Huayna Picchu 65 articles
Schedules to enter
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New schedules to enter Huayna Picchu

The Huayna Picchu mountain is the most famous adventure tourist attraction in Machu Picchu. It combines hiking trails, Inca temples and beautiful landscapes. Now from June 1st, 2024 the schedules and the new timetables to enter the exclusive mountain have been updated. Learn about the new schedules and how to visit the Waynapicchu mountain.



Tourist at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain
Tourist at the top of Huayna Picchu mountain

Huayna Picchu: location, altitude and difficulty

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that shapes the Inca City of Machu Picchu. It has vertiginous Inca trails near ravines. Climbing to the top is an adventure considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world.

  • Location – It is located north of Machu Picchu. Its entrance gate is in front of the Sacred Rock.
  • Altitude – Waynapicchu Mountain is 2,720 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), almost 300 meters above the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
  • Difficulty – Climbing to the top of Waynapicchu has a moderate difficulty. It is recommended to climb at a pace suitable for each person.
  • About the tour – The tour begins by Machu Picchu precisely to the Sacred Rock from this point begins the ascent to the top of Huayna Picchu.
Table with everything you need to get to Huayna Picchu
Requirements and recommendationsDetails
Entrance ticketYou can only enter with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket.
Advance bookingIt is advisable to make your reservation 3 or 4 months in advance. Especially for high season.
Define travel dateBefore booking it is recommended to have tempting dates to make the trip. 2 or 3 options would be perfect.
Planning activitiesAfter visiting Machu Picchu in Cusco and Peru you can do more activities.
Options to complete your tripMuch will depend on the activities you like to do. You can include hiking or adventure routes.
Carry only what is necessaryFor the excursion to Huayna Picchu, it is recommended to bring only what is necessary.
Appropriate footwearIt is advisable to wear hiking shoes. But footwear with good grip, comfortable and resistant will suffice.
Appropriate clothingIt is important to wear comfortable clothes that allow adequate perspiration.
Identity documentsYou can only enter Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu by showing your identity card or passport.
SunscreenIn any outdoor activity, it is advisable to use sunscreen.
OthersIt is also advisable to use mosquito repellent and carry some cash.

Map of the Huayna Picchu mountain tour
Map of the Huayna Picchu mountain tour

What was the entrance schedule to Waynapicchu 2018 like?

The entrance schedule to Huayna Picchu in 2018 was in 2 different groups:

Group 1:

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 6 a.m.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu: from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Stay at Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu: from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Group 2:

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 6 a.m.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu: from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Stay in Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu: from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The new entrance hours for the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket are divided into 2 groups. The first schedule starts at 7:00 am and the second group at 9:00 am. For both cases, it is recommended to do the tour from the beginning of the entrance time.


What is the new entrance schedule to Huayna Picchu?

Group 1:

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 7 a.m.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu: from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Stay in Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu: 6 hours from the entrance of the tourist.

The tip: To access at this time it is important to consider spending the night in the district of Machu Picchu Pueblo. This is the only way to have enough time to get to Machu Picchu and start the adventure. It is likely to find some fog about to dissipate.

Group 2:

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 9 a.m.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu: from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Stay in Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu: 6 hours from the entrance of the tourist.

The tip: This schedule will probably be the most requested and the one that will end up selling out in a short time. It is recommended to make the reservation at least 3 months in advance. The benefits of this schedule are that it allows you to make the trip in one day and also the possibility of finding less fog.

Comparative table of Huayna Picchu entrance schedules
DetailsSchedule 1Schedule 2
Entrance to Machu PicchuStarting at 7:00 am. It is important to be punctual. Waiting time is only 45 minutes.Starting at 9:00 a.m. Waiting time is only 45 minutes.
Entrance to Huayna PicchuFrom 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.From 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Total permanence6 hours from the entrance to Machu Picchu6 hours from the entrance to Machu Picchu
Lodging recommendationsOvernight in Aguas Calientes. It will not be possible to make the trip in one day.Overnight in Aguas Calientes or start activities on the first train out. It is possible to make the trip in one day.
Ticket availabilityThe availability may last longer. This is because it requires an overnight stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo.Availability sells out faster due to the convenience of travel offered by this trip.
AdvantagesIt is possible to appreciate the sunrise. It is also possible to have a quiet tour in the early hours of the day.Ideal for travelers who want a leisurely itinerary. Offers flexibility in activities.
DisadvantagesIt requires an overnight stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes and an early start of activities.High demand on availability. Risk of not finding admission tickets.

All you need to get to Huayna Picchu
To climb Huayna Picchu, it will only be possible with the reservation of the entrance ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu. This ticket is the most requested of the enclosure, therefore, you must make the reservation in advance. Once the ticket is ready, the only thing left to do is to define the date of the trip, it will be important to do the tour with appropriate footwear. The best option is to do it with hiking shoes.


How long to stay in Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu?

  • The new 2024 schedules allow a maximum stay in Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu of 6 hours from the time of entry.
  • The visit to the Temple of the Moon (Temple of the Great Cavern) will only be possible during the high season. That is, from June 1st to October 15th).
  • The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket only allows the tour to this destination. Now you will not be able to visit the Temple of the Moon, since it has its own ticket.
Timeline and activities to be performed
Admission time7:00 am and 9:00 am.
Travel time in Machu PicchuApproximately 1 hour.
Huayna Picchu ascent time1 hour and 30 minutes.
Huayna Picchu Tour30 minutes.
Huayna Picchu descent time30 to 45 minutes.
Tour of the final section of Machu Picchu45 minutes to 1 hour.
Approximate total travel time6 hours.

From when does the new schedule take effect in Huayna Picchu?

  • The new schedules to enter Huayna Picchu, came into effect on June 01, 2024.
  • New circuits were also implemented for the tour of the Inca citadel.
  • The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket is part of Circuit 3 or Royal Route.
  • Another important point is that during the high season you can take the tour to the Temple of the Moon with its respective ticket.
Tourists at the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain
Tourists at the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

How to visit the Temple of the Moon with the new schedule?

  • The Temple of the Moon (also considered as the Great Cavern) is an Inca construction located in the Huayna Picchu mountain.
  • Due to the high demand for tickets, new routes or destinations to visit in Machu Picchu were enabled. One of them is the Temple of the Moon.
  • It can only be visited with the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket and during the high season (June 1st to October 15th).
  • The only way to get to the Temple of the Moon will be carrying the corresponding ticket. It is no longer possible to enter with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket.
  • Likewise, it is only valid for persons over 18 years of age.
Temple of the Moon (Great Cavern)
Temple of the Moon (Great Cavern)

How much time is available to visit Waynapicchu?

  • All tourists can stay between 5 to 6 hours in Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu after entering.
  • This time is recommended and enough to enjoy all the tourist attractions with patience.

How much time is available to visit Machu Picchu?

  • The ticket includes the visit to Machu Picchu by the new circuit 3. That is, the visitor can visit part of the Inca citadel before and after the tour of the mountain. Circuit 3 or the royal circuit takes 2 hours on average.
  • The first hour is at the time of entry and before the ascent. The second hour is when returning and concluding the tour of the Inca citadel.
  • Remember that the visit to Machu Picchu is accompanied by an official tour guide. If you did not reserve a private guide, you can hire one for the tour of the Inca citadel at the entrance to the wonder.
Enclosures or constructions visited in Machu Picchu circuit 3
EnclosureDescriptionOutstanding features
Platforms or agricultural areaAlso called retaining walls. They were also used as spaces to plant coca leaves and corn.They are located in the access area. It connects with the main entrance and the main temples.
Pisonay SquareA wide esplanade that connects directly to the main temples.The Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the 3 windows can be seen from the site.
View of Main TemplesThis circuit offers a tour through different points from where the Main Temples can be seen.They have finely carved stone walls. In addition, they are large stones.
Temple of the 3 windowsIt has carved stone walls and 3 trapezoidal windows, from where you can see the Plaza Pisonay and other large areas.It is believed that the three windows symbolize part of the Andean mythology. That is, the presence of the Puma, Serpent and Condor.
The Sacred RockIt is a large stone that has the shape of a mountain that looks just behind it.It is an important ceremonial stone known as Huaca Sagrada. That is, it was used as a means of thanksgiving to the Pachamama.
Group of the 3 coversA construction with 3 entrance doors. It has a combined style, with finely carved stones and other normal ones.It is necessary to mention the presence, in the doorways, of the double jamb construction.
Temple of the CondorIt is a construction that has a combined style of the imperial and normal type. It is not possible to distinguish its functionality as such.The presence of a small temple on a large stone stands out. This great stone forms in a three-dimensional way the figure of a condor.
Water MirrorsImportant enclosure that has circular stones right in the middle that form the water mirrors.It is a star observatory. This, thanks to the reflection that produces the water of the constellation during the nights.

How to visit Huayna Picchu?

  • The only way to visit Waynapicchu mountain is to buy the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket online.
  • Due to the high demand for tickets, it is recommended to book your ticket 3 or 4 months in advance.
  • At the time of booking, you will be given two schedules. The schedule that appears is to start the entrance to Machu Picchu. These are: 7:00 in the morning and 9:00 in the morning.
  • The tour starts right past the Sacred Rock. The ascent is through the famous Inca roads or Qhapac Ñam.
  • It is possible to appreciate part of the construction of these roads that for some is even a legend.
  • After the first 45 minutes of walking you can appreciate the first Inca terraces and stairways near the cliffs of the mountain.
This is how the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain looks like
This is how the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain looks like

More information about Waynapicchu mountain

  • Like Huayna Picchu, the entrances to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have new schedules since 2024.
  • It should be noted that any of the entrances to Machu Picchu allows free admission to the Machu Picchu Site Museum during the afternoon shift: from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The visit to the Inca City of Machu Picchu is mandatory with a tour guide. In Waynapicchu, however, it is not mandatory to be accompanied by a guide.
  • The entrance to Huayna Picchu is only for people over 18 years old.
  • Due to the steep trails, it is not recommended for older adults in poor physical condition to climb Waynapicchu.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

Paola M.By: Paola M.

“Huayna Picchu has always been my dream“

“When I managed to make the reservation I was happy for almost a month. When I made the trip and saw Machu Picchu, I thought it was a dream. I look forward to coming back soon.“


 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 10, 2024