Difference Between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain? The first thing you should know is to not confuse both of these add-ons with the archaeological site of Machu Picchu as seen in the picture below.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are two different mountains located near the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru. Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest Trail of the two mountains, reaching a height of 2,720 meters (8,924 feet), while Huayna Picchu Mountain is slightly shorter and steepest at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). Both mountains offer stunning views of the surrounding area and are popular tourist destinations.
Combined Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
2 Days Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail 7D
Short Inca Trail And Lares Valley Trek 4D
The Main Difference Between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain is their respective Elevation.
Machu Picchu Mountain is taller and offers more expansive 360 Dregres views, while Huayna Picchu Mountain is smaller but has more Inca ruins to explore. Both mountains are worth visiting for their unique perspectives on the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
The majority of tour companies in Peru offer archaeological sites but many do not know that there are two extra add-on options available to hike. For those that do know of the extra add-ons, many ask “Which hike is better Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?” or “What is the difference between Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Hike?” and “Which Mountain should I hike?”
Truth be told, there is no right or wrong answer for everyone who plans on hiking these beautiful mountains with awesome landscapes. It is a matter of preference and what it is you wish to see. If you don’t want to miss out on either one you can A reliable tour company can purchase the permits If you want to book your own Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets make your reservation months ahead and enjoy your trips to Peru.
Also, Read
- Machu Picchu Hike Difficulty
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- Lares Trek And Short Inca Trail 4D/3N
- Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2 Days
- How To Travel To Machu Picchu From the USA
- Tips For Machu Picchuu Hike
Which Is Better, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains are two different mountains on opposite sides of the central city, the Machu Picchu archeological site. It Is possible to hike Machu Picchu Inca City and Huayna Picchu in one day?
Both of them present panoramic views from the top of those Mountains. Huayna Picchu is the postcard mountain you see in most photos of Machu Picchu City, and Machu Picchu Mountain is located at the opposite end of the site.
Permits are required for each option and have to be booked months in advance as spaces are limited to 200 people per shift, 7-8 first Group, 10-11 second group. This travel blog compares each option to decide which one is best for you or your team member.
On your travel to Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to hike through the mountains, among which the Inca city is built. The ascent to these mountains will allow you to see the city of Machu Picchu from above. Booth Mountains need a special ticket; both offer spectacular views of Machu Picchu. Most people can tour Machu Picchu Mountain. But not all can travel the Huayna Picchu. Do you know why?
Is Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain dangerous?
Huayna Picchu Mountain appears behind Machu Picchu in its classic postal photo. Its Inca trails, built on one side of the mountain, can be frightening for people afraid of heights. These circulate beside hundreds of meters of abysses. They are steep and narrow and contain some sections where you will need to secure the safety cables to balance. It’s a challenge for anyone.
Machu Picchu Mountain Hike and 360 degrees
Suppose you suffer from vertigo or can’t control your fear of heights. You’d better overlook the other mountain. Machu Picchu Mountain (Montana) offers less steep, more comprehensive, and 360 degrees visually fewer frightening paths. When you book the Machu Picchu tickets, think of all the people who come to you. This hike is ideal if you come with children or with older adults.
Machu Picchu Mountain Trails offer long periods without seeing anyone. It’s very different from Huayna Picchu Mountain, in which you will have to wait your turn to use the path. Both roads are almost the same distance (about 2 km). However, the hike to the top of Huayna Picchu is more vertical than Machu Picchu Mountain and will take less time.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Is one of the most amazing hikes in Machu Picchu. However, if you can overcome your fear of heights, we recommend you book Huayna Picchu Mountain; your life may change after you reach the top.
Can you do Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu in one day?
You will have to book six months ahead if you want one of the 400 tickets available to ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain. The hike through Machu Picchu Mountain allows the entry of 800 people each day, and the tickets can be booked up to weeks in advance.
But remember that in the busy season, booking times must be well in advance, and you will also have to anticipate train tickets, Hotels, and more. Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket. If you already know which mountain is for you, check the availability Climbing to one of those mountains is difficult but worth it
The Technical Difference Between Both Mountains Miles and Hours
Huayna Picchu Mountain in Peru Hike and distance of 1.6 miles
Huayna picchu elevation: 2.693 M.A.S.L.
Walking distance and Huayna Picchu height: 2 km, steep and narrow roads.
Location: north of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Description
Description of the road: the trails are quite steep; you will need ropes to overcome some parts of the road. It crosses stairways built of rock and wooden staircases; The road is visually terrifying.
Access: From the Inca city of Machu Picchu, by the sector of the Huayranas (sacred rock). Here you will find the entrance control house to the mountain.
Schedules:
First group: 07:00 hrs. – 08:00 hrs. or the second group: 10:00 hrs. – 11:00 hrs.
Number of Visitors: 400 per day, divided into two groups of 200.
Huayna Picchu Walking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (up and down).
Huayna Picchu Degree of difficulty: moderately high. 70 degrees, It is a steep mountain, with precipices and many steps (not recommended if you suffer from vertigo).
Attractions
Archaeological attractions: terraces and the amazing Temple of the Moon, built inside a natural cave.
Flora and Fauna: jungle-browed landscape, abundant vegetation, which serves as habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects.
Advantages: Some of the best panoramic views of the Inca city and the amazing mountain environment where it is located.
Drawbacks: vegetation-covered precipices, steep ascent, narrow paths.
Machu Picchu Mountain Hiking Distance and Miles 1.24 miles
Hike Distance.
Height: 3.082 M.A.S.L.
Walk Distance: 2 km., approximately 300 m. Vertical.
Location: In front of Huayna Picchu and to the left of the traditional road.
Description of the road: abundant vegetation, wild orchids. The wide trails will allow you to travel quietly.
Access: From the Machu Picchu complex, go up to the Mirador (Guardian’s house) and continue to the diverted, which is indicated by a sign.
Schedules:
First group: 07:00 hrs. – 08:00 hrs. or the second group: 9:00 hrs. – 10:00 hrs.
The number of visitors: 800 spaces per day, divided into 2 groups of 400.
Walking time: 3 and a half hours (roundtrip).
Degree of difficulty: moderate/high.
The Attraction of Huayna Picchu Mountain hike
Archeological attractions: none.
Flora and fauna: you will find a variety of orchids, butterflies, and birds.
Advantages: Less steep trails, panoramic views of the Inca city, and Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Disadvantages: It has no archaeological remains.
Important
IMPORTANT!!! If you are going hiking, please wear hiking shoes; also remember that the particular climate of Machu Picchu makes it necessary to bring solar protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, repellent) and rain clothes. The best time to hike is between May and October (dry season)-the rainy season runs from November to March.
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Watch this Amazing video About Machu Picchu – Peru.
Altitude Sickness affecting Machu Picchu Mountain?
Is anyone planning to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain? you need to understand how high the two mountains are. The peak of Huayna Picchu is approximately 2,700 meters above sea level (MASL). Machu Picchu is even taller at about 3,100 MASL. People typically begin to experience altitude sickness once they reach heights of over 2,500 MASL, meaning that you’ll be at risk of suffering altitude sickness as you approach the peak of either mountain.
What Are the Symptoms of Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness — which people sometimes refer to as acute mountain sickness—is caused by the decreased air pressure and reduced oxygen content as you reach higher altitudes. Even mild altitude sickness forms can cause severe symptoms that include problems sleeping, dizziness, tiredness, vomiting, shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, and headaches.
You are particularly vulnerable to developing acute mountain sickness if you usually live at sea level, climb too quickly, consume alcohol, or have medical conditions affecting your heart or lungs. The best way to avoid developing altitude sickness is to climb very slowly. Ideally, you should spend several days climbing approximately the 3,000 MASL level, and slow down even more beyond that point.
What to Pack for Huayna Picchu?
There are a few essentials to pack no matter what time of year you’re planning to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu. Those year-round essentials include eyewear, sunscreen, and a hat to protect you from the sun. You should also wear hiking shoes or boots that fit correctly and are in good condition. Also, consider bringing a spare pair of hiking shoes, boots, or laces.
What else to bring will depend on when you plan to hike. The wet and rainy season falls between December and March, when some trails may be closed due to flooding, mudslides, and landslides. During that period, especially, you should come equipped for rain and wet terrain. As with any hike at higher altitudes, you should always dress in anticipation of wind.
Good article. I will be going through some of these issues as well..| Ulrike Tait Sherar
We booked our trip with Tour Leaders in the US, and fortunately, they arranged for us to hike the Huayna Picchu. My understanding is that there is a limit and a permit must be obtained ahead of time. We arrived at the gate around 6:40 am, and there were plenty of folks already getting ready for the 7 am hike. I must mention that Machu Picchu was very pretty in the early morning in the mist and very few tourists on the way to the gate. Also, it was interesting that there were people from all over the world in different physical shapes and hiking experiences, judging from the attire, etc. I believe most made it to the top without any issues. It is interesting how we bond with total strangers when we are climbing very steep and exhausting trails together. The view is amazing, and considering the cultural and historical significance, it’s well worth it.
We climbed this with our guide. Let me start by saying we are in our early sixties. This fact was evident in that we never saw anyone during the climb that was over 30-35. Not that it can’t be done, but you better be in condition to do the climb.
Entry is restricted by the entry time of your ticket and this ensures safety. Once you are doing it you will see why this is important. The lower portion is through the rainforest but as you climb, some of the steps become narrower and narrower. At some points, the steps are only maybe 4 inches deep and 1 foot wide. When you go through the tunnel it is maybe 3 feet of clearance. Thus if crowded it would be of concern.
Once you are at the top it is amazing. Direct view down to Machu Picchu and the valley.
Was the climb physically demanding – yes? Would we do it again – probably once was enough but we are very glad we did.