Huayna Picchu is one of two peaks found inside the Machu Picchu citadel. For this reason, it is a must for hikers and thrill-seekers alike wishing to add an exciting and memorable adventure to their time at Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu, means “Young Peak” in Quechua is one of Machu Picchu’s signature viewpoints. From the top, you will experience spectacular views over Machu Picchu and across the surrounding valley. Here are some of the best reasons why you should consider climbing The Huayna Picchu Mountain on your Machu Picchu trip.
Huayna Picchu Practical Information
The Peruvian government limits the amount of people who can visit Machu Picchu every year and this also goes for the hikes within Machu Picchu, both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. The limit for the Huayna Picchu hike is 400 people per day and is divided into three entrance times:
Machu Picchu Entrance Time Huayna Picchu Entrance Time
6:00 am 7:00 am – 8:00 am
7:00 am 7:00 am – 8:00 am
After 8:00 am 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Entrance Regulations
The Huayna Picchu entrance ticket is a combination ticket that allows entry to both Machu Picchu archaeological site and The Huayna Picchu Mountain, for the Huayna Picchu mountain hike.
The Entrance is valid for 6 hours
This time begins when you enter Machu Picchu. If you choose to take the Machu Picchu guided tour, this lasts around 2.5 hours and the Huayna Picchu hike takes about 2–3 hours. Visitors can spend a maximum of 4 hours on the Huayna Picchu hike.
The Huayna Picchu ticket allows one re-entry into Machu Picchu. This is helpful if you want to hike first and then have lunch at the cafe at the Machu Picchu entrance. Lockers and bathrooms are located outside of the main entrance to Machu Picchu, so make sure you use them if you need to before you enter the sanctuary, as there are no bathroom facilities inside.
Arriving at The Huayna Picchu Entrance
After reaching the Machu Picchu entrance, you’re only a short 15-minute walk from the Huayna Picchu trailhead! Follow the signs through the archaeological site and you will end up at the Huayna Picchu checkpoint at the opposite side of the citadel. You’ll see a small hut and a Huayna Picchu map, which gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enter at your allocated time and your Huayna Picchu adventure will begin!
The Hike Lowdown
The hike begins at the checkpoint next to the sacred rock at the far end of the Machu Picchu citadel. At your allotted time, you show your ticket and sign in before you begin walking along the trail. The climb begins relatively flat, but quickly changes to windy ups and downs through rocky terrain and beautiful green scenery.
As you make your way toward the top of the Huayna Pichu mountain, the trek continues along steep switchbacks. You will most likely be hiking alongside other trekkers, so make sure to be courteous on the trail and let people go ahead of you if they want to pass, or politely ask to pass if you are the one walking at a faster pace. Once you’ve made it through the switchbacks, you will reach the stairs of death!
The Huayna Picchu “Stairs of Death” deserve their own mention because of their sheer architectural awesomeness. These steep steps are an original Inca staircase, dating back to the 1400s. Don’t let that put you off though. The Incas were master builders and created architectural marvels with better structural integrity than most modern buildings today! Looking up may intimidate you, but looking down is even worse, and not recommended! Make sure to utilize the hand rails and ropes to help you move forward. If you feel dizzy or are suffering from vertigo, or simply need a quick break, just step to the side on one of the terraces where you can take a break on flatter ground. If you’re still wondering, is Huayna Picchu dangerous? Then the answer is no. Not only are there guides stationed on the trail to help you, but there are also rails, ropes and other people around you to keep you safe on your Machu Picchu trip.
Temple of The Moon
Once you have made it past the ropes and pully section, you’ve made it through the most difficult section and at the summit, ruins will appear all around you. This is a great time to explore around and take your first photos. This is also the time when you need to make a decision……continue along the main trail, or take the side trail to the Temple of the Moon. The second option adds an extra 45 minutes in total, but is totally worth it. This 1,500 year-old temple built within caves is a mystery to modern-day historians but was possibly used for rituals, sacrifices, or the worship of the moon. In order to reach this area, you must follow the side path that takes you down and around the backside of the mountain and eventually winds back up to the main path that takes you back to the entrance.
Spectacular Views
If you decide to stay on the main path, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the “Throne of the Inca” that looks out over Machu Picchu. This rock formation is a perfect spot for photos and admiring the stunning scenery of the valley below you. You can appreciate sweeping views of mountain tops, ruins and the winding river below. You will need to keep moving in order to prevent a “people” jam. From the viewpoint, climb down the ladder and under the “Throne” you can begin the descent of Huayna Picchu.
The Descent
A similar staircase that took you up will lead you back down the mountain back toward the checkpoint. Descend carefully to ensure your safety and take your time, there is no need to rush. This is also an excellent opportunity to take in the last views before finishing the Huayna Picchu hike. When you arrive back at the Huayna Picchu entrance, sign out and make your way to the Machu Picchu exit where you can rest up and re-hydrate.
If you wish to climb the impressive Huayna Picchu mountain on your Machu Picchu trip, then let us know at the time of booking to reserve your permit. Please ask here if you have any further questions about this mind-blowing Huayna Picchu mountain climb!