Recommendations during the climb to Huayna Picchu
Are you planning to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain? Then you should know that the trek is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world. Climbing to the top of Waynapicchu is not as complicated as you might think but it is not something to be taken lightly either. Its steep trails are a unique adventure that everyone should do at least once in a lifetime. But it demands a physical effort as well as some care. These are some recommendations during the ascent to the ‘Montaña Joven’. An incomparable experience when visiting Machu Picchu.
- Get the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) at the time of your preference
- Arrive early to Machu Picchu
- Register at the control booth
- Start the ascent of Huayna Picchu at a pace that is right for you
- Ask for help from the brigadistas if necessary
- Measure well your steps on the steps of Huayna Picchu
- Don’t be afraid of the mountain cave
- In the last stretch be careful
- Reached the summit of Huayna Picchu!
- Don’t forget to visit the Temple of the Moon
- Frequently Asked Questions
Observing the citadel of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu
During the climb, hydrate constantly, breathe deeply and enjoy the scenery. For your safety, evaluate your health, do not climb if you feel sick and be careful in the steepest areas. With good preparation and a positive attitude, you will enjoy this incredible adventure to the fullest!
Get the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) at the time of your preference
How to climb Huayna Picchu? The first thing to do is to reserve a ticket in advance. This must be purchased up to 4 months in advance. This is due to the many tourists who also wish to climb Waynapicchu. Per day, only 350 visitors, divided into 2 groups, can enter. These are the schedules or groups available:
- Group 1 Entrance to Huayna Picchu: 08:00 a.m. to 09:00 a.m. / Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 07:00 a.m.
- Group 2 Entrance to Huayna Picchu: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. / Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 09:00 a.m.
Arrive early to Machu Picchu
Once you have purchased your ticket, be sure to arrive early for your entrance time to Huayna Picchu. On the day of the ascent, arrive punctually at the control booth. When starting the ascent to ‘Wayna’ it is a good idea to be one of the first people to do it.
Register at the control booth
Huayna Picchu is located in the northern part of Machu Picchu. There is a control booth indicating that it is the beginning of the Waynapicchu trail. Before the ascent and on the way back, you must register to indicate your data. This is a security measure that guarantees the authorities that all visitors who entered, returned safely.
Huayna Picchu mountain checkpoint
Start the ascent of Huayna Picchu at a pace that is right for you
The climb up Huayna Picchu has begun! Don’t be scared by the incredible view of the mountain up there. Start the ascent at your own pace. If you think you are in good physical condition, walk at a good pace and without stopping. If you think you are not, walk slowly and stop to breathe at the moments you consider appropriate. Waynapicchu is only allowed for people over 12 years old. Many older adults are encouraged to climb its trails. The most important thing is the determination to reach the top.
Ask for help from the brigadistas if necessary
Not as easy as I thought? The trails of Huayna Picchu have at times an inclination of 60º. If the ascent is proving difficult, ask for help from the many brigadistas and security agents that are located in the most difficult sections of the ‘Young Mountain’. If you don’t find any in a difficult moment, surely one of the other tourists will be ready to lend a hand. Along the way, there are security cameras that make it easy to locate any visitor who is in trouble.
Measure well your steps on the steps of Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu has hundreds of steps that run a distance of almost 2 kilometers. These stairs are irregular. In some parts they are wide. In others, they are narrow and close to vertiginous ravines. That is why the visitor must measure his steps well during the ascent. Especially in the rainy season when the steps become slippery. However, in general, the path is safe. There are ropes to hold on to in the most difficult moments.
View of the Inca citadel from the climb to Huayna Picchu
Don’t be afraid of the mountain cave
In the middle of the ascent to Huayna Picchu there is a rock formation that blocks the way. The only way to continue is to cross it through the interior of a cave. Do not be afraid of the darkness or narrowness of this cave. Although it is uncomfortable to pass through it, it does not represent any danger. The most important thing is to crouch low enough to avoid hitting your head. This cave on the way to Waynapicchu is part of the adventure.
In the last stretch be careful
You are near the end! The so-called stairs of death are the last stretch before reaching the top of Huayna Picchu. But fear not, no one has died in this part of the ascent. The name is due to the vertiginousness of the path, with chasms of hundreds of meters. However, if you are not afraid of heights, you will have no problem going up these steps built by the Incas more than 500 years ago.
Reached the summit of Huayna Picchu!
You did it! The first thing you will do when you get to the top will be to breathe and enjoy the scenery. The second thing will be to think: it was hard but it was worth it. The summit of Huayna Picchu offers incredible views of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the surrounding mountains, the Urubamba River and all the flora and fauna of the place. It is essential to take some pictures before starting the descent. The Waynapicchu route is considered among the most incredible short hikes in the world.
Tourists observing the Inca citadel from Huayna Picchu
Don’t forget to visit the Temple of the Moon
After the updates in the Machu Picchu tickets, one of the alternatives that can be done now is the visit to the Temple of the Moon. If you have not been able to make a reservation to climb Huayna Picchu, an excellent option is to do the tour on the Temple of the Moon route. This ticket can only be purchased during the official high season from June 19th and ends November 2nd. You will also have to register at the checkpoint.
| Comparison of tickets to Huayna Picchu and the Temple of the Moon | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) | Machu Picchu Ticket + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) |
| Access circuit | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) |
| Hiking route included | Huayna Picchu (panoramic view) | Route to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern |
| Approximate maximum height | 2,720 meters above sea level | 2,430 meters above sea level |
| Difficulty of the path | High to moderate (steep steps, narrow sections) | Moderate (longer, but less steep) |
| Minimum age allowed | 12 years | 12 years |
| Maximum number of visitors per day | 350 people | 200 people (only in high season) |
| Available times | Group 1: 7:00 – 8:00 am / Group 2: 9:00 – 10:00 am | Group 1: 7:00 – 8:00 am / Group 2: 8:00 – 9:00 am |
| Season available | All year | High season only (June 19th to November 2nd) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket include?
Includes admission to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu via Circuit 3 and also allows you to ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain.
2) How far in advance should I buy the ticket to Huayna Picchu?
Due to high demand and a limit of 350 people per day, it is recommended to purchase your ticket at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
3) What are the entry times to Huayna Picchu?
There are two entry groups for Huayna Picchu mountain:
- Group 1: Entrance to Huayna Picchu between 8:00 and 9:00 am (Machu Picchu from 7:00 am)
- Group 2: Check-in between 10:00 and 11:00 am (Machu Picchu from 9:00 am)
4) Is it difficult to climb Huayna Picchu?
The difficulty level is moderate to difficult, although it is recommended to ascend at a leisurely pace to fully enjoy it.
5) What is the minimum age required to climb Huayna Picchu?
Only people over 12 years old can climb Huayna Picchu.
6) Is the path to Huayna Picchu mountain dangerous?
The path is safe, but you should always take it with caution. The steps are narrow and steep in places.
7) What are the stairs of death in Huayna Picchu?
It’s a series of stairs next to chasms. Despite its reputation, the path is safe, but stay focused and don’t get distracted during the climb.
8) What can you see from the top of Huayna Picchu?
From the summit you get panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, the surrounding mountains and jungle.
9) What can I do if I can’t get a ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain?
An excellent alternative is the route to the Temple of the Moon, although access is only possible during the high season (from June 19 to November 2).
10) How can I get tickets to Huayna Picchu mountain?
Tickets must be purchased months in advance due to high demand. The required ticket is Machu Picchu with Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C).
Advice from people who have been there
By: Dany N.“A very good trek!“
“In my opinion it is a mountain that you can not miss if you are in Machu Picchu. In a physical level, it is intermediate but the view is worth it. Climbing each step is a wonderful experience, and even more to reach the summit. It is an unforgettable experience, what is recommended is to buy tickets in advance because there are restricted hours and a number of people to climb.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 16, 2025