Waynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain in 2027: Which to Choose Under the New Hours
Climbing one of Machu Picchu's mountains gives you the view nobody forgets: the whole citadel from above, with the Urubamba River wrapped around it. There are two options, Waynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountain, and they are nothing alike. In 2027 the hours change too: from January 1, entry to both is until 10:00 am and the descent from the summit must begin by 12:00 noon at the latest.
Waynapicchu: short, steep and exposed
It is the peak behind the citadel in the classic photo. The summit is at about 2,720 meters and you reach it in around an hour of climbing on narrow Inca stairs, with exposed sections and cables to hold on to. At the top there are Inca terraces and buildings, and the view of the citadel is almost aerial.
- Who it suits: fit people with no fear of heights.
- We do not recommend it if you get vertigo, have knee problems or travel with small children.
- Cap: about 400 people per day, which is why it is the first ticket to sell out.
Machupicchu Mountain: longer and higher
It sits on the opposite side of the citadel, toward the Inca Trail. The summit is at about 3,080 meters, so you climb much more than on Waynapicchu: an hour and a half to two hours on wider stone stairs with less exposure. The view takes in the citadel, Waynapicchu and the whole valley.
- Who it suits: people who prefer a long, steady hike to a stretch with vertigo.
- Note: the elevation gain is big and the sun is strong; bring water and sunscreen.
- Cap: about 800 people per day.
Quick comparison
| Waynapicchu | Machupicchu Mountain | |
|---|---|---|
| Summit height | about 2,720 m | about 3,080 m |
| Climb | around 1 h | 1 h 30 to 2 h |
| Difficulty | Steep, with exposed sections | Long, more gradual |
| Vertigo | Yes, in several sections | Little |
| Daily cap | about 400 people | about 800 people |
| Entry in 2027 | until 10:00 am | until 10:00 am |
What changes in 2027 and why it matters
With entry only until 10:00 am, the usable mountain slots are few and all in the morning. If you come from Cusco the same day, the earliest train reaches Aguas Calientes around 9 am; with the bus line and the entry check, making it in time is very tight, and if you miss the time the ticket is not rescheduled.
That is why, to climb a mountain, we recommend sleeping in Aguas Calientes and entering early the next day. That is exactly what our 2-day Machu Picchu tour does. We explain it in more detail in one day or two in 2027.
How to get the ticket
A mountain ticket is different from the standard ticket: it includes the climb plus a route through one sector of the citadel, has its own cap and costs more. Since spots are few, request it as soon as you have a date, especially if you travel in high season, June 19 to November 2.
Tips for the day
- Eat a good breakfast and bring water: there is nowhere to buy anything on the route.
- Wear shoes with good grip; the stones can be damp early in the morning.
- Respect the descent time: from 2027 you must start down by 12:00 noon at the latest.
- Plan your train back: between the climb, the descent and the citadel, a morning with a mountain takes most of the day.
Check 2027 availability
See our pre-booking spots day by day and lock in your date, route and time on our Machu Picchu 2027 tickets calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder, Waynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain?
Waynapicchu is shorter but steeper, with exposed sections. Machupicchu Mountain is longer and higher, but more gradual. If you get vertigo, choose the Mountain.
Until what time can you enter the mountains in 2027?
Until 10:00 am. The descent from the summit must begin by 12:00 noon at the latest. This applies from January 1, 2027.
Can you climb Waynapicchu on the one-day tour from Cusco?
It is very tight: the earliest train reaches Aguas Calientes around 9 am and you still need the bus. For climbing we recommend the two-day tour.
Does the mountain ticket include the citadel?
Yes, it includes a route through one sector of the citadel as well as the climb. The sector depends on your ticket's route.
How far ahead should I book Waynapicchu?
As early as possible: it has about 400 spots per day and is the first to sell out, especially in high season.
