Machu Picchu has rightfully earned its spot as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The archeological site is a journey to the past and a lesson in the rich history of the Inca; every Peru traveler should visit this jaw-dropping place. Adding a day hike to your visit to the archeological site is recommended, as it will allow you to reach the most stunning and lesser-achieved viewpoints for a more in-depth exploration of this ancient city. Below, we will explore the best way to organize your Machu Picchu trip as well as the details of these three Machu Picchu day hikes: Huchuy Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu. Learn why you should add a day hike to your adventure and decide which day hike is the right fit for you.
Best Way To Visit Machu Picchu
It’s a long journey to get to the isolated Machu Picchu, so spending at least one night and one full day in Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo) in order to get the most out of your trip is recommended. Aguas Calientes is the town just below the Machu Picchu citadel and is the base camp for any Machu Picchu adventure. We recommend arriving there the afternoon or evening before your scheduled entrance into Machu Picchu to ensure you’ve got the full day to wake up and explore the main site. This means spending at least one and sometimes two nights at an Aguas Calientes hotel.
How to get there
There are no cars allowed in Aguas Calientes, so you can’t drive or take a bus into town. Instead, you can take a train or hike. There are various multi-day hikes like the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and Choquequirao that you can trek if you want a more active adventure in Peru. Alternatively, you can take a train from the Sacred Valley directly to Aguas Calientes if you prefer a more relaxed journey. If you’re looking for something more active, but want the comfort of a clean bed to crawl into at night, the 1-Day Inca Trail could be the perfect fit for you. This activity is a combination of the train and the hike, and doesn’t require any camping.
THE CLASSIC VISIT
Machu Picchu requires entrance tickets with pre-determined entry times which visitors must purchase in advance for specific pre-set routes called circuits. These circuits and entry times were created in the important effort to preserve this site and all visitors must be accompanied by a guide within the citadel. During this time, you’ll have a few hours guided visit through Machu Picchu where your guide will share lots of knowledge and history. This is an incredible time to be truly immersed within the archaeological site and to learn about and see first-hand the details and ingenuity of the ancient Incan constructions. Taking a circuit inside the citadel is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the unbelievably well preserved history of an ancient civilization up close and should not be missed! Following your guided visit through the circuit, you will be led to the exit with your guide to end your time in Machu Picchu.
Insider Tip:
The most complete circuits that allow you to visit the widest range inside the Machu Picchu citadel are Circuits 2A and 2B. These can sell out months in advance, so plan ahead!
why add a machu picchu day hike
While the classic visit to Machu Picchu is spectacular and should not be missed, it is important to note that due to the vital effort to preserve Machu Picchu, the main site is very regulated. At times, visitors can be shuffled along to the next section due to the strict timelines of each visit and the constant flow of people. For some travelers, this can interfere with the ability to stop and fully take in the immensity of the site. This lack of time to fully comprehend the magnitude of Machu Picchu is one of the primary reasons that Knowmad’s Trip Specialists recommend adding one of these day hikes to a visit to Machu Picchu.
These hikes not only allow you to get off-the-beaten-path, but they also give you extra time to take in the wonder at your own pace, reward you with an incredible bird’s-eye view of the entire citadel, and allow for an overall more active day. Each hike provides a different level of physical challenge, so there is one for every person looking to keep active.
how to add a day hike
A few of those pre-set circuits inside the citadel also include access to an additional Machu Picchu day hike. These circuits will take you through a very small sector of the citadel, but are primarily visited for the opportunity to hike up and get an incredible view of Machu Picchu. Since these circuits only include a very short visit inside the citadel, Knowmad Adventures recommends reserving two circuits to Machu Picchu; one of the circuits that focuses inside the citadel and one of the circuits that includes a day trek.
Insider Tip:
For the 2024/2025 season, circuits 1-A, 3-A, and 3-D are the only circuits that will allow you to participate in one of the three recommended Machu Picchu day hikes.
WHICH Machu Picchu day hike should i choose?
Three hills surround the main citadel of Machu Picchu and each of these hills is home to one of the Machu Picchu day hike trails. Huayna Picchu (or Wayna Picchu), Machu Picchu Mountain (or Cerro Machu Picchu), and Huchuy Picchu all have fewer visitors than the main site and offer distinct and unforgettable viewpoints. All of these hikes require special permits with fixed time slots which sell out months in advance so it’s important to start planning well ahead of travel. With many similarities, it can be hard to know which hike you should select for your Machu Picchu visit. Below we’ll share the details of these hikes and a few tips to help you decide which is right for you.
Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the most imposing hill around the citadel and can almost always be seen in the classic Machu Picchu photo. This is a challenging and steep hike that’s only recommended for experienced, fit, hikers. The climb up takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on fitness level and the descent will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Because of its challenging terrain, visitors must be 13 or older to make the climb.
The beginning of the hike starts with a slight incline along the same trail that leads to Huchuy Picchu. Quickly though, Huayna Picchu hikers will split off to a separate trail and will begin the challenging hike up. This includes many steep and narrow stairs, often nicknamed the “stairs of death”, which can be especially slippery in the rain, but it’s important to be cautious while climbing no matter the weather. The stairs can give hikers the sense of being on the edge of the mountain; There are handrails at some strategic spots for safety, but anyone with vertigo should think twice before selecting this hike! At times, you will need to use both hands and feet to continue the climb up Huayna Picchu.
The hike is challenging, but those who dare to climb it are rewarded with incredible views of Machu Picchu, as well as the bonus of The Temple of the Moon, a ceremonial temple found at the top of the mountain.
Huayna Picchu is the most popular of the three Machu Picchu day hikes so it is usually the most crowded, though less so than the main site.
Insider Tip:
This hike is not recommended during the rainy season from November – March as it can be very slippery.
This is steep! If you have a fear of heights, this is not the right hike for you.
Huayna Picchu Overview |
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| Exposure | Yes, lots of exposure |
| Duration (Round-Trip) | 2-3 hours |
| Altitude Gain | 1,000 ft (360 m) |
| Distance (Round Trip) | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Restrictions | Must be 13 or older |
| Entrance Times | 6 a.m, 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m. |
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain offers the tallest viewpoint and the longest hike of these three Machu Picchu day hikes. This trek is often a good option for active travelers who might not be a good fit for Huayna Picchu due to exposure or age. There is still some exposure, but overall this hike offers an active, though slightly less demanding option with broader steps and trails and a slower elevation gain. There is no age restriction for those wishing to climb. This round trip hike will take between 3-4 hours for most travelers.
This trail doesn’t provide much shade, so it’s important to bring plenty of sun protection and water. Hikers will face many stone steps during the climb with a sprinkling of gravel pathways. While the steps are not narrow like those on Huayna Picchu, they are steep in many parts and can sometimes present an extra challenge for those with vertigo or fear of heights. The trail gradually becomes steeper as you get closer to the top and there are a few sections along the trail where you can stop to rest or take in the views.
Machu Picchu Mountain is generally considered less challenging than Huayna Picchu due to the more gradual elevation gain, but still adds a fairly active element to a visitor’s day at Machu Picchu due to the duration of the trail.
Many claim that Machu Picchu Mountain offers the best view of all of the three day hikes.
This hike is not as well-known as the Huayna Picchu hike so it can be easier to secure entrance tickets with less notice and it always gives you more chances to snap the perfect photos without other travelers getting in the way.
Insider Tip:
Machu Picchu Mountain provides a similar view to the Inca Trail entrance through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). If you have already done the Inca Trail, we recommend selecting one of the other hikes for a distinct view.
Machu Picchu mountain Overview
| Exposure | Some exposure |
| Duration (Round-Trip) | 3-4 hours |
| Altitude Gain | 2,132 ft (650 m) |
| Distance (Round Trip) | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
| Difficulty | Moderate – Challenging |
| Restrictions | None |
| Entrance Times | 6 a.m and 8 a.m. |
Huchuy Picchu
Huchuy Picchu is the smaller hill north of the citadel, located adjacent to Huayna Picchu. Those interested in gaining incredible views of the main citadel, but not interested in a challenging hike should consider this option. There is no exposure so it’s a good hike for children or less experienced hikers, and it still offers stunning views of the main citadel and an up-close look at local flora. This trail can be done in about 30-60 minutes, round-trip.
The beginning of the hike shares the trail with Huayna Picchu, but quickly forks in a different direction. Huchuy Picchu hikers will continue straight towards their trail which is made up of a wide path with ancient stone steps. There is a slight incline as you make your way to the top, but it is a leisurely climb with ample space so those with vertigo should not be affected.
Huchuy Picchu is only about 50 meters above the main site; it provides extraordinary views without the heights!
This hike is the newest and least well-known of the Machu Picchu day hikes. If getting away from the crowds is your top priority, this is the trek for you.
Insider Tip:
This is the best family-friendly hike! A great choice even for young kids, older adults, or less active travelers.
Huchuy Picchu is only available during high season (Jun 01 – Oct 15, and Dec 30 & 31)
Huchuy Picchu Overview
| Exposure | No |
| Duration (Round-Trip) | 30-60 minutes |
| Altitude Gain | 220 ft (67 m) |
| Distance (Round Trip) | 0.6 miles (1 km) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Restrictions | Only available during high season (Jun 01 – Oct 15, and Dec 30 & 31) |
| Entrance Times | Every hour on the hour from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
conclusion
It’s important to find the right fit for every type of trip and traveler. Huayna Picchu is a challenging hike that isn’t for the faint of heart, but provides unbeatable views and an additional bit of history at the top. Machu Picchu Mountain is a challenging, but less daring hike that gives travelers a birds-eye-view of the citadel. And Huchuy Picchu is a more leisurely option for those looking for incredible views away from the crowds. There is a Machu Picchu day hike for every age and activity level and each hike offers stunning views of the citadel.
Knowmad Adventures plans trips from start to end in Peru, and throughout South America. Talk to our Trip Specialists about incorporating Machu Picchu day hikes into your Peru adventure as well as your custom trip pacing, accommodation preferences, other excursion choices and destination options. Our goal is to create a trip just as unique as you are! Call 612-315-2894 or email [email protected].
Shannon is an Operations Specialist at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to crafting specialized custom, private trips to South America. Born and raised in Michigan, she’s always had a desire to experience other cultures and languages, but none have quite captured her heart like the breathtaking beauty of South America. Shannon currently calls Puerto Montt, Chile her home and loves exploring the beautiful landscapes and culture at her doorstep.
