Huayna Picchu is one of the Wonder of the World’s most amazing destinations. Admission allows you to stay at Machu Picchu until 1 or 2 p.m. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully plan your visit to this adventure tourist attraction. Learn more about Huayna Picchu and find out how long to stay, so you can have the ideal trip to Machu Picchu.

• Huayna Picchu: definition, importance, and ticket
  • Why is Huayna Picchu worth climbing?
  • What does Huayna Picchu mean?
  • What to see on Huayna Picchu mountain?
  • What ticket do you need to enter Huayna Picchu?
• Huayna Picchu: How to plan the perfect trip?
  • How long to stay at Huayna Picchu?
  • How to organize your time at Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu?
  • Recommendations during your visit to Huayna Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

View of the citadel of Machu Picchu from the path to Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu: definition, importance, and ticket

Why is Huayna Picchu worth climbing?

• Huayna Picchu is the mountain located north of Machu Picchu. It’s the peak that stands out in the classic postcard photo of the Wonder of the World.
• It is located at 2,693 meters above sea level (masl), 300 meters higher than the Inca Citadel. Along its paths, you’ll find the Temple of the Moon, a religious site carved in stone.
• Huayna Picchu is one of the most sought-after adventures for visitors. The climb to the summit is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world.

Huayna Picchu is also known as Wayna Picchu. To enter, you must have a ticket to Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A). During your tour, you’ll also find the famous Temple of the Moon, which requires a separate ticket, or Machu Picchu with Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C).

What does Huayna Picchu mean?

Huayna Picchu is a Quechua word meaning ‘Young Mountain’.

What to see on Huayna Picchu mountain?

Huayna Picchu mountain offers one of the greatest adventures in Machu Picchu:

• The Amazing Hike to the Summit – Climbing to the top of Wayna Picchu is a unique experience. You walk along ancient trails built by the Incas hundreds of years ago. These paths are steep and run alongside terrifying ravines.
• The beautiful landscapes from the summit – Once you reach the top of Wayna Picchu, you can appreciate the beautiful landscape of Machu Picchu like few others. Reaching the summit is the greatest reward for the effort of the climb.
• The Temple of the Moon – This Inca structure can only be seen at Huayna Picchu. It is built inside a natural cave. Its finely carved stonework and the mysteries surrounding it make this temple a major tourist attraction. However, entry is only possible with the Machu Picchu ticket with the Temple of the Moon or the Great Cave (Route 3C).

Constructions on the summit of Huayna Picchu

What ticket do you need to enter Huayna Picchu?

The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket is the only option for access to Mount Huayna Picchu. The ticket also includes admission to the Inca Citadel via Route 3. Admission is divided into two groups, each arriving at different times:

• Huayna Picchu Mountain Group 1: Entrance to the Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is from 7 am. Entrance to Waynapicchu is from 8 am to 9 am. Tourists can stay a maximum of 6 hours from their entrance.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain Group 2: Entrance to the Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is from 9 am. Entrance to Waynapicchu is from 10 am to 11 am. Tourists can stay a maximum of 6 hours from their entrance.

Huayna Picchu: How to plan the perfect trip?

How long to stay at Huayna Picchu?

The average time to fully enjoy Huayna Picchu is 3 hours. This includes the ascent, descent, and time at the summit:

• The climb – The climb takes an average of one hour. This depends on the visitor’s physical condition. Someone in good physical condition can do it in 45 minutes.
• At the summit – The ideal time to spend at the summit is 30 minutes. During this time, you should take the best photos.
• The descent – The descent takes an average of 1 hour. Follow the same route to the citadel on circuit 3.

How to organize your time at Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu?

After exploring the trails of Huayna Picchu, there’s still time to visit Machu Picchu. The tour of the Inca Citadel takes a maximum of three more hours. This tour must be accompanied by a licensed guide.

• Group 1: The first group will enter Machu Picchu at 7 a.m. It is recommended to spend the first 3 hours visiting the mountain. The remaining time should be spent exploring the Inca Citadel, until 1 p.m. at the latest.
• Group 2: The second group enters Machu Picchu from 9 a.m. It is recommended to visit Huayna Picchu during the first 3 hours. The remaining time should be used to tour the Inca Citadel until 3 p.m.

Climbing the Stairs of Death – Huayna Picchu

Recommendations during your visit to Huayna Picchu

• The ticket to Huayna Picchu sells out the fastest. It’s essential to book months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak tourist season (April through October).
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain is with the Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A).
• Circuit 3 is the one included in our ticket, also known as the royal route in Machu Picchu.
• The ascent to Huayna Picchu Mountain is only open to persons over 12 years of age, accompanied by a guardian or tutor.
• To fully enjoy Huayna Picchu, it’s recommended to rest the night before in the town of Aguas Calientes . This way, you’ll be able to enter Machu Picchu early the next day.
• It’s recommended to ascend to the entrance gate to Machu Picchu on the available buses. This way, you’ll save your energy to explore the Wonder of the World in good physical condition.
• At Machu Picchu, you are only allowed one backpack with a maximum weight of 5 kilos, including items such as: camera, hat, rain poncho, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, light clothing, etc.
• If you wish to visit the Temple of the Moon, please note that you can only do so during Machu Picchu’s peak season (June 19 to November 2). Admission is only available with the Machu Picchu with Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern ticket (Route 3C).

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is Huayna Picchu mountain dangerous?

  Huayna Picchu has difficult and daunting trails. However, they are not dangerous. There are security personnel deployed on the mountain, as well as safety ropes.

• 2) What are the death stairs of Huayna Picchu?

  The “Stairs of Death” are a set of Inca steps located near the end of the path to the summit of Wayna Picchu. Their name comes not from cases of tourists dying there, but from the terrifying nature of traversing this section.

• 3) Does Huayna Picchu close in February?

  No. Mount Wayna Picchu does not close at any time of the year except for emergencies. The four-day Inca Trail hike is closed in February.

• 4) Can you visit Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu in 1 day?

  Yes. The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket is designed so that both tourist attractions can be visited in a single day.

• 5) What is the weather like on Huayna Picchu mountain?

  The climate at Huayna Picchu is temperate. Daytime temperatures range from 19°C to 24°C. Nighttime temperatures range from 10°C to 8°C. The best time to visit the Inca citadel is between May and August.

• 6) Can you visit Huayna Picchu after the Inca Trail?

  Many tourists choose to visit Huayna Picchu after the Inca Trail. While this adventure is possible, you need to be in good physical condition to explore this attraction after a four-day hike.

• 7) Can drones be taken to Huayna Picchu?

  New rules for Machu Picchu do not allow drones to enter Huayna Picchu.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Mariana T.

“A unique and unforgettable adventure“

“Huayna Picchu is challenging, but every step is worth it. The trail is narrow and exciting, and the views from the top are simply spectacular. It is an experience that combines history and adrenaline.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 13, 2025