Thousands of tourists around the world visit Machu Picchu every year. Of them, a small percentage has the fortune to climb to the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain. This is because only 400 people a day can access the vertiginous trails of this incredible summit. There are many questions about Waynapicchu: is it dangerous, is it difficult to get to the top, is it difficult to get a ticket, etc? Among all the doubts, one of the most recurrent is whether this adventure is suitable for people who suffer from vertigo or fear of heights. Solve these and other doubts. Learn a little more about the truth about the so-called ‘young mountain’ and decide to live this amazing experience in the Wonder of the World.

• Huayna Picchu, the young mountain
• Fear of heights?
• The arduous ascent of Huayna Picchu
• Unforgettable descent to Machu Picchu
• Should I be afraid of Huayna Picchu?
• The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu
• Tips before going to Huayna Picchu

Vista incrível do mirante de Huayna Picchu

To live the experience of climbing to the top of the Waynapicchu mountain it is necessary to purchase the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket. Due to the high demand for tickets, it is advisable to do so up to 4 months in advance.

Huayna Picchu, the young mountain

Huayna Picchu (also spelled Waynapicchu) is the summit in the northern part of Machu Picchu. It has an altitude of 2,720 meters above sea level. It was an important enclosure that connected with the Inca citadel, more details are below:

• For the Incas it must have been an ‘apu’ or spirit of importance because they built stone stairs and even an enclosure in the middle of a cave, currently called the Temple of the Moon.
• The Temple of the Moon is located at the foot of this mountain and can be reached only with the new ticket Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon.
• You can only climb to the top of Huayna Picchu with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket.
• Its name means ‘young mountain’ as opposed to the highest peak of Machu Picchu called ‘old mountain’. Currently, it is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Wonder of the World.
• The daily availability of tickets is 400 spaces. This ticket can be reserved online.
• From the top it is possible to see all the beauty of the Inca llaqta and its geography as only birds can do.
• The descent is equally difficult but unforgettable. This adventure is known as one of the most incredible short hikes in the world.

Machu Picchu ruins and Huayna Picchu Mountain in the background

Fear of heights?

The only requirement to purchase the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket and climb Waynapicchu is to be over 18 years old. One of the unwritten requirements is not to suffer from acrophobia or have a fear of heights. How true is that? The mountain trails are located on the edge of ravines of hundreds of meters. There are cases in which some tourists suffering from vertigo gave up continuing the tour. However, there were also situations in which people decided to continue on despite their fear. In both cases, there are ropes and security personnel in the most complicated sections to help visitors with some kind of problem. People from all over the world and even older adults are encouraged to live the adventure of the ‘young mountain’ every year.

To visit Huayna Picchu, you must first be sure if there are free tickets on the date you prefer.

The arduous ascent of Huayna Picchu

The ascent to the top is arduous. It is estimated that a total of almost 300 meters of altitude is climbed on trails 2 kilometers long. On average the climb takes between 60 to 90 minutes. The stone stairs extended along the mountain have inclines of up to 60°. The difficulty is considered medium-moderate. The trail begins at the control booth where the tourist must register for security reasons. The first few meters are the least difficult. It crosses a sort of very narrow cavern. The ravines at the edges of the road give a sense of adventure difficult to forget. Almost at the end you cross the so-called death stairs of Huayna Picchu. This section is so called because it is the most difficult, with steep stairs. Finally, you reach the top of Waynapicchu.

Do I need special footwear to climb Huayna Picchu?
No, it is not necessary to do the tour with special footwear to Machu Picchu. The tour only requires sturdy and comfortable footwear. It is important that you comply with these two characteristics because it requires a moderately demanding effort. If you do the tour with a little resistant or uncomfortable footwear, it may cause some discomfort and even injuries that will not allow you to enjoy all the splendor of reaching the top of Huayna Picchu.

This is the way to the Huayna Picchu mountain

Unforgettable descent to Machu Picchu

According to the testimonies of several tourists, reaching the top makes the effort of the climb worthwhile. There it is possible to appreciate the Wonder of the World like very few others. The summit is almost 300 meters above the Inca Citadel. It is the perfect place to take the best pictures. The descent does not require an important physical effort but it does require a lot of care. During the rainy season (from November to March), the steps can get wet. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear for trekking. During the descent there is a detour that leads to the Temple of the Moon, the only mysterious Inca construction on the mountain. Finally we return to the control booth where visitors must register their departure for security reasons. This is the end of Huayna Picchu.

Visitors descending the stairway of death

Should I be afraid of Huayna Picchu?

The opinions of tourists are diverse: there are those who consider the Huayna Picchu a dangerous route. There are those who believe that it is not. In fact, no deaths have been recorded due to the difficult geography of this summit. The safety measures in place along the mountain protect the integrity of the visitors. There are signs, ropes and security personnel. The only cases of accidents occurred because tourists disobeyed the signs and defied nature looking for a photograph or selfie, risking their lives. Waynapicchu is really not dangerous. If the rules and safety regulations are followed, the adventure will be incredible and unforgettable. Despite the various comments, this adventure continues to be one of the objectives of millions of tourists from all over the world.

Huayna Picchu’s death staircase

The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu

Do you dream of living the incredible experience of climbing to the top of Waynapicchu? The first step is to book the entrance ticket to the ‘young mountain’. Currently it is possible to purchase the ticket online. It is recommended to do so up to 4 months in advance due to the high demand. Only 400 people per day can enter divided into 2 shifts or entry times. Choose the day and group of your preference, reserve your entrance ticket in time and live the most incredible adventure of your life.

• Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 07:00 a.m. to 07:45 a.m. (200 people).
• Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu begins at 09:00 a.m. to 09:45 a.m. (200 people).

Tourist on the summit of Huayna Picchu

Tips before going to Huayna Picchu

• Climbing Huayna Picchu is considered a challenge for many tourists. To reach the summit, it is advisable to acclimatize to the altitude and do some exercise beforehand. The ascent should be done at an adequate pace for the physical condition of the visitor.
• Only one backpack weighing no more than 5 kilos is allowed. It should contain a container with water, a poncho in case of rain, sun block, a hat, mosquito repellent, light clothing in case you want to change clothes, snacks and a camera.
• In case you do not get an entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu, the great option is to climb to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain. The views from the top of this peak are just as spectacular. The entrance ticket for this adventure must be purchased at least 2 weeks in advance.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Alonso R.

“Epic!“

“A mountain suitable for those seeking excitement, beautiful views and unparalleled adventure. The climb is intense but at the same time magical. The descent is also heavy. Don't forget to bring insect protection, water and your camera. Rest in the shadows and have a lot of attitude. Vertigo can cause problems but it is a great challenge to overcome. Don't forget to visit the Temple of the Moon.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 29, 2024