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The Machu Picchu Citadel can be visited on its own, but visitors also have the option to explore Wayna Picchu (also known as Huayna Picchu) or Machu Mountain. These two sites are the mountains located on either side of Machu Picchu, and access to them is only possible from the Citadel. This means that visitors must pass through the Machu Picchu entrance checkpoint to access these sites. For this reason, it is not possible to purchase a ticket exclusively for Wayna Picchu or Machu Mountain without including entry to Machu Picchu. These two sites are only accessible in the morning.
Wayna Picchu, which means "Young Mountain" in Quechua, is the smaller of the two mountains. The ascent takes approximately 1 hour, and the descent also takes about 1 hour, making a total of 2 hours for the visit. The trail is well-marked and accessible to all, including children. This climb is highly recommended for those who want a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Machu Picchu Citadel. Occasionally, especially in winter (December to February), fog may obscure the view, but it often dissipates quickly.
Machu Mountain, which means "Old Mountain", is the larger of the two and faces Wayna Picchu. The ascent takes about 2 hours, and the descent another 2 hours, making a total of 4 hours for the visit. The trail is also well-marked and relatively easy, although some sections with steps may be slightly challenging. However, the path is completely safe and requires nothing more than a good pair of hiking shoes. No specific fitness level is required, but the climb can be tiring, especially considering the total duration of 4 hours. While the view from Wayna Picchu is impressive, the panorama from Machu Mountain is truly spectacular.
It is materially and technically impossible to visit both sites on the same day; therefore, a choice must be made.
For a complete comparison of these two circuits, visit our website https://ticket-machupicchu.com.
If your priority is a stunning panoramic view, then Machu Mountain is the best choice. It is also ideal if you want to experience Machu Picchu as a physical challenge. However, if you are traveling with young children, want to spend at least 2 hours exploring Machu Picchu on the same day, or do not feel up to climbing stairs for 4 hours, then Wayna Picchu is the better option.
Finally, many visitors prefer to stay in Aguas Calientes for 2 days to visit one site on the first day and the other on the second. Additionally, most visitors are fully satisfied with a relaxed visit to the Machu Picchu Citadel without climbing either mountain. The famous panoramic photos of Machu Picchu are actually taken from the Guardians House, located on an elevated section of the Citadel.