Wondering what is the difference between Huayna Picchu VS Machu Picchu Mountain? Check out this post curated by our local experts. 

When you travel to Machu Picchu you must know the name of mountains around the citadel. Why? Because there are amazing hikes and views that you should not miss! Huayna Picchu is the most popular mountain, followed by Machu Picchu mountain, sungate and Inca bridge.

When you book your tour to Machu Picchu, you will have the chance to do the extra hike to the top where you can catch impressive views of the wonders of the world! 

Of course, both mountains need a special entrance ticket and both offer wonderful vistas. The majority of Machu Picchu visitors climb up to Machu Picchu mountain; but not all can get Huayna Picchu tickets to do the extra hike after visiting Machu Picchu.

Where is Huayna Picchu Mountain?

The mountain of Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains located behind the Machu Picchu ruins which has spectacular views from above. The extra hike is normally done after Machu Picchu guided tour, the hiking lasts 45 minutes to the top, on the top you take lots of pictures with incredible views and 40 minutes back down.

Huayna Picchu mountain is the peak that you see on any postcard photos of Machu Picchu. The trail that takes you to the mountain is under the vegetation, the path is very narrow, steep, the tunnel is very tiny and there is a monkey cable to support yourself. 

The Huayna Picchu mountain ticket must be reserved at least 6 months in advance, whether you would like one of the 400 available tickets for hiking Huayna Picchu.

How High is Huayna Picchu?

Huayna Picchu mountain is at 2720 Meters above sea level = 8925 Feet when the city of Machu Picchu is at 2400 meters above sea level.

What is Huayna Picchu’s meaning and History?

Huayna Picchu is a Quechua word which means YOUNG MOUNTAIN in English. On the other hand; talking about the history of Huayna Picchu – It was an astronomical observatory (the perfect place to see the milky way). Therefore, the temple of the moon was built in the same mountain.

Is Huayna Picchu Picchu worth it?

Definitely Yes. Not only does Huayna Picchu mountain offer a once in a lifetime type of hike over legendary Inca staircases; it will also allow you to see some of the most impressive Inca constructions built on death defying locations with what must be some of the best views on the earth.

Where is Machu Picchu Mountain?

Machu Picchu Mountain is another peak which is located south of Machu Picchu city. Machu Picchu mountain offers more views than Huayna Picchu because Machu Picchu Mountain is higher. 

However, the route takes you double time to arrive at the top of the mountain. It takes you around 1.3 hour to hike Machu Picchu mountain. From the top the views are unbelievable and in order to get back down another 1.1 hour. Machu Picchu mountain has the trail less steep than Huayna Picchu; the Inca road is wider and less terrifying.

Machu Picchu mountain extra hike is recommended for families with children who want to see Machu Picchu; one of the new seven wonders of the World from different corners.

Entrance to Machu Picchu mountain is restricted to 800 people a day, Permits can be booked a few weeks ahead of time. Would you like to join us? We recommend you to book a tour to Machu Picchu; then make sure your tickets to this extra adventure travel. 

Huayna Picchu VS Machu Picchu Mountain

People per day: 400 | 800

Price: 35USD | 35USD

Altitude: 2720 M = 8925 FT | 3062 M = 10115 FT

First group: 7AM to 8AM | 7AM to 8AM

Second Group: 1OAM to 11AM | 9AM to 10AM

Difficulty: Moderate | Difficult moderate

Hiking Time: 2 hour | 3 hour round trip

Hiking Length: 2 km | 3km

Archaeological sites: Temple of the moon (astronomical observatory) | The Inca Trail

The entrance tickets for Machu Picchu mountain and Huayna Picchu mountain are subject to availability. In order to guarantee your ticket for both mountains, we highly recommend that you add an extra hike in Machu Picchu to your itinerary.

Vacations to Machu Picchu

On our Machu Picchu tour you will get to see all Peruvian native tradition. Embrace cultures present and past in the hills surrounding Cusco city, and delight in the spectacular views of the Sacred valley of the Incas as you travel by train to the 7 wonders of the world! 

Happy Gringo offers amazing Machu vacation packages; where you can have fantastic experience because you will be lead by local guide experts who will be very happy to share their knowledge of the Incan history.

We have 3 impressive vacations to visit Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world!

• Peru Tours
• Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour
• Machu Picchu Train tour

Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu

Do you like to hike? We have some hiking tours to Machu Picchu! Happy Gringo tours is the official Inca Trail and alternative treks operator. Here you have the 5 most amazing hikes to visit Machu Picchu.

• Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• 4 day Inca Trail
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
• Lares trek to Machu Picchu
• Inca Quarry hike to Machu Picchu