This short, sharp ascent on narrow paths and stairs is both hair-raising and exhausting. But this is all forgotten when you stand at the top and look down on the wonder that is Machu Picchu.

What is Huayna Picchu?

Day visitors to Machu Picchu can choose between a regular entry ticket or a ticket that includes hiking to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Huayna Picchu is the dramatic cone-shaped peak which towers above Machu Picchu in all the photos… you know the one. Machu Picchu means ‘old mountain’ in Quechua and Huayna Picchu means ‘young mountain’. At 8,920ft, Huayna Picchu is the second highest point in the ruins precinct and enjoys great views.

We would highly recommend Huayna Picchu to anyone who is fit enough for the challenge. The hike itself is a steep mix of switchbacks, narrow Incan staircases, and some pretty awesome tunnels. It’s perfect for people who have only one day at the ruins as you can be up and down Huayna Picchu by mid-morning and then still have the rest of the day to explore Machu Picchu. The views from the top are pretty special and the extreme nature of the trail makes the hike an experience in itself.

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This could be you... (Photo credit: Jipe7 on Flickr)

What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

Day visitors to Machu Picchu can choose between a regular entry ticket or a ticket that includes hiking to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (in Spanish it’s known Montaña Machu Picchu or Cerro Machu Picchu). At a shade over 10,000ft, Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest point in the ruins precinct, and it affords those who make the effort with incomparable views of Machu Picchu.

We would highly recommend Machu Picchu Mountain to anyone who is fit enough for the challenge. It’s an extra-special opportunity for guests who’re not doing the Inca Trail, as it gives them a chance to hike in the Andes on paths made by the Incas.

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Machu Picchu (Photo: McKay Savage)

Huayna Picchu versus Machu Picchu Mountain

If your legs allow it, hiking up one of these two peaks is highly recommended. But which one will it be?

Huayna Picchu is much more popular among visitors, and despite the fact that only 400 visitors are allowed to hike the trail every day it can get rather busy. Although the ascent is shorter (1 – 1.5-hours) it is much steeper and scarier than Machu Picchu Mountain, and it’s definitely not recommended for people who’re afraid of heights. The views aren’t as good as those from Machu Picchu Mountain.

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Not your average walk in the park (Photo credit: Jipe7 on Flickr)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but most people agree that the views from Huayna Picchu aren’t quite as good as those from Machu Picchu Mountain – mainly because you can’t get a photo of Huayna Picchu looming above the ruins if you’re standing right on top of it! But hikers with a Huayna Picchu ticket also get to visit the Temple of the Moon. To get there, you’ll navigate some of the trickiest portions of the trail (ladders are involved) and descend for at least an hour to reach the temple, a tiny but intricate isolated ruin.

Machu Picchu Mountain is not as busy, so it’s perfect for people who are after a more intimate experience in nature. Although the trail is not as steep as the Huayna Picchu trail it still involves walking up fairly steep steps, at altitude, for between 3 and 4 hours. The views from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain are so incredible that Huayna Picchu is reduced to a small hillock way down below.

The nitty gritty

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Tunnel vision (Photo credit: Jipe7 on Flickr)

Regardless of your fitness levels, hiking up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will definitely get your heart rate up. We’d advise getting a good night’s rest before embarking on the hike and doing a fairly thorough stretch at the trailhead. Your guide will accompany you every step of the way, and he’ll walk at a pace that suits you/your group. Some people complete the ascent in only 30 minutes while others require an hour-and-a-half. Whichever you choose, booking in advance is essential – your Destination Expert will take care of this before your trip.

In some areas of the hike to Huayna Picchu, the pathway is extremely steep and/or narrow and some sections involve using chains or ladders. The notorious ‘Death Stairs’ are float on the edge of a stone wall and at another point there’s a short tunnel through the rocks. In spite of all the hype, the hike is not overly technical or dangerous, but you do need to keep your eyes on the trail.

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When the clouds clear you're in for a treat (Photo credit Jipe7 on Flickr)

While the view from the top is most likely your main reason for doing the hike, you’d be foolish not to enjoy the hike itself. Instead of focusing on how exhausted you are, why not think about how tiring it would have been to carve the steps out of the rock using only hand tools!

What to bring

Bring the same kind of stuff you’d bring on any strenuous dayhike. Water, snacks, sun cream, some warm clothing and a rain-jacket. Don’t forget your camera and be sure to pack spare batteries and memory cards – the views up top are pretty spectacular, so you’re going to want to preserve them for posterity.