Two mountains rise up behind Machu Picchu, by comparison much smaller than the ring of soaring peaks that surrounds the famed South American lost Inca city. The larger of the two, on the right if you're looking at the classic postcard view, is called Huayna Picchu, which means Young or New Peak in Quechua. (Machu Picchu means Old Peak.) The smaller, on the left, is called Huchuypicchu, which, fittingly enough, means Small Peak. You can climb them both.
To do either of the two treks, you'll need to make your way through the Machu Picchu site to a gated entry in the shadow of the peaks, and leave your name and passport number at the desk. For safety and conservation reasons, only 400 visitors per day are allowed past that gate, so if you arrive any later than 11:00 a.m., you might be out of luck. Once signed in, you can follow the signs to Huchuypicchu or the crowds to Huayna Picchu.
Climbing Huayna Picchu
As the taller peak, Huayna Picchu is the longer trek, taking an hour or more to complete. The trail is steep and narrow, and at times you'll need to use the rope handholds to steady yourself. Be aware that over the years there have been a few fatalities when hikers have slipped and fallen off the trail. Use caution, especially in wet weather when the stones and mud are more slippery.
Huayna Picchu's heart-stopping, bird's-eye view of Machu Picchu and the majestic panorama surrounding it make it the more popular climb. Consequently it can become so crowded that there is a bouncer in place to monitor the number of hikers at the summit and send people back down as needed.
Climbing Huchuypicchu
Huchuypicchu, on the other hand, the Small Peak, is only a twenty- to thirty-minute hike and you'll most likely have the place to yourself. There are some stairs and there is one portion of the climb that requires the use of a rope handhold, but overall it's far less steep than Huayna Picchu. This short hike is suitable for families, but you'll want to supervise young children.
From the top of Huchuypicchu, you'll be able to enjoy the same stunning view of the Incan ruins that as you would from Huayna Picchu... just from a bit closer. You'll also have a great view of the single-file trail of hikers toiling their way up Huayna Picchu like industrious ants. Best of all, there is a very good chance that you'll be able to sit and absorb this once-in-a-lifetime sight in solitude and utter silence - something that's hard to come by at wildly popular Machu Picchu.
Whether you do one trek or both, please exercise all the usual hiking precautions, and especially make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and carry plenty of water. It's not the Inca Trail, but you're still hiking in the Andes... as the view will attest.
Read more about Machu Picchu.
Reach Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trek
