Huchuy Picchu Mountain
The Huchuy Picchu is the smallest mountain in the Inca citadel. Its name, translated from the Quechua language, means ‘small mountain’. It is a slope of the Huayna Picchu mountain. From there, you have a panoramic view of the archaeological site. The Incas built stone stairways. The visit is done with the tour ‘Machupicchu + Huchuy Picchu’. The entrance is suitable for visitors of all ages. It is the best option for a family trip with a dose of adventure.
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Huchuy Picchu Mountain
The Huchuy Picchu can be considered a mountain or simply a slope of another higher mountain: the Huayna Picchu.
In any case, the Huchuy Picchu is one of the hiking routes available in the visit to Machu Picchu. A few years ago, access to this mountain was included in the visit to Huayna Picchu. However, today it is a different trekking route, whose entrance is included in a separate ticket.
The name ‘Huchuy Picchu’ comes from a Quechua word meaning ‘small mountain’. Its summit is at 2,497 meters above sea level, only about 50 meters higher than the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu at 2,430 meters above sea level.
As in the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, the Incas built a network of stone staircases on the way to the top of this mountain. At the top of this peak, the Incas would have had a panoramic view of the Inca citadel. In addition, they performed ceremonies of worship to the mountains and the Inca gods: the mountains, the sun, the stars, and the moon.
The hike to the Huchuy Picchu mountain is the easiest inside Machu Picchu. On average it is 500 meters uphill. An average tourist can complete this route in 40 minutes.
One way to visit this small mountain is with the tour ‘Machupicchu + Huchuypicchu 1 day’. Another option is to visit on your own. For this, it is necessary to buy the ‘Machupicchu + Huchuy Picchu’ ticket. It is recommended to make the purchase online 1 to 3 months in advance.
The hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu mountain
The hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain is the easiest and most suitable for everyone. The other trekking routes lead to the top of Huchuy Picchu and the top of Machupicchu mountain.
The entrance gate to Huchuy Picchu mountain is the same one that allows the entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain. That is, in the sector of the Sacred Rock, north of the archaeological site. This access gate is located inside the Inca citadel.
When entering, the first thing to do is to fill in the visitor’s name and time of entry in a control book. This allows to protection of the visitor and is mandatory. After leaving the control booth there are two paths: the longer one leads to Huayna Picchu while the shorter one leads to Huchuy Picchu. Both trails are signposted.
The way to the mountain is through stone paths built by the Incas. Each step inclines 30 degrees and it does take some physical effort. However, the stairs are not many compared to Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu mountain. There are some flat paths from where you can see the top of Huaynapicchu on one side and the archaeological site of Machu Picchu on the other.
Because the hike is short, there are not many species of flowers or birds to be seen along the way. Nor is it possible to see Inca temples or agricultural terraces. The route is simple, there are signposts along the hike and there are beautiful views as you approach the summit.
The route to Huchuy Picchu is safe. However, because it runs along stone steps, it is necessary to pay close attention to the hike. This is especially true on the way back. Some missteps can cause injuries to visitors.
But generally speaking, the hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu is suitable for visitors of all ages. If the route is done carefully, it is even suitable for seniors.
The Incas and the Machu Picchu Mountains
Machu Picchu is surrounded by up to four mountains: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Putucusi. The Incas built stone stairways to the top of these peaks. The Incas worshipped the celestial gods and the mountains. Thus, when approaching the top of these mountains, the Incas performed religious ceremonies as payments to the earth. These Inca customs are still in force among the inhabitants of the Andes Mountains to this day.
What is the summit of Huchuy Picchu like?
The summit of Huchuy Picchu mountain is 2,497 meters above sea level. On the other hand, the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains are located at 2,693 masl and 3,082 masl, respectively.
Once at the top, you have an almost complete view of all the buildings that make up the archaeological site of Machu Picchu: the Intihuatana, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Temple of the Sun, and more.
Although this is not a classic photo of Machu Picchu (this one was taken in the area of the Guardian’s House), it is a beautiful view that few tourists know about.
The top of this mountain also offers an opportunity to meditate in a space that was considered sacred by the Incas. On average visitors spend between 10 to 30 minutes at the top.
After visiting the summit of Huchuy Picchu, we make the return trip, which follows the same route as the ascent, only it is downhill. This path is easier, but you have to be careful on each stone step.
The hike up to the top of Huchuy Picchu takes 40 minutes while the descent takes approximately 25 minutes.
The Incas and Huchuy Picchu
The Huchuy Picchu mountain does not have much variety of flora and fauna. Nor does it offer important Inca buildings such as temples or dwellings. However, at the top of the mountain, there are beautiful views and a space that was considered sacred by the Incas.
The Incas performed religious ceremonies at the top of Huchuy Picchu. From there, you have a panoramic view of the Inca citadel, as well as a proximity to the Inca gods: the mountains, the sun, the moon, and the stars.
The Incas performed ceremonies such as the payment to the land. This ritual, of pre-Inca origin, consists of offering important objects to the earth, such as llama tallow, chicha (fermented corn drink), ceramics, coca leaves, and more.
Today, after hundreds of years, the people of the Andean Cordillera maintain respect for the mountains and continue to practice the payment to the earth. Even at the top of Huchuy Picchu, local and foreign visitors leave offerings to the Andean gods such as the earth and the mountains.
Which to choose? Huchuy Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu mountain
Learn about the different and similar aspects of the Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains:
| How are they similar? | Huchuy Picchu Mountain | Huayna Picchu Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Location | In the northern sector of Machu Picchu | In the northern sector of Machu Picchu |
| Altitude | 2,497 masl | 2,693 masl |
| Name | Small mountain | Young mountain |
| Entrance | A few steps from the Sacred Rock (inside Machu Picchu) | A few steps from the Sacred Rock (inside Machu Picchu) |
| Distance | 500 meters approx. | 1.8 kilometers approx. |
| Number of stairs | Nearly 50 stone staircases | Nearly 1,500 stone staircases |
| Inca constructions | There are no agricultural terraces or religious temples | Agricultural terraces and religious temples |
| Roads | Route with stairs with slopes ranging from 30 degrees | Route with stairs with slopes ranging from 30 to 60 degrees |
| Danger | Safe route with stone steps | Safe route with sections close to ravines |
| Entrance type | Entrance ticket ‘Machupicchu + Huchuy Picchu’ | Entrance ticket ‘Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu’ |
| Flora y fauna | Little vegetation and birds | Vegetation with presence of birds and butterflies |
| Views | Panoramic view of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu | Panoramic view of the archaeological site and the mountain range surrounding Machu Picchu |
| Allowable age | Suitable for visitors of all ages | Suitable for visitors over 12 years old |
Questions and answers about the visit to Huchuy Picchu mountain
These are the most frequently asked questions about the visit to Huchuy Picchu mountain:
Where is the Huchuy Picchu? How to enter from the entrance gate of Machupicchu?
The Huchuy Picchu is located in the northern sector of Machu Picchu, a few steps from the Sacred Rock. To enter from the entrance gate to Machupicchu, you must follow Circuit 4 through the archaeological site until you reach the mountain gate.
Is Huchuy Picchu open every day?
Yes, the Huchuy Picchu mountain is open every day of the year, including Sundays and holidays. Visiting hours are from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Is Huchuy Picchu suitable for visitors of all ages?
Yes, the visit to the Huchuy Picchu mountain is suitable for people of all ages. On the other hand, the visit to Huayna Picchu mountain is only suitable for people over 12 years old. Minors must enter the mountains accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How long does it take to hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu?
The hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu is the shortest. For an average visitor, it takes 40 minutes on the uphill section. The way back takes approximately 25 minutes. The hike can be done by people of all ages.
Is it dangerous to climb Huchuy Picchu mountain?
The hike to Huchuy Picchu is simple and suitable for visitors of all ages. The trails are safe, with adequate signage and safety ropes (in certain sections). On the way back it is recommended to descend measuring each step.
What does the name ‘Huchuy Picchu’ mean?
Huchuy Picchu is a Quechua word that means ‘small mountain’. It is indeed the smallest peak in the Inca citadel.
What is the height of Huchuy Picchu mountain? Is it higher than other mountains?
Huchuy Picchu mountain is located at 2,497 meters above sea level. It is the smallest of the mountains surrounding the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. On the other hand, Machu Picchu mountain is at 3,082 meters above sea level and Huayna Picchu is at 2,693 meters above sea level.
What to see on the Huchuy Picchu trek?
The hike to Huchuy Picchu mountain is simple and short. There are no Inca buildings or a variety of flora and fauna. However, on the route, you will appreciate beautiful mountain scenery, a privileged view of Machu Picchu, and a site that was considered sacred by the Incas.