Most people venture all the way to the ruins of Machu Picchu, but never do these other hikes that can be easily added to your day exploring the ruins in addition to your adventure.

If you want more information on visiting Machu Picchu – check out my Guide to Machu Picchu for all the best information I wish I had when I went in 2025.

Mount Machu Picchu

Mount Machu Picchu is a must add to your Machu Picchu adventure offering 360 degree views from the top of the tallest mountain that overlooks the ruins. The view from the top gives you a panorama experience encompassing the entire valley and mountain that makes up the lost city. This hike offers less vertigo-inducing paths that are wider with fewer sheer drop-offs making it a solid choice for people with decent fitness who prefer a steadier climb up the ridge.

I would say to budget about 3 hours for the round trip hike, especially if you want to spend a lot of time at the summit. Park attendants will tell you to budget 6 hours but that seems very unrealistic if you are an in shape hiker, and I think they do this for people who underestimate their abilities and the overall remoteness of Machu Picchu.

It took me and some friends 1 hour to the top, and 40 minutes down. You will need to access the hike off Circuit 1 or the Sun Gate Trail. The trail access can be close due to inclement weather so check for updates at the front gates. Before beginning the trail you will need to sign into a hiker’s log book, and sign out before you exit. There is a cutoff time for this hike at 11am so make sure you arrive at the trail gates before then.

Huayna Mountain

Machu Picchu might be Peru’s crown jewel, but Huayna Picchu is the iconic peak that frames everything. Towering directly behind the Incan citadel in nearly every postcard photo, this mountain offers one of the most legendary and exhilarating hikes in the Andes.

This hike is part of Circuit 3 and you will have to sign up for certain times to begin your hike and complete the short walk through the ruins to get to the gate. Quick reminder you cannot walk the ruins circuit in reverse and you will exit the ruins to do the hike, so you want to make sure you get there early enough to explore those before starting.

Huayna Picchu is all about steepness, adrenaline, and jaw-dropping scenery. You’ll climb ancient Incan staircases carved directly into the mountainside, squeeze along narrow ledges, and ascend through tunnels and terraces that cling to the cliff. If this is on your bucketlist you are going to want to act fast, because I heard from some of the tour guides that the Peruvian government is planning to shut down access in the next 5 years due to erosion.

Inside the Ruins

Thinking about skipping Circuit 2? I am here to tell you right now that you should book this trek if you are not sure which one to pick. This circuit gives you the most in depth look inside Machu Picchu while also giving you access to the iconic post card terrace spots. Exploring the citadel is absolutely incredible. On this circuit you get to explore the ruin’s main terraces which the other circuits do not.

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