Huayna Picchu offers the ultimate experience in the Inca city of Machu Picchu. As you ascend this mountain, you’ll walk steep trails alongside fearsome ravines, but the views and biodiversity you encounter make it an incredible experience. To enter Huayna Picchu, you must make a reservation at least three months in advance. Remember that entry is restricted to those 12 years and older, to avoid any danger. Learn more about this wonderful experience.

• Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?
• What are the dangers of Huayna Picchu?
• Altitude sickness on Huayna Picchu
• The stairs of death
• Safety tips for hiking Huayna Picchu mountain
• How to get an entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain?
• Entrance times to Huayna Picchu mountain
• What to bring to Huayna Picchu?
• The differences with other mountains of Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Huayna Picchu is the immense mountain located behind the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is the tallest mountain, as the smaller one is called Huayna Picchu. It is a place from which you can see all the magic of this wonder of the world, as well as unique buildings and all the surrounding landscapes.

Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?

• The appearance of Huayna Picchu mountain makes it seem very difficult; from Machu Picchu you can’t even see the paths that lead to its summit.
• Although you should know that going up and down this mountain is difficult, but not dangerous.
• The ascent path overlooks cliffs and takes you along some very steep steps, although they are safe if you exercise caution, like any path.
• If you are in good health and pay attention to the trails and steps, the path to Huayna Picchu mountain will be easy to navigate.
• However, if you seek a path on your own or cross the safety lines at Huayna Picchu, you run the risk of an accident.
• The few accidents on Huayna Picchu occurred because people deliberately ignored the signs and safety lines along the way.
• Reaching the summit of Huayna Picchu is not dangerous; the paths seem scary, although if you proceed with caution and calm, it will be easy to overcome, generating great satisfaction.

What are the dangers of Huayna Picchu?

• Despite its appearance, Huayna Picchu mountain does not pose a danger to visitors.
• However, visitors should take precautions when crossing some sections of the mountain, such as the Stairs of Death or narrow trails.
• When ascending the steep stone steps, you should take it easy, especially during the rainy season, as they can become a bit slippery.
• In addition, altitude sickness could make your ascent difficult, so it’s very important to acclimatize beforehand by only doing light activities.
• At the top of the mountain you must be careful not to stick too close to its edges; if you want to sit there, do so calmly.

Tourists descending the Stairs of Death

Altitude sickness on Huayna Picchu

• Huayna Picchu mountain is 2,720 meters above sea level (8,923 ft.), 300 meters higher than Machu Picchu.
• At that altitude, if you haven’t acclimatized beforehand, you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. The effort of climbing the mountain could accelerate your heart rate. (Tips to avoid altitude sickness)
• This is why older adults are advised to consult their doctor. People with heart problems should avoid climbing this peak.
• The most common symptoms of altitude sickness on Huayna Picchu are fatigue, rapid heart rate, and nausea.
• During your first few days of travel, you should try to do only light activities. Since Cusco is at a higher altitude (3,339 meters above sea level), you will be better prepared to climb Huayna Picchu.

The stairs of death

• The Stairs of Death are the last stretch leading to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain.
• They are so named for the dizzying views that can be obtained while hiking them, as well as for their difficulty in ascending. However, there have never been any serious accidents in this part of Huayna Picchu.
• Visitors are not in any danger on this part of the trail, as there are safety ropes on the sides of the stairs to make it easier to navigate.
• It is best to move forward slowly, step by step, so as not to get agitated.
• Remember to stop when you’re climbing the stairs of death; you’ll find beautiful landscapes that will make the effort much more worthwhile.

The Stairs of Death of Huayna Picchu Mountain

Safety tips for hiking Huayna Picchu mountain

Here are some safety tips to help you hike Huayna Picchu with confidence:

• Regardless of your experience climbing mountains or hiking, keep in mind that absolutely all journeys deserve respect, even more so when their paths take you over crags and cliffs.
• The mountain trails are made of stone and can be slippery in the morning dew or if it rains. It is highly recommended to wear non-slip hiking shoes or boots.
• Carry only the essentials in a small, hands-free backpack: rain poncho, snacks, water, hat, etc.
• Follow trail signs throughout the entire route. Any attempt to find your way on your own could result in an accident.
• Protect yourself from the sun with a hat or cap, as well as sunscreen, as radiation is high in the Machu Picchu area.
• Bring water in a non-disposable container, the trails are steep and you will need to rehydrate.
• There are no trash cans on the mountain trails, so you must always carry your waste.
• When climbing Huayna Picchu, always try to stick close to the walls. This will allow you to stay safer and gain more momentum when leaning against them.
• During the rainy season always wear waterproof clothing or a rain poncho.

Safety on the road to Huayna Picchu mountain

How to get an entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain?

• To enter Huayna Picchu mountain, 350 tickets are available per day, at two different times: 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Remember that to find availability at Huayna Picchu, you must book at least two to three months in advance. To reserve your ticket, the best option is to purchase it online through our Boletomachupicchu website.
• There is an official website authorized to offer tickets to Machu Picchu on the internet: the website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. You can also do so through our website, as we are an authorized travel agency offering tickets.

Steps to purchase your ticket to Huayna Picchu online:

1. Go to the ticket reservation section for Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
2. Check availability of tickets to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A).
3. If you find availability, please enter your personal information, as well as the date and time of your visit.
4. Pay for your Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) entrance fee using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.).
5. Receive your tickets via email, print them, and present them on the day of your visit to Machu Picchu.

Entrance times to Huayna Picchu mountain

The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket offers 2 different entry times:

Group 1

• Entrance to Machu Picchu – From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu – From 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Group 2

• Entrance to Machu Picchu – From 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu – From 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

*Remember that you can stay in Machu Picchu for a maximum of 6 hours, which includes your tour of the Inca citadel and the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain.

Dangers of Huayna Picchu Mountain

What to bring to Huayna Picchu?

To have the best possible experience on Huayna Picchu, remember to bring the following:

• Non-slip hiking shoes.
• Light clothing (polo shirt, pants, cotton socks, etc.).
• Hat or cap.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Water in a canteen.
• Insect repellent.
• Towel.
• Camera.
• Documents.
• Extra cash.
• Rain poncho.
• Snacks or appetizers.
• Small backpack.

The differences with other mountains of Machu Picchu

If you’re still searching for your ideal Machu Picchu adventure ticket, here’s a comparison chart of mountain tickets. Discover their main features so you can make the best decision:

Frequently asked questions about the dangers of Huayna Picchu

• 1) Is Huayna Picchu safe for children?

  The mountain is a safe place for children as long as parents supervise their children. Access to the mountain is permitted for those 12 years and older. Minors must enter Inca City accompanied by their parents or an adult guardian.

• 2) Are rains dangerous in the mountains?

  No. Rainfall in the mountains occurs between November and March. Although hiking in the rain isn’t dangerous, it’s recommended to wear non-slip hiking shoes and use a rain poncho.

• 3) When is the best time to go?

  The best time to visit Wayna Picchu is during the dry season (April through October). During these times, there’s little chance of rain, making it possible to visit the mountain in full sun.

• 4) Which of the 2 groups should I choose?

  Both groups enter the mountain in the morning. Group 2 allows you to enter later than Group 1, so if you’re traveling from Cusco on the same day, this may be your best option.

• 5) Should I hire a tour guide for Huayna Picchu?

  Visiting Machu Picchu with a tour guide is not mandatory. However, a guided tour of Machu Picchu is mandatory. Therefore, if you don’t think it’s necessary to go to the mountain accompanied by a tour guide, don’t do it.

• 6) How many people can enter Huayna Picchu per day?

  Access to Huayna Picchu Mountain is limited to 350 people per day, divided into two groups with specific entry times.

• 7) Can I visit the Temple of the Moon next to Huayna Picchu mountain?

  Yes, but only if you have the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3C).

• 8) What is the minimum age required to climb Huayna Picchu?

  Admission is only permitted to persons over 12 years of age. This is due to the difficulty and risks of the trail.

• 9) What is the Temple of the Moon?

  The Temple of the Moon, also known as “The Great Cavern,” is a stone-carved structure inside a cave. This tour is longer and only available during peak season (June 19 to November 2).

• 10) How do you access Huayna Picchu?

  To enter, you must purchase the “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)” ticket in advance, which includes access to the Inca citadel on circuit 3 and to the mountain.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: María G.

“Excelente experiencia“

“The whole experience was excellent, the train to the mountains, the Sacred Valley was impressive, Machu Picchu is amazing and going up to Huayna Picchu was completely vertical, the views are amazing, especially of Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 8, 2025