Huchuy Picchu or Little Mountain, this is the route and the experience

Huchuy Picchu is one of the entrances that has undergone the most changes during the ticket changes. However, it is possible to do the same route that was previously done. Now it is one of the tickets that can only be done during the high season. That is, from June 1st to October 15th. This time period is important because only during that time can the route to Huchuy Picchu be done. In addition, it is now a ticket with less availability and also with only 2 schedules. In case you have not obtained the classic hiking tickets such as the route to Huayna Picchu or the route to Machu Picchu Mountain; the route to Huchuy Picchu offers a short walk of less than 1 hour and also offers a beautiful view of the wonder of the world. Let’s find out more details below.

Huchuy Picchu the Little Mountain

The Huchuy Picchu mountain is located between the Inca Citadel and the Huayna Picchu mountain. To get to this place, it is only possible to do so with the corresponding ticket. The hike is quite simple and also allows you to have a tour of the Inca citadel. During the ascent of this small mountain, you can see part of the famous Inca Trails or Qhapac Ñam. These roads are the ones that linked all the Inca citadels from the north of the current territory of Chile to the south of Colombia.

During the short climb you can see the entire Inca citadel from another angle and the importance that mountains have for the Incas. This mountain (Huchuy Picchu) is believed to have housed a building of great value. This is mentioned because there are still remains of finely carved stones, similar to those found in the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the other main temples. The Huchuy Picchu also seems to have a special relationship with the Intihuatana and with Huayna Picchu. Below, more information about this mountain.

Facts about the mountain

• Altitude: 2,497 meters above sea level.
• Altitude in feet: 8,192 meters above sea level.
• Geographic location: Between Machu Picchu mountain and Huayna Picchu.
• It belongs to: The Vilcabamba batholith and the Salkantay mountain range.
• Climate: Semi-tropical with chance of rain.
• Number of schedules: 2 schedules available.
• Daily availability: 50 tickets, 25 for each time slot.
• Availability in high season: Can only be purchased in high season.
• Approximate ascent time: 1 hour, rest and short walk 30 minutes.
• Total tour: approximately 3 hours.

What is the route to Huchuy Picchu like?

• The tour begins in the Machu Picchu terrace area.
• The tour continues along the wide esplanades from where you can see the temples.
• There are several temples that can be seen. Among them, the tour of the Temple of the Sun stands out.
• The entire tour or route through the Inca citadel is easy to do.
• The ascent will begin after confirming your ascent at the checkpoint near the Sacred Rock.
• During the tour you can learn more about the geography of the place, the Inca trails and the flora and fauna.
• The ascent is by a steep route, but for a short time.
• From the first 20 minutes of ascent you can already have views of Machu Picchu.
• Upon reaching the top, you can appreciate the beautiful composition of Machu Picchu from a perfect angle.

The experience of the hike to Huchuy Picchu

• Start your tour at one of the most convenient times to arrive.
• It is possible to make the trip to Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu in just one day.
• The route is one of the easiest to do.
• The hike to Huchuy Picchu takes just 1 hour.
• The ascent begins after a tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• It is important to wear a cap or hat, as well as sun protection for the skin.
• At the top of Huchuy Picchu, you can take pictures while resting from the hike.
• Upon descending, the tour of the citadel continues until it connects again with the agricultural area where the entrance was made.

The entrance to Huchuy Picchu

The entrance to Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu is the only thing that allows you to enter the Small Mountain or Huchuy Picchu. During this tour, as we mentioned, you can take a tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Although it has only 50 tickets per day, it is one of the routes that tourists like who want to have an additional experience to visit Machu Picchu. Therefore, it is important to make the reservation at least 3 weeks in advance.

This ticket, on the other hand, can only be purchased during the high season. Only during that period of time were some new routes opened beyond the citadel of Machu Picchu. Thanks to this route, you can see some of the most important temples. Tickets to enter Huchuy Picchu can only be reserved online. Let’s learn some other details about this ticket.

• High season tickets

  • Following changes and updates to Machu Picchu entrance tickets, the high season has been made official.
  • The official high season runs from June 1st to October 15th.
  • Only during that season can you purchase the Huchuy Picchu ticket.
  • New routes were also opened, such as the Temple of the Moon, Inti Punku and Puente Inca.
  • For some tickets, you may find an increase in tickets based on availability.

• What should you bring to Huchuy Picchu Mountain?

  • The ascent to the mountain has 2 schedules. The first starts at 10:00 and the second at 12:00.
  • During these times you will find a fairly hot climate.
  • It is recommended to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
  • It is important to have comfortable and durable footwear.
  • You will also need to show your ID or passport when entering Machu Picchu.
  • Bring water and some snacks.

• Is there any danger in the walk?

  • The route has no difficulty.
  • The steep path has sections with ropes for support, like railings.
  • The walk is short and can be done without any problem until you reach the top.
  • Also, during the route and if necessary, you can rest for a certain time.
  • It is recommended that you ascend and descend with due care.

• What is included and what is not included in the Huchuy Picchu entrance

  • The Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu ticket only allows the tour of Machu Picchu.
  • The ticket does not include any additional services.
  • In this regard, you will have to book the following services on your own:
    • Cusco – Machu Picchu Train
    • Bus up to the archaeological site.
    • Guided tour to enter the Inca citadel.
    • Book hotel, restaurant and other services if necessary.

This is the tour with the guides

The Machu Picchu tour on Circuit 3 is one of the shortest tours that can be done. However, it allows the tour with Huchuy Picchu, which allows you to reach the Sacred Rock. This additional tour of the citadel allows you to cross the two esplanades of Machu Picchu. In this sense, you can see more of the large buildings of the entire citadel. Although there is no tour of the main buildings as such, it is possible to learn more about this site.

• Do I need to hire a guide to get to Huchuy Picchu?
  • In the particular case of Huchuy Picchu, it is possible to do the tour with or without a guide.
  • The route to Huchuy Picchu is perfectly signposted.
  • If you take the tour with a guide, you should keep in mind that the tour is not very long.
  • The approximate time of the tour around the citadel, ascent and return is 3 hours.
  • You can only take the tour with a guide through the Inca citadel.