The Huayna Picchu is one of the tourist attractions most requested by visitors who decide to come to Cusco in Peru. Getting an entry ticket is not easy. You need to make the reservation months in advance. The climb is not simple either. The narrow roads of the Waynapicchu are steep and on the edge of precipices. You need to not be afraid of heights and a physical effort to get to the top. What else is required to undertake this adventure? Here are some tips for traveling to the top of the Wonder of the World.

• The Waynapicchu
• Book your ticket in advance!
• Take your precautions if you plan to travel in high tourist season
• Be punctual
• Prepare physically
• Carry only what is necessary
• Climb at your own pace
• Respect the mountain
• Visit the Temple of the Moon

The Waynapicchu

Huayna Picchu or Waynapicchu (Young Mountain) is the summit located north of the Inca Citadel. It houses ancient Inca roads and even a construction made more than 600 years ago known as the Temple of the Moon. To reach the top, you need to ascend your steep roads and the edge of precipices. The descent is as vertiginous as the climb. It is estimated that a total of 2 kilometers of steps are covered. The adventure of climbing its trails is considered one of the most incredible short walks in the world.

Book your ticket in advance!

The basic travel tip to know Waynapicchu is to book the entrance ticket. Due to the high demand, it usually needs to be done at least 2 months in advance. During the high season (from April to October), up to 4 months before. The Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu is the one that allows entry. Only 400 visitors a day can access their roads divided into two groups. The entry schedules are the following:

• Group 1 admission schedule: 07:00 a.m. at 08:00 a.m. (200 tourists a day)
• Schedule of entrance group 2: 10:00 a.m. at 11:00 a.m. (200 tourists a day)

Take your precautions if you plan to travel in high tourist season

The high season of tourism is the time of greatest transit of visitors in Cusco and Machu Picchu. It happens from April to October, it is special in the months of June, July, and August. During those days, the Ticket Huayna Picchu increases its demand so that getting one becomes even more difficult. In addition, train tickets and hotel reservations must be made in advance. Those days coincide with the dry season, characterized by the strong sun in the day and the low temperatures at night. Bring light clothes and a good coat with you.

Be punctual

The Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu is designed so that the visitor can travel both the Inca Citadel and the Waynapicchu mountain. To know both attractions in the best way, it is necessary to be punctual. It is advisable to enter at 06:00 a.m. when the Wonder of the World opens its doors. Group 1 can remain in the Inca precinct until 01:00 p.m. while group 2, until 02:00 p.m. The ascent and descent by the ‘Montaña Joven’ takes an average of 3 hours. The tour of Machu Picchu and its main stone buildings takes 2 hours.

Prepare physically

While you do not need to be an expert mountaineer to get to the top, a previous physical preparation can help to improve endurance. The climb to the top of the mountain takes an average of 1 hour depending on the physical condition of the tourist. Due to the altitude of Waynapicchu, at 2,720 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.), the effort is more intense. It is advisable to do physical activity a few weeks before visiting Cusco. The climb to Huayna Picchu is considered a medium-moderate difficulty.

Carry only what is necessary

In Machu Picchu, it is only allowed to carry a backpack with no more than 5 kilos. The same in the case of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is recommended to take only what is necessary. The appropriate clothing for the ascent and descent are hiking shoes, a rain poncho, a cap or hat and some sunglasses. The climate in the area is divided into a rainy season (from October to March) and dry season (from March to October). In the first, in addition to the mentioned, it is recommended to bring waterproof clothing. In the second, light clothes. Finally, it is advisable to carry sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a snack and a camera.

Climb at your own pace

Getting to the top of Waynapicchu is not a race. Each visitor must make the ascent at their own pace. Those who do not have a good physical condition can do it slowly, resting on the most difficult stretches. Admission to the mountain is allowed only to people over 12 years. On the way, the tourist will meet older adults who also dare to reach the top. On the way, there is also security and support staff that assist visitors who need some kind of help. Once at the top, the effort will be rewarded with incredible views of the Wonder of the World.

Respect the mountain

The trails to the top of Huayna Picchu are well signposted and have security laces in their most difficult stretches. The route has all the elements of prevention in order to care for the integrity of visitors. However, it is often the same tourists who challenge the mountain and unnecessarily approach the edges of the road. In the eagerness to take the best selfie, the traveler looks for danger. It is necessary to respect the mountain and avoid looking for a way on your own.

Visit the Temple of the Moon

In addition to the adventure that represents ascending to the top, there is a unique attraction in the Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is an Inca construction in the middle of a cave whose end is not yet fully defined. The guides and settlers named it Temple of the Moon, a name that was also popular among tourists. It stands out for its stone walls finely carved but, apparently, was not finished. The site is located in the middle of the road to the top of the Waynapicchu and below an immense rock. It is believed that in a rock carved in the middle of the site, the Incas made human sacrifices. Do not miss the opportunity to visit this archaeological site during your trip.