The mountain Huayna Picchu (or Waynapicchu) is one of the best experiences you can have in Machu Picchu. The hike to this summit is difficult but worth it. Includes the visit to the mysterious Temple of the Moon of the Incas. On the top you can see the beautiful landscapes of the natural environment. The entrance ticket includes the tour of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

• Is Huayna Picchu mountain the same as Machu Picchu?
• How are the trails of the Huayna Picchu mountain?
• Tickets to enter the mountain Huayna Picchu
• Huayna Picchu: Which group to choose?
• What is the age to ascend the mountain?
• Can I climb the mountain if I’m afraid of heights?
• What to bring to Huayna Picchu?
• When is the best time to ascend the mountain Huayna Picchu?
• Recommendations to climb the mountain

The mountain Huayna Picchu is the best adventure within Machu Picchu. The hike is difficult but amazing. You can see beautiful landscapes on the top and the famous Temple of the Moon. The trails are close to cliffs but they are very safe.

Is Huayna Picchu mountain the same as Machu Picchu?

• Check any of the millions of classic photos of Machu Picchu. Do you observe the mountain behind the Inca city? That is the Huayna Picchu mountain.
• This summit is one of the two hiking trails in the Inca city (the other is the Machu Picchu mountain).
• Huayna Picchu is a Quechua word that means ‘young mountain’. It is located 2,720 meters from sea level (8,923 ft).
• From its summit you can see incredible aerial views of the Inca city and the lush surroundings of the surrounding mountains.
• On the mountain you can see the Temple of the Moon, one of the most amazing buildings in Huayna Picchu.

Climbing the mountain Huayna Picchu is a unique experience

How are the trails of the Huayna Picchu mountain?

• The tour of the Waynapicchu is considered among the most amazing short walks on the planet.
• It all starts in the Inca city of Machu Picchu. You travel part of the route until you reach the entrance gate to Huayna Picchu (near the so-called ‘Sacred Rock’).
• The route consists of 2 kilometers of ascent by stone steps built by the Incas.
• The road is built next to the mountain. There are sections where cliffs of hundreds of meters are crossed.
• During the tour you must overcome the famous ‘Stairs of Death’. This section is difficult for what you need the maximum effort of the visitor (nobody has died in this journey).

The stairs of the Huana Picchu mountain can produce intense sensations of vertigo

Tickets to enter the mountain Huayna Picchu

• The entrance tickets to the Waynapicchu mountain are the ‘Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu’ tickets. As the name implies, the ticket includes admission to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• These tickets need to be purchased online approximately 3 months in advance. Otherwise, you may not find availability for the date of your preference.
• Tickets can be purchased online through the website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru. You can also do it with the website of an authorized tourism agency.

Huayna Picchu: Which group to choose?

• Every day 400 tourists enter the Waynapicchu mountain, divided into 3 groups or entrance times.
• Each tourist can stay a maximum of 6 hours after entering Machu Picchu.

• Group 1.

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu – From 6 in the morning.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu – Between 7 and 8 in the morning.

• Group 2.

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu – From 7 in the morning.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu – Between 7 and 8 in the morning.

• Group 3.

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu – From 8 in the morning.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu – Between 10.30 and 11.30 in the morning.

What is the age to ascend the mountain?

• The entrance to the Waynapicchu mountain is allowed only for people over 12 years.
• Children under 18 have a special discount on the purchase of the entrance ticket.
• Older adults can visit the Huayna Picchu with the approval of their doctor. It is recommended to be physically fit for the visit.

Can I climb the mountain if I’m afraid of heights?

• Being afraid of heights is not recommended before taking the tour of the Waynapicchu mountain.
• There are some complicated sections that require serenity to overcome them.
• However, climbing the Huayna Picchu is not dangerous. Visitors must remain calm and enjoy the journey in all its stages.

At the top of the mountain Huayna Picchu you can also observe terraces and Inca constructions

What to bring to Huayna Picchu?

• Hiking shoes – This will give you greater security when walking the stone mountain trails.
• Sunscreen and repellent – Machu Picchu sun can cause skin damage. In addition, there are usually annoying insects on the mountain.
• Rain poncho – Heavy rains usually occur from November to April. In addition, umbrellas are not allowed in Machu Picchu.
• Canteen with water – Because no disposable bottles are accepted in Machu Picchu, water must be carried in a canteen.
• Bag or backpack – Everything you need during the tour must be inside a bag or backpack. So the tourist will have hands free during the journey.
• Camera – The top of the Waynapicchu offers some of the best landscapes of Machu Picchu, so a camera is important.

When is the best time to ascend the mountain Huayna Picchu?

• The best time to tour the Huayna Picchu mountain is during the dry season (from April to October). In these months there is little chance of rains but a greater number of tourists in the Inca city.
• On the other hand, in the rainy season (from November to March) more rains occur but less tourists travel through the Inca city.

Recommendations to climb the mountain

• Buy your ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu online 3 or 4 months in advance.
• Do not risk your life by taking selfies in dangerous places like ravines or stones on the edge of cliffs.
• Do not exceed safety cords or enter unauthorized places on the mountain.
• Before going to the Waynapicchu mountain, acclimatize one or two days in the city of Cusco.
• Take your time to go through the famous ‘Stairs of the death of Huayna Picchu’. This section requires concentration and physical effort.
• Get fit before going to the Waynapicchu mountain. It is advisable to take walks or go jogging a week before the trip.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Janina G

“The best and most difficult trek of my life“

“I have traveled several mountains in my life, but the Huayna Picchu left me breathless (literally) and it was not the height. When I saw the stairs I thought I could not, or that they would have to pick me up from the bottom of the river. But after taking courage, partly thanks to the (burlesque) moods of my group of friends, I decided that if I could, and I could. And I have to say that it is the best experience I have had in life and one that I can tell my grandchildren.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024