Huayna Picchu is the mountain that crowns the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Climbing its steep stone stairs is an experience that few visitors have lived. Its access is difficult due to the high demand and the low capacity of the place (400 people divided into two shifts per day). If you have booked your ticket in advance, we recommend these tips to make your experience in the “Young Mountain” unforgettable.

• Tips before climbing Huayna Picchu
• Tips during the ascent and descent to Huayna Picchu
• Tips after your climb to Huayna Picchu

Top of the Huayna Picchu Mountain

From when to book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket?
Before starting any kind of planning to make the trip to Machu Picchu and make the ascent to Huayna Picchu, you must make the reservation of the entrance ticket. You will only be able to access this site with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket. The time to make the reservation of this ticket is preferably 3 to 4 months in advance. This is the only way to book the entrance ticket. We also have to take into account that there are only 400 tickets available.

Tips before climbing Huayna Picchu

• The basic thing to do before deciding to visit the Waynapicchu is to purchase the entrance tickets in advance. The ideal is to buy the tickets at least 2 months before your trip to Cusco. If you can do it before, much better.
• You have to choose between the two shifts allowed for the ‘Huayna’. Group 1 (entrance is from 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning), allows you to climb the mountain with the first rays of dawn. The view at the top is unforgettable. Group 2 (entrance 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.) allows you to climb in a clearer environment. It is ideal for a good photo.
• It is important to keep in mind that the entrance hours to Machu Picchu start at 7:00 am and the second group at 9:00 am.
• Any person over 18 years old can only do this tour and climb Huayna Picchu. An important tip is to prepare yourself physically some time before the climb. Intense training is not necessary. Going for a run is enough.
• The ascent and descent will take you an average of two to three hours depending on your physical condition. It is advisable to acclimatize to the city of Cuscoa at least one or two days before. Huayna Picchu is located at 2720 meters above sea level.
• You can choose to go up by bus or on foot to the entrance. The first option is the most recommended. You do not want to arrive without energy before the climb up the steep Waynapicchu mountain.
• It is advisable to arrive early at the entrance. If you are going to climb the mountain in the first group (7:00 to 7:45 a.m.) you will have to get up very early. If you are going to climb in the second group (9:00 to 9:45 a.m.) it is advisable to do the tour of the Inca Citadel first before starting the stairway. You will only be able to stay at the site until 2:00 p.m.
• If you suffer from vertigo, it is best to overcome your fear before climbing the Huayna Picchu mountain. The descent can be a bit scary.
• Carry only the necessary clothing and items such as light clothing, a plastic poncho (in case of rain), an energy bar or snack, a canteen with water, a camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat or cap and a simple backpack or bag to store everything. For climbing you need to have both hands free due to the difficulty of some sections.
• It is not allowed to carry a selfie stick or any other object (tripod, stands, extensions) that impedes free circulation. Neither alcoholic beverages, metal or hard-tipped sticks. You can only do it with rubber-tipped sticks.

To enter Huayna Picchu, you must first make the entrance to Machu Picchu, the times we mentioned, are precisely those indicated above. On the other hand, the entrance to Huayna Picchu is one hour later, that is to say, for the first schedule you must be present at 8:00 in the morning at the control point. Similarly in the second schedule at 10:00 hours. When you arrive at the checkpoint, you will have to show again the entrance ticket, identity document and also register in the visitors’ book.

Visitors walking the trails of Huayna Picchu mountain

Tips during the ascent and descent to Huayna Picchu

• Climb at the pace you deem necessary.
• You will come across a narrow cave on the way. This is not dangerous. It is just a moment in the dark.
• Do not risk your life by taking an unmarked route or getting unnecessarily close to the edge of the cliff. The few accidents that have occurred were committed by visitors who did not follow the signs. During the hike you will find people already descending and others also making the hike. Getting lost is impossible. However, make the ascent with due care.
• The descent is much less strenuous. You have to be very careful not to slip (especially in the rainy season).
• During the tour you will find two detours. The first one is to Huchuy Picchu and the second to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern. Both destinations have their own individual entrance tickets. Likewise, both will only be valid during the official high season.

Unforeseen incidents in Waynapicchu are very rare. These are due to the disobedience of security measures. The danger is more ‘myth’ than reality.

The stairway of death on Huayna Picchu mountain

Tips after your climb to Huayna Picchu

• Check in when leaving the ‘Huayna’. This will help the guards to verify if any visitor is still on the mountain and help you in case of an emergency.
• If you went up with group 1, you can still visit Machu Picchu until 1:00 pm. Try to rest a little and continue discovering the Inca Citadel.
• If you went up with group 2, you can tour the Wonder of the World until 2:00 pm. An alternative may be to do it very early, before climbing Waynapicchu.
• If you do not feel in good health, there is a health clinic near the entrance to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

Huayna Picchu is the preferred destination for tourists visiting the Inca Citadel. Only 400 people are allowed to enter daily. These are divided into two groups of 200 each. Due to the high demand for entrance tickets (especially in high season), it is necessary to reserve a ticket months in advance. The tour is considered among the five best short hikes on the planet, the experience is unique!

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Victor H.

“Exhausting!“

“I don't want to be rude but there are many comments that scare tourists. I have seen people of all ages and no signs of being great athletes who made the climb. It is simply exhausting but it is not death. It is tiring but worth it. Exhaustion and altitude affects everyone equally. If you can do it do not hesitate, do not be discouraged. For the descent ask the guide at the top how to pass through the Temple of the Moon.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 27, 2024