A new addition to the Machu Picchu hiking options, Huchuy Picchu means “Little Mountain” in Quechua. One of the three main mountains in Machu Picchu, Huchuy Picchu offers a unique perspective of the Incan Citadel. Often times forgotten or overlooked, Huchuy Picchu reaches 2,497m (8192ft) and is only 50 meters higher than Machu Picchu Itself. The shortest and easiest hike of al the Machu Picchu Mountains, this hike is perfect if you want a view of Machu Picchu but don’t want to strain yourself too much.
The hike to Huchuy Picchu is a short one, only 1 km to the summit and takes around 45 mins to one hour to complete. This is the most forgiving hike available in Machu Picchu and is perfect for individuals who struggle with long steep hikes. The mountain is located Just north of the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu and is right next to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
***PLEASE NOTE: There are 200 daily tickets for Huychuy Picchu
***PLEASE NOTE: If you are even a few minutes late you will not be allowed to start the hike
***PLEASE NOTE: There is no re-entry to Machu Picchu with this ticket
To get to Huchuy Picchu mountain you must first complete circuit of the Machu Picchu complex. After completing circuit proceed as if you were going to hike Huayna Picchu. After the Sacred rock there will be a fork, take the left trail to Huchuy Picchu, the right trail goes to Huayna Picchu. The hike is a short one only 1 km but offers unique views of the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu.
***PLEASE NOTE: You can only access this hike through circuit 3.
To do the Huchuy Picchu Mountain hike you will need to buy a Circuit 3 D tickets. This does not give you access to tour Machu Picchu, you will need to buy an extra entrance ticket for the circuit you want to take.
Being in the Andean Cloud Forest you will be surrounded by lush vegetation and various different types of orchids. Keep your eyes out for the birds and other animals that call this place home. Bring your binoculars so you can better see Machu Picchu down below, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot the illusive Spectacle Bear, or Vizcachas in their natural habitat.
In the Andean Cloud Forest, the weather can change at any moment, that’s why it’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions. Make sure you always have your raingear on you, especially during the rainy season. Even during the dry season, the weather can be nice and sunny one second and turn rainy before you know it. Additionally, always have sunscreen on you. The altitude is decently high at Machu Picchu making the sun much stronger than at sea level. You can easily burn in a matter of minutes without sunscreen, make sure to keep you and your skin safe by applying every couple of hours.
Make sure you are prepared for the hike by bringing the following items listed below. These are items we believe to be essential for hiking Huchuy Picchu and for exploring Machu Pichu in general.
Choose A Certified Local Tour Operator: Support the local community by booking your Huychuy Picchu Mountain pass with a local Cusco tour operator. There are many international tour companies but, the local companies have better knowledge of the region and employ local bilingual tour staff. Additionally, if you are planning to hike the Inca Trail only tour companies with Cusco business addresses are eligible for Inca Trail permits foreign tour companies have to hire a local guide to run their Inca trail tours.
Protect Yourself from The Biting Insects: The mosquitos and sand flies can be bad at Machu Picchu especially in the rainy season. The best way to prevent being bitten is to fully cover your body, wear long pants and long a sleeve shirt. You can also apply insect repellant. You don’t want you clearest memory of Machu Picchu to be the red and itchy bumps on your arms and legs.
Get Your Machu Picchu Passport Stamp: You must bring your original passport in order to enter Machu Picchu. If you’re bringing your passport anyway, why not get a Machu Picchu stamp in your passport to better remember your trip? Usually there will be a desk just after the main entrance where you can get your stamp. If you cannot find it, ask one of the staff and they will direct you. Sometimes the desk is located after the main exit.
Elevation at Huchuy Picchu: You will be at decently high elevation during this hike. The best way to prevent elevation sickness is to keep a slow steady pace, and to drink lots of fluids. You can also drink coca tea or chew coca leaves. Additionally, there are also altitude pills sold at all the local pharmacies. Taking precautions to prevent altitude sickness will make your trip much more enjoyable, there’s nothing fun about feeling ill on vacation.
Choosing a local tour operator will add a level of knowledge not offered by foreign tour agencies. For extensive knowledge and competitive prices consider a local tour operator such as 69 Explorer Peru
