Not many people know that there are two separate mountains to climb inside Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. Both of these mountains, require a different kind of permit, than a general Machu Picchu entrance ticket. There is also a daily limit regarding how many people can climb either of these mountains each day. These two mountains are on different sides of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is the more famous, of the two and is more difficult to hike. Alternatively, Machu Picchu Mountain is not as steep yet is a longer hike. You also have a view of Huayna Picchu mountain and spectacular views over the valley below.
The Difference Between Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain overlooks the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and is found inside the Machu Picchu complex. There is an original Inca trail that leads to the peak of the mountain and visitors can climb the ridge for spectacular views. Some people confuse Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. “Machu Picchu” refers to the actual Inca citadel and the whole archaeological complex. “Machu Picchu Mountain” is the name of a mountain that overlooks the citadel and on which Machu Picchu is built.
Why Climb Machu Picchu Mountain
The trek up the Machu Picchu Mountain is an excellent way to do some hiking inside the site and enjoy nature! From the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, you will witness some of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu citadel and Huayna Picchu, the famous mountain in all of the photos of Machu Picchu. From Machu Picchu Mountain, you can really see it all! Book your Machu Picchu climb here!
Machu Picchu Mountain restricts the number of people who can climb it each day and has different entrance times. This ensures the trail is never too busy and the climb is always less busy than Machu Picchu itself. If you like hiking, photography, or just want the best views of The Machu Picchu archaeological site, then hiking Machu Picchu Mountain is something you should definitely consider.
Machu Picchu Mountain allows 400 people to ascend each day, split between 2 entrance times. The mountain is lesser-known than Huayna Picchu, which means that the tickets do not sell out as fast, therefore there is usually more availability. If you are late to the game for getting a ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain on your Luxury Peru tour, Machu Picchu Mountain is an excellent and arguably better alternative.
Machu Picchi Mountain is also less busy. Although the same number of people are allowed to enter each day as Huayna Picchu, tickets often do not sell out. Additionally, the trail is longer so the people are more spread out making it less crowded.
Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu?
Machu Picchu Mountain is a longer trail than Huayna Picchu and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Many visitors do not actually reach the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain as they turn back after the spectacular viewpoint about 30 minutes in. Therefore, the last half of the trail is much quieter. Huayna Picchu is a shorter, steeper climb with a trail that takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to climb to the top of. Although shorter, the ascend is very steep requiring the use of ropes, steps and handrails for certain sections of the climb. The steepness and sheer drops of Huayna Picchu prohibits children under the age of 12 from doing this hike. People of all ages are allowed to hike Machu Picchu Mountain as the trail is wider and less steep.
The view from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain is arguably better than from Huayna Picchu. From the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, you will enjoy views of the amazing Huayna Picchu, peak which is an awe-inspiring sight with panoramic views across the whole valley!
Entrance Times For Machu Picchu Mountain
If you wish to climb the Machu Picchu Mountain you should purchase the ticket Circuit 1 Route 1-A. The time allowed to visit Machu Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu is 7 hours total.
The First shift to Machu Picchu Mountain (7:00 am)
The first shift is ideal for those who spent the night in Aguas Calientes. You should take an early bus to Machu Picchu and ascend the peak before the sun rises. From the summit of Montaña, you can see how slowly Machu Picchu becomes crowded. If you choose this option. When you purchase this option, you must enter the Machu Picchu citadel between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. It takes 25 minutes to hike from the main gate to the control point of The Machu Picchu Mountain. Once you finish the climb, you can re-enter Machu Picchu through the lower Circuit 3 entrance.
Second Shift to Machu Picchu Mountain (9:00 am)
The second shift, 9:00 a.m. allow another 200 people to climb. This is ideal for people arriving at Machu Picchu after hiking the Short Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or the Lares Trek. On this shift, you must first explore the Citadel of Machu Picchu before climbing the mountain.
It is not recommended to climb Machu Picchu Mountain if you're hiking the Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu unless you take a Peru private tour. In this case, you will climb the mountain first and then visit Machu Picchu afterwards. If you stay an additional day in Aguas Calientes after the Inca Trail, you can also hike this mountain and return to Cusco the following day.
How Difficult is it to climb Machu Picchu Mountain?
The trail up Machu Picchu Mountain is considered more difficult since it is longer and higher than the trail to Huayna Picchu Mountain. Many believe that Huayna Picchu is the best option, so it sells out quicker. Huayna Picchu is shorter but steeper. Huayna Pichu is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo due to the steep drops either side of the trail.
Due to its location, Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the most magnificent mountain peaks. From the summit, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of the whole Machu Picchu area. At first, the climb is steep with a moderate ascent. The climb becomes more difficult as it continues. Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and the magnificent fortress of Machu Picchu far below. Most people in an average physical condition can climb this mountain. The 1.5 hours to the top can be done at your own pace and with as many stops as you want, for the perfect photo opportunities.
Ask us here at Andean Travel Experience for more information if you would like to climb the spectacular Machu Picchu Mountain on your Peru Luxury tour and Machu Picchu visit!