Huayna Picchu: What is it and how to buy it?

If you didn’t do a lot of research this name may confuse you a little bit. Once in Machu Picchu, you will have the chance to climb the 2 different mountains that are inside. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain (You will read about this next).

These extra hikes are optional and have an extra price.

Huayna Picchu is in simple terms the mountain you can see at the bottom of the ruins. This is an extra hike that you can do and it is approx 1.5 hours up and 1 hour down. The permit needed for this extra hike is rarely included in any package and is always additional. Why? Because it needs a special permit. The Inca Trail permit includes a Machu Picchu entrance and so does this Huayna Picchu ticket. And no, you can’t just add the Huayna Picchu portion to your Machu Picchu entrance.

The price of the permit is 200 soles if you are only going to Machu Picchu. This 200 soles will include the Machu Picchu entrance because there is not a way to get to Huayna Picchu without visiting the ruins.

I’m trekking the Inca Trail, is this a good option for me?

Yes, if you are a moderately experienced hiker or are at a good fitness level, this extra hike will be just what you need. Also, this permit will allow you to get out of the ruins and get in again. You already read that this mountain is at the bottom so, to hike it, you need to go through the ruins again.

Reminder: This extra hike is very popular and gets sold out pretty quickly! You need to book it in advance and if you will do it through an agency (this will increase the price a bit) you need to set it up as soon as possible or ask for availability first.