Are you planning to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain on your visit to Cusco in Peru? There is a lot of information about this trekking route considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world. Among the many doubts that exist around this attraction are: Is Waynapicchu really dangerous, How are the ‘Stairs of Death’, How difficult is it to get a Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, Will I be able to climb if I am afraid of heights? Find out all the answers and much more information in our questions that will help you learn more about Huayna Picchu on the road.

• Is Waynapicchu mountain really dangerous?
• Is there such a thing as a ‘stairway of death’?
• Does the Huayna Picchu mountain form the face of Machu Picchu?
• Can you climb if you are afraid of heights?
• Does Huayna Picchu close in February?
• Can only experts climb Waynapicchu?
• Is there an Inca construction on the mountain?
• Can you see all of Machu Picchu from the top?
• Is there a cave in the middle of the Huayna Picchu trail?
• How difficult is it to get an admission ticket?

Tourist sitting at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

Is Waynapicchu mountain really dangerous?

Myth! Many people comment through blogs, Facebook, Instagram and other social networks that getting to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain is very dangerous. That one can lose one’s life on it. The truth is that these comments are from people who have never made the ascent to the top of this mountain. The ancient Inca trails that lead to the top of this summit have safety ropes in its most difficult sections. In addition, there are security personnel that offer help to the tourist in those moments. If all safety measures are followed, there is no risk.

To enter the Waynapicchu Mountain you must book in advance the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket. This ticket includes the entrance to the Inca Citadel and all its stone constructions. It is recommended to make the reservation up to 4 months in advance. It is important to take into account this time in advance, especially during the official high season. That is, between June 1st and October 15th. During this time reservations increase and unfortunately availability does not. That is why it is usually very difficult to find a ticket with only a few weeks in advance.

Is there such a thing as a ‘stairway of death’?

True! The ‘stairs of death‘ do exist and are a part of the path that leads to the top of Waynapicchu. These stone steps made more than 600 years ago by the Incas owe their name to the difficult slope of their route. No one has ever lost their life on this stretch. The view on the edges of these roads borders with vertiginous cliffs, which makes your way more difficult. But fear not, the route is safe and the ravines make the journey more memorable. Once at the top, you will think it was worth the effort.

Huayna Picchu’s death staircase

Does the Huayna Picchu mountain form the face of Machu Picchu?

True! Although it may seem an exaggeration, the mountain formations of the Wonder of the World form the profile of a person’s face. The Huayna Picchu mountain forms the nose. The rest are the forehead, mouth and chin. To get a photograph of the so-called ‘face of Machu Picchu‘ you must reach the ‘House of the guardian’, an Inca construction at the top of a set of terraces.

Can you climb if you are afraid of heights?

True! Although it is not the most advisable, it is possible for a person who is afraid of heights to overcome their fear and reach the top of Waynapicchu Mountain. However, there are cases of visitors who desist from continuing the tour. In these cases, there are security and prevention personnel who will help the tourist to return to the starting point or continue on the trail to the summit.

This is the way to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

Does Huayna Picchu close in February?

Myth! Neither Machu Picchu nor Huayna Picchu are closed in February, a month characterized by frequent rains. The only attraction that remains closed during those days is the 4-day trekking route known as the Inca Trail, which undergoes a maintenance process during that month. The only recommendation to have if you visit Waynapicchu during the rainy season is to bring a poncho in case of rain and hiking shoes. The steps are a little wet so you should wear non-slip shoes.

Can only experts climb Waynapicchu?

Myth! You don’t need to be an expert mountaineer for this adventure. Currently, only people over 18 years of age can take the tour; previously, people over 12 years of age were allowed to do so. Any tourist with an average physical condition can dare to undertake this adventure. There are cases of older adults who climbed the difficult trails of Huayna Picchu. The only thing recommended is to follow the signs and not to challenge nature by approaching the edges of the road.

Is there an Inca construction on the mountain?

True! On the Huayna Picchu mountain you can find several Inca constructions. Those that can be seen following the route that allows the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, are at the top of the mountain. However, there are more constructions, but in other directions as in the case of Huchuy Picchu, which is also a mountain and probably the most important is the Temple of the Moon. To get to both destinations it is required independently their own entrance tickets.

Temple of the Moon (Great Cavern)

Can you see all of Machu Picchu from the top?

True! According to many tourists, one of the most memorable experiences during the trip to the Wonder of the World is reaching the top. From there you can appreciate all the scenic splendor of the place including the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. You can also glimpse the Vilcanota River, the Putucusi mountain, the town of Aguas Calientes and all the greenery of the jungle. It is estimated that reaching the top of Waynapicchu takes an average of 1 hour, depending on the physical condition of the visitor.

About what you should bring to climb Huayna Picchu
To climb Huayna Picchu it is not necessary to hike with special shoes or hiking shoes. If not, only with a comfortable and resistant footwear. The walking time is approximately 2 hours. During the hike you will follow an ascending path and some stairs. That is why comfortable shoes are required as a minimum. Only this way you will be able to do the tour safely and enjoy the whole tour.

Tourists observing Machu Picchu from the summit of Huayna Picchu

Is there a cave in the middle of the Huayna Picchu trail?

True! For some tourists, the most difficult moment during the ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain is to cross the narrow cave that stands in the middle of the path. This rock formation is very dark and reduced so the visitor needs to crouch down and go through it very slowly to continue with the tour. For people who are afraid of darkness and confined spaces, this is the most complicated section. For others, it is simply another obstacle on the way to the top of the mountain.

How difficult is it to get an admission ticket?

True! Only 400 people can enter Huayna Picchu mountain daily. This is to protect the visitor and the Inca site itself. Due to the high demand and the few spaces available, to get one of the tickets it is necessary to make the corresponding reservation months in advance. Normally, this must be separated 2 months in advance. However, if you plan to visit during the high tourist season (April to October), you need to do it up to 4 months in advance. The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket is required to enter. It includes the tour of the Inca Citadel.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Jota P.

“There are many myths about Waynapicchu!“

“We were very concerned about whether it was physically possible to do this route not only because of the danger but also because of the steepness of the trail. According to several YouTube videos and comments in different forums. But nothing, don't believe those comments. Even my traveling companion is disabled and uses a cane and had no major difficulties. The key is to climb slowly, step by step, enjoying every view.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 31, 2024