If you can get one of the 400 daily admission tickets to Huayna Picchu, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the “Stairs of Death.” These steps offer intimidating views. And, despite their name, no one has ever died on these famous steps.

• What is Huayna Picchu mountain?
• What are the Huayna Picchu Stairs of Death?
• What is the tour of Huayna Picchu and the Stairs of Death like?
• The rise
• The descent
• Characteristics of the stairs of death
• How many people have died on the stairs of death?
• Other adrenaline alternatives in Huayna Picchu
• Other scary stairs in the world
• How to visit the Stairs of Death at Huayna Picchu?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Vertiginous stairs on Huayna Picchu

The ascent of Huayna Picchu is considered one of the best short hikes on the planet. Some tourists consider visiting Machu Picchu without ascending Huayna Picchu to be like not having been there at all.

What is Huayna Picchu mountain?

• Huayna Picchu mountain is the summit located north of the Inca City .
• It is located at 2,720 meters above sea level (8,923 ft.)
• This mountain is famous for its cliff-edged steps. The most popular and difficult section is the “Stairs of Death.”
• In addition, on the Huayna Picchu mountain there is a mysterious Inca construction called the Temple of the Moon.

What are the Huayna Picchu Stairs of Death?

• The ‘Stairs of Death’ are a section of stone steps built by the Incas, which lead to the summit of Huayna Picchu.
• These stairs are characterized by being steep and difficult to climb. Furthermore, the steps are on the edge of precipices. However, despite their name, no tourists have lost their lives there.
• After ascending this section, you reach the top of Huayna Picchu mountain.

What is the tour of Huayna Picchu and the Stairs of Death like?

• During the tour up Huayna Picchu mountain, tourists must use both hands to hold onto the wall.
• Tourists will face 183 meters of rock steps, which were carved more than 500 years ago .
• During the ascent up these stairs, the visitor will encounter a damp wall and, on the other side, a drop of hundreds of meters towards the Urubamba River.

The rise

• Climbing these stairs requires considerable physical effort.
• The stairs have an approximate slope of 60 degrees.
• Tourists must ascend step by step. This is the most difficult stretch of the climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu.

The descent

• If there’s anything worse than climbing the ‘Stairs of Death,’ it’s going down them.
• The return path is intimidating due to the sheer drop-offs.
• Tourists must descend step by step. Many times, tourists ascending must be allowed to pass.
• Descending the ‘Stairs of Death’ is a very difficult experience for visitors who are afraid of heights.

Characteristics of the stairs of death

How many people have died on the stairs of death?

• The Stairs of Death are surrounded by myths. Among the rumors is that it is very dangerous to climb these steps. However, this is false. In reality, people of all ages climb Huayna Picchu daily.
• To date, no deaths have been reported due to falls on the Stairs of Death .

Other adrenaline alternatives in Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu Mountain – This summit is the other hiking option at Machu Picchu . It’s a 2-kilometer hike to the top of the mountain that gave the Inca city its name.
• The Intipunku (Sun Gate) – This structure is located at the ancient entrance gate to Machu Picchu used by the Incas. It’s a 2-kilometer walk up stone stairs in the heart of the archaeological site.
• The Inca Bridge – This hike leads to the eastern side of Machu Picchu, where an ancient bridge used by the Incas is located. The hike takes only 30 minutes and crosses paths along cliffs.

The Stairs of Death at Huayna Picchu

Other scary stairs in the world

Many people seek out these types of experiences in other parts of the world. Below is a list of the most terrifying staircases on the planet:

• The waterfall steps – Black Forest, Würzburg (Germany).
• The steps of the Devil’s Canyon – Pailón (Ecuador).
• The well of Chand Baori – Abhaneri (India).
• Stairs in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains – Dresden (Germany).
• The rock of Guatapé – Antioquia (Colombia).
• Haiku Stairs – Hawaii (United States).
• Staircase of the Via Crusis – Bermeo (Spain).
• Spiral staircases in the Taihang Mountains – Shanxi and Henan (China).

The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket is the most difficult to obtain due to limited availability (400 entries per day). Therefore, it is recommended to purchase your ticket online two or three months in advance.

How to visit the Stairs of Death at Huayna Picchu?

Many people seek out these types of experiences in other parts of the world. Below is a list of the most terrifying staircases on the planet:

• To visit the Stairs of Death you only need to purchase a ticket for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) .
• Due to limited availability (only 400 tickets per day), tickets must be purchased online two to three months in advance.
• When purchasing a ticket, you must choose between one of two entry groups:

• Group 1:

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu – from 7 am
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu – from 8 am to 9 am

• Group 2:

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu – from 9 am
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu – from 10 am to 11 am

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What are the Huayna Picchu Stairs of Death?

  The Stairs of Death are a steep and narrow section of Inca stairs leading to the top of Huayna Picchu. They are characterized by their sheer precipices and physical demands, although their reputation as “deadly” is exaggerated.

• 2) How to visit the death stairs of Huayna Picchu?

  To visit the Stairs of Death, you must purchase the combined ticket for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A). This ticket has limited availability (only 400 spots per day), so it must be reserved online at least two to three months in advance.

• 3) What are the visiting hours for Huayna Picchu?

  There are two entry groups. Group 1 allows entry to Machu Picchu from 7:00 am and to Huayna Picchu between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. Group 2 allows entry to Machu Picchu from 9:00 am and to Huayna Picchu between 10:00 am and 11:00 am.

• 4) What is the ascent up the stairs of death like?

  The climb requires physical effort and good balance. The steps have an incline of nearly 60 degrees. It is recommended to climb calmly and with concentration, as this is the most demanding section of the trail to the summit of Huayna Picchu.

• 5) And the descent down the stairs of death?

  The descent can be even more shocking than the ascent, especially for those afraid of heights. The path is narrow and steep, with steep slopes and precipices.

• 6) Is it dangerous to climb the Stairs of Death? Have there ever been accidents?

  Although the route appears dangerous, no accidents due to falls on these stairs have been reported.

• 7) What is Huayna Picchu mountain?

  Huayna Picchu is the mountain located north of the Machu Picchu archaeological complex, 2,720 meters above sea level. It is famous for its narrow path.

• 8) What other adventure hikes are there in Machu Picchu?

  In addition to Huayna Picchu, there are other routes with varying levels of adventure. Machu Picchu Mountain offers a longer hike to a summit with sweeping views. Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, is a traditional access point with stunning views. Inca Bridge, on the other hand, offers a short hike along ravines.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Akemy S.

“To raise it is to touch the sky“

“Climbing the huaina is amazing. It is an arduous climb of about an hour. The stairs at the edge of the cliff will make your hair stand on end. The views during the climb are fantastic; but the top is indescribable.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 2, 2025