Did you know that the climb to Huayna Picchu is considered one of the most incredible short walks in the world? According to many tourists, going to the Wonder of the World and not climbing this mountain is like not having gone. How to live this experience? Next a hiking guide to the top of Waynapicchu.

• Huayna Picchu: what is it? Location, height
• How to get to Huayna Picchu?
• What road to take in the Huayna Picchu?
• How is the ascent to Huayna Picchu?
• How is the top in the Huayna Picchu?
• How is the descent of Huayna Picchu?
• Information about the Huayna Picchu mountain
• How to buy the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket?
• Huayna Picchu: tips during the trek
• Frequently asked questions about the hike to Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu: what is it? Location, height

What is Huayna Picchu? – The mountain Huayna Picchu is an important Andean summit that keeps ancient Inca buildings such as the Temple of the Moon. Its name in Quechua means ‘Young Mountain’.

Location – Huayna Picchu is located north of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains in Cusco (Peru).

Height – This famous mountain is 2,720 meters above sea level, almost 300 meters above the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

Why it is famous? – Huayna Picchu is one of the main tourist attractions in Machu Picchu. The ascent to the top crosses steep Inca roads made of stone with vertiginous ravines. This adventure is a very famous experience among tourists.

How to get to Huayna Picchu?

To get to Huayna Picchu and start the ascent you must follow the following steps:

• The checkpoint and entrance to the mountain Huayna Picchu is within the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
• To get there you must follow the route to the Sacred Rock (15 or 20 minutes from the entrance to Machu Picchu).
• In the control booth, the visitor must show the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
• You must also show the passport or identity document with which you made the purchase of the ticket.

What road to take in the Huayna Picchu?

After registering in the control booth, the road follows an undulating stretch to a fork: a short path and a long one.

Short way to Waynapicchu – This is the most usual route that visitors make in the Huayna Picchu mountain. It crosses vertical stone paths made more than 600 years ago. The ascent by this section takes on average 1 hour depending on the physical state of the person. Has a moderate difficulty.  

Long way to Waynapicchu – This is the least common route. The ascent starts at the back of the mountain. The road is more rugged. It takes between 3 and 4 hours depending on the physical condition of the visitor. This route leads directly to the Temple of the Moon. Very few tourists follow this path.

How is the ascent to Huayna Picchu?

The ascent by the short way travels approximately 2 kilometers:

• In the middle of the road, you cross a rock whose tunnel is necessary to cross it crawling because of the narrowness of the place.
• As you continue with the ascent, the stairs are steeper.
• There are security ropes and surveillance of people in the most difficult places.
• Shortly before reaching the top, you reach a section called ‘The stairs of death’.
• That part is called that because the ascent is difficult and frightening. Once overcome, you reach the top of Waynapicchu.

How is the top in the Huayna Picchu?

Once at the top of Huayna Picchu, it is only possible to appreciate the scenic beauty of the Wonder of the World:

• At the top, we can see the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the Vilcanota river, the town of Aguas Calientes, the Putucusi mountain and more.
• At the top, you can take beautiful pictures. However, it is advisable not to risk your life with a photographic shot that defies nature.
• It is also not advisable to open a path on your own. Do not disobey the signs posted on the mountain. 

How is the descent of Huayna Picchu?

The way back winds through the back of the mountain. During the return it is possible to visit the Temple of the Moon:

• To visit the Temple of the Moon or the Great Cavern you must follow a fork that crosses narrow paths.
• During the rainy season (from November to March), fluvial rainfall can occur that can make the steps slippery.
• The descent should be done with hiking shoes.

Information about the Huayna Picchu mountain

• Name: Waynapicchu mountain or Huayna Picchu.
• Height: 2,720 meters above sea level.
• Location: north of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Near the Sacred Rock.
• Attractions: the Great Cave or Temple of the Moon.
• Access: With the Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
• Entry schedules: Group 1 (from 07:00 a.m. to 08:00 a.m.) and Group 2 (from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.).
• Travel: It crosses steep Inca roads on the edge of ravines. It is not allowed for children under 12 years.
• Difficulty: medium-moderate.
• Rise and fall time: 2 hours depending on the physical state of the visitor.

How to buy the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket?

The only way to visit the Waynapicchu mountain is to buy the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket. For reasons of security and conservation of the place, Only 400 visitors per day divided into 2 groups are allowed:

• Huayna Picchu Group 1
  • Time of entry and stay in Machu Picchu: 6 a.m. – 1 pm.
  • Opening hours to Waynapicchu: between 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
    • Capacity: 200 people.
• Huayna Picchu Group 2
  • Time of entry and stay in Machu Picchu: 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Schedule of the entrance to Waynapicchu: between 10 a.m. – 11 am.
  • Capacity: 200 people.

Due to the popularity of Huayna Picchu, you must book your ticket online for at least 3 months in advance.

Huayna Picchu: tips during the trek

• There are special discounts for university students, under 18 years old and citizens of the CAN (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia).
• During the high season of tourism (from April to October), tickets have more demand. It is recommended to make the reservation 4 months in advance.
• The soroche is a common malaise in the high places like Waynapicchu. It is advised 1 or 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco before the tour.
• The roads are on the edge of frightening precipices. This could cause discomfort in visitors suffering from phobia of heights or vertigo.
• It is recommended to bring a poncho for the rain, hat, sunblock, hiking shoes, water and everything in a backpack that does not exceed 5 kilos.

Frequently asked questions about the hike to Huayna Picchu

1. Huayna Picchu closes at some point of the year?

   Huayna Picchu, like Machu Picchu, does not close any day of the year except in cases of emergency such as natural disasters.

2. What Huayna Picchu schedule to choose?

   There are 2 groups and schedules to choose from in Huayna Picchu: Group 1 and Group 2. The first allows Waynapicchu to go up from 7 a.m. so the weather is cool and ideal for walks. The second one is from 11 a.m. so you can get photos in full sunlight from the top.

3. Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?

   Many people believe that the Waynapicchu is difficult but it is not like that. The roads are narrow but have safety ropes and support staff available to the visitor. This adventure is scary and difficult but not dangerous.

4. How to hire a guide in Huayna Picchu?

   If you wish, the visitor can climb the Waynapicchu without the company of a tour guide. Opposite case, You can hire a guide at the entrance to Machu Picchu.

5. How many stairs does the Huayna Picchu have?

   It is estimated that Huayna Picchu travels 2 kilometers to its summit. Much of the climb is through the 183 steps built by the Incas.