Huayna Picchu offers the ultimate experience in the Inca city of Machu Picchu. It involves a hike along steep trails alongside formidable ravines. To reach this summit, you must make a reservation months in advance. Visitors over 12 years of age are welcome.

• Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?
• What are the dangers of Huayna Picchu?
• Altitude sickness on Huayna Picchu
• The Stairs of Death
• The Temple of the Moon
• Safety tips for hiking Huayna Picchu mountain
• How to get an entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain?
• Entrance to enter Huayna Picchu
• What to bring to Huayna Picchu?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Dangers of Huayna Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu is the summit located north of the Inca City. The Incas built roads to its summit. They also built a mysterious temple known as “The Great Cavern.” From its summit, the entire Inca City can be seen.

Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?

• Many people wonder if Huayna Picchu mountain is really dangerous.
• Going up and down this mountain is difficult but not dangerous.
• If you are in good health and pay attention to the trails and steps, Huayna Picchu is safe.
• However, if you try to find your own way around Huayna Picchu or cross the security lines, you could have an accident.
• The few accidents on Huayna Picchu occurred because people deliberately ignored safety signs and lines.

What are the dangers of Huayna Picchu?

• Huayna Picchu mountain does not represent a danger to tourists.
• However, visitors should take precautions when crossing some sections of the mountain, such as the Stairs of Death or narrow trails.
• In addition, altitude sickness could put the health of older adults or people with heart problems at risk.

Tourists descending the Stairs of Death

Altitude sickness on Huayna Picchu

• Huayna Picchu mountain is at 2,720 meters above sea level (8,923 ft.).
• At that altitude, the symptoms of altitude sickness aren’t dangerous. However, the effort of climbing the mountain could cause a rapid heart rate.
• 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.

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 vertiginous views that can be obtained from them, as well as the difficulty of climbing them. However, there have never been any serious accidents in this part of Huayna Picchu.
• Tourists are not in any danger on this part of the trail. There are safety ropes on either side of the stairs. It is only recommended to proceed slowly, step by step, to avoid becoming overly agitated.

The Stairs of Death of Huayna Picchu Mountain

The Temple of the Moon

• The Temple of the Moon or ‘The Great Cavern’ is an Inca construction located at the back of the summit of Huayna Picchu.
• You reach it by following a winding path off the main road. Visitors must descend stone steps, wooden ladders, and other obstacles.
• Entrance is granted with the ticket for Machu Picchu with the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C), which is different from the one for Huayna Picchu, but is a slight deviation from the route.
• If you visit the Temple of the Moon, you should proceed with caution along this alternate route. Although no one has been involved in an accident there, it is recommended to take the necessary precautions. Safety ropes are provided on the most difficult sections.

The Machu Picchu ticket with the Temple of the Moon or the Great Cave (Route 3C) must be purchased online three months in advance. Otherwise, there will be no availability. Please note that it is only available during Machu Picchu’s peak season, from June 19th to November 2nd.

Safety tips for hiking Huayna Picchu mountain

Here are some safety tips you can take while hiking Huayna Picchu:

• No matter how much experience you have with mountains, keep in mind that absolutely all of them deserve respect, even more so when their trails 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. Bring hiking boots (with non-slip soles).
• 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, cap, and sunscreen, as radiation is high in the Machu Picchu area.
• Bring water with you in a non-disposable container. The trails are steep, and you’ll need to rehydrate. There are no trash cans on the mountain trails, so don’t dispose of waste there.

Safety on the road to Huayna Picchu mountain

How to get an entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain?

• You can purchase one of the 350 tickets available per day to enter Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Remember that to find availability, you must book at least three months in advance. Therefore, the best way to secure a ticket is to reserve it online.
• 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.

Follow these steps to purchase your ticket online:

1. Enter 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 to enter Huayna Picchu

The ticket offers 2 different entry times:

Group 1

• Entrance to Machu Picchu – Starting at six in the morning.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu – Between seven and eight in the morning.

Group 2

• Entrance to Machu Picchu – Starting at seven in the morning.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu – Between seven and eight in the morning.

Group 3

• Entrance to Machu Picchu – Starting at eight in the morning.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu – Between 10:30 and 11:30 in the morning.

What to bring to Huayna Picchu?

For an optimal visit to Huayna Picchu, tourists should 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.

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 persons 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. Mountain rains occur 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 sunlight.

• 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 up the mountain with 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 structure carved 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, it is necessary to purchase in advance the ticket “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)”, 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, June 13, 2025