Difference between huayna picchu machu and picchu mountain
Machu Picchu is visited by people regularly all the time, many people from over the world wants to see it because it is considered one of the SEVEN WONDERS of the WORLD and has great views. The best way to get a great view of Machu Picchu is from the mountain behind it, Huayna Picchu , There is a limit of the number of people who can climb it each day however. Difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu this article will offer a few alternative ways to see Machu Picchu and the pictures of it since it can be difficult to get entrances to Huayna Picchu. It is a once in a lifetime experience for most. The archaeological site of Machu Picchu is located between a numbers of mountains. One is known as Machu Picchu Mountain and another one is Huayna Picchu, which are the most important among the mountains.
Climbing to Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain entrance US$15) For many, a climb of Huayna Picchu is literally high point of a visit to Machu Picchu. Takes about an hour or 50 minutes and can be a bit difficult to climb.
But it can be a good alternative way to enjoy a spectacular view the site of Machu Picchu. It takes about 50 min. to climb back down either mountain… Huayna Picchu is located at 2,720 meters above sea level & Machu Picchu Mountain is approximately 3,050 meters. Huayna Picchu is steeper than Machu Picchu Mountain, which is less steep. It is therefore easier for most to climb Machu Picchu Mountain. Many people want to climb Huayna Picchu and then look for tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain if there are no more spaces, but both mountains offer great views of the site itself, and are great experiences.
For many people climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights when visiting Machu Picchu. The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Inca did cut out some steps out of the rocks and as you wind around the side of a mountain will see Machu Picchu from different angles. Before you reach the top you will also have to go through a tunnel carved in the rocks and the higher you get the more structures you will recognize on the top of the mountain.
Some structures are almost glued to the mountain side with a sheer drop of a couple of hundred meters on the other side. The views (on a clear day – on cloudy days sometimes you cannot even see the site from here) of Machu Picchu seen from Huayna Picchu are breathtaking and do really give you an impression of the magnitude of the site. You will also be able to appreciate the different sectors of the site as the surrounding landscapes with some snowcapped mountains.
A couple of years ago, the INC (Peru’s National Cultural Institute) decided to implement a maximum number of visitors daily to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain. This was done to diminish the impact of visitors on this steep climb and to allow the excavations on the top of the mountain its space. The number implemented was 400 visitors daily. The visitors could go up between the times the site opens until 2 hours before the site closes in the evening.
Entrance to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu:
Both have a limited number of people who can climb per day, although there is more than for Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu has 400 tickets a day, 200 at 7 am and 200 more at 10 am. Machu Picchu has 400 per day from 7 to 11 am.
The Trail:
Unlike Huayna Picchu or Putucusi Mountain treks, the Machu Picchu Mountain trek is wide and well-marked. After the wardens hut the trail follows a fairly even ascent of about 30 – 35 degrees in angle for about 1 hour. Gradually and steadily gaining altitude, the views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains become ever-more impressive. There are several view and rest points along the way. As the trail gets closer to the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, the steps become steeper, narrower and more challenging. Winding on for another 30 minutes or so, the trail passes through a stone gateway, before following a narrow mountain ridge to the summit. A small round hut provides shelter and seating, whilst the view point (a few more yards on) offers aw-inspiring views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains. The decent follows the same route, but takes about 20 – 30 minutes less.
Climbing to Machu Picchu Mountain ( Entrance to Montaña US$15 ) An excellent and far less popular alternative is hiking Machu Picchu Mountain, the peak on the opposite side of the archaeological area which can be reached along the same trail that takes you to the Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate… Machu Picchu Mountain is greener than the Huayna Picchu trail and has many kinds of wild orchids and birds that highlight the path. Machu Picchu Mountain is the most spectacular yet one of the most overlooked optional treks available at Machu Picchu. Located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel and towering 3,050 meters (10,007 feet) above sea level, the mountain trek offers unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary and panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain scenery. At its summit Inca priests once performed rituals on special dates as well as liturgical greetings to the Salkantay Apu.
Finding the trail:
From the main entrance of Machu Picchu follow the upper-trail heading in the direction of the Guardhouse. Small and newly erected wooden signs signal the way the start of the trail head, which is also the same path which leads to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). A couple of minutes from the Guardhouse, you need to turn right and follow the path which climbs up through the agricultural terracing. Following the trail for another 15 minutes you will arrive at the wardens hut, where you need to sign in showing your passport and entrance ticket. From the entrance of Machu Picchu to the wardens hut takes approximately 30 minutes.
The Trail:
Unlike Huayna Picchu or Putucusi Mountain treks, the Machu Picchu Mountain trek is wide and well-marked. After the wardens hut the trail follows a fairly even ascent of about 30 – 35 degrees in angle for about 1 hour. Gradually and steadily gaining altitude, the views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains become ever-more impressive. There are several view and rest points along the way. As the trail gets closer to the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, the steps become steeper, narrower and more challenging. Winding on for another 30 minutes or so, the trail passes through a stone gateway, before following a narrow mountain ridge to the summit. A small round hut provides shelter and seating, whilst the view point (a few more yards on) offers aw-inspiring views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains. The decent follows the same route, but takes about 20 – 30 minutes less.
Difficulty:
The Machu Picchu Mountain trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek. Following an original stone Inca Trail and continuously acceding to the summit, a good level of fitness is required. During the wet season, the trail can become more slippery making it more challenging to traverse. Difficulty : Moderate TO challenging.
Helpful Info:
Time needed: ascent – 1h30 minutes accent, descent – 1 hour, 30 minutes at the summit. Altitude of summit: 3,082 meters (10,111 feet) above sea level.
Altitude of summit: 652 meters (2,139 feet).
Height to climb from Machu Picchu: Terrain: Inca Trail stone path steps and in places grass/dirt.
Recommended footwear: Training shoes, light weight walking boots.
Entrance time: 7 – 11am.
Trail head: in the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel.
Tickets: Limited to 400 per day, tickets need to be purchased as a combination ticket with general entrance to Machu Picchu.
Best Time to Trek: Machu Picchu Mountain is accessible all year round. During the wet season (November – April) there is a higher chance of heavy rainfall and the trail can become slippery and more challenging to traverse. The region has a sub-tropical feel throughout the year, with average daily temperatures of 18 °C (64 °F). During the dry season the humidity is around 40 – 45%, rising to 60 – 65% during the wet season. Entrance to the trek is permitted anytime from 7 – 11 am daily. Early morning trekking offers cooler temperatures and better shade from the sun.
Be Prepared: The weather in this region of Peru can often be un-predictable any time of the year, so you must be prepared with clothing for rain and sun. The trail is mainly stone steps so comfortable lightweight training or hiking shoes are recommended. A light weight rain coat or poncho and sun protection is advised.
Check list:
- 1 to 1.5 litres of water (2 – 3 personal bottles).
- Sun hat, sun glasses & sun block.
- Walking stick with rubber tip (if required).
- Strong insect repellent.
- Light weight rain coat or poncho.
- Small snacks.
- A change of t-shirt for the top.
- Passport.
- Camera.
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