The short answer
- Huayna Picchu
- About 2,720 m, 1 hr up, 400 a day
- Machu Picchu Mountain
- About 3,080 m, 1.5 to 2 hrs up, 800 a day
- Price
- About S/200 with citadel entry
- Age limit
- Adults only (18+)
Two peaks overlook Machu Picchu, and each has its own ticket that includes a visit to part of the citadel. Which one to climb comes down to how you feel about heights, how fit you are and which view you want.
The two climbs side by side
Huayna Picchu
Steep and exposed- Climb
- About 300 m
- Time
- 45 min to 1 hr up
- Tickets
- 400 a day
- Route
- 3-A (Circuit 3)
Narrow Inca steps cut into the cliff, with cables to hold and a short tunnel near the top. Close up views straight down onto the citadel. Not for anyone uneasy with heights.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Higher, less exposed- Climb
- About 650 m
- Time
- 1.5 to 2 hrs up
- Tickets
- 800 a day
- Route
- 1-A (Circuit 1)
A long, steady staircase on a wider path, with fewer people. The summit looks down on Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu together, and across the whole valley.
Profiles are approximate and drawn to the same scale (2,300 to 3,200 m, a dotted line every 100 m), so a taller line means higher ground. The red dot is the highest point.
Which one?
Which describes you best?
Choose an answer to see what we recommend.
See all 4 recommendationsHide the list
- I'm fine with heights: Huayna Picchu
- The classic climb with the most dramatic view down onto the ruins. Book early: it sells out first.
- Heights make me nervous: Machu Picchu Mountain
- Longer and higher, but wider and far less exposed. Or skip the climbs and walk to the Sun Gate on route 1-C.
- I want the widest view: Machu Picchu Mountain
- From the top you see the citadel, Huayna Picchu and the Urubamba valley in one sweep.
- I'm short on time: Huayna Picchu
- The round trip takes about 2 hours, against 3 to 4 for the mountain.
Tickets and rules
- Each climb has its own ticket, which includes part of the citadel. Book through the official site; both sell out weeks or months ahead from June to August. See our ticket guide.
- Both are for adults only. You sign in and out at a control post.
- Huayna Picchu has closed for maintenance from mid October to late December in recent years. Check dates before booking.
- Bring water, a rain jacket and grippy shoes. The stone steps are slippery when wet.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is harder, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is more physically demanding because it is twice the climb. Huayna Picchu is more frightening because it is steeper and more exposed.
Can you climb both on the same day?
Not on one ticket. You would need two tickets for different routes, usually on different days.
Is Huayna Picchu worth it?
For fit visitors who are happy with heights, yes: the view down onto the citadel is unforgettable.
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