Key facts
- Route 3-D on the Royalty circuit: 1.7 km round trip, moderate effort.
- Maximum time allowed: 3 h 30 min.
- Sold only in peak season.
- Includes the royal sector: Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca and Temple of the Condor.
Huchuy Picchu (“little mountain” in Quechua) is the lower hill that rises next to the Sacred Rock, at the foot of Huayna Picchu. You climb it on Route 3-D of the Royalty circuit, the most accessible way to see the citadel from a summit.
Route 3-D at a glance
| Circuit | 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty |
|---|---|
| Round-trip distance | About 1.7 km |
| Effort | Moderate |
| Maximum time allowed | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Season | Peak season only |
| Includes | Terraces, a close-up classic photo, Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, ceremonial fountains, Three Doorways and Temple of the Condor |
What the route is like
It starts in the agricultural sector, winds through the spaces of Inca royalty and, from the Three Doorways, climbs to the top of Huchuy Picchu, with a panoramic view of the Inca city. On the way back you visit the Temple of the Condor.
Who is it for?
- Families and travelers who want an elevated view without the effort of the big mountains.
- Anyone who couldn’t get a spot for Huayna Picchu.
- Visitors who want to see the royal sector and a summit on the same ticket.
This route isn’t sold outside peak season. Check out the other options in Machu Picchu circuits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Huchuy Picchu difficult?
No. The Ministry of Culture rates it as moderate effort: it’s 1.7 km round trip, far less than Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Is Huchuy Picchu open year-round?
No. Route 3-D is sold only in peak season.
