Reaching Huayna Picchu is one of the best adventures you can have when visiting Machu Picchu. This experience is one of the most incredible short hikes in the world. The mountain offers a challenging route, but one filled with vitality due to the challenges you must overcome. In this article, we want to show you the different reasons why you should visit Huayna Picchu and discover why tickets sell out quickly.

• The ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain
• What is the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain like?
  • The stairs of death
• The top of Huayna Picchu mountain
• Recommendations for your adventure on Huayna Picchu mountain
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

The ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain

The adventure up Huayna Picchu Mountain is an unforgettable experience that also gives you the option to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The required ticket is “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A),” which covers the third circuit (Royal Route) of the Inca citadel, where you can see the buildings and temples of the lower reaches, as well as ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Hiking the trails to Huayna Picchu is one of the most popular tickets, so you should book at least three months in advance to enjoy this unforgettable experience.

* Prices in Peruvian soles.

What is the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain like?

Huayna Picchu Mountain is home to a historic trail nearly 600 years old, built alongside cliffs hundreds of meters high. It’s a dizzying adventure, but at every turn, you’ll appreciate dreamlike landscapes of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and the nearby mountains, as well as walk paths alongside a wide variety of flora. Learn more about the trails that connect the Inca citadel to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain.

• The route to Huayna Picchu mountain is part of the famous Inca Trail or Qhapac Ñam.
• The hike begins after passing the checkpoint, which is located across circuit 3, very close to the Sacred Rock of Machu Picchu.
• Along the route you can find detours to the Huchuy Picchu mountain and the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave.
• While hiking, if you’re lucky, you might see typical local birds, as well as a wide variety of flora.
• It is important to take great care when hiking Huayna Picchu, not only because of the difficulty of the route, but also because you may find some orchids there.
• It is important to always walk along the walls and not near the cliffs.
• During the hike, you’ll find some ropes installed as footholds, which will make the ascent easier.
• Be more careful than usual if it’s raining, as stones could cause slipping.

Map of the route to Huayna Picchu mountain

The stairs of death

The Stairs of Death are undoubtedly one of the most adrenaline-pumping spots on Huayna Picchu Mountain. Their verticality is vertigo-inducing, and what you can see from them is a bit terrifying. Given the difficulty of this route, it was established that it is best to only access it for people over 12 years of age, safeguarding the safety of children. Now let’s learn more about the Stairs of Death. ( Discover the best time to visit Machu Picchu )

• It is important to climb the stairs of death carefully and stay close to the walls.
• In some sections you may find quite steep steps that make it difficult to walk; it is recommended to do so slowly.
• It is important to use support point ropes to avoid overexertion.
• Despite receiving this name, there were no fatal cases or serious accidents.
• From these stairs you can see how the buildings seem to merge with nature, and you’ll be surrounded by beautiful landscapes at all times.
• The walk should be done calmly, no one will rush you, how long it takes you will depend solely on you.
• Remember that this is a recreational and contemplative activity; take your time while climbing and exploring.

Stairway of Death of Huayna Picchu

The top of Huayna Picchu mountain

The summit of Huayna Picchu can provoke many mixed emotions. Upon arrival, you’ll see people with tears in their eyes, others hugging each other after overcoming the difficult trails—and those are the most common scenarios. Others can’t utter a word, just gape, but satisfaction is the common sentiment you’ll see on the faces of all these people. It’s not often that you can see a Wonder of the World from the top of a mountain.

• As soon as you see some Inca buildings, you’ll realize you’re approaching the summit.
• Reaching the top involves traversing what is known as “the stairs of death.”
• Once at the top, there is a small rock where many sit and capture the best photographs.
• It is highly recommended that visitors bring their cameras, the views are incredible.
• From the summit you can see the entire geography of the place, the passage of the Urubamba River and the extensive mountain ranges full of vegetation.
• Machu Picchu from the top of Huayna Picchu mountain is one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world.

Recommendations for your adventure on Huayna Picchu mountain

• Tickets must be booked well in advance . We recommend booking at least three months in advance so you can choose the group and day you want to enter.
• We recommend booking group 2, as the city of Machu Picchu is covered in fog at dawn, which dissipates after 9 a.m.
• The month of February is not recommended for exploring Huayna Picchu mountain, because this month sees the heaviest rains of the season, although if you like adventure it is an ideal time.
• If you are entering Huayna Picchu mountain in Group 1 (7:00 a.m.), we recommend spending the night before your visit in the town of Aguas Calientes. This will allow you to rest well and avoid any inconvenience that could prevent you from arriving at Machu Picchu on time.
• You can bring water, a camera, and sunscreen, but remember that everything must fit into a small backpack that allows you to keep your hands free. You’ll need to hold onto safety cables to navigate some sections.
• Wear hiking shoes; it’s the safest way to explore the narrow trails of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Remember to acclimatize in Cusco before venturing to Machu Picchu. This way, you’ll avoid altitude sickness and better enjoy the adventure.
• Tickets to Huayna Picchu are available year-round, even during the rainy season.
• Remember that with Boletomachupicchu you can book your perfect trip to Huayna Picchu Mountain. Ask our advisors about all the options available.

Photo at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is Huayna Picchu mountain?

  Huayna Picchu is the highest mountain that appears in the background of classic photographs of Machu Picchu. It is famous for its challenging trails, steep stairs, and breathtaking views.

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

  The difficulty is medium to high, although the ascent may only take an hour, it involves climbing narrow and steep paths.

• 3) What are the “stairs of death”?

  They are a set of steep steps that form one of the most challenging and exciting sections of the ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain.

• 4) What can you see from the top of Huayna Picchu mountain?

  From the summit you have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River and the surrounding mountains covered by vast vegetation.

• 5) What are the entry times to Huayna Picchu mountain?

  There are two groups available for entry: one at 7:00 a.m. and the other at 9:00 a.m.

• 6) What type of ticket do I need to climb Huayna Picchu?

  The required ticket is “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)”, which includes access to the citadel through circuit 3 and to the mountain.

• 7) Can children climb Huayna Picchu mountain?

  Admission is restricted to those over 12 years of age due to the difficulty and risk associated with the most challenging sections.

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

  The ascent takes between 45 minutes and an hour, while the descent can take between 30 and 50 minutes.

• 9) Is it necessary to book a ticket to Huayna Picchu in advance?

  Yes, admission to Huayna Picchu is limited to only 350 visitors per day. Due to high demand, it is recommended to book your ticket at least three months in advance.

• 10) What is the best season to climb Huayna Picchu?

  The best time to hike is between April and October, when there is less rain and the trails are more stable.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Grecia A.

“Chocante!“

“Acho que é uma experiência maravilhosa, custa muito caro subir, mas vale a pena de qualquer forma. Machu Picchu é maravilhosa, mas somente do topo dessa montanha é possível vê-la em todo o seu esplendor, é espetacular... lembre a todos que desejam essa experiência que comprem os ingressos com vários meses de antecedência, pois há apenas 200 ingressos por dia.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 7, 2025