Huayna Picchu 64 articles
Which group to choose
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Which group of Ticket Huayna Picchu to choose?

The Huayna Picchu mountain is nothing more than the beautiful mountain that usually appears in the classic panoramic views of Machu Picchu. To enter this adventure you must buy the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu. It is available only for 400 people. These will enter the mountains in 2 groups. Here we explain which one to choose or which one best suits the planned trip itinerary.



Tourists on the summit of Huayna Picchu
Tourists on the summit of Huayna Picchu

Mountain Huayna Picchu: definition

  • The Huayna Picchu is the popular mountain that guards Machu Picchu. It is located within the Inca City, at 2720 meters above sea level. It is famous for the extreme hiking route to its summit.
  • Reaching the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain is one of the most incredible challenges in the National Park of Machu Picchu. It has spooky trails like the famous ‘stairway of death’.
  • The ascent is exhausting and causes vertigo. It takes about 1 hour. However, each of the obstacles to get to this place is worth it.
This is the summit of the Huayna Picchu mountain
This is the summit of the Huayna Picchu mountain

What Huayna Picchu ticket to choose?

  • The spectacular Huayna Picchu mountain is a challenge that allows the entry of only 400 lucky visitors each day.
  • People who want these tickets should be aware of the 2 different entrance times.
  • Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7:00 to 7:45 am. The entrance to Huayna Picchu should start between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning.
  • Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 9:00 am with a waiting time of 45 minutes. The start of the ascent begins at 10:00 and lasts until 11:00 hours.
  • Important: A piece of information regarding entrance tickets and schedules. They can be modified, especially in the waiting time. It is best to consult this detail at the time of booking, also in the same ticket. Everything necessary is indicated there.

Which is the best group to ascend to Huayna Picchu?

  • All schedules have their pros and cons. Regardless of the group you choose, remember that the two groups allow you to enjoy Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
  • The Huayna Picchu Group 1 ticket is the best option for visitors who want to know the Waynapicchu in a cooler environment. The rest of the time, they can tour Machu Picchu. The first schedule also has the quality that the tour of Machu Picchu is with the presence of few people. In addition, it is possible at some times of the year to appreciate the sunrise in the Inca citadel.
  • The Huayna Picchu Group 2 ticket is the best option for visitors who want to know the Waynapicchu in broad daylight. Before, they have time to visit Machu Picchu. The second schedule allows a better rest and control of the activities to be performed. It is possible to start after 8:00 in the morning. In any case, it is recommended to make the ascent in the ecological buses.
ScheduleAdvantagesDisadvantages
First schedule
  • When spending the night in Machu Picchu Pueblo, energies are at their peak for the tour.
  • It is possible to have a leisurely breakfast before doing the activities.
  • You will find fewer people on the buses.
  • Fewer people during the tour, which allows for a quieter, uncrowded experience.
  • Opportunity to appreciate the sunrise in the Inca citadel, especially at certain times of the year.
  • The semi-tropical climate in the morning is usually cool and pleasant for walking.
  • It is not possible to make the trip from Cusco in one day, since it is necessary to spend the night before in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • It is important to hire a good hotel to have breakfast.
  • You may spend more money for one night’s lodging.
  • Mornings may be foggy or misty, making visibility difficult at some points.
  • Possibility of showers.
Second schedule
  • Allows more time to rest and better plan the day’s activities.
  • You can start after 8:00 a.m., making the trip more comfortable.
  • You can choose a standard hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • Possibility to have an exclusive breakfast in restaurants.
  • It is advisable to use the ecological buses for the ascent.
  • It will also be possible to make the ascent on foot. For the more daring.
  • The semi-tropical climate becomes warmer during the day, ideal for those who prefer more temperate temperatures.
  • Larger number of people, which can generate more crowds and diminish the experience.
  • It is possible to find more people for the bus service.
  • There will probably be a wait to enter Machu Picchu.
  • Less chance of seeing the sunrise.
  • Higher temperatures may be uncomfortable for some visitors during the climb.
Boarding the ecological bus in Machu Picchu
Boarding the ecological bus in Machu Picchu

Ecological buses to Machu Picchu
Así es, existen buses que permiten llegar hasta el sitio arqueológico de Machu Picchu. Estos buses salen desde muy cerca de la estación de trenes de Aguas Calientes o Machu Picchu Pueblo. These buses only take 30 minutes to get to the wonder of the world, so it is the best option for those who have little time or want to make the routes to the mountains or hikes beyond Machu Picchu. Realizar la reserva de este boleto es sencillo de realizar. Además, no cuentan con horarios fijos, por lo que el tiempo de espera varía, pero no es muy prologando en exceso.


Why choose to visit Huayna Picchu at 7 am?

Advantages of choosing Huayna Picchu Group 1:

  • The entrance to Machu Picchu is between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., an ideal time to enjoy the first rays of the sun in the Inca city.
  • The entrance to Waynapicchu is between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. The visit is a cooler time of the day.
  • In the dry season of Machu Picchu (April to October), temperatures and solar radiation are usually higher. That is why it is ideal to ascend in Group 1.

Disadvantages of choosing Huayna Picchu Group 1:

  • In the rainy season (November to March), the rains can make the roads slippery.
  • In the mornings, fog can make it difficult to see the Inca City from the top of Huayna Picchu.

Why choose to visit Huayna Picchu at 9 am?

Advantages of choosing Huayna Picchu Group 2:

  • The entrance to Machu Picchu is between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., a suitable time for visitors who leave early from Cusco.
  • The entrance to Waynapicchu is between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. At that time the clouds of dawn are usually clear, allowing you to get better pictures.

Disadvantages of choosing Huayna Picchu Group 2:

  • Some visitors will ascend Huayna Picchu in the midday sun, which can be more exhausting.
  • At this time, when ascending, tourists will inevitably have to dodge people descending from the top of the mountain.

How to avoid the crowds during your tour of the Huayna Picchu mountain?

  • Averaging 11 am, crowds of travelers form in Machu Picchu.
  • If you decide to visit Huayna Picchu in Group 1 and Group 2, you will encounter the biggest tourist traffic at the end of your visit.
  • That is, in both schedules you can find a less congested route. In the old schedules it was possible to enter after 11:00 a.m. and for many it is not comfortable.
  • An incredible option to avoid the crowds is to make the ascent on foot. But it can also be a bad option. Learn more thanks to our chart below.
ServiceAdvantagesDisadvantages
Ecological buses
  • Reduction of polluting emissions thanks to the buses’ ecological technology.
  • Helps preserve the environment and local flora and fauna.
  • Less environmental impact supporting sustainable tourism in Machu Picchu.
  • They offer a safe and comfortable trip from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
  • The departure of the buses is fluid.
  • Easy access for people of all ages.
  • Buses have limited capacity. You have to wait for an empty one.
  • Sometimes there are long queues of 30 minutes at most.
  • In high season the buses may have longer delays.
  • The cost of the ticket may be high compared to making the ascent on foot.
  • Availability is subject to demand and may cause delays.
  • Miss the adventure of walking up to Machu Picchu.
  • Exhausting for adults and children.
Ascent on foot
  • It allows you to learn more about the geography of Machu Picchu.
  • It allows closer contact with nature and offers a more adventurous and authentic experience.
  • Enjoy beautiful views of the natural environment.
  • It is an economical option since it does not involve the cost of the bus, which makes it attractive for travelers on a limited budget.
  • Helps to improve physical condition when climbing and provides an experience of personal achievement when walking up.
  • Ideal for groups of friends with a thirst for adventure.
  • The route is ascending and by stairs.
  • The hike is demanding and can be difficult for people with limited physical conditions or health problems.
  • It takes longer than the bus service. Exactly, it takes approximately 2 hours approx.
  • Requires prior evaluation so as not to affect the itinerary if you have limited time.
  • Not recommended if there is a time limit for activities or return.
  • Semitropical weather conditions (such as rain or intense heat) can make the hike uncomfortable and challenging.

Which Huayna Picchu group do you recommend?

  • Huayna Picchu Group 2 is the most recommended option. This schedule will allow you to travel to Waynapicchu with less traffic of people.
  • It also reduces the possibility of finding fog at the top.
  • Finally, at that time of day, the roads are not usually slippery during the rainy season.

What is in Huayna Picchu?
The Inca constructions of Huayna Picchu are located at the top of the mountain. So it follows a route along the Inca Trail. This place can only be reached on foot. On the route, you can find part of the flora and fauna. In addition, you can find several Inca constructions where the presence of the terraces at the level of the cliffs stands out. Also, the beautiful views of the place and Machu Picchu are in communion with all the surrounding area.

Visitor climbing up the stone steps to Huayna Picchu
Visitor climbing up the stone steps to Huayna Picchu

If you do not get one of the 400 available Huayna Picchu tickets

If unfortunately, this happens, you have other hiking alternatives in Machu Picchu:

  • Mountain Machu Picchu – This summit is located at 3,082 meters above sea level, 300 meters higher than Huayna Picchu. The walk is by ancient Inca trails. Getting to the top is a bit more difficult than climbing the Huayna Picchu.
  • Route through the Sun GateThe Sun Gate (Quechua Intipunku) was the main entrance to Machu Picchu during the Incas. It is located in the highest part of the Inca City. Getting there takes approximately 2 hours.
  • Route through the Inca Bridge – The Incas built a bridge west of Machu Picchu. Getting there is currently a 1-hour hiking trail. This adventure is not difficult. Walk along roads with frightening abysses.
  • Temple of the Moon – In the same mountain of Huayna Picchu, but on the slopes of the mountain, you can find the enclosure of the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon. This enclosure can now be visited during the high season (June 1st to October 15th).
View of Machu Picchu from Intipunku (Sun Gate)
View of Machu Picchu from Intipunku (Sun Gate)

Questions and answers about the Huayna Picchu ticket

  • 1) How to get the Huayna Picchu Group 1 ticket?

    The purchase of the Huayna Picchu entrance is online. When selecting the type of ticket you should only choose the option: “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu 1G”.

  • 2) How to get the Huayna Picchu Group 2 ticket?

    The sale of tickets is online with an agency or the official site. To purchase the Group 2 ticket, you only have to select the option: “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu 2G”.

  • 3) Are there other entrances to Huayna Picchu?

    The only entrance to enter Huayna Picchu is the ticket that has the name of Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu. Other tickets such as Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon, only allow entry up to a certain point, but then you must continue to another destination.

  • 4) Who can enter Huayna Picchu?

    After the new updates in the Machu Picchu tickets, it was determined that only visitors or tourists over 18 years of age can enter the trekking routes such as Huayna Picchu.

  • 5) How late can I be at Huayna Picchu in Group 1?

    With the Huayna Picchu Group 1 ticket, the tourist must return from the summit at 11 a.m., as the last time limit.

  • 6) How late can I be at Huayna Picchu in Group 2?

    With the Huayna Picchu Group 2 ticket, the tourist must return from the summit at 12 a.m., as the last time limit.

  • 7) Can I take a backpack to Huayna Picchu?

    Of course you can, just try to carry a small backpack that does not cause discomfort or discomfort. Even if the hike is short, it requires effort. In addition, the walk must be done with both hands-free to act in case of any eventuality.

  • 8) Will I need an identity document to enter Huayna Picchu?

    Yes, another option is to carry a valid passport. Only with these documents, you will be able to enter the archaeological site. Remember that you will also need to show these documents at the checkpoint to ascend Huayna Picchu.

  • 9) Is it possible to enter Huayna Picchu in the afternoon?

    At the moment no schedule allows the tour in the afternoon in the direction of Huayna Picchu. The schedules of any of the entrances are respected in addition the park rangers are attentive to any deviation of the tourists or infractions in the assigned circuit.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

Julián P.By: Julián P.

“A true experience“

“Every step was a challenge for me, as I am not physically well, but once up there you connect with the mountains and feel Machu Picchu inside you. A true experience. Thanks to Machupicchu Terra.“

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 7, 2024