Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain
Our Huayna Picchu tour completes your visit to Machu Picchu with a climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, the peaks that offer the most impressive views of the Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu from the top
Summary
This Huayna Picchu tour is a full-day experience for active travelers who want to go beyond the traditional visit and see Machu Picchu from the mountains that surround it. The sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its best views are, without doubt, from above.
In addition to the guided tour of the citadel, you climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain that appears in the classic photos of the sanctuary. Alternatively, you can choose Machu Picchu Mountain, a longer hike with panoramic views of the valley and the Andean peaks.
The train journey through the Sacred Valley, the bus to the citadel and the corresponding entrance tickets are included. Therefore, it is ideal for hikers in good physical condition looking for a complete and memorable visit. If you prefer more time, you can also combine the climb with an overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Highlights
Itinerary
04:00 - 04:30
Hotel pickup in Cusco
We pick you up at your hotel, then transfer you to the train station.
Our team picks you up at your hotel in the historic center. Then we begin the journey to Ollantaytambo by tourist transportation.
04:30 - 06:00
Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Tourist transportation through the Sacred Valley.
We cross the Chinchero plateau and then descend into the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo station, where we hand you your train tickets.
06:00 - 07:30
Train journey to Aguas Calientes
Panoramic ride through the Urubamba River canyon.
Travel by train along the Urubamba River, between mountains covered in vegetation, until you reach the town of Aguas Calientes.
07:30 - 08:00
Bus to Machu Picchu
Bus ride up to the sanctuary entrance.
Your guide meets you in Aguas Calientes and then accompanies you to the bus that goes up to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.
08:00 - 10:30
Mountain climb
Hike up Huayna Picchu or, alternatively, Machu Picchu Mountain.
Depending on your ticket, you climb Huayna Picchu along a steep Inca trail of stone steps, or Machu Picchu Mountain along a longer, more gradual path. When you reach the summit, you enjoy spectacular views of the citadel and the valley.
10:30 - 12:30
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Explore the main sectors of the citadel while your guide explains them.
After the descent, you explore the temples, plazas and terraces of your assigned circuit with your guide, while you learn about the history, architecture and symbolism of Machu Picchu.
12:30 - 15:00
Free time in Aguas Calientes
Take the bus down, then enjoy free time for lunch.
Then you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you have free time for lunch and rest before boarding the return train.
15:00 - 20:30
Return to Cusco
Train to Ollantaytambo and, finally, transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Finally, our transportation is waiting there to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
What does it include?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Tourist transportation Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- Round-trip tourist train tickets (Expedition or Vistadome)
- Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Professional guide in English or Spanish for the citadel visit
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Breakfast and lunch
- Guide during the mountain climb
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Upgrade to the Hiram Bingham train
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Hiking shoes with good grip
Comfortable layered clothing
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Enough water for the climb
Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat
Original passport or identification document
About the mountains
Huayna Picchu is a short but very steep climb, with narrow stairways and exposed sections. In contrast, Machu Picchu Mountain is higher and longer, with a more gradual trail. Both, however, require good physical condition.
Best season
It can be done all year. From April to October the views from the summits are usually clearer; however, in the rainy season the trails can be slippery.
Recommendations
Tickets that include a mountain have very limited spaces and fixed entry times, so they must be booked several weeks in advance. Also, the climb is not recommended for people with vertigo or heart conditions.
Gallery
FAQ
What is the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu is a shorter, steeper climb with narrow stairways and the classic view of the citadel. Machu Picchu Mountain, on the other hand, is higher and longer, with a wider trail and panoramic views of the valley.
How long does the climb take?
On this Huayna Picchu tour, the climb up Huayna Picchu usually takes about an hour, while Machu Picchu Mountain takes between an hour and a half and two hours, not counting the descent. Times depend on each person’s pace.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking the Huayna Picchu tour one to three months in advance, especially in high season, because daily spaces are very limited.
Does the guide accompany me on the mountain?
The guide leads the citadel visit with you. The mountain climb follows a marked and controlled trail; however, if you would like a guide during the hike, we can arrange one at an additional cost.
Is it suitable for people with vertigo?
Huayna Picchu is not recommended for people with vertigo, because it has exposed sections and narrow stairways. Machu Picchu Mountain is usually a better alternative in those cases.
What happens if I can't get a mountain ticket?
If there is no availability on your chosen date, we offer you the other mountain, another time slot or the traditional citadel visit, according to your preferences.
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