Duration
Based in Cusco, Peru, Heather is an expert on travel to Peru and South America. Heather writes on tourism, trekking, and social issues in Peru for publications including BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Matador Network, Thrifty Nomads, World Nomads, Frommer's, Flashpack, and more. Heather co-founded the Covid Relief Project with Henry Quintano Loaiza to assist vulnerable families in the Cusco region.
Huchuy Picchu
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: One hour
- Max elevation: 2,500
- Start/end point: The trail starts at the far side of the Machu Picchu citadel
While Huayna means young in Quechua, Huchuy means little. It’s an apt name for this small hill next to Huayna Picchu. New in 2022, this short hike is for people who want something extra, but bought tickets too late to get Huayna or Machu Picchu Mountain. In fact, it’s so little that some consider it a waste of time. On the plus side, there is no extra cost.
You’ll get a view over the Machu Picchu citadel similar to Huayna Picchu, though not from nearly as high. It’s still a lovely spot to take photos.
This is more of a short walk than a hike. Most people take a half hour, even if they stop to take lots of photos. If you want to stretch it out, you could take an hour on Huchuy Picchu.
There are 30 tickets to Huchuy Picchu available each hour starting at 7 am. At 11am and 12pm there are 40 tickets per hour, for a total of 200 tickets per day. Even though it does not cost any more than the regular Machu Picchu ticket, you must select this add-on when you purchase the ticket. If you buy tickets with Huchuy Picchu, you will do circuit four through the citadel.
At a glance
Destinations
Machu Picchu
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, ArchaeologyPhysical Level
Easy![Duration]()
Duration
1 day
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