Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain?
This is a trip to one of the most touristic place in Peru “Machu Picchu” one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, you will be explained by us about the difference between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu, after that, you will have a clear idea of hiking through the two mountains: Machu Picchu Mountain vs Huayna Picchu. Both mountains, you will need a special ticket. Both sites offer sceneries views. However, these two amazing places are not the same. so if you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu it is better to know more details.
Here you will see the differences.
Summary of Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Huayna Picchu Mountain is higher than Machu Picchu
- Known as the ‘Young Mountain’. The pathway is narrow but is the most incredible and short hike up on the world.
- They were built on the side of the mountain. It might be scary for people with the fear of heights.
- If you suffer from vertigo or cannot control your fear of heights, it is better to overlook this mountain.
- This is the highest point of Machu Picchu with 2693 meters above sea level and 260 meters higher than Machu Picchu
In Huayna Picchu there is the temple of the Moon the panoramic view from here is spectacular, also you can find temples and terraces on its top.
Information about Machu Picchu Mountain
- Known as the ‘Old Mountain’. In their skirts, the Incas built the famous Inca City known as the wonder of the world.
- Machu Picchu Mountain has less steep, and it is wider and visually, less frightening roads than Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- Not necessary to reach the top to enjoy the panoramic view. In the middle of the road, you can take amazing photographs of Machu Picchu.
- Hike to this mountain is suitable for tourists of any age.
- You cannot find temple or Inca site in Machu Picchu Mountain
The tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain have limited just 400 tickets every day. You can book in for the tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain three weeks in advance. The Huayna Picchu ticket (400 tickets per day) and you need to book almost 3 months in advance.
Differences between the 2 Mountains Huayna and Machu
If you want to do one of these hikes, it is best to decide before you confirm your Machu Picchu trip, especially for Huayna Picchu Mountain. You can always add on permits later, however, Huayna Picchu permits tend to sell out far in advance. Machu Picchu Mountain permits are generally always available, but we still recommend getting these in advance.
Differences between the Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes:
This is Huayna Picchu mountain, details of Huayna Picchu.
- Time to Hike round trip 2 to 2.5 hours
- Height : 2,720 masl
- Restrictions: Only for over 12 years.
- Hiking distance: 2 kilometers of steep and narrow roads.
- The Location of Huayna Picchu: North of the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
- Pathway: The trails are quite steep; you will need ropes to overcome some parts of the road. It will cross rock-built staircases and wooden stairs; the road is visually scary.
- Point of Access: From Machu Picchu, through the Sector de Huayranas (Sacred Rock). Here you will find the entrance control booth to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Here the Schedules:
- 1. Group: Machu Picchu from 6 am / Huayna Picchu from 7 am – 8 am
- 2. Group: Machu Picchu from 7 am / Huayna Picchu from 7 am to 8 am
- 3 Group: Machu Picchu from 8 am / Huayna Picchu from 10.30 am to 11.30 am
Difficulty: the difficulty is challenging. Steep with big steps. In some places, you do have to use your hands for balance. There are handrail wires to hold onto in some sections but not all. You have scramble over and under boulders at the top.
- Archaeological Attractions: Andenería and the amazing Temple of the Moon, built inside a natural cave.
- Flora and fauna: Landscape of jungle eyebrow, abundant vegetation, which serves as habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects.
- Exposure: The top can get crowded and you can be jostled, which can be unnerving. Don’t do this hike if you have a fear of heights.
The Machu Picchu Mountain.
Machu Picchu Mountain hike is considered to be moderate to challenging trek it is not for people with a fear of heights; the panoramic view is a stunning birds-eye view of Machu Picchu and the Ruins.
- the time needed: about 1 hour.30 minutes to get to the summit.
- The altitude of the Summit: 3,082 masl
- Walking distance: 2 kilometers where you will ascend approximately 300 vertical meters.
- Suitable for tourists of any age.
- Road Description: Abundant vegetation, wild orchids stand out. The wide paths will allow you to travel in a calm way.
- Access: From the Machu Picchu Complex, go up to the viewpoint (Guardian’s House) continues until the detour indicated by a sign.
Schedule :
- First Group: Machu Picchu from 6 am / Mountain from 7 am – 8 am
- Second Group: Machu Picchu from 7 am / Mountain from 7 am to 8 am
- Third Group: Machu Picchu from 8 am / Mountain from 9 am to 10 am
- The number of tickets: 800 spaces per day.
- Walking Time: 3 hours and a half (round trip).
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate/high.
- View. Also fantastic. You look frown over Machu Picchu ruins with Huayna Picchu in the background.
- Fauna and flora: You will find a variety of orchids, butterflies, and birds.
For these 2 hikes, you must drink plenty of water, the weather is unpredictable, you must be prepared with clothing for rain and sun. April to November is the best option to hike (dry season).