Machu Picchu is the first destination of South America and Peru. There are many adventures in the Inca Citadel. In addition, there are the popular mountain Huayna Picchu and the little known Mountain Machu Picchu. Had not I heard of these places? Know what it is and what their differences are.

• Huayna Picchu Mountain: definition, location and height
• Machu Picchu Mountain: definition, location and height
• Differences between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
• How to visit the Huayna Picchu mountain?
• How much does the entrance to Huayna Picchu cost?
• How to visit the Machu Picchu mountain?
• How much is the entrance fee to the Machu Picchu mountain?
• Tips for visiting Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain

Huayna Picchu Mountain: definition, location and height

Definition – The Huayna Picchu or ‘Young Mountain’ is the summit that stands out in the classic photo of Machu Picchu. Its steep and narrow roads on the margin of vertigo cliffs are a tourist attraction.

Location – The Waynapicchu is located north of Machu Picchu. At the foot is the Vilcanota River and the town of Aguas Calientes.

Height – It rises 300 meters above the Inca Citadel, with a height of 2,693 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.).

 Tourist attraction – For the Incas, it was an ‘Apu’ or spirit of the mountain who should be venerated. That is why there is the Temple of the Moon, a place where the Incas rendered religious cults.

Machu Picchu Mountain: definition, location and height

Definition – The Mountain Machu Picchu or ‘Old Mountain’ is the ‘APU’ on which sits the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. This summit gave the name to the Historical Sanctuary and Inca site.

Location – This summit is at the top of the Wonder of the World. Its beak is not visible in the classic photo postcard. The entrance to this summit is inside the Inca Citadel. 

Height – The peak of this mountain reaches 3,082 m.s., almost 600 meters above Machu Picchu.

Tourist attraction – Although within this mountain no religious temple has been found, its roads are an adventure similar to Huayna Picchu. From the top you can appreciate all the landscape splendor of the place.

Differences between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

Mountain Huayna Picchu:

• Name in Quechua: Young Mountain.
• Location: North of the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Altitude: 2693 above sea level.
• The road in kilometers: 2 kilometers.
• Average travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (up and down).
• Access: Within the Inca Citadel there is a control booth in the sector of the Huayranas (Sacred Rock).
• The number of daily visitors: 400, divided into 2 groups.
• Difficulty: Moderately high The roads are steep with precipices.
• Attractions: The Temple of the Moon and the exuberant vegetation where there are many butterflies and birds. The view is indescribable.

Mountain Machu Picchu:

• Name in Quechua: Old mountain.
• Location: In front of the Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Altitude: 3082 above sea level.
• The road in kilometers: 2 kilometers.
• Average travel time: 3 and a half hours (round trip).
• Access: Following the path of the lookout (Casa del Guardián).
• The number of daily visitors: 800, divided into 2 groups.
• Difficulty: Moderately high The roads have a slight slope.
• Attractions: The exuberant vegetation where orchids, butterflies and birds abound. The view is impressive.

How to visit the Huayna Picchu mountain?

The Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu allows entry to the Inca Citadel and Waynapicchu mountain. Only 400 people can enter in 2 daily shifts.

These are the hours of entry:

• Group 1:
  • In Machu Picchu: from 6 a.m. at 1 p.m.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu: from 7 a.m. at 8 a.m.
• Group 2:
  • In Machu Picchu: from 6 a.m. at 2 p.m.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu: from 10 a.m. at 11 a.m.

Due to the low availability and high demand for tickets, it is advisable to book online with up to 3 months in advance.

How much does the entrance to Huayna Picchu cost?

The entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu has an official cost offered by the official site of the Ministry of Culture of Peru.

The tourist agencies authorized to offer this type of ticket charge an additional cost for their services.

These are the official prices of the Huayna Picchu ticket:

* Prices are in Peruvian soles (S /.)

How to visit the Machu Picchu mountain?

The Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain allows the entrance to the Inca Citadel, and Machu Picchu mountain. Can only enter 800 people, divided in 2 daily shifts.

• Group 1:
  • In Machu Picchu: from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Entrance to the mountain: from 7 a.m. at 8 a.m.
• Group 2:
  • In Machu Picchu: from 6 a.m. at 3 p.m.
  • Entrance to the mountain: from 9 a.m. at 10 a.m.

Although this type of ticket does not have as much demand as the Huayna Picchu ticket, it is recommended to make the respective reservation online up to 3 weeks before.

How much is the entrance fee to the Machu Picchu mountain?

The entrance Machu Picchu + Mountain has a cost offered by the Ministry of Culture of Peru. The ticket can be purchased online or in person in Cusco.

It is also possible to make the purchase through an authorized tourism agency. The cost has an additional cost.

These are the official prices of the Mountain Machu Picchu ticket:

Tips for visiting Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain

• The Huayna Picchu is a short walk but very steep. It requires special care in the most demanding stretches on the edge of frightening ravines.
• The Machu Picchu mountain is a short walk but with wider roads. Requires a longer physical effort than Huayna Picchu.
• In the Waynapicchu there is a stretch known as ‘The stairs of death’. The name is because in that part the path is very difficult and frightening.
• The entrance to the mountain Machu Picchu is allowed to all people. In Huayna Picchu, only for tourists over 12 years old.