After having planned your visit to Machu Picchu, you have to decide which of the two imposing mountains that surround the citadel you will travel to complete your trip. If you are going to climb one of them to take the best picture from the top; This blog will help you to know what are the differences and similarities between these two interesting mountains. Before knowing more about the routes, we must know that the name of Machu Picchu citadel is for the archaeological site itself, that is, the area where we observe the greatest number of Inca constructions. While Huayna Picchu mountain and Machu Picchu mountain are the two great mountains that house the citadel and you can see surrounding the inca citadel. Now discover and learn more about the most amazing and famous mountains in Machu Picchu.
The Huayna Picchu is known as the 'young mountain'. This is perhaps due to its smaller size compared to the imposing Machu Picchu mountain. It is located north of the Inca Citadel, at 2,720 m.a.s.l On its slopes, the Incas built a dizzying path, viewpoints, platforms and an incredible enclosure in the middle of two natural caves, although its function is still uncertain, this place was called the Grand Cavern or the Temple of the Moon. To get there they also had steep roads near the mountain limits.
Today, these stone paths in the limits of the Huaynapicchu are one of the most requested attractions by visitors. It is the trekking route to the top of Huayna Picchu, from where you can appreciate all the beauty of the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. This is considered one of the most incredible short walks in the world. The ascent is arduous and extreme due to the frightening ravines next to the Inca trails. It takes an average of 2 hours between up and down. Even so, it is still one of the favorite adventures for tourists.
Huayna Picchu
The Machu Picchu mountain is known as the 'old mountain'. This maybe due to its greater dimension to the Waynapicchu or 'young mountain'. It is located at the top of the Inca Citadel, at 3,082 m.a.s.l. On its slopes inca trails were erected in order to reach the highest and worship the Andean gods such as the hills, the sun, etc. Although no Inca temple was built on its roads, the great elevation of this summit earned it one of the most important 'apus' that surround the Wonder of the World.
Today, the steep trails that lead to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain are one of the most adventurous new tourist attractions of the Inca llaqta. This hiking route covers almost 2 kilometers of steep Inca roads from where you can appreciate all the beauty of the geography that surrounds the Inca Citadel. Unlike Waynapicchu, roads are wider and safer. Getting to the top and returning takes on average 3 or 4 hours depending on the physical state of the person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu mountain reaches 3082 m.a.s.l. with a very leafy vegetation, great variety of orchids, butterflies and birds, in addition to a quite horizontal road; while Huayna Picchu mountain reaches 2720 m.a.s.l where you can see archaeological remains and terraces along a road with narrow access and very steep sections.
The degree of difficulty to climb Huayna Picchu is moderate, however it is good to stop and take breath every time you need; This will make you adopt a natural rhythm when breathing to climb without many problems and you can enjoy the landscape better. In some areas it is necessary to support and be very attentive, especially in the steps and some narrow roads. Although this route seems very risky the accident record is practically nil and we assure you that the effort will have been worth it.
The way to the top of Machu Picchu mountain is much wider and flat, which gives you more time to observe the flora and fauna of the area. This option is the most appropriate if you are going to make the journey with young children. Remember that in both routes it is always important to take care of altitude sickness.
