Of course everybody knows the amazing Machu Picchu archaeological site. But there is more! This incredible geographical, historical area has a subdivision we can say, which we can summarize as follows: there is the hilltop citadel itself, which is on all famous postcards, the Huayna Picchu mountain which is the taller inside the citadel and finally the Machu Picchu mountain, in front of the citadel, at some short distance actually. Next we will break down the differences between both mountains!
Differences Between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains
- First of all, the Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain in Quechua, the ancient Inca language) is the taller mountain inside the citadel. Its height is around 340 meters (1,115 ft aprox.) from the level of the site. Now the Machu Picchu (Old Mountain in Quechua) actually stands outside of the citadel, in front of it. Its height is 652 meters -again from the level of the site-, about 2,139 ft.
- They offer differences in panoramic views of the citadel, each of them unforgettable in their own way. From the Huayna Picchu, you will have a view of both the ancient Inca citadel and the wonderful Urubamba valley, which is on the edge of Peruvian Amazon jungle. From the Machu Picchu mountain, you will have the same but from the opposite side!
- Which hike at these mountains is harder? First, the Huayna Picchu trek takes a total time of about 2.5 hours, while the Machu Picchu mountain hike takes about 3.5 hours in total duration. This makes sense because the latter is taller. However, when it comes to difficulty, the former is the most difficult, because of steepness and narrowness of the incline. The hiking of the latter is much easier due to evenness of the terrain.
- Also, the Huayna Picchu hike has a minimum age requirement, which is 12 years old. The Machu Picchu mountain hike is for all ages.
- The Huayna Picchu climb also offers the chance to admire the Inca ruins along the path, which ends up at the Temple of the Moon, built at the top. No remains at the Machu Picchu mountain, just lush vegetation and typical Andean flowers.
- Ticket availability is another one of the differences, for the Huayna Picchu hike is about 320 per day, while for the Machu Picchu mountain is 300.
- The total height of the Huayna Picchu, at the top, is 2,720 meters above sea level, or 8,924 ft. Now for the Machu Picchu mountain, the total height at the top is 3,082 meters above sea level, 10,112 ft.
- Finally, which one is cheaper? There can be small differences between the ticket price for each of the climbs, but they are not important or troublesome.
After Knowing the Differences, How Can I Book These Hikes?
Here at TOUR IN PERU we can include one or both hikes in any of our Machu Picchu packages!
With our 1-Day Machu Picchu/Huayna Picchu Tour you will arrive at the Inca hilltop site and first hike up to the top of the Huayna Picchu, afterwards a complete, professionally-guided tour of the citadel.
Now, with the 2-Day Machu Picchu/Huayna Picchu by Train , the first day will be a wonderful train ride until Aguas Calientes (village at the base of the citadel) and the second, hike up to the top of the Huayna, followed by an unforgettable tour of the Inca citadel, with professional guides.
The Short 2-Day Inca Trail also gives the chance to hike one or both mountains. In this case, the ticket(s) must be purchased for an additional cost.
And last but not least, our Classic 4-Day Inca Trail also offers the possibility of doing one or both hikes. The ticket(s) must be purchased for an additional cost.
So, now you know the differences and have plenty of options for climbing either one or both of these magnificent mountains! Contact our tourism professionals here at TOUR IN PERU for booking the dream vacation hiking up to the top of the Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu mountains!
