What is Huchuy Picchu? Huchuy Picchu is one of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, being the smallest compared to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. And although the name is not yet very famous, it has been one of the most photographed peaks of the last decades. Join Auri to learn about Huchuy Picchu!
What is Huchuy Picchu Mountain?
Huchuy Picchu mountain is the smallest of the three mountains that surround the Inca site and marvel of modern world: Machu Picchu. The other two famous mountains are Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain. This is a new route inside the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The routes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain are already famous, so the route to Huchuy Picchu came as an alternative route to complement the visit to Machu Picchu.
Where is Huchuy Picchu?
With reference to the cardinal points, Huchuy Picchu mountain is located north of the “Inca citadel” or archaeological complex of Machu Picchu. Huchuy Picchu is the small mountain that appears in the background of the classic photos of Machu Picchu, right next to Huayna Picchu.
As mentioned above, Huchuy Picchu is only about 68 meters above the altitude of Machu Picchu.
What does Huchuy Picchu Mountain mean?
The name of this mountain comes from Quechua and literally translates as “Little Mountain”. This name clearly alludes to the size of the mountain in comparison to its neighbor Huayna Picchu (2,693m/8,835 ft.) or the higher altitude Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082m/10,111 ft.) which is directly opposite.
What is the altitude of Huchuy Picchu?
The summit of Huchuy Picchu mountain reaches an altitude of 2498m/8195 ft, which is only about 68 meters above Machu Picchu. As in Huayna Picchu we can find stone steps and some Inca units such as a double jamb door highlighting the religious importance of the place.
How to enter Huchuy Picchu?
The first thing you should know to access the mountain of Huchuy Picchu is that you must buy your entrance to Machu Picchu with the denomination of “Circuito 4 + Huchuypicchu mountain” on the official website of the entrance tickets for Machu Picchu.
Huchuy Picchu has 8 entrance times ranging in ranges of one hour difference from 7 am to 2 pm. Each schedule range has 25 spaces available.
Range of visiting hours in Huchuypicchu.
The short hike to Huchuy Picchu.
To reach the top of the small mountain Huchuy Picchu it is necessary to take a short hiking route of just over half a kilometer (0.6 km/0.37miles). This hike takes less than half an hour to reach the top of Huchuy Picchu and a little less time for the return.
Again, do not forget that to access Huchuy Picchu it is mandatory to take circuit 4. It is necessary to buy the ticket “Circuito 4 + Huchuypicchu”. The ticket can be purchased online, in person in the city of Cusco or using a travel agency such as Auri Peru Travel as an intermediary.
“Circuito 4 + Huchuypicchu” route inside Machu Picchu
Recommendations for visiting the Huchuy Picchu mountain
- Due to the high demand and low availability of the routes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, Huchuy Picchu is the perfect alternative to these two mountains, as it is not yet well known, the reservation can be made with one or two months in advance compared to the other routes that demand much more time in advance in the reservation.
- During your visit to Huchuy Picchu do not forget to bring your entrance tickets and your passport.
- Do not forget to bring comfortable and resistant sneakers, comfortable sportswear, sunscreen, hat, rain poncho, snacks and camera,
- Remember that selfie sticks are prohibited in Machupicchu.
- Admission to the Huchuy Picchu mountain is allowed to people of all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
- Discounts are available for university students. The discount applies only for those students who have the International Student Identity Card or ISIC.
Peru is a whole world to explore. In every nook and cranny of its vast geography there are places waiting to be discovered by your eyes. With many years of experience in the travel industry, the professionals at Auri Peru are ready to help you plan and realize your dream trip in every detail. Come and enjoy your adventure in Machu Picchu and other extraordinary places in Peru!
