Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu is the high mountain that guards Machu Picchu. It is 2,720 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), almost 300 meters higher than the Inca Citadel. Climbing to the top is quite a challenge. Its steep stone stairways are located next to terrifying gorges. There are many myths and truths about this summit. It is even said that it is very dangerous to reach the top. But don’t worry. It’s only a grueling stretch to the top of the Wonder of the World. Is it worth the effort and time to commit to this adventure? Of course it is. The ascent to this summit is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world.

• Is Huayna Picchu worth it?
• Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?
• What is in Huayna Picchu?
• How to visit Huayna Picchu?
• Prices, difficulty and more information

Enjoy the incredible Huayna Picchu mountain tour

Is Huayna Picchu worth it?

According to the comments of travelers from all over the world in forums such as TripAdvisor, Huayna Picchu is worth it. This is due to the adventure of ascending its ancient Inca trails along adrenaline-filled ravines. Once at the top, tourists will feel that the effort made was worth it. From there you can appreciate all the splendor of the Inca Citadel as well as the town of Aguas Calientes, the Vilcanota River, the Putucusi mountain and all the typical flora and fauna of the region.

The dry season (April to October) is the best time to enjoy Waynapicchu. The weather is not rainy so the steps are not wet. The sky is clear so you can see the beautiful scenery of the Wonder of the World without clouds. One of the benefits of thinking about visiting Huayna Picchu is that you can also make the tour of the Inca citadel, precisely by entering through the agricultural area, passing through the wide esplanades and connecting your tour through the Sacred Rock before ascending the Huayna Picchu.

Tourists ascending Huayna Picchu

Is Huayna Picchu dangerous?

Huayna Picchu is difficult, not dangerous. The ascent is up to 2 kilometers of steep stone paths and trails. It takes 1 or 2 hours to reach the top, depending on the visitor’s physical condition. These are located next to scary ravines. Sound dangerous? The truth is that it is not. There are a variety of safety measures deployed on the mountain such as ropes to hold on to in the most difficult sections. There are also support personnel ready to offer their help in case you need it.

This adventure is recognized as one of the most incredible short hikes in the world. Now for security reasons. Only people over 18 years old will be able to climb Huayna Picchu mountain. The trail is surrounded by abundant vegetation. It is not recommended for visitors who suffer from vertigo or fear of heights. From the top you can appreciate all the beauty of the Wonder of the World from a unique angle. From the top.

New and official high season for entrance to Machu Picchu
Since June 2024 several changes have been implemented in Machu Picchu, one of them is that the high season was made official. This new season will have a period of time where you can find new tickets and in some cases greater availability of tickets. The high season officially starts from June 1st to October 15th. Coinciding these dates with the dry season, season that is ideal for the trip to Machu Picchu and have beautiful tours of the Inca citadel as there is less likelihood of rain and fog.

What is in Huayna Picchu?

Huayna Picchu houses ancient Inca stairways that through an ascent full of adrenaline and nature leads to the top of the Inca Citadel. In addition, we can find many more attractions.

• The Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cavern, is one of the most impressive Inca constructions near Machu Picchu. It is now possible to enter this site in high season with the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket.
• The stairs of death, this is a sector with quite steep stairs that will test your legs and the vertigo you may feel at height. Despite the name, it is a safe section to do and all visitors can do it without problems.
• Beautiful views, once at the top of the mountain you can appreciate all the geography of the place and the passage of the river through the lush vegetation, in the same way you can appreciate most of the trails that connect to Machu Picchu.
• Part of the flora and fauna, while walking these trails you can appreciate part of the flora of the geographical area, such as the famous orchids that have a great variety. Also, and with a lot of luck, it is possible to appreciate some of the birds, insects and more animals of the place. For this, it is necessary to be attentive.
• Why did they build this construction in such an inaccessible place? For the Incas, the mountains (called ‘apus’ or ‘lords’) were spirits that governed people’s lives.
• The fact: Huayna Picchu can be translated as “Young Mountain”.

The Temple of the Moon on Huayna Picchu mountain

How to visit Huayna Picchu?

The entrance to this mountain is only possible with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket. This ticket is the most requested by visitors so it is also the most difficult to get. It is recommended to book it normally 2 months in advance. During the high tourist season (April to October) the purchase should be up to 4 months in advance. Reservations are made through the internet. Due to the narrow paths of Waynapicchu, only 400 people per day can enter this adventure. There are 2 schedules or groups to choose from:

• 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 is from 09:00 a.m. to 09:45 a.m. (200 people).

This ticket includes the tour of the archaeological ruins of the Inca Citadel. Once the ticket is reserved, you must approach the access gate of Waynapicchu located to the north and inside Machu Picchu. The ticket allows you to stay in the Wonder of the World until 01:00 p.m. in the case of group 1. Group 2 can do so until 02:00 p.m.

Prices, difficulty and more information

The prices of the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket depend on the nationality and age of the visitor. There are discounts for university students, citizens members of the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia) and minors (8-17 years old). It is important to mention that Huayna Picchu can only be visited by people over 18 years old. Check prices on our website.

Climbing to the top of Waynapicchu is considered of moderate-medium difficulty. You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to reach the top. All you need is the will to reach the top. There are even cases of older adults who slowly but surely manage to climb to the summit.

Safety in Huayna Picchu also depends on you. Follow the signs along the trail. Do not seek directions on your own. Avoid taking pictures or selfies near the ravines. The only cases of accidents on the mountain were caused by the imprudence of tourists.

Bring light clothing and a rain poncho in case of rainfall. It is important to wear appropriate hiking shoes and a container of drinkable water. Also bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks and a camera to capture the incredible views at the top.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Fernanda A.

“How to see Machu Picchu through the eyes of a condor!“

“Visiting Huayna Picchu requires effort and willpower. Climbing the steps puts your physical condition to the test but once at the top, the whole journey is worth it. Witnessing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu from Waynapicchu is like seeing it through the eyes of a condor. The beauty of the place is spectacular. Good shoes and a suit with water will be your best friends for the ascent.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 28, 2024