Huayna Picchu is one of the most visited destinations by thousands of national and international tourists. This is because it offers one of the best experiences, hiking along beautiful trails and affording spectacular views of the Inca citadel. During the hike, you can appreciate some of the local flora and fauna, connecting with nature in a more immersive way. Hiking, for its part, brings those who participate in this activity closer together. Below, learn why climbing Huayna Picchu may be the best experience you’ll take away from visiting this Wonder of the World.

• The Huayna Picchu mountain in Machu Picchu
• How are the trails followed in Huayna Picchu?
• How to enter the Huayna Picchu mountain?
• Keep in mind the following if you visit Huayna Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourists in Machu Picchu

You can have that spiritual encounter with nature and its energy, while enjoying one of the seven wonders of the world (and crossing it off your bucket list). Machu Picchu is one of the top destinations on the planet. If you’ve already had the chance to set foot in the ancient sacred city of the Incas, and feel the incredible magnetism it radiates. Know that you can go further, you can feel that dose of adrenaline (so necessary). Have the experience of a lifetime at Huayna Picchu.

The Huayna Picchu mountain in Machu Picchu

You may not know it, but you may have seen Huayna Picchu mountain many times without knowing it; it is the mountain that has turned Machu Picchu into that worldwide icon. Yes, the one that appears behind Machu Picchu in the best known image of the wonder. Only 350 people can reserve tickets to enter the trails of Huayna Picchu, and they have to do it months in advance. It is advisable to do it 3 months in advance. This is to have the guarantee of booking in the schedule according to what is planned in the trips. Likewise, it is important to be aware of changes in availability because sometimes, even months in advance, availabilities are sold out from one day to the next.

The mountain Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu), “the huayna”, for people who have been there before, is located north of Machu Picchu, at 2,693 meters above sea level. It is part of the orographic formation known as the “Batolito de Vilcabamba”, an extension of the central mountain range of the Andes. And the mountain that gives shape to the face that can be seen, turning the classic photo of Machu Picchu to the left.

Huayna Picchu or Waynapicchu, is a Quechua voice that means “young mountain”, next to it is the Machu Picchu mountain or “old mountain, and between them, the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Temples, residences, roads, gates, secret tunnels and access to the Huayna Picchu mountain. The trails are vertigo, climbing in group 1 or group 2, you will find yourself between the walls of the mountain and incredible abysses covered by the morning mist.

Huayna Picchu Mountain

Where is Huayna Picchu mountain located?
If we locate ourselves from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, we can find that to the north rises a mountain with a special peak. That peak that we mentioned for many visitors is the nose of a face that can be seen from the upper platforms. It is precisely, in that photo, the mountain with the highest elevation that bears the name of Huayna Picchu. That mountain houses two Inca enclosures and constructions. One of them is located at the summit and can be reached by following the Inca Trail or Qhapac Ñam. The second enclosure is located at the foot of the mountain and is known as the Temple of the Moon, which has its own ticket: Machu Picchu with Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C).

How are the trails followed in Huayna Picchu?

The trails to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain are narrow and very steep, some sections include stairs carved into the living rock of the mountain and others where you will have to hold on to steel cables for safety. The vegetation is dense and the views are intense. After reaching the summit, you can choose to descend the Stairs of Death and admire the biodiversity surrounding Machu Picchu.

Another of the great attractions we’ll find along the route is the Temple of the Moon it is built inside a natural cave, apparently as an astronomical observatory; it has one of the most amazing lithic works of Machu Picchu; and if you have been to other sacred places of ancient cultures, you will see the same truncated doors that can be seen in many of them, and are known as “portals”. In addition to the temple and other constructions that must have been part of the observatory, you will see terraces (extremities) surrounding the mountain. The Temple of the Moon is one of the places where you can feel special energy, as well as the Intihuatana, inside Machu Picchu.

The Temple of the Moon

How to enter the Huayna Picchu mountain?

To choose the group in which you want to enter the Huayna Picchu mountain, you must book tickets several months in advance. Now for the availability of schedules, it is recommended that, in any of the schedules to choose, you will have to spend the night in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. This, especially, so that you can make the tour without much haste and without the need to get up early. The day before, before the trip to Machu Picchu, you could do the tour through Ollantaytambo, since right there you can board the trains to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

• Huayna Picchu Group 1: Access to the mountain from 08:00 to 09:00 hours. Being the entrance to Machu Picchu from 7:00 in the morning.
• Huayna Picchu Group 2: Access to the mountain from 10:00 to 11:00 hours of the day. The entrance to Machu Picchu starts at 9:00 in the morning.

The entrance to the trails of the Huayna Picchu mountain begins in the sector of the “Huayranas” on one side of the sacred rock, inside Machu Picchu. The trail is well signposted, from the entrance gate to Machu Picchu to the entrance and exit control of visitors to the mountain. All people entering the Huayna Picchu mountain must register.

Control gate to enter Huayna Picchu mountain

Keep in mind the following if you visit Huayna Picchu

The Huayna Picchu mountain is located in the middle of the jungle, it has abundant vegetation, which is the habitat of birds and hundreds of species of butterflies and insects. Perhaps you should inform yourself about how to make a responsible trip to Machu Picchu; also remember that to avoid damage, there are many objects that you will not be able to take on your visit.

We recommend that you wear hiking shoes, the trails are rocky and dirt, and can be very slippery when wet. Also bring sunscreen, water and a camera with plenty of memory available. From the top of Huayna you can see the Inca city of Machu Picchu, 300 meters above, also see the incredible maze of mountains that surrounds it.

The mysticism of the Huayna Picchu mountain will be part of your life, it will block your senses, leaving free your spiritual “I”, which can be recharged by the energy of this place. You don’t need to do much to feel the energy of Machu Picchu; you can get a little closer to the immense stones (don’t touch them), close your eyes and breathe deeply; you will connect with the most intimate fibers of your being.

You can find more tickets During the high season of Machu Picchu. However, in the case of Huayna Picchu, the number of tickets does not increase. Reservations must be made at least 3 or 4 months in advance.

Machu Picchu’s official high season will start from June 19th and end on November 2nd. During this period, you can find new tickets to other beautiful sites of Machu Picchu in conjunction with any of the 3 circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is it necessary to book in advance to climb Huayna Picchu?

  Yes, due to high demand and daily admission limits (only 350 people per day), it is essential to book tickets at least 3 months in advance.

• 2) What are the opening hours for entering Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  There are two entry groups. Group 1 enters the mountain between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, with entry to Machu Picchu starting at 7:00 AM. Group 2 enters between 10:00 and 11:00 AM, with entry to the citadel starting at 9:00 AM.

• 3) What are the paths like on Huayna Picchu?

  The paths are narrow and steep, and although the climb requires good physical condition, the views and the experience fully compensate.

• 4) Is the hike to Huayna Picchu safe?

  The walk is safe, but you should always follow the signs and walk with caution.

• 5) What can I see from the top of Huayna Picchu?

  From the summit, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. You can also see the Urubamba River, mountains, and the abundant vegetation surrounding the area.

• 6) How long does the walk take?

  The total duration of the hike is approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and the time you spend at the summit.

• 7) How difficult is the climb to Huayna Picchu mountain?

  The climb is considered moderate to difficult. No experience is required, but physical stamina is required, especially given the altitude and steep sections.

• 8) What does the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket include?

  This ticket allows entry to both the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu on circuit 3, as well as the ascent of Huayna Picchu Mountain.

• 9) How far in advance should I purchase the ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain?

  It’s recommended to purchase your ticket at least three months in advance to ensure your preferred time for the climb.

• 10) How high is the summit of Huchuy Picchu?

  The summit of Huchuy Picchu is 2,693 meters above sea level, slightly above the Inca citadel.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu Mountain

By: Juliana M.

“Great experience, medium effort and huge reward!“

“We booked the tickets 4 months before through this website, we chose the first group, because we wanted to be among the first to reach the summit. We were at the entrance to the huayna 5 minutes before 7 am. After an hour of climbing (we did it fast) with quite a few steps, we reached the top of the huayna and below was Machu Picchu covered in fog. When we got to the top, everything started to clear (be patient), you will see how the whole beautiful valley opens up before your eyes. There are places where a little vegetation separates you from incredible abysses, so you must be careful. Once everything is clear, it will be worth every step to be there.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 17, 2025