Reaching the Machu Picchu citadel is the highlight of any trip to Peru — but for travelers who want more, there are several extra hikes you can add inside and around the sanctuary. The two most famous are Huayna Picchu (often spelled Wayna Picchu) and Machu Picchu Mountain, both of which require a permit and an early start. Beyond them you can also walk the short Huchuy Picchu, the dramatic Inca Bridge, and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Because the popular peaks sell out, it is essential to work with your tour operator to secure these before you arrive in Peru. Let's explore each hike in detail.
Huayna Picchu (Wayna Picchu)
Huayna Picchu, also known as Wayna Picchu, is the steep green peak that wraps around the Machu Picchu citadel and forms the striking backdrop in every classic postcard. Its name translates to "Young Peak" in the local Quechua language. The Incas built an original trail up the side of the mountain, and at its summit they constructed temples and terraces. Huayna Picchu sits at an elevation of about 2,693 metres (8,835 ft) above sea level, and the climb takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours round trip.
Legend has it that Huayna Picchu was once the place where high priests performed daily offerings and prayers to the Inca gods, with ancient temples nestled along its ridges. It is said that every morning before sunrise a high priest would lead a small group on a walk down to Machu Picchu, signaling the arrival of a new day. On the lower slopes, at a level below the citadel, rests the Temple of the Moon — one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area — and, beside it, the Great Cavern, another sacred site with remarkable masonry.
This is the more popular of the two big climbs, so permits sell out far in advance. The path is narrow, steep and exposed in places, with stone steps cut by the Incas, which makes it the more demanding option — but the views straight down onto the citadel are unforgettable.
Machu Picchu Mountain (Cerro Machu Picchu)
Machu Picchu Mountain, meaning "Old Mountain" in Quechua, is the tallest peak behind the Inca citadel and a fantastic alternative when Huayna Picchu permits are sold out. The hike takes about 4 hours round trip, starting from the citadel, following a hidden Inca trail beneath the forest and climbing to the summit at roughly 3,082 metres (10,111 ft). Along the way you will pass a diverse mix of flora and fauna, including orchids, begonias, ferns and brilliant hummingbirds.
The area is fascinating because it lies in the high cloud forest, where the highlands meet the rainforest and create many micro-ecosystems. Machu Picchu Mountain held special significance for the Incas as the confluence point of two rivers born from their most sacred peaks: the Urubamba River flows from the south, from the Ausangate area, while the Aobamba River comes from Salkantay Mountain to the west. For this reason the mountain became a monument of reverence to the sacred waters.
At the top, hikers are greeted by the Tawantinsuyo flag and a small shelter that offers respite from sun and wind, plus a 360° panorama of the citadel, the Urubamba River below and the surrounding sacred mountains. The climb requires moderate fitness — some sections are steep but not dangerous — and the trail is well maintained, built as a paved path with many steps and occasional zigzags.
Huchuy Picchu
Huchuy Picchu — "Small Peak" in Quechua — is the little hill that sits between the citadel and Huayna Picchu. It is by far the shortest and easiest of the summit hikes, usually taking about 1 hour round trip, and it still rewards you with a lovely elevated view over the ruins and the Urubamba valley. It is a great choice for travelers who want a short climb without the steep exposure of Huayna Picchu, though it also requires a separate ticket.
The Inca Bridge (Puente Inka)
The Inca Bridge is a short, mostly flat walk from the citadel along a narrow stone path carved into a sheer cliff. The "bridge" itself is a gap in the trail that the Incas could span — or remove — with timber logs, forming a clever defensive checkpoint guarding the western approach to Machu Picchu. The walk takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes round trip and is included with the standard circuits that reach it, with no extra climbing of any peak required. For safety the bridge crossing itself is closed, but the viewpoint is dramatic.
The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
The Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, is the original Inca gateway through which the classic Inca Trail arrives at Machu Picchu. From inside the sanctuary you can walk up to it in about 1 to 1.5 hours round trip along a gentle ancient path. It is the spot where trekkers get their first sweeping view of the citadel at dawn, and it is well worth the climb for the wide perspective over the whole site and the valley beyond.
Compare the hikes near Machu Picchu
| Hike | Altitude | Difficulty | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huayna Picchu | 2,693 m / 8,835 ft | Hard · steep & exposed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | 3,082 m / 10,111 ft | Moderate · long, steady steps | ~4 hours |
| Huchuy Picchu | ~2,500 m / 8,200 ft | Easy · short | ~1 hour |
| Inca Bridge | ~2,430 m / 7,970 ft | Easy · mostly flat | 30–45 min |
| Sun Gate (Inti Punku) | ~2,720 m / 8,924 ft | Easy–moderate · gentle climb | 1–1.5 hours |
Machu Picchu Hikes FAQ
It depends on what you want. Huayna Picchu (2,693 m) is the iconic, steeper, more exposed peak with classic views straight down onto the citadel, and it sells out fastest. Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 m) is higher and longer but a steadier, less vertiginous climb with wide 360° panoramas — a great pick if you prefer fewer drop-offs or if Huayna Picchu permits are gone.
Yes. Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu each require a separate ticket that combines citadel entry with the chosen peak, and the number of spots is limited. They sell out well in advance, so book early — our team can secure the permit for you. The Inca Bridge and the Sun Gate are reached on the standard circuits that include them, without climbing a peak.
Huayna Picchu is the most demanding of the short climbs. The trail is narrow and steep with stone steps cut by the Incas and some exposed sections, but it is well defined and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. A reasonable level of fitness and a head for heights help a lot.
The Inca Bridge is the easiest — a short, mostly flat walk of about 30 to 45 minutes round trip. Huchuy Picchu (around 1 hour) and the Sun Gate (1 to 1.5 hours) are also gentle compared with the two big peaks, making them good options for travelers who want a little more without a strenuous climb.
Yes. The peak tickets combine the climb with a guided visit of the citadel on the same day, so you tour Machu Picchu and add the mountain. Because the climbs start early and take time, it is best to plan an unhurried day and let your operator arrange the timing and entrance.
Want to add Huayna Picchu to your trip?
Our local Cusco team books the limited Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain permits together with your citadel entrance and a bilingual guide — and can build the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate into your itinerary.