Machu Picchu is the perfect conjugation between the work of man and nature. And Machu Picchu would not be the same without the unique mountain that comes with it in all the classic images of the Inca city, the fabulous mountain Huayna Picchu.

• What is the Huayna Picchu mountain?
• What does his name mean?
• Why is it so famous?
• What to do in the Huayna Picchu mountain?
  • Route of ascent to Huayna Picchu
  • The stairs of death
  • Temple of the Moon
  • View of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
• How is the hike in Huayna Picchu?
  • The entrance to Waynapicchu
  • The ascent to Huayna Picchu
  • The top of Waynapicchu
  • The descent to Machu Picchu
• Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?
• The Temple of the Moon of Huayna Picchu
• How to enter Huayna Picchu?
• How much does the Huayna Picchu entrance cost?
• When is the best time to visit Huayna Picchu?
• Interesting facts about Huayna Picchu
• Recommendations during the visit to Huayna Picchu

What is the Huayna Picchu mountain?

• The Huayna Picchu mountain is one of the three mountains that surround Machu Picchu.
• Its summit reaches 2,693 meters above sea level, almost 300 meters higher than the Inca archaeological site.
• This mountain is part of the so-called ‘Batolito de Vilcabamba’ in the Andes of Peru. A mountain range in Cusco.
• The road that leads to the top has very steep slopes.
• The place is also habitat for birds, butterflies, insects and other species.

What does his name mean?

• Huayna Picchu means in Quechua ‘Young Mountain’.
• It seems that its name is due to the opposition of the other summit of the place, the mountain Machu Picchu ‘Old Mountain’.

Why is it so famous?

• Climbing the steep roads of Huayna Picchu is the biggest attraction in Machu Picchu.
• This adventure is a great challenge for those who dare to do it.
• Reaching the top generates the ecstasy of all those who manage to climb up there.
•  The views are simply spectacular. At the top you can see the entire Inca City.

What to do in the Huayna Picchu mountain?

• Route of ascent to Huayna Picchu – The climb to the top of Waynapicchu is the great adventure in Machu Picchu. Climb up stone steps to the edge of precipices of great precipice.
• The stairs of the death – The stairs of the death is the most extreme section in the Huayna Picchu. The ascent is difficult and crosses frightening chasms. No one has lost their lives in that place.
• Temple of the Moon – This Inca site is a famous temple built in the middle of a natural cave. It has mysterious constructions whose meaning is still a mystery.
• View of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – From the top of the Waynapicchu you can appreciate the best views of the Wonder of the World and the natural landscape that surrounds it.

How is the hike in Huayna Picchu?

• The entrance to Waynapicchu – The adventure of Huayna Picchu begins in the control booth located in and north of Machu Picchu. There, the tourist must register his income.
• The ascent to Huayna Picchu – The climb is made by a path that will allow you to enjoy a beautiful landscape. Several of the sections are made by stairs that were carved on the white granite stone. Many of these are very steep and are located on the edge of the mountain.
• The top of Waynapicchu – Reaching the top takes an average time between 1 or 2 hours. At the top, the views are simply spectacular. The whole Inca City is appreciated as well as the mountains that surround Machu Picchu like the snowy ‘Salkantay’.
• The descent to Machu Picchu – The return is for a different section to the rise. In this way you can visit the Temple of the Moon through a detour. In the control booth, the visitor must register his exit from Huayna Picchu.

Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?

• The Waynapicchu mountain is not dangerous. The roads are marked. In the most extreme moments, there are security lanyards.
• Scattered on the mountain, there are people who protect the integrity of visitors.
• The few cases of accidents in Huayna Picchu were caused by the tourists who left the marked road.
• Waynapicchu is difficult but not dangerous. The roads are frightening but nobody has fallen. The climb requires a physical effort as well as not to fear the heights.

The Temple of the Moon of Huayna Picchu

• The Temple of the Moon is one of the most mysterious and amazing constructions of Machu Picchu.
• It is located on the slopes north of Huayna Picchu. After its discovery in 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham called it ‘The great cavern’.
• According to various researchers, this temple had the function of a shrine or a sacred place. However, we still do not have a unanimous idea about it.
• The Temple of the Moon is built with granite stones carved finely by hand.
• It has niches, doors and windows under 2 natural caves.
• Above the cave there is an opening through which the moon illuminates the entire enclosure on winter solstice nights.

How to enter Huayna Picchu?

The Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu eis the one that allows to climb the Waynapicchu mountain. This ticket also includes a visit to Machu Picchu. There are 2 entry schedules:

• First group:
  • Availability for 200 people a day.
  • Entrance to Waynapicchu from 7 a.m. at 8 a.m.
  • Stay in Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. at 1 p.m.
• Second group:
  • Availability for 200 people a day.
  • Entrance to Waynapicchu from 10 a.m. at 11 a.m.
  • Stay in Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. at 2 p.m.

How much does the Huayna Picchu entrance cost?

• Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu are sold online or at authorized offices in Cusco.
• The cost depends on the type of visitor. There are discounts for university students, minors and citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN): Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.