Machu Picchu is the dream destination for thousands of tourists around the world. But if there is something that is even more desired by visitors, it is to climb the spectacular Huayna Picchu mountain. This summit is the main attraction of the Inca City. Reaching its summit is the goal of all visitors.

• What is Huayna Picchu and where is it?
• How high is Huayna Picchu?
• How to get to Huayna Picchu?
• What is it like to climb Huayna Picchu?
• A climb that seems impossible
• A stone staircase trails and adrenaline to the maximum
• The terraces and the tunnel in Huayna Picchu
• The famous ‘stairs of death
• The ‘Great Cavern’ or Temple of the Moon
• How do I climb the Huayna Picchu mountain?

Summit of Huayna Picchu, the grand finale of the ascent of this incredible mountain

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. The Incas built stone paths leading to its summit. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

What is Huayna Picchu and where is it?

• Huayna Picchu is the summit that stands out in postcard photos of Machu Picchu.
• Along this summit, the Incas built stone stairways as well as enclosures and temples such as the ‘Great Cavern’.
• This famous summit is in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is located north of the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Waynapicchu is a Quechua word (language of the Incas) that means ‘young mountain’.

Difference in size of the mountains in Machu Picchu

How high is Huayna Picchu?

• The summit of this mountain is located at 2,667 meters above sea level (8,750 feet). The Inca City of Machu Picchu is at 2,430 meters above sea level (7,972 feet).
• The altitude of Waynapicchu mountain can cause ‘altitude sickness’. However, the symptoms are not as acute.

How to get to Huayna Picchu?

• To reach the Waynapicchu mountain, you must first enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Then, tourists must walk through part of the Inca archaeological site until they reach the ‘Sacred Rock’ of Machu Picchu.
• Right in front of this Inca construction is the entrance control booth to Huayna Picchu mountain.
• How to get to Machu Picchu? From the city of Cusco you must travel by train and then by bus to the entrance gate to the Inca City.

Map of the Huayna Picchu mountain tour

What is it like to climb Huayna Picchu?

• Ascending Waynapicchu is considered one of the best short hikes on the planet.
• Tourists walk approximately 2 kilometers from the entrance to the top of Huayna Picchu.
• It is estimated that during the hike you can reach an altitude of over 300 meters above Machu Picchu.
• The route through Machu Picchu is through narrow paths and some ravines with beautiful views.
• Although it is a difficult hike, it is not necessary to be in great physical shape. The most important thing is the desire to reach the summit.
• Admission is only possible for persons over 18 years of age.

A climb that seems impossible

• When you enter Machu Picchu, you will be impressed by the beauty of the Inca City.
• However, you will also be even more surprised to see how steep and vertiginous the Huayna Picchu mountain is.
• Only 400 people per day can climb it every day.
• Waynapicchu challenges with its imposing presence all those who wish to climb it. This is a task that seems difficult and even impossible at first sight.
• The ascent to the Waynapicchu mountain has a medium to moderate difficulty.

A good tip is to always carry what is absolutely necessary. A small backpack or bag will help you carry your things and keep your hands free for the hike. A water bottle is also indispensable.

Tourist climbing up the steep stretch to Huayna Picchu

A stone staircase trails and adrenaline to the maximum

• The hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu begins by entering through a rustic wooden entrance that serves as a checkpoint.
• A sign will indicate the direction of two routes: one that will take you to the summit of Waynapicchu. Another, to the small mountain that accompanies it, the Huchuypicchu.
• The first part of the trail leading to the summit of Huayna Picchu crosses a flat dirt path that continues with the first ascent of stone steps.
• The first stretch is light and does not involve much effort.
• Then more steps continue and the climb becomes more tortuous but, in return, the views of the landscape become interesting.

The terraces and the tunnel in Huayna Picchu

• As you move forward, the steps become more and more vertical. You will need both hands to help you with the handrail or the stones of the steps.
• However, the sacrifice is rewarded by the Inca terraces that begin to appear. When you reach them you will see not only terraces, but also various constructions and viewpoints.
• The summit is near and there is little road to go. Then there is a stretch that is done through a tunnel made on the rock.
• This small cave is narrow and dark. Many tourists do not want to go through it even though it is the only way to continue to the top.

The famous ‘stairs of death

• In the last stretch of the trail you must climb steep stairs near ravines. This section is called ‘The death stairs of Huayna Picchu‘.
• These stairs can make your heart beat to the maximum. This last stretch will take us to the top of Waynapicchu Mountain.
• Once at the top, it all comes down to the feeling of ecstasy and happiness that being there produces.
• The view is simply spectacular. It is the great reward for the effort made.
• At the top you will understand that you are in a sacred place and that it was no coincidence that the Incas built their great work there.

About the new entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
The last change that was made regarding Machu Picchu tickets is that new destinations now have their tickets independently. Although unfortunately, they will only be valid during the official high season. Now you can count on this season that will start every June 1st extending until October 15th. The good news is that high season tickets can be booked months in advance, even before the date starts.

Tourists climbing Huayna Picchu mountain by the stairs of death

The ‘Great Cavern’ or Temple of the Moon

• Now it is possible to book a special ticket to this destination. The entrance is: Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon.
• In case you want to visit the top of the mountain and also the Temple of the Moon, it is recommended that you book both tickets.
• The descent begins by a path through the back of the mountain but ends by the same stretch of ascent.
• To finish your tour in a spectacular way is the Great Cavern (also called the Temple of the Moon of Huayna Picchu).
• This magnificent construction is carved over a natural cave in the mountain. It is a place that can only be seen if you climb Huayna Picchu.
• To visit the Temple of the Moon, tourists must take a narrow, winding road on the way down from the top of Waynapicchu.
• Now the routes are restricted to each of the tickets. Although both will be part of the new Machu Picchu Circuit 3.

The only way to visit the Waynapicchu mountain is by buying online the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket. This ticket allows you to visit these two places. The purchase must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.

The Temple of the Moon – Huayna Picchu

How do I climb the Huayna Picchu mountain?

• In order to enter the Waynapicchu mountain, you must purchase the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket.
• This ticket allows admission in 2 groups, the schedules are as follows:

  • Group 1:

    • Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 7:00 in the morning.
    • Entrance to Huayna Picchu: between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning.
    • Visiting time: 6 hours from the entrance (taking into account the tour of Machu Picchu and the ascent and descent of the Huayna Picchu mountain).

  • Group 2:

    • Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 9:00 am.
    • Entrance to Huayna Picchu: between 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning.
    • Visiting time: 6 hours from the entrance (it will be important to do the tour in the mentioned schedules to avoid a rushed tour).

  • Note and other recommendations:

    • The tour should be done with comfortable and resistant footwear.
    • This is the only way to have a better experience.
    • It is important to make the tour with some snacks and drinks. Carrying them all, in a small backpack.
    • It is advisable to dress comfortably in order to have a pleasant experience.
    • Do not forget to bring sunscreen or mosquito repellent.
    • You should also wear a hat or sun hat. This is especially important during the group 2 tour.
    • Remember to make your reservation 2 or 3 months in advance.
• This ticket allows you to visit the entire Inca City of Machu Picchu and to climb the Waynapicchu mountain.
• It is the most required entrance ticket in Machu Picchu and must be purchased online well in advance: 2 or 3 months before.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Dionisio F.

“A fantastic dream is to be at the top“

“A hard climb, surely made for incredible people like the Incas, climbing the Huayna Picchu mountain is simply incredible, the whole climb is a challenge for the body and mind. Everything will have been worth it when you reach the top, being there was the most rewarding experience of my life, the scenery is everything. Machu Picchu and its mountain are truly a marvel.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 3, 2024