Summary
Huchuy Picchu: Quick Stats
- Elevation Gain: 70 meters (220 ft)
- Top Elevation: 2,497 meters (8,192 ft)
- Duration: 30 – 45 minutes round trip
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Huchuy Picchu Hike: What To Expect
The climb to the top of Huchuy Picchu mountain is short and straightforward. Although some parts have steep drop-offs, the path remains fairly wide and provides ample support, making it manageable and less intimidating.
However, those with limited mobility may find this trail challenging, as the terrain can be rugged and falls may result in serious injury.
With a moderate pace, the summit can be reached in about 15 minutes, with a quick return of only 10 minutes.
The incline remains consistent, ensuring the ascent does not become overwhelmingly strenuous. Along the way, the views are truly captivating and thanks to a less crowded path, you can relish the scenery in solitude.
Upon starting the hike, you are greeted by the stunning sights of Putucusi mountain and the Urubamba river, visible on the right side, which only enhances as you ascend the steps.
Huchuy Picchu Summit
As you approach the summit of Huchuy Picchu, situated at a significant altitude of 2,497 meters (8,192 feet), the views become nothing short of breathtaking. The panorama resembles that from Wayna Picchu, albeit slightly altered.
From both summits, you enjoy an aerial view of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins, though Huchuy Picchu offers a perspective that is a touch closer to Wayna Picchu, allowing for glimpses of hikers making their ascent.
Huchuy Picchu Tickets: How To Get Them
Tickets for the Huchuy Picchu hike can be purchased at https://tuboleto.cultura.pe, the official site for Machu Picchu tickets. It’s highly advisable to avoid purchasing from other sources.
Since on-site ticket sales are unavailable, ensure you reserve your tickets ahead of time through the official website.
Even though the Huchuy Picchu trail is less frequented than Huayna Picchu, having a reservation is crucial, especially if you wish to hike on a specific date.
While a tour guide is not mandatory for this trek, you may opt to hire one at the Machu Picchu entrance if you desire guidance.
Hours & Fees
The Machu Picchu area is accessible from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day. Though stays are meant to be limited, enforcement is lax, and as long as you are respectful, you can remain longer.
For Huchuy Picchu, tickets are organized into time slots to manage crowding, with 25 tickets allocated for each slot (200 total per day).
Pick a time slot that works for you, keeping in mind it only dictates your required entry time; once you pass through the Huchuy Picchu control gate, feel free to stay as long as you want!
As of 2024, the adult ticket price for Huchuy Picchu is 152 soles (~$40 USD), which includes access to the mountain and Circuit 4 of the Machu Picchu ruins. Discounts of 50 percent are available for students and minors (ages 3-17).
Route Map
This route map illustrates how to reach Huchuy Picchu from the main entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel. Click the image to enlarge.
Note: The route was slightly altered in 2024. For the updated map in PDF format, click here.
When To Visit
The ideal time for hikes at Machu Picchu is during the dry season from May to October, when you can expect more sunshine and significantly less rainfall.
Nevertheless, do not dismiss the rainy season entirely. We successfully completed this hike, along with others, in January with pleasant weather. Typically, rain falls in the late afternoon or evening; thus, carrying a poncho is wise.
In my experience, late morning is the perfect time to tackle Huchuy Picchu, as this clears away the morning mist, revealing stunning views of the Andes mountains.
Is It Worth It?
While we thoroughly enjoyed our Huchuy Picchu experience, its worthiness hinges on your own circumstances and desires.
If your itinerary allows for only one hike at Machu Picchu, the Huayna Picchu hike should be your priority, as it offers a more enriching experience.
However, Huayna Picchu frequently books out months in advance, making Huchuy a feasible alternative in such cases. Additionally, Huchuy provides an easier option for individuals seeking a quick hike that still showcases unique views of Machu Picchu.
One lingering concern with the Huchuy Picchu hike is the ticket price, which feels excessive for such a brief hike. As this trail remains relatively new, adjustments may be forthcoming.
Best Machu Picchu Tours
If you prefer a prearranged tour for your Machu Picchu visit, numerous excellent online options are available.
Providers like GetYourGuide offer full-day tours of Machu Picchu starting from Cusco (either private or group) alongside breathtaking mountain hikes like Huayna Picchu, which necessitates advance booking due to its popularity.
Machu Picchu Hike List
This hike is just one of many within the Machu Picchu citadel in Peru:
- Machu Picchu Mountain: This is the highest and most challenging mountain to climb, with a summit elevation of 3,082 meters (10,111 ft).
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: A shorter, relatively gentle hike leading to the summit behind the citadel.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: The most iconic and stunning hike, offering a summit elevation of 2,693 meters (8,835 ft). The trek involves ascending the so-called ‘Machu Picchu Stairs of Death.’
- Inca Sun Gate: Known as Inti Punku, this moderate hike grants access to a scenic overlook at an Inca entrance that once served as Machu Picchu’s main gateway.
- Inca Bridge: A brief and easy diversion to explore a bridge that historically functioned as Machu Picchu’s secret back entrance.
- Inca Trail: For those seeking a majestic entrance to Machu Picchu, the iconic multi-day Inca Trail can take anywhere from 1 to 7 days depending on the starting point, concluding at the Machu Picchu citadel, mostly following roads originally built by the Incas.
- Putucusi Mountain: A perilous, unmaintained ladder trail leads to the top of Putucusi, an arrowhead-shaped mountain visible from across the river near Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, the main ladder has been damaged for over four years, rendering it seldom climbed.
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Thank you for exploring this travel guide on the Huchuy Picchu mountain hike. We hope this information proves valuable for your adventure in Peru!
