Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu – Entrance information

For all of those who want to visit Machu Picchu, it is important to know that Machu Picchu has 5 entrance tickets. All of them are very different and vary in the attractions they show. Among these, the small trekking routes stand out. One of these options is the entrance ticket of Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu. This ticket allows you to follow a short hiking route to the top of the mountain of the same name. There, you can find Inca constructions and also spectacular views. In case you have not managed to do the Inca Trail route in any of its variations, acquiring this ticket is one of the best options you will have to enjoy the hike and the beautiful scenery of Machu Picchu.

An option for the Inca Trail

We know that the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the route par excellence to reach this magnificent wonder of the world. The trekking routes through which they cross were built more than 600 years ago, in an attempt to unify this Amazon region with Cusco. The Incas managed to enter all this space with great difficulty because it was and still is a very complicated geographical space. The rains made it very difficult to pass through and the abundant vegetation made it a slow walk. It was also quite probable to find the presence of dangerous animals. All this made the passage and consolidation of this space known as the Antisuyo difficult.

The Inca Trail connects Huayllabamba or Piscacucho with Machu Picchu, a route known as the Inca Trail for 4 days. It is one of the most incredible examples of Inca engineering. This road is only a part of the whole extension of routes that were forged throughout the history of mankind throughout the region of present-day Peru and South America. It seems that the Inca rulers had the dream of unifying everything. However, when they reached northern Peru and southern Ecuador, they encountered great resistance and the Spanish presence brought completely unknown diseases. Unfortunately, all this contributed to the end of the expansion and domination of the Inca dynasty.

Currently, the Inca trails in remote areas allow you to appreciate the grandeur of what was once the Inca culture. The entrance of Huayna Picchu allows the ascent and recognition of the sections and paths traced and made by the Incas. The route that connects Machu Picchu with the top of the mountain is the restoration of a small piece of what was once the entire Qhapac Ñam. In this sense, entering and reaching Huayna Picchu is one of the best decisions you can make. However, it is a fairly short trekking route.

In case you have not been able to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Doing this route would be the best option because, although short, it allows you to learn more about the urban planning of the Incas, in addition to appreciating beautiful landscapes and seeing from above Machu Picchu. However, there is also the option of doing the Inca Trail for 2 days. That is, do the route that will take you through these trails through Wiñayhuayna, Inti Punku, and Machu Picchu. After that, you can also purchase the entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu so that you do not miss anything on your visit to Cusco. Next, let’s learn more about Huayna Picchu.

Incredible view from Huayna Picchu mountain
 

What is Huayna Picchu?

When you reach the top of Huayna Picchu you will be able to appreciate the unique mountain ranges that move along the entire horizon. These mountains are part of the imposing Cordillera de los Andes that runs along the entire Cusco region connected to what is known as the high jungle. Right there, thanks to the particularities of the mountain and the semi-tropical climate that is formed, there is an extensive sector called Cloud Forest, this geographical space is part of Machu Picchu and is responsible for generating a valuable biodiversity.

The Huayna Picchu mountain is the highest peak that looks in the postcard photos of Machu Picchu. In the past, few were those who dared to follow this route, it was considered very dangerous because of the different difficulties that have the route. However, nowadays it is the most visited route, and its tickets are usually sold out even months in advance. Many people reach the summit of Huayna Picchu, which is over 2,700 meters above sea level.

It is estimated that the construction of this place could have been a lookout point or post. This makes sense because from the top of the place and most of the buildings you can see the entire archaeological site or llaqta of Machu Picchu. You can also see the Urubamba River and the ancient and present roads that connect with the Inca site. However, you can find a large number of Inca constructions among which are the terraces near the cornices of the mountains. These were used to grow food or other crops such as coca leaves.

Finally, about the mountain, we can say that the name it receives comes from two Quechua voices. The conventional and most direct translation it receives is Young Mountain, but for some, it could also be translated as New Mountain because of the semantics involved in the word young. It is also important to point out that it was presumably built during the Inca heyday. That is, during the rule of Pachacutec, that is, during the fifteenth century.

Tourists capture unforgettable moments at the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain
 

The entrance ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

The entrance ticket that includes the route to Huayna Picchu can be purchased online without any problems. However, it is advisable, and this should be taken into account by visitors, that the availability is usually sold out well in advance. This equates to the availability of the Inca Trail, which is usually sold out much earlier.

In case you have not been able to book the 4-day Inca Trail entrance ticket, you still have two options. One of them is the 2-day Inca Trail which complements the entrance to Huayna Picchu. Remember that Huayna Picchu is the perfect complement for those who do the Inca Trail route. If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu and want to have an almost perfect adventure, these two options cannot be missing from your itinerary.

Tourists enjoy the view from the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain
 

The circuit and ascent to the Inca sites

The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu allows you to make Circuit 4. That is, during the tour of the llaqta of Machu Picchu you are allowed the tour of the lower platforms, you will have to start the tour by the platforms or the agricultural area. It continues with the route through the lower part from where you also have a beautiful view of the entire enclosure. Therefore, it is important to note that you will not be able to have the famous postcard. But if you have accessed some of the hiking trails along the Inca Trail, you will be able to have the postcard photo for posterity.

Circuit 4 continues with a tour of the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca. These places have finely carved stones and are quite beautiful to see. Although the most important Inca precincts of Machu Picchu are of small dimensions, they still keep the mysticism and charm of the constructions. Near these places as a particularity of the whole citadel, you can find some Inca ceremonial fountains and water channels.

In the distance, you can see the top of the small pyramid where the Intihuatana is located. One of the mysteries of Machu Picchu. After that, you continue to the Sacred Rock, from this point you have to take the detour by the Inca Trails to reach the top of Huayna Picchu. During the whole hike, which can last between 60 to 90 minutes, you can appreciate part of the flora and fauna of the place. You will also see little by little and completely, all of Machu Picchu.

On the route, you can find quite ascending stairs of different lengths. That will make it difficult to walk around the place. From the top, you can see all of Machu Picchu and it is advisable to have a picture of the place, few manage to have a picture from that top. After the descent by the same path, you return to the Sacred Rock. Although before that you can find a detour to the Temple of the Moon. After arriving back to Machu Picchu, the tour ends passing by the Temple of the Condor and the Temple of the Water Mirrors.

This admission ticket has only 4 schedules, see them here:

• Start with the entrance to Machu Picchu between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning. You will be able to start the entrance to Huayna Picchu between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning.
• The second schedule will start from 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning. This is the average time to enter Machu Picchu. Likewise, it will be possible to enter Huayna Picchu between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning.
• The third and fourth schedule follows the same logic. Being the final time to enter Huayna Picchu between 11:00 and 12:00 hours of the day.
• The complete tour of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu can last a total of 3 hours.
• Huayna Picchu can only be accessed by people over 12 years old.

An unforgettable experience: Huayna Picchu Summit
 

Is it advisable to buy this entrance ticket?

Buying the entrance ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu is highly recommended. It is one of the best tickets you can find to visit Machu Picchu. This is not only because of the incredible hike to the top but also because it allows you to appreciate the ingenuity and capabilities of the Inca urban planners. It is one of the best options in case you have wished to do the Inca Trail in any of its options. In the same way, in case you manage to access all these entrances, we are sure you will not regret it. Doing the entire route of the Inca Trail in 4 days and culminating it at the top of Huayna Picchu will be an unforgettable experience.

By Inca Trail Machu Picchu - Last updated, 08-04-2024

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