One of the best experiences in Machu Picchu is, without a doubt, the ascent to the Huayna Picchu mountain. It is a journey to the top of the summit that guards the Inca Citadel. Getting there is an adventure crowned with the most incredible landscapes of the Historic Sanctuary. However, this trip must be carefully planned to achieve the perfect excursion. Following is the itinerary that visitors to Waynapicchu Mountain should follow.

• Waynapicchu summit
• How to enter Huayna Picchu?
• What is the Huayna Picchu summit tour like?
• Itinerary for the perfect trip to Huayna Picchu
• Recommendations for a good trip to Huayna Picchu

Visitor at the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

Waynapicchu summit

Waynapicchu (Young Mountain) is the summit located 300 meters above the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Its popularity in the world is due to its ancient Inca trail on the edge of ravines with amazing abysses and the most incredible landscapes. Reaching the top is an experience for the visitor. From there you can see Machu Picchu as a small model. It is the right place to take pictures. In a part of the road is the Temple of the Moon, an enclosure built more than 600 years ago in the middle of a cave.

Today the trek to the summit of Huayna Picchu is known as one of the most incredible short treks in the world. This is due to the steep paths on the edge of extreme abysses that call for adventure. But, above all, the incredible view that can be glimpsed from the top. For security and conservation reasons, only 400 people per day can enter Waynapicchu.

Observing from the summit of Huayna Picchu

How to enter Huayna Picchu?

The only way to enter Waynapicchu is by booking in advance the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket. This ticket also allows the tour of the Inca Citadel. The entrance is divided into 3 different schedules.

• Group 1: Entrance to Huayna Picchu is from 08:00 a.m. (Entrance and exit to Machu Picchu is from 07:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.)
• Group 2: Entrance to Huayna Picchu is from 10:00 a.m. (Entrance and exit to Machu Picchu is from 09:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m.)

Check if there are spaces available in Huayna Picchu for the date you want.

What is the Huayna Picchu summit tour like?

The entrance to Huayna Picchu is on the north side of the Inca Citadel. There is a security booth where the traveler must register at the time of entering and leaving the mountain. Once inside, the road begins to rise up very steep narrow stairs. Almost halfway up, the traveler crosses a dark cave and continues the ascent. At the end of the section, there are the so-called stairs of death, a path of very narrow steps. In an average of 1 hour, you reach the top.

From the top of Waynapicchu you can appreciate all the splendor of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. You can also glimpse the Vilcanota River, the town of Aguas Calientes, the Putucusi mountain and all the flora and fauna of the jungle. The descent begins by another route and joins at one point with the same path of ascent. In the middle of the route you can visit the Temple of the Moon of Huayna Picchu. The descent takes an average of 45 minutes.

Ready for spectacular views?
When you reach the top of Huayna Picchu you can appreciate beautiful views of the entire geographical sector of the area where Machu Picchu is located. In addition, sometimes the mist can offer a unique mysticism. Arriving at the top of Huayna Picchu, where you can see several Inca constructions where the stairways, terraces and some warehouses or qolqas stand out. From the top of Huayna Picchu it is possible to appreciate all the splendor and urban details of the ancient man of Tawantinsuyo.

Tourists descending the stairs of death

Itinerary for the perfect trip to Huayna Picchu

To achieve the perfect trip to the Waynapicchu mountain it is advisable to follow an itinerary. This depends on the group that the visitor chooses to enter. Although it is not mandatory to follow each step to the letter, this will allow you to make the most of all the tourist attractions offered by the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket.

Itinerary group 1

Tourists entering in group 1 to Huayna Picchu in a recommended schedule from 8.00 am. For this you must enter precisely from 07:00 in the morning, taking into account that the waiting time is only 45 minutes. Then, the tour begins by the Inca citadel for approximately 1 hour. To climb Huayna Picchu, you have to go through the control booth. The ascent can take 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the descent takes about 1 hour. When descending, it is necessary to pass again by the control booth to confirm the exit of the enclosure.

After visiting Huayna Picchu, there is still enough time to do the same with the Inca City. The tourist or visitor can hire a tour guide to learn more about Machu Picchu. The guided tour takes an average of 2 hours. At the end, there is generally 1 hour to appreciate the Wonder of the World on your own. The total tour can culminate around 13:00 hours.

Itinerary group 2

To start the tour in the second schedule you must enter Machu Picchu from 9:00 am. It is important to be punctual in order to complete the tour on time. In the same way there will be a tour of Machu Picchu before starting the hike to Huayna Picchu. You will be able to start the hike between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., although it is recommended to start the activities early. On the other hand, before starting the tour it is recommended to make the trip by bus to avoid overloading the muscles.

The ascent can be a little more demanding due to the fact that the sun has already risen at that time. This trek takes 1 hour and 30 minutes on average. The descent generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. During the tour you can appreciate part of the flora and fauna of the place. To enjoy this adventure to the fullest, it is recommended to spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes the night before.

The Temple of the Moon
The Temple of the Moon is located at the bottom of Huayna Picchu. To get to this place you need to book the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket. Now you can only enter this site during the high season. The official high season starts every June 1st to October 15th. During the rest of the year it will not be possible to enter this site. However, the reservation of this ticket can be made months before the official high season begins. Like the restriction to ascend Huayna Picchu, the route to the Temple of the Moon is only valid for people over 18 years old.

Tourist enjoying the incredible views

Recommendations for a good trip to Huayna Picchu

According to many tourists, Machu Picchu would not be the same without a visit to Waynapicchu. To enjoy this tourist attraction to the fullest, the itinerary mentioned above should be followed. In addition, for a safe and trouble-free trip, the tourist should pay attention to the following recommendations:

• Book on time the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket. Especially in high season (April to October). If you plan the visit for that time, it is advisable to purchase tickets up to 4 months in advance.
• It is advisable to arrive punctually at the entrance to Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu.
• Huayna Picchu is only allowed for tourists or visitors over 18 years of age. It is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or phobia of heights.
• The road is very well signposted and with security cordons. Tourists must safeguard their integrity by not defying nature or seeking routes on their own.
• During the rainy season in Machu Picchu (November to March) it is advisable to wear hiking shoes. The trails are usually a bit wet.
• It is not allowed to carry a backpack weighing more than 5 kilos. Carry only what you need: water bottle, hat, rain poncho, sun block, mosquito repellent, snacks, sunglasses, etc.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Teele R.

“Amazing!“

“No matter what you think you will feel, you will be surprised when you arrive. There are no pictures or words to describe the scenery and the feelings. It is exceptional, amazing and all the other words. It is worth getting up early to ascend and descend. All I can say is take your time and enjoy.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 2, 2024