Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain

When we have the great opportunity to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu; We can also enjoy the mountains that are around the citadel: we are talking about the Huayna Picchu mountain and the Machu Picchu mountain, yes, the same name of the citadel. This has confused several travelers before, which is why we are talking about these two mountains here.

HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN OR WAYNA PICCHU

This mountain is the better known of the two, why? It is that mountain that appears in the famous photo that floods the social networks of 99.9% of the people who visit the lost city of the Incas. It is a mountain 2693 meters above sea level and is located north of the citadel. The ascent and its return will take you approximately 2h30. How to get? Once in the citadel, you must go to the control booth located in the Huaraynas or Roca Sagrada sector. At the top, you can enjoy the wonderful view of the citadel and the entire valley, as well as the also famous temple of the moon built inside a cave in the mountain. There are several hypotheses of the beliefs of the Incas regarding the caves; the most notorious: it connected them with the dead.
However, you will only be able to enjoy this temple if you first do the famous ascent that consists of 2 km of really chilling path and that will test your nerves and concentration. The roads are very narrow, even having to tie cables to the side of the road. Our recommendation is that if you suffer from vertigo, do not try to climb; In the same way, if you are accompanied by children or elderly people, it is better not to do it.
The ascent to Huayna Picchu is only done with a ticket which must be reserved 6 months in advance (if you want to do it anyway) since access is limited to 400 people per day, divided into two groups of 200 and the following Schedule:

First Group: 07:00 hrs. – 08:00 hrs.
Second Group: 10:00 hrs. – 11:00 hrs.

Here the summary of data about Huayna Picchu:

Height: 2.693 m.s.n.m
Distance from the road to the top: 2Km
Travel time: 2h 30m (Up and down)
Road characteristics: Very steep roads, need for extra help, cliffs, abundant vegetation.
Climbing difficulty: medium-high

MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

The Machu Picchu mountain, on the other hand, is friendlier since its ascent characteristics are less “terrifying” than those of Huayna Picchu. The mountain also offers a great view of the citadel and the valley. It is 3082 meters above sea level and also has approximately 2km of ascent although it will take you a little longer to reach the top: 3h 20. The trails are much wider so, as we already mentioned, it is ideal to do it with children or older adults.
Like Huayna Picchu, the Machu Picchu mountain needs a ticket to climb, which is a little more accessible since it can be reserved with only a few weeks in advance and 800 people per day divided into 2 groups of 400 are allowed to climb. times are:

First Group: 07:00 hrs. – 08:00 hrs.
Second Group: 9:00 hrs. – 10:00 hrs.

Here the summary of data about the Machu Picchu mountain:

Height: 3,082 m.s.n.m
Distance from the road to the top: 2Km
Travel time: 3h 30m (Up and down)
Characteristics of the trail: Wide paths, view of the citadel, abundant vegetation.
Climbing difficulty: medium