During your visit to Machu Picchu, you can climb to the top of any mountain to enjoy an unforgettable view of the Inca citadel. An unmissable moment for photography lovers! You must purchase a special ticket to enter Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain or Huchuy Picchu Mountain. All three offer stunning views of the citadel. Here we explain everything you need to know about the mountains of Machu Picchu so you can decide which one to conquer.
Huayna Picchu is one of the main mountains close to the wonder. It is the one that appears behind the Inca citadel in the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu and is known for its steep Inca trails and stairs that will take you to the top. This hike is done after the guided tour of the complex is over, and it will take you about an hour and a half to reach the top and another hour and a half to descend (depending on your physical condition).
The narrow trails of Huayna Picchu can challenge those who are afraid of heights. You will be on the edge of the abyss and will need to use safety cables to hold yourself. If you suffer from vertigo or have a hard time controlling your fear of heights, we recommend another of the mountains of Machu Picchu.
Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain allows you to get one of the best panoramic views in Peru. The hike includes 1,600 stone steps and begins as a wide path with a slight incline. It offers even more impressive views than the summit of Huayna Picchu, but it takes twice as long to reach the top. The trail has 1,600 stone steps, and it will take you about an hour and a half to reach the viewpoint and another hour to return.
Machu Picchu Mountain has less steep, wider, and less intimidating trails, probably used for rituals, astronomical observation, and surveillance. Remember that you will not find shade along the route, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
When booking your tickets, consider going with your family, as the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain is calmer and ideal for children and older adults.
Compared to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu Mountain is less known and visited, but it offers the opportunity to see impressive archaeological sites and Inca landscapes. The hike is moderate and takes approximately 2 hours.
From the top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes. In addition, you will witness an archaeological complex composed of agricultural terraces, ceremonial buildings, dwellings, and temples.
Climbing Huchuy Picchu Mountain is an excellent alternative for those looking for a less crowded experience than Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain.
