Machu Picchu is one of the favorite destinations for travelers from all over the world. Once in the Inca Citadel, the Huayna Picchu mountain is the most requested attraction by tourists. However, only a lucky few can access this incredible adventure. This is due to the high demand for tickets, which are impossible to get if you do not book months in advance. But why is Waynapicchu so famous? Here are 5 interesting facts about the ‘Wayna’.

• 1) Its route is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world
• 2) There is a section called “The stairs of death”
• 3) Reaching the summit is an “unforgettable” experience for visitors
• 4) In Huayna Picchu there is an Inca archaeological site called “Temple of the Moon”
• 5) The ticket to Huayna Picchu includes Machu Picchu
• • Recommendations

Learn some interesting facts about the mountain Huayna Pichu

1) Its route is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world

Huayna Picchu is an important mountain located north of the Inca Citadel. Its stone paths were walked by the Incas 600 years ago and today are still visited by tourists from all over the world. Currently, its route is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world. This is due to the difficulty of its trails located next to deep cliffs. In addition, from the top of the ‘Wayna’ you can appreciate all the splendor of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape.

However, reaching the top of the mountain has a moderately high difficulty. Huayna Picchu is the highest mountain that can be seen in postcard photos of Machu Picchu. The summit is 300 meters higher than the Inca citadel. The tour has an approximate length of 2 kilometers by an entirely ascending route, with certain stretches of terraces and staircases. The stairs are steep, but some ropes were installed as handrails for safety. This route can only be done by people over 18 years of age. It is recommended for people who are not afraid of heights. Otherwise, you only need the desire to reach the top of the enclosure.

2) There is a section called “The stairs of death”

During the Waynapicchu mountain tour, there is a section called the “stairs of death”. Despite its terrifying name, no one has ever died or fallen from there. They are irregular rock steps that cross approximately 183 meters until reaching the so-called ‘Temple of the Moon’. On one side there is a slippery wall and on the other the terrifying view of a deep ravine. In the most difficult sections there are metal ropes to hold on to.

Many people do not wish to experience the “Stairs of Death”. For them there is an alternate (longer) path to the ‘Temple of the Moon’. You only have to turn off course at the beginning of the path and go around the mountain. There is not much danger along this route. However, there are tourists whose objective is to live the terrifying but memorable adventure of going through these steps.

About the ticket to Tempo de la Luna
Now it is possible to visit the Temple of the Moon in Machu Picchu. The important thing to get to this site is that you have to book the ticket Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon. Only with this ticket you can enter the enigmatic enclosure. In addition, it is important to point out that this ticket will only be available during the official high season. The official high season will begin every June 1st and will last until October 15th. It will be possible to find other destinations and greater availability in some tickets. It will also be possible to make reservations in advance.

Tourists walking the stairs of death

3. Reaching the summit is an “unforgettable” experience for visitors

The difficult ascent of the Huayna Picchu mountain is rewarded when you reach the top. This is described as an “unforgettable” experience by thousands of tourists on Facebook, TripAdvisor and social networks. The main reason is the spectacular views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings. In addition, from that high point you can still clearly hear the murmur of the Urubamba River hundreds of meters below.

The summit of Waynapicchu rises to 2720 meters above sea level. From there you can appreciate from a privileged point the Inca Citadel, the snowy Salkantay, the Putucusi mountain, the Urubamba River and much more. During the rainy season (from October to March) it is likely that the fog will prevent you from fully appreciating the beauty of the place. In dry season (March to October) is the best time to enjoy the top of the ‘Wayna’. From there you can get the best pictures of the Wonder of the World.

Tourists at the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

4. In Huayna Picchu there is an Inca archaeological site called “Temple of the Moon”

In the Inca City of Machu Picchu are almost all the Inca archaeological remains such as: the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Main Square and many more. Only one was built on the Huayna Picchu mountain. It is an enclosure made in a cave and finely ornamented in stone. Because its function is not known for sure, it was called by some archaeologists as ‘Gran Caverna’ (Great Cavern). However, tour guides and local residents called it the “Temple of the Moon”, a name that has already gained popularity among tourists.

This Inca archaeological remains was not concluded due to the rocks settled without function very close. It is believed that it had a sepulchral and religious purpose of some personality of great importance due to its fine granite carvings. In the bottom of this construction, there is a lithic seat from where it is glimpsed the mountains that surround the place. To arrive there, it is necessary to take the “Stairs of the death” or the other safer way that is deviated toward that course. There are adequate signposts that facilitate its access.

Can I enter the Temple of the Moon with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket?
No, now the Temple of the Moon has its own entrance ticket. That is, you will not be able to enter the Temple of the Moon with the Huayna Picchu ticket. Now the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket only allows entry to the top of the mountain. Similarly, with the ticket Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon, you can only do the route to that destination. Therefore, in case you want to visit both destinations, you would have to book two tickets.

On the way to the Temple of the Moon in Machu Picchu

5. The ticket to Huayna Picchu includes Machu Picchu

The only way to experience the ascent to this incredible mountain is to book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket. This ticket allows access to this site and also to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. In order to properly know both places, it was decided to implement two entrance schedules to Waynapicchu. Below are the available schedules:

• Entrance Huayna Picchu 1st Shift: between 08:00 a.m. to 09:00 a.m. (200 people per day.)
• Entrance Huayna Picchu 2nd Shift: from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (200 people per day.)

In both schedules you must first enter Machu Picchu. For this it is important to enter at the established time, that is, in the first shift at 7:00 in the morning. While in the second schedule you must enter Machu Picchu at 9:00 in the morning. It is important to take into account the entrance times, so that you can make the tour in a hurry. In addition, you will only be able to enter within 45 minutes. That is to say, for example, in the first schedule you can only enter from 7:00 to 7:45 hours of the day. After that time it will be impossible to enter due to the agglomeration and restrictions for an adequate tour of the thousands of tourists arriving.

Recommendations

• The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket must be booked 3 months in advance. If you plan your visit for the high tourist season (March to October), up to 6 months in advance.
• The Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket can only be purchased during the official high season (from June 1st to October 15th).
• Discounts are available for university students, citizens members of the Andean Community of Nations and minors.
• Discounts are available for undergraduate university students under 25 years old.
• Huayna Picchu is not allowed for children under 18 years old.
• Follow the signs. Visitors should not seek routes on their own or risk their integrity by approaching the edges of the road.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Raúl S.

“The Temple of the Moon!“

“It is a small but very beautiful place. It is also reached from the top of Huayna Picchu (only 400 people per day), so this place is very quiet. In all the time I was there I only met 3 people in total. Be careful because the trail is demanding, and go carefully because you get a little into the jungle.“

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