Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu – Entrance Information

Machu Picchu has 5 entrances in total, all of which serve to make the tour of the llaqta. Some of them allow you to make short hikes to the mountains. Probably the best known is the hike to Huayna Picchu. However, there are some other options. One option to go beyond the llaqta of Machu Picchu is to have a ticket that includes the short hike to Huchuy Picchu. A small mountain that is located between the archaeological sites of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Huchuy Picchu is a small mountain, that houses a few Inca constructions but offers a beautiful and particular view of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu

The entrances to Machu Picchu have changed over time. In the past, it was possible to visit all the attractions that today were made independent. The independence of the attractions was a measure to safeguard the entire enclosure and also that the visits are carried out in an orderly manner and the necessary control to generate sustainable tourism. This is because the little control of the visitors, allowed that some constructions were considerably damaged in the past. At present it is quite regulated and you can find a large number of security personnel. They will watch that everyone performs the circuit corresponding to the entrance that visitors purchased.

Among the changes that were made, the Ministry of Culture of Peru arranged a new entrance to the route that would connect Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu. The tour of the wonder of the world would be done by doing Circuit 4. After that, you have to continue with a short walk to reach the top of Huchuy Picchu. We will detail this later. For the moment we would like to mention some more details of this ticket. For example, we would like to mention that it is usually left aside. This is because few recognize it as attractive, but in reality, it is a destination that can surprise, especially for the view it offers of Machu Picchu.

This ticket does not have to be purchased far in advance during the low season. However, during the high season, this ticket may be your only alternative. High season ends with the availability of most tickets, especially the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu tickets, even months in advance. Anyone wishing to visit Machu Picchu is always recommended to make reservations in advance. No matter the season, be aware of availability, as Machu Picchu begins to receive more and more tourists.

In addition, this ticket can be an alternative for trekking lovers. Although the route to Huchuy Picchu is not so spectacular compared to the other mountains, it offers a hike of at least one hour each way. So this route can be done by all the people who have been left with the desire to do the Inca Trail or the route to Huayna Picchu. During the hike you can see some orchid flowers, hopefully some local birds, and always a beautiful landscape. Also, you will see Machu Picchu from another perspective and you can better understand the relationship of the mountain with the small pyramid where the Intihuatana is.

What is Huchuy Picchu?

One of the viewpoints of Machu Picchu from Huchuy Picchu
 

Huchuy Picchu is considered a mountain of great importance, according to some archaeologists. This is because the presence of this mountain would be fundamental to understanding the reason for the names of the other mountains. We are referring to the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Both can be translated as “Old Mountain” and “Young Mountain”, while Huchuy Picchu is a “small mountain”. This would suggest that the three mountains would have a strong relationship with each other where the reference to life itself would prevail. In this sense, these mountains would probably refer to the three stages of the human being.

On the other hand, it is thought that on the top of Huchuy Picchu, an important temple was going to be erected. The temple in question would be in honor of the Coca Leaf. Important plant of sacred value for the inhabitants of the Tawantinsuyo that even came to be delivered only among the main elites of the Tawantinsuyo. This hypothesis is mentioned because of the presence of coca plantations during the discovery of Huchuy Picchu. In addition, you can find a double jamb gate, whose stones are finely carved, like the walls of the main temples.

Unfortunately, at present, it is not possible to observe more vestiges of the construction. Nor any other detail that would help to understand more precisely the functionality of this mountain and if it had that name. Something very striking, once you reach the top, is that you can see from another perspective the entire Inca site of Machu Picchu. Besides, it seems to have an exclusive relationship with the pyramid that was erected for the Intihuatana. The only truth that we can find is that many mysteries of Machu Picchu are yet to be discovered.

The Machu Picchu Circuit

When you buy the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu plus Huchuy Picchu, you have the right to do Circuit 4. First, the entrance is made by the lower part of Machu Picchu, from there you can see the platforms and some colcas. That is to say, it proposes an immediate entrance. The second factor is that it does not require great effort, that is, it is a fairly simple route where you do not have to climb stairs or similar things. Making the tour of Machu Picchu quite comfortable and simple. Unfortunately, it will not allow you to have the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu, but it will allow you to take a picture between the terraces and the buildings of the enclosure.

Upon entering Machu Picchu and as already mentioned, the first glimpse of the wonder of the world will be the colcas or warehouses and much of the terraces or agricultural sector. Continuing with the tour we will find the water channels that connect both with the rest of the citadel and with the terraces. After passing this sector, the circuit will take us through the set of buildings dedicated to the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca. After that, it connects with the Main Square, but only in the lower part. In this sense, we will appreciate the Temple of the 3 Windows from the outside and the other important sacred temples of Machu Picchu.

The final point of the Circuit 4 is the Sacred Rock, before arriving at this place another series of temples is crossed. These temples do not have finely polished walls as the previous ones, but they are of great importance. The temples in question are the Temple of the Condor and the Temple of the Water Mirrors. In that place, you can also appreciate the whole set of mountains that surround the wonder of the world. Upon arrival at the Sacred Rock, you will be asked to show your reservation and register your data to continue the journey to the mountain of Huayna Picchu.

The short trek to Huchuy Picchu

Tour of Machu Picchu by Circuit 4
 

Once we enter, after registering our data, we can rest for a moment before continuing with the hike. This trail coincides with the Huayna Picchu route, but only up to a certain part of the section. When we take the detour, the hike will take an ascending route. In this sense, for some sections of the route, we will be able to appreciate some Inca staircases. What will call attention is that we will border the mountain and we will have beautiful views of Machu Picchu and the entire geographical area of the place.

The hike is not very long, you only have to do the route for an average of one hour. Since it is an ascending route, it is recommended to do the hike with sporadic rests in order not to get too tired. This is because you have enough time to do the hike with breaks and also take pictures. The important thing is to hike safely and appreciate the scenery along the way. Another thing not to forget is a bottle of water and some snacks. The hike can be strenuous, but rewarding when you reach the top.

Is it advisable to take this tour?

Of course, they do. Many people take these treks to make their tour of Machu Picchu longer. Accessing this ticket will allow you to have extra time in Machu Picchu, appreciate beautiful landscapes, and also have beautiful hiking time. Getting to the top of Huchuy Picchu is quite simple and can be done by children to seniors. It is also ideal for people who have not managed to purchase a ticket to Machu Picchu. This being an unpopular ticket allows you to find more availability.

The availability of this ticket can be found even a week in advance, but it is not good to be confident, especially during the high season. The high season starts in May and usually extends, in some cases, until August. That is why it is essential to make reservations in good time. This will help you to better plan your trip and therefore your travel experience. If you are going to buy the Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu ticket, do not forget your camera and a bottle of water.

By Inca Trail Machu Picchu - Last updated, 19-03-2024

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