1.- What is Huchuy Picchu?
Huchuy Picchu is a small mountain located next to the extraordinary archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
Although it is not a well-known mountain like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. It has an altitude of 2,497 m, compared to Huayna Picchu (2,693 m), which is located north of Huchuy Picchu.
Although it is the most photographed mountain. If you visit Machu Picchu you will have a direct view of Huchuy Picchu, if you are facing the Inca city from the south side.
Huchuy Picchu Location
2.- What is the summit of Huchuy Picchu Hike like?
The best alternative trek to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu, although these mountains are better known. Huchuy Picchu is also an option to consider. The ascent is easier so it is preferred by many hikers.
Huchuy Picchu: Quick details
- Ascent: 70 meters (220 feet)
- Maximum altitude reached: 2,497 meters (8,192 feet)
- Duration of the hike: 30 – 45 minutes round trip
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
3.- What to expect from the Huchuy Picchu Hike
The ascent to Huchuy Picchu mountain is easy.
On the way, we will find some difficulties, but the hike is wide and comfortable, you will have to ease the hike, but it is not dangerous.
This hike is not recommended for people with disabilities, because the trail is a bit rough and a fall could be unpleasant.
At a gentle and steady pace the ascent will take you 15 minutes or less to reach the top of Huchuy Picchu Hike, 10 minutes down.
The views from the mountain are impressive, it is less busy so we can take good pictures.
Guide to Huchuy Picchu, Machu Picchu
4.- The summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain
The ascent to the summit of Huchuy Picchu will be fast, reaching an altitude of 2,497 meters (8,192 feet).
From here we will be able to appreciate the Inca city of Machu Picchu from the north side, although this view of the summit is lower than that of Wayna and, therefore, a little less spectacular.
5.- How to get tickets to Huchuy Picchu Hike
To buy your tickets to Huchuy Picchu you can do it from the official website https://www. machupicchu.gob.pe. You can not buy your tickets from another site, BEWARE! You can not buy your tickets in the same town of Machu Picchu village and you must book in advance. You do not need a tour guide, but your experience visiting Huchuy Picchu will be better with a guide.
Huchuy Picchu Hike in Machu Picchu
6.- Entrance hours and prices to Huchuy Picchu Hike
The entrance hours are from 6:00 to 17:30 every day. The same length of stay at Machu Picchu.
These are the available times for Admission
- Schedule 1: Entrance to Machupicchu from 6:00 a.m. / Entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m.
- Schedule 2: entrance to Machupicchu from 7 am / entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 7 and 8 am.
- Schedule 3: Entrance to Machupicchu from 8:00 a.m. / Entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.
- Schedule 4: entrance to Machupicchu from 9:00 a.m. / entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
- Schedule 5: entrance to Machupicchu from 10:00 a.m. / entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
- Schedule 6: Entrance to Machupicchu from 11:00 a.m. / Entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
- Schedule 7: Entrance to Machupicchu from 12:00 p.m. / Entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m.
- Schedule 8: entrance to Machupicchu from 1:00 p.m. / entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Schedule 9: entrance to Machupicchu from 2:00 p.m. / entrance to Huchuy Picchu Mountain between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
7.- Huchuy Picchu Entrance Fees
The price is 152 soles (~40 USD) from 2022, and that gives you entrance to the mountain and also to Circuit 4 of the Machu Picchu ruins. Students and minors (ages 3-17) get a 50% discount.
Huchuy Picchu mountain in Machu Picchu
8.- How to get to Huchuy Picchu Mountain
The hike is located north of Machu Picchu, it is necessary to be at the entrance gate to Machu Picchu 1 hour before to avoid the queues, and it will take you at least 15 minutes to get from the entrance gate of Machu Picchu to the entrance to Huchuy Picchu. Take care of your time, the entrance road is well signposted, so you will not get lost.
9.- When to visit Huchuy Picchu Hike
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is between March and November, therefore it is also the best time for the ascent to Huchuy Picchu due to the sunny weather; although the rainy season also has a special mysticism.
10.- Landscapes in Huchuy Picchu Mountain
The Huchuy Picchu mountain offers landscapes with abundant vegetation. From its summit you have a unique view of the archaeological site.
On the hike we will be able to listen to the birds that will accompany us to the summit, as well as a variety of flora.
11.- Camping in Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Camping is not allowed in Machu Picchu and much less in any of the mountains we talked about in this article. The only way to stay overnight is in the hotels in Machu Picchu Town.
12.- The best tours to Machu Picchu
If you have planned your trip to Machu Picchu, we have options of 1 Day, package tours, and the world renowned Inca Trail, as well as the Salkantay Trek. All of them with a visit to Machu Picchu; in all of them we recommend our private service option which is the most flexible for you.
Huchuy Picchu Climb – Photo:@theworldtravelguy.com
13.- Machu Picchu best sites to visit
We recommend you not to forget a visit to these Inca sites inside Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Mountain: The ascent to this mountain will take you to the highest mountain 3,082 meters (10,111 feet).
Huchuy Picchu Mountain: A lighter and relatively easy hike.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: Most famous and spectacular in Machu Picchu. To reach the top 2 693 meters, passing through the “Death Stairs of Machu Picchu”.
- Inca Sun Gate: The favorite destination for many, as it is the natural entrance to Machu Picchu, the Inti Punku.
- Inca Bridge: Short hike over a bridge of Inca construction, which served as an alternative entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Inca Trail: The world famous Inca construction trail, both in its version of 2 days (Short Inca Trail) and 4 days (Inca Trail 4 Days).
Putucusi Mountain: A dangerous and unmaintained trail to reach the top of Putucusi, which is an arrow-shaped mountain that can be seen across the river from Machu Picchu. At the moment this entrance is blocked.
14.- Some Recommendations
Admission is open to travelers of all ages, children under 3 years of age are free.
To get to the top you must buy the ticket ‘Machupicchu with Huaynapicchu‘. We recommend buying 3 or 4 months in advance.
For your trip, as for many others we offer, we recommend comfortable shoes, light and sport clothes, sun block, hat (or cap), rain poncho, fruits, snacks, a good camera and your personal documents.
15.- Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu Mountain:
This ticket allows access to the alternative route of the Huchuy Picchu mountain. But the access to the Llaqta only consists of circuit number 4. This entrance has 9 schedules. Being the first from 06:00 to 07:00 hours and the last from 14:00 to 15:00 hours.
This circuit will allow you to appreciate constructions such as: the Sacred Inca Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the 3 Windows and more.
