“Machu Picchu hike” can refer to multiple routes that arrive or depart from Machu Picchu, among the most famous routes of several days are the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay Trek, Inca Jungle or Lares trek. We also find extra treks that complement the visit to Machu Picchu: Intipunku, Inca Bridge, Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or Huchuy Picchu.
In addition, Machu Picchu is Peru’s top destination, recognized as a world wonder since 2007, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The incomparable beauty of this great Inca legacy, built amidst a lush natural landscape, is the dream destination of many travelers around the world. Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level, in the area known as the rainforest, high jungle or simply the Amazonian Andes. Machu Picchu is surrounded by beautiful mountains covered with dense vegetation in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Many of those who have visited this great Inca city have decided to complement their trip with a visit to one of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu and have found themselves in the situation of deciding which mountain to choose. The extra treks inside Machu Picchu are Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu.
To help you clear this doubt, in this article Auri reviews with you some of the differences between the mountains of Machu Picchu.
MACHU PICCHU HIKE, WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu can be literally translated as “young mountain”. It is the largest mountain that is located in the background for all panoramic and classic photos of Machu Picchu; precisely because of this detail is that the ascent to this mountain is very coveted among travelers.
Huayna Picchu has an altitude of 2693 meters. Inside the mountain, we find beautiful Inca archaeological units and small tunnels.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is the orogenic massif that is located just in front of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu within the same mountain range as the snow-capped Salkantay. Its height is 3082 meters, and although no Inca construction was built on its paths, we can find a great variety of flora and fauna typical of these ecosystems.
Huchuy Picchu
Huchuy Picchu is the small mountain in the background of Machu Picchu, its name literally translates as “small mountain”. It reaches a height of 2498 meters. Same as in Huayna Picchu, the Incas built stone steps in some sections of the path to access the top of this small mountain.
How to enter Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu?
To enter these mountains you must reserve an entrance ticket well in advance. This is due to the fact that the number of people that enter per day is limited. The ideal is a reasonable time of three to six months for Huayna Picchu and one month for Machu Picchu or Huchuy Picchu.
The number of spaces to access these mountains is two hundred for each case, which are distributed in different time ranges.
How is the access to Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu?
The ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain is less strenuous compared to Machu Picchu mountain, but not easy. The ascent to Huchuy Picchu is defined as easy to moderate and suitable for all ages.
Huayna Picchu has almost two kilometers of vertical ascent, and they are exhausting. The ascent time varies, depending on the physical condition and pace of each person. The estimated time is about two and a half hours to reach the top, get those panoramic views and return to the summit.
On the other hand, Machu Picchu mountain, as already mentioned is located at a higher altitude than Huayna Picchu and, therefore, at a distance a little farther. Machu Picchu Mountain rises by almost 652 meters above Machu Picchu itself. During the ascent we find stone steps distributed irregularly, these steps total about 1600 within a distance of about two kilometers. Unlike Huayna Picchu the time to ascend and return is longer, being the average between three to three and a half hours.
The access to Huchuy Picchu is the shortest, only a distance of approximately one kilometer. The total time to get there and back varies between an hour and an hour and a half.
Main differences between Machu Picchu mountains: Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu
- The height of Machu Picchu Mountain is higher than Huayna Picchu by almost four hundred meters.
- The ascent to Huayna Picchu is slightly shorter than Machu Picchu Mountain, but it is the steepest. While the access to Machu Picchu Mountain is the longest, but less demanding compared to Huayna Picchu.
- The view of all the mountains is spectacular. The view of Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu Mountain is more recommended for people who suffer from vertigo. Huayna Picchu carries a more intense sense of adventure because the angles of inclination are higher during the hike and once we reach the top.
- Huayna Picchu has more archaeological units as opposed to Machu Picchu mountain. In Machu Picchu mountain, we will find much more flora and fauna typical of those ecosystems.
- The third route, Huchuy Picchu has not yet been widely publicized. However, the mountain rises to an altitude of 68 meters above Machu Picchu and has a beautiful view of the place.
How much does it cost to enter Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu?
The purchase of tickets for these treks must be made at the authorized offices in Cusco. All these mountain routes already include the cost of entering Machu Picchu. Also, tickets can be purchased online through the official website of Machu Picchu. Finally, there is also the option of buying these tickets through authorized travel agencies along with other services.
Peru has many incredible places to discover. With many years of working at the travel industry, Auri Travel is happy to help with your travel plans to Machu Picchu and other places around Peru Come and enjoy your Peruvian Adventure with us!
