We all know the impressive silhouette of the great Huayna Picchu Mountain that has turned Machu Picchu into a world icon through the magnificent photographs spread by the Internet but very few have climbed its rock cliffs and enjoy a unique view of the Inca City of Machu Picchu.

• The challenging mountain Huayna Picchu
• Huayna Picchu Natural Landscape
• What do we find climbing Huayna Picchu?
• Limit to climb Huayna Picchu
• Visiting hours
• Is it possible to explore Machu Picchu and climb Huayna Picchu in the same day?
• What is the difficulty of Huayna Picchu?
• What is the best time to climb Huayna Picchu?
• Do I have to reserve Huayna Picchu before
• Are there age restrictions for Huayna Picchu?
• Where can I leave my luggage?
• Recommendations

Huayna Picchu Mountain

The challenging mountain Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu Mountain is located north of Machu Picchu Mountain, at an altitude of 2693 m.a.s.l. It is part of the orographic formation known as the Vilcabamba Batolith, which is an extension of the Cordillera Central of the Andes.

Huayna Picchu, in Quechua means Young Mountain and is part of the three sacred mountains that exist in Machu Picchu, that is to say; Machu Picchu Mountain or Old Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain or Young Mountain and Putucusi Mountain or Joyful Mountain.

From the top of this mountain you have a spectacular view of the Inca City of Machu Picchu, roads, bridges, the Sacred Gate of Inti Punku, where you enter the Inca Trail. For all these reasons, it is attributed to Huayna Picchu a control and surveillance function.

For the ascent to this steep mountain, there is a narrow road with stretches that include stairs carved into the rock. During the ascent, there is a landscape with dense vegetation typical of the jungle. Also, in the same mountain, you can find the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern at the foot of Huayna Picchu, an area that now has its own entrance ticket. This ticket can only be purchased during the high season (June 1st to October 15th). There you can find beautiful Inca constructions made up of niches, walls and niches.

It should be noted that the mountain is surrounded by terraces or terraces, which served as containment and for agricultural purposes. The Inca City of Machu Picchu, has an altitude of 2430 meters above sea level and Huayna Picchu is 263 meters higher. The Huayna Picchu is a steep mountain, but less high than the Machu Picchu Mountain, the ascent has a certain degree of difficulty, not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo.

Location

The Huayna Picchu Mountain is located between Km 82 to 122 northeast of the department of Cusco, in the province of Urubamba, district of Machu Picchu. The Huayna Picchu belongs to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and is north of the Inca City, and can be seen in the background of Machu Picchu in the photos of the enigmatic Llaqta or Inca City.

Access

You can climb the Huayna Picchu by a steep road, which begins exactly in the sector of the Huayranas inside Machu Picchu, where there is a well marked path from the entrance gate to the Inca City until you reach a control booth for entry and exit of visitors.

The narrow path of ascent includes steps worked into the edge of the mountain walls.

The new official seasons to enter Machu Picchu
The last modifications that were made during 2024 left an important change. Now you can find 2 official seasons in Machu Picchu. The first one is the high season that starts on June 1st to October 15th. In addition, during this season you can find more tickets and also new routes and destinations. The regular season is the rest of the year and also coincides with the rainy season. In case you plan to visit during the high season, you should make your reservation 3 or 4 months in advance, especially for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket.

Map of the route to Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu Natural Landscape

The Huayna Picchu Mountain is located in the middle of a jungle landscape, surrounded by lush vegetation with a habitat of birds, butterflies, insects among others, all belonging to a tropical landscape, you can also appreciate deep abysses. The rock walls, which are found during the ascent, belong to the Batolito of Vilcabamba, and we are talking about the white granite.

The climate is warm and temperate, during the dry season (April – October), and with the presence of rains (November – March), although Machu Picchu retains its bright, green all year round.

Another interesting fact, apart from the view of the Inca City of Machu Picchu and its surroundings, is the dominion of the Vilcanota River and in the background the canyon, whose turbulent waters can still be heard thundering in this elevated site.

And to crown the view, you can see from this point the snow-capped Salkantay (Sacred Apu of the Incas), as well as the Inti Punku or entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail.

What do we find climbing Huayna Picchu?

During the steep ascent, one can begin to enjoy the scenery and the panoramic view from the mountain.

Now, during the high season to enter Machu Picchu, in the Huayna Picchu mountain you can make the journey to the Temple of the Moon. This necessarily with the ticket with the same name (Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon). This ticket is one of the best alternatives in case there is no availability for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket.

It should be noted that the Incas worshipped the Moon or Killa, and the existing Temple in Huayna Picchu is a sample of their beliefs, in this shrine, surely religious ceremonies were held around their sacred mummies.

On the other hand, in the Huayna Picchu, terraces and enclosures can be seen, forming part of a Control Site or Astronomical Observatory, this possible function is given, considering the strategic location of the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

It should be noted that once the ascent begins, one can see many cliffs that are covered with vegetation.

Temple of the Moon – Huayna Picchu

Limit to climb Huayna Picchu

Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu are scarce, there are only 400 spaces in total, so it is recommended to make reservations in advance.

• Spaces Huayna Picchu group 1: 200 spaces available per day.
• Spaces Huayna Picchu group 2: 200 spaces available per day.

In both schedules it is advisable to spend the night in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. In this tourist district, you can find several hotels and restaurants so where to spend the night will not be a problem as such. This advice is applicable to the first schedule, while, for the second, it is possible to make the trip from Cusco, but it requires getting up early and start the trip on the first train that arrives at Machu Picchu Town.

Visiting hours

• Huayna Picchu Schedules 1: The entrance to Machupicchu is from 7:00 am. The entrance to Huayna Picchu is from 8:00 am.
• Huayna Picchu Schedules 2: The entrance to Machupicchu is from 9:00 am. The entrance to Huayna Picchu is from 10:00 am.

Time of ascent

The hike, depending on the physical condition of the person, is 1 hour and 30 minutes each way. It is recommended to be very cautious when climbing the mountain and above all to be very careful on the way back to avoid accidents.

Is it possible to explore Machu Picchu and climb Huayna Picchu in the same day?

Yes, and it is the most recommended for people who do not have much time; in this case the most important thing is to buy your Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket in advance and arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu village very early; This will allow you to ascend Huayna Picchu in the first or second group, to descend before eleven o’clock and enjoy Machu Picchu without haste; however, you can also visit first the Inca city of Machu Picchu and then ascend Huayna Picchu in the third group, and after the descent continue with your visit to the Inca City.

View of Huayna Picchu Mountain from the Inca Citadel

What is the difficulty of Huayna Picchu?

It can be classified with a moderate difficulty. It is an ascent of 300 vertical meters; of very steep, narrow and irregular stairs; it has some very narrow paths in which you will have to hold on to ropes to cross them; but in spite of all this, it is not really very complicated.

Although it is not really dangerous, you will have to follow the marked course at all times, looking for your own way or not following the marked trails could mean a very serious accident. It is not recommended if you suffer from vertigo as it will be very difficult since it is a steep slope with steps; the problem is that passengers who suffer from vertigo are usually afraid. But you will always have the possibility of descending.

What is the best time to climb Huayna Picchu?

While there is no perfect time. So, you will have to decide when to do it taking into account your preferences. If the rain bothers you or if you are very cold. In summary we can say that:

• January, February and March should be avoided by people who do not like rain.
• April, November and December present a balance between not very cold temperatures and pleasant weather.
• May and October offer warm, fairly pleasant weather and cool temperatures.
• June, July, August and September are in our opinion the best months, the nights are cool, the weather is very pleasant and there is very little rain.

Tourists descending Huayna Picchu’s death staircase

Do I have to reserve Huayna Picchu before

Located next to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, climbing the mountain of Huayna Picchu, is an experience that will undoubtedly be worth it; in it you will find Inca buildings. Reaching the top is an indescribable experience, the view is wonderful. The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu is not something that can be obtained separately, so you must make your reservation two months in advance by purchasing your Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket. In recent years Huayna Picchu has become one of the most requested options for visitors from all over the world, who want an unforgettable memory of Machu Picchu.

Are there age restrictions for Huayna Picchu?

Yes, during the update on the availability of tickets to Machu Picchu, it was determined that the trekking routes to some places, is only for people over 18 years old. In this sense, the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket is no longer allowed for children or those over 12 years old.

Tourist meditating on the summit of Huayna Picchu

Where can I leave my luggage?

It is recommended that you arrive with only the indicated (5 kg per person); however, if you brought more, you can leave your belongings in lockers, which can be found at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.

Recommendations

• If you have decided to climb Huayna Picchu, remember to buy your entrance tickets in advance.
• Estimate the walking time at a leisurely pace, if you go in the third group, you will be able to photograph the city of Machu Picchu, without much flow of people.
• Please note that during the rainy season the floor is slippery and you must climb very carefully.
• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and repellent, as well as good non-slip shoes, head protection and of course in the rainy season bring a good raincoat.
• Finally, we must tell you that if you are not in good physical condition or suffer from vertigo, it is advisable to opt for the entrance to Machu Picchu Solo and do a lighter hike such as the Inca Bridge.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Alonso R.

“Epic!“

“A mountain suitable for those seeking excitement, beautiful views and unparalleled adventure. The climb is intense but at the same time magical. The descent is also heavy. Don't forget to bring insect protection, water and your camera. Rest in the shadows and have a lot of attitude. Vertigo can cause problems but it is a great challenge to overcome. Don't forget to visit the Temple of the Moon.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 21, 2024