breathtaking views, but each offers a unique experience and level of difficulty. If you already have a tour to Machu Picchu booked with us, this guide will help you decide which of these summits is ideal for you.
Huayna Picchu: The Iconic Challenge
Also known as Wayna Picchu, this is the mountain that appears behind the citadel in classic photos. It’s the more popular of the two, and tickets sell out months in advance.
- The Experience: This hike is a short but intense adventure. The trail is steep and narrow, with sections that include stone stairs carved almost vertically. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is unparalleled.
- The Views: From the summit, the view of the Machu Picchu citadel is spectacular. You can also see the Urubamba River and the surrounding valleys. Near the summit are the ruins of the Temple of the Moon, a sacred and mysterious site worth exploring.
- Time and Difficulty: The ascent and descent take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace. The difficulty is high, as the trail is steep and sometimes slippery.
- Important: Only a limited number of people can enter each day, so you must reserve your ticket well in advance.
Machu Picchu Mountain: The Panoramic Perspective
This mountain, higher than Huayna Picchu, is located on the opposite side of the citadel and offers a completely different and less crowded perspective.
- The Experience: The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain is longer and more gradual, with a well-defined trail. Although it is a steady ascent, it is not as technical as that of Huayna Picchu. The path is surrounded by lush vegetation and allows you to connect with nature in a more peaceful way.
- The Views: The views from the summit are simply spectacular. Being higher, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire citadel, the surrounding valleys, and the snow-capped peaks in the distance. It is the perfect view for photography lovers.
- Time and Difficulty: The ascent and descent take between 3 and 4 hours. The difficulty is medium to high, mainly due to the length of the hike.
- Important: Although tickets for this mountain are easier to obtain than those for Huayna Picchu, you should still purchase them in advance, as they also have limited capacity per day.
¿Wich is best for you?
Difficulty Huayna Picchu Montaña Machu Picchu Difficulty High Medium-High Duration 2-3 hours 3-4 hours Views Of the citadel and the river 360º panoramas Popularity Very high (they sell out fast) Less crowded Land Steep and technical Long and gradual
If you’re looking for an intense physical challenge and an iconic photo, Huayna Picchu is your choice. If you prefer a longer hike with panoramic views and fewer people, Machu Picchu Mountain is the ideal option for you.
Make Your Choice with Machu Picchu Exploration
At Machu Picchu Exploration, we can help you book your ticket to the mountain of your choice and ensure that your private guide Machu Picchu tour includes this exciting challenge.
Contact us and plan your adventure at the heights of Machu Picchu!
