Machu Picchu’s setting is as striking as its ruins, and the two mountains flanking the citadel are a big reason for that. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain each give you a different view back onto the site.
Huayna Picchu, the sharp peak behind the ruins in every classic photo, has a steep stone-stair climb along narrow paths, with sections known as the Stairs of Death for the exposure. The summit view puts the whole citadel and the Urubamba directly below you.
Machu Picchu Mountain is the broader rise opposite Huayna Picchu. The hike is longer but less steep and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The top gives you a wider panorama rather than the dramatic directly-above view of Huayna Picchu.
Both climbs run on permits that sell out, so book ahead. The dry season from May to September is the best stretch for hiking, when the trails are drier and the views cleaner. Early-morning starts beat the midday crowds.
Plan the climb with Peruways.
