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Your Machu Picchu ticket lets you add one extra summit for a bird's-eye view over the citadel — but the three options differ a lot in height, effort and how far ahead you must book. Here's how to pick the right one, plus exactly how the tickets work.
The quick comparison
All three summits are climbed after your guided tour of the citadel, and each needs its own timed ticket bought together with your Machu Picchu entrance. This is the short version:
| Mountain | Summit | Climb up | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huayna Picchu | 2,693 m | ~1 h | Hard · steep & exposed | The classic photo peak · adventurers |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | 3,082 m | ~1.5 h | Demanding · wide path | The widest panorama · no vertigo |
| Huchuy Picchu | 2,497 m | ~30 min | Easy · short | A light hike · families · tight schedules |
All three sell out — Huayna Picchu months ahead. Reserve the mountain ticket at the same time as your Machu Picchu entrance, not afterwards.
Huayna Picchu — the iconic peak
Huayna Picchu (or Wayna Picchu, the “young mountain”) is the sugar-loaf summit that rises behind the citadel in the classic postcard. Steep original Inca stairways take you to the top in roughly an hour, with an hour back down.
Sections are narrow and exposed, with cables to hold on to — it is not for anyone who struggles with heights. Only visitors over 12 are allowed, and good footwear is essential.
Entry windows
| Shift | Entry window |
|---|---|
| First | 7:00 – 8:00 |
| Second | 9:00 – 10:00 |
- Best for: the classic aerial photo of Machu Picchu and travellers who love a steep, adventurous climb.
- Skip it if: you have vertigo, weak knees, or are travelling with young children.
Machu Picchu Mountain — the big panorama
Higher and quieter than Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain (“old mountain”) climbs about 1,600 stone steps on a wider, safer path. It takes around 1.5 hours up and gives the most complete panorama of the citadel, the river far below and the surrounding peaks.
There is almost no shade, so a hat and sunscreen matter here. Because the trail is broad rather than exposed, it suits families and anyone who wants the view without the drop-offs.
Entry windows
| Shift | Entry window |
|---|---|
| First | 7:00 – 8:00 |
| Second | 9:00 – 10:00 |
- Best for: the widest views, no vertigo, and steadier hikers who don't mind a longer climb.
Huchuy Picchu — the short option
The newest and smallest of the three, Huchuy Picchu is a little hill next to Huayna Picchu. The climb is short — around 30 minutes — and easy, with a lovely view down over the citadel. It usually has more availability, so it's a great choice if the others are sold out, if you're short on time, or hiking with kids or older travellers.
How to book (and when)
The mountain ticket is added to your Machu Picchu entrance for the same day. There are two ways:
- Officially: on the government site tuboleto.cultura.pe, choosing the mountain and time slot yourself.
- With a trusted agency: you send your passport and dates, and they secure it for you — the easiest, safest route.
Book Huayna Picchu 2–4 months ahead — the daily quota is small and sells out fast. The name on the ticket must match your passport exactly. With any of our Machu Picchu tours we can add the mountain for you.
What to bring
- Broken-in hiking shoes with grip
- Water and a small snack
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50
- A light rain layer (the cloud forest is unpredictable)
- Your original passport — checked at the mountain gate
- A small day-pack only; large backpacks aren't allowed
Our recommendation
Want the famous aerial shot and don't mind heights? Choose Huayna Picchu and book early. Prefer the fullest, calmest panorama, or travelling with family? Go for Machu Picchu Mountain. Short on time or energy — or everything else is sold out? Huchuy Picchu gives you a great view for a fraction of the effort. Whichever you pick, reserve it together with your entrance and you're set.
Plan this trip with a local specialist
Tell us your dates and what you have in mind — a specialist from our Cusco team builds a trip to match your plans and budget, and answers every question. No obligation.