Climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the most popular hikes in Machu Picchu. This, coupled with the fact that only 350 people are allowed in per day, means that tourists who want to experience this hike must book their tickets well in advance. The hike is moderately difficult to high, so you should prepare for it. Discover everything you need to know before embarking on this incredible adventure.

• How to find the entry point to Huayna Picchu?
• What is the walk like?
• This is the short way to Waynapicchu
• This is the complete path to Waynapicchu
• How difficult is it?
• Useful information about the hike
• When is the best time to go to the mountains?
• Preparation before the walk
• List of requirements for the hike
• Warning about Huayna Picchu mountain
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist at the top of Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu (also spelled Waynapicchu) means “Young Mountain” in Quechua. Climbing to its summit is considered one of the most incredible short hikes on the planet. Admission is open to those 12 and older. To enter, you must purchase an entrance ticket three or four months in advance.

How to find the entry point to Huayna Picchu?

• First, you must reach the entrance gate to Machu Picchu. To do so, follow the route from Cusco to Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• From the entrance gate to Machu Picchu, take the lower path that surrounds the site in the direction of the ‘Sacred Rock’.
• The entrance to Waynapicchu Mountain is clearly marked at the control cabin at the beginning of the trail.
• The walk from the main gate of Machu Picchu to the Huayna Picchu trailhead takes between 15 and 20 minutes.

What is the walk like?

• At the trailhead, you will be asked for your name and ID or passport number.
• The Huayna Picchu trail follows a rolling 15-20 minute path to a point where the trail splits into two routes.
• The upper (short) path will take you to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain.
• The other (long) path continues around the mountain to a large cavern inside which you can find the famous Temple of the Moon, but you can only visit it with the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern ticket (Route 3C).

Path to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

This is the short way to Waynapicchu

• At the fork in the trail, you will see a wooden sign indicating the direction to take to reach the summit of Huayna Picchu.
• The upper trail is a direct route to the summit. It follows steep sections with moderately challenging and sometimes slippery steps.
• On the first stretch of the climb, there is a detour to a mountain viewpoint called “Huchuy Picchu.” Climbing there to see the scenery may take an extra 30 minutes.
• After a few minutes, you’ll reach the rocky summit, where you’ll have some of the best views of Machu Picchu.
• The trail continues around the top of the mountain. At this point, you can find small buildings and agricultural terraces.
• The most difficult section is the “Stairs of Death,” a series of steep and difficult steps. Despite its name, no one has died on this stretch.
• Tourists will gather at the top of Wayna Picchu to appreciate the landscape, take photos, and rest.
• To return, you must follow a path that descends along a narrow section that will join the same path that was used to ascend.
• It takes about 60 minutes to return to the guard’s cabin, from where we can get the classic photograph of Machu Picchu through circuit one.

This is the complete path to Waynapicchu

• The full route is longer and less frequented by tourists. To follow the route, you must avoid the short path and continue around the mountain via a detour that leads to the Temple of the Moon, although you can only visit it with the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave ticket (Route 3C).
• This route follows steep and narrow paths that, after approximately 1 hour of walking, lead visitors to the Temple of the Moon, also called ‘The Great Cavern’ of Huayna Picchu.
• After seeing the entrance to this temple, you will continue the ascent until you reach the top of Huayna Picchu mountain.
• Basically, the whole path is very simple and is traveled in one direction, unless you have.
• Walking the entire route requires more time and energy. It can take up to three hours.
• Most tourists choose to take the short route, since they do not have a ticket to the Temple of the Moon.
• If you’re unsure of which route to take on Huayna Picchu, you should check months in advance, as tickets to the Temple of the Moon also sell out quickly.

How difficult is it?

Short Route – Moderate Difficulty

• The short trail can be completed by most people and only requires a reasonable level of fitness.
• The short hike takes about an hour, depending on your climbing pace. The hike is open to those 12 and older.

Complete Route – Challenging Difficulty

• The full trail is more challenging. Not only because it takes longer, but also because the difficulty is greater due to the mountain’s geography.
• The first leg of the hike follows a downhill path near ravines to the Temple of the Moon with the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave ticket (Route 3C). You then ascend several steps and wooden ladders to reach the summit of Huayna Picchu.

Tourist couple observing the Inca citadel

The short route to Huayna Picchu is the one most tourists choose. On this route, tourists ascend approximately 2 kilometers to the summit. The return journey follows the same route as the ascent.

Useful information about the hike

• Time required for short route: 2 hours (up and down).
• Time required for the complete route: 4 hours (up and down).
• Summit altitude: 2,693 meters above sea level
• Height in relation to Machu Picchu: 353 meters
• Terrain: Stone Inca Trail and grass and dirt trails (includes a long wooden staircase).
• Recommended Footwear: Lightweight hiking boots (never new)
• Check-in Time:
  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu 7:00 am / To the mountain from 8:00 am to 9:00 am
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu 09:00 am / To the mountain from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
• Tickets: Limited to 400 entries daily.
• Ticket Type: The ticket to Huayna Picchu must be purchased as a combined entrance ticket (Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)), there is no way to purchase it separately.

When is the best time to go to the mountains?

• The rainy season is between November and March, so fog is more likely to cover the mountain and make it difficult to see the landscape from the summit.
• The dry season runs from April to October. These days are the ideal time to climb Mount Wayna Picchu, as it doesn’t rain much and there’s a better chance of seeing the landscape from the summit.
• The entire Machu Picchu region has a subtropical climate. Average temperatures are around 18°C.
• Hiking early offers cooler temperatures, better shade from the sun, and fewer people around. Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose the first two entry times (Group 1 and Group 2).

Preparation before the walk

• The southern region of Peru often has unpredictable weather. It can be hot and rainy at any moment. Therefore, tourists visiting Huayna Picchu should be prepared for both rain and sun.
• Most of the trail is on stone paths. Therefore, hiking shoes are recommended.
• It is also advisable to bring a rain poncho and sun protection.
• People who are not used to hiking should ascend at a leisurely pace.
• Older adults should consult their doctor before hiking.

View from the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

List of requirements for the hike

• Water (approximately 1 liter per person).
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Rain poncho.
• Snacks.
• Passport or identity document.
• Camera.
• Cash.

The only way to visit Wayna Picchu is to purchase the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket online three months in advance. You can do so through the official website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture or through our authorized travel agency.

Warning about Huayna Picchu mountain

• The hike to Huayna Picchu is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or are afraid of heights.
• Tourists under 12 years old are not allowed to enter. Minors entering the mountain must be accompanied by a parent.
• Tourists should not cross security cordons or risk their lives by taking photos on the edge of cliffs.
• Some sections of the hike are quite steep. Others pass by cliffs. However, the entire route is safe.
• The most difficult sections are during the ascent. For example, the “Stairs of Death” are steep steps leading up to the mountain’s summit.

Photos Huayna Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Where is the entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain?

  The entrance is located inside the Machu Picchu citadel. From the main entrance, you must walk 15 to 20 minutes along the path to the “Sacred Rock.” There, you will see a checkpoint marking the start of the ascent to Huayna Picchu.

• 2) How long does it take to go up and down Huayna Picchu?

  The road can take you approximately three hours round trip.

• 3) What ticket do I need to climb Huayna Picchu?

  Yes, to enter this mountain it is mandatory to purchase the “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)” ticket, which must be reserved several months in advance due to high demand.

• 4) How difficult is the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain?

  The difficulty level is moderate to high, as it includes steep areas, stairs, and narrow sections.

• 5) What is the best month to visit Huayna Picchu?

  The best time to visit is between April and October, during the dry season. During these months, the weather is more stable, there is less rain, and visibility from the summit is much better.

• 6) Can children climb Huayna Picchu?

  Yes, but only those over 12 years of age are allowed to enter. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• 7) Is it dangerous to climb Huayna Picchu mountain?

  No, as long as you follow the signs. Although there are steep and narrow sections, the trail is safe if you walk carefully.

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

  From the top of Huayna Picchu you can enjoy the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, the mountains and the surrounding jungle.

• 9) Is access to Huayna Picchu mountain open all year round?

  Yes, although it may be closed during February for maintenance or extreme weather conditions.

• 10) What does the ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain include?

  The ticket includes a tour of the Machu Picchu citadel on Circuit 3 (Royal Route) and access to Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Anamilé E.

“Get a good night’s sleep before going to Machu Picchu“

“It’s best to arrive in Aguas Calientes and sleep there before your visit to Machu Picchu, this way you won’t be late to enter the mountain. We were in the first group to Huayna Picchu and should have arrived at 7:00 a.m., but we started hiking up to Machu Picchu at 5:00 a.m., and the truth is that we couldn’t sleep due to the excitement of climbing Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Tip: Get a good night’s sleep before going to Machu Picchu, then you can relax in the town’s hot springs.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 26, 2025