Climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the most requested experiences when traveling to Machu Picchu. This, combined with the fact that only 400 people are allowed to enter per day, means that tourists who want to hike this trail must book their ticket months in advance. The hike is of moderate to high difficulty, so you must prepare very well. Discover more of what you need to know before diving into this incredible adventure.

• How to enter Huayna Picchu Mountain?
• What is the hike like?
• This is the short path to Huayna Picchu Mountain
• This is the full path to Huayna Picchu Mountain
• What is the difficulty of the route?
• Useful information about the hike
• When is the best time to go to the mountain?
• Preparation before the hike
• List of requirements for the hike
• Warning about Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist at the top of Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu (also written as Waynapicchu) means ‘Young Mountain’ in Quechua. Reaching the top is considered one of the most incredible short hikes on the planet, although entry is only allowed for people over 12 years old. To obtain a ticket, it must be purchased at least two months in advance.

How to enter Huayna Picchu Mountain?

• To travel to Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must depart from the city of Cusco on the classic train journey. For this, you should follow the route Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
• Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, you must enter through circuit 3 (royalty route), which covers the sector of the temples and lower constructions of the Inca citadel.
• After the tour, you will need to head to the ‘Sacred Rock’ sector, where the control point for entering the Huayna Picchu Mountain trail is located.
• Here, you will register your details, show your ticket again, and be able to start your hike to the top of Huayna Picchu.

What is the hike like?

• The Huayna Picchu trail follows a winding path for 15 or 20 minutes until it reaches a point where the trail splits into 2 routes.
• The upper path (short) is the one that will take you to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The other path (long) continues around the mountain until it reaches the cave where the Temple of the Moon is located, but you can only visit it during the high season (June 19 to November 2) with the ticket to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave route (3C).

Path to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

This is the short path to Huayna Picchu Mountain

• At the split of the trail, you will see a wooden sign indicating the direction to take to reach the top of Huayna Picchu.
• The trail continues with steep sections of constant stone steps built on the mountain slopes.
• In the first section of the ascent, there is a detour to the small Huchuy Picchu Mountain. It is also an additional route that is only available during the high season (June 19 to November 2) with the ticket for the Huchuy Picchu Mountain route (3D).
• During the ascent, you can find small Inca structures and agricultural terraces.
• The most difficult part of the trail is the ‘stairs of death,’ a series of steep and dizzying steps. Despite the name, no one has died on this section.
• At the top of Waynapicchu, you can enjoy stunning landscapes, perfect for taking photos and resting.
• On the return to the Inca citadel, you must follow a path that descends through a narrow section, which merges with the same ascent trail.

This is the full path to Huayna Picchu Mountain

• If you want the full experience of Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must separately acquire the ticket for the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (3C) route. This route is only available during the high season (June 19 to November 2).
• To follow the route, you must avoid the short path and continue around the mountain via a detour to the Temple of the Moon. You will need to visit it at its first time slot (8 AM), then proceed to Huayna Picchu at the last time slot (10 AM).
• The path to the Great Cave is surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The trails are not very demanding, but the journey is long.
• After visiting the Temple of the Moon, you can continue the ascent until you reach the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Completing the full path takes more time and energy. It can take up to 3 hours to complete (one-way).
• This option is the most adventurous, although you will need to reserve both tickets in advance and only during the high season.

What is the difficulty of the route?

• The path to Huayna Picchu Mountain is considered an adventure of medium to high difficulty. Although the route is short (2 kilometers round trip), it crosses many narrow and steep stone steps.
• If you purchased tickets for the Temple of the Moon (3C) and Huayna Picchu Mountain (3A) routes, you will go through a high difficulty path as it crosses extensive paths and steep climbs on stairs. Both routes are only available for those over 12 years old and during high season.

Couple of tourists watching the Inca citadel

The circuit that covers the Huayna Picchu Mountain route
The ticket for the Huayna Picchu Mountain route (3A) includes a tour of Machu Picchu’s Circuit 3, called the Royalty Route. On this circuit, you will visit the most important temples and structures in the lower part of the Inca citadel. There are also many terraces where you can take amazing photos of the site before ascending Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Useful Information About the Hike

• Hike Duration: 3 hours (up and down).
• Summit Altitude: 2,693 meters above sea level.
• Ascent compared to Machu Picchu: 353 meters.
• Terrain: Inca stone paths and grass and dirt trails (includes a long wooden staircase).
• Recommended Footwear: Lightweight hiking boots (never new).
• Entry Time:
  • Group 1: Entry to Machu Picchu Circuit 3 at 7:00 AM / To the mountain route from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Group 2: Entry to Machu Picchu Circuit 3 at 10:00 AM / To the mountain route from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Tickets: Limited to 400 entries per day (350 online reservations and 50 in-person in Aguas Calientes).
• Ticket Type: Ticket for the Huayna Picchu Mountain route (3A), which also includes a tour of Machu Picchu’s Circuit 3.

When is the best time to go to the mountain?

• During the months of November to March, the rainy season occurs in Machu Picchu, which makes it very likely that the morning fog will cover the mountain, making it impossible to see the landscapes from the top. Although the route is much more epic, offering a more special and unusual view of the Inca citadel.
• On the other hand, from April to October, the dry season occurs. These months offer a more ideal climate for adventure routes, with clear skies and more stable paths. When visiting Machu Picchu during these months, you should make a reservation well in advance.
• The entire region of Machu Picchu has a subtropical climate, with a humid atmosphere and temperatures averaging around 18ºC.
• Hiking early offers cooler temperatures, better sunshade, and fewer people around. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose the first entry time (7:00 AM).

Preparation before the hike

• The southern region of Peru tends to have unpredictable weather. It can be hot and rain at any moment. Therefore, tourists visiting Huayna Picchu should be prepared for both rain and sun.
• The majority of the trail is made up of stone paths. For this reason, hiking shoes are highly recommended.
• It is also advised to bring a rain poncho and sun protection.
• People who are not used to hiking should ascend at a slower pace.
• Older adults should consult with their doctor before hiking.

View from the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

List of requirements for the hike

• Water (approximately 1 liter per person).
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and sun protection.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Rain poncho.
• Snacks.
• Passport or identification document.
• Camera.
• Cash.

The ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain (route 3A) is available year-round, both during the high season (June 19 to November 2) and the regular season (November 3 to June 18). Both seasons offer different numbers of routes and available tickets, although there will always be only 400 daily entries available for Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Warning about Huayna Picchu Mountain

• The hike to Huayna Picchu is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or are afraid of heights.
• Entry is not allowed for tourists under 12 years old. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Tourists should not cross safety ropes or risk their lives taking photos at the edge of cliffs.
• Some sections of the hike are quite steep. Others pass alongside cliffs. However, the entire route is safe.
• The most difficult sections are during the ascent. For example, the ‘Stairs of Death’ are steep steps that precede the summit of the mountain.
• It is always recommended to carry a rain poncho, regardless of the season of your trip.

Huayna Picchu Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Where is the entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  The entrance to the mountain is located within Circuit 3 of the Machu Picchu citadel. The route begins very close to the Sacred Rock sector, where there is a control point that marks the start of the ascent to Huayna Picchu.

• 2) How long does it take to climb and descend Huayna Picchu?

  The hike to Huayna Picchu takes approximately three hours (round trip). With the ticket, you can stay up to five hours, also exploring Machu Picchu’s Circuit 3.

• 3) What ticket do I need to climb Huayna Picchu?

  You need the Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket (3A), which should be reserved two to three months in advance, especially during high season.

• 4) How difficult is the hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  The difficulty level is moderate to high, as it includes steep areas, stairs, and narrow sections.

• 5) What is the best month to visit Huayna Picchu?

  The best time is between April and October, during the dry season. During these months, the weather is more stable, there are fewer rains, and the visibility from the summit is much better.

• 6) Can children climb Huayna Picchu?

  Yes, but only people over 12 years old are allowed. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• 7) Is it dangerous to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  No, as long as the guidelines are followed. Although there are steep and narrow sections, the trail is safe if you walk with caution.

• 8) What can I see from the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  From the summit of Huayna Picchu, you can enjoy the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, the surrounding mountains, and the jungle.

• 9) Is the access to Huayna Picchu Mountain open all year?

  Yes, although it may be closed in February for maintenance or due to extreme weather conditions.

• 10) What is included in the Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket?

  The ticket includes a tour of Machu Picchu citadel in Circuit 3 (Royalty Route) and access to Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Anamilé E.

“Sleep well before going to Machu Picchu“

“It is better to arrive in Aguas Calientes and sleep there before your visit to Machu Picchu, so you can avoid being late for the mountain entrance. We were in the first group for Huayna Picchu and had to enter at 7 AM, but we started walking to Machu Picchu from 5 AM, and honestly, we couldn’t sleep because of the excitement. Tip: Sleep well before going to Machu Picchu, then relax in the hot springs of the town.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 24, 2026