Huayna Picchu is the most visited Machu Picchu site. The reasons to get to this place are many and there would even be more than enough. That is why in this article we want to tell you some of the many reasons to climb Huayna Picchu. For example, we can start with the fact that at the top of this mountain you can find Inca constructions. These constructions have incredible details that seem to defy gravity and nature itself because they are constructions in the ravines of the mountain. Join us to learn more about this privileged place and two particular reasons to achieve it.

• Huayna Picchu or Young Mountain
• Reasons to climb Huayna Picchu
• The difficulty
• The viewpoint
• Some recommendations to climb Huayna Picchu

Tourist on the summit of Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu or Young Mountain

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that we can all appreciate in the postcard photos of Machu Picchu. It is that high peak that appears just behind the Inca citadel. The route that we call Huayna Picchu, allows the entrance to Machu Picchu and then the ascent on foot up that steep mountain.

There are many people who dare to climb to this place just to satisfy the curiosity produced by this enigmatic place. In addition, the hike that is offered follows the paths traced by the urban planners of the ancient Tahuantinsuyo. That is to say, it follows part of the famous Qhapac Ñam or Roads of the Inca.

Huayna Picchu is also known as the young mountain. Since this would be a direct translation from Quechua. While the other mountains receive similar names as in the case of Huchuy Picchu, which would be Small Mountain and also would be the name of the mythical Machu Picchu, which is related to Old Mountain. Thus forming a particular triad of mountains in our wonder of the world.

Huayna Picchu Mountain in the background of the ruins

Reasons to climb Huayna Picchu

All the above mentioned are already some reasons why you should visit or make the route to the top of Huayna Picchu. Another reason is the ascent through four hundred meters of stone, mud and vegetation, which will give you the chance to have an intimate encounter with nature, and the vibe that it gives off along the entire route.

The Peruvian government restricted access to the mountain some years ago, to avoid the deterioration of its fragile ecosystem. Therefore, we are talking about a very restricted destination, a restriction that will become more severe with the passing of time, coupled with the huge number of people who want to have this experience, will make your visit more complicated, for this reason we recommend you to book as soon as possible, fortunately at present, to enter is not so difficult.

Timeline to climb Huayna Picchu:

• Entrance in the first schedule – 07:00 to 07:45 hours.
  • You must start the ascent to Machu Picchu from 6:20 in the morning in the buses.
  • It is best to enter Machu Picchu at the indicated time.
  • The first tour of Machu Picchu has an average duration of 1 hour.
  • The ascent to Huayna Picchu should be done at approximately 8:00 in the morning.
  • The ascent time to the summit can last from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • The return is less than 1 hour.
  • The second tour of Machu Picchu can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Entrance in the first schedule – 09:00 to 09:45 hours.
  • Likewise, you must start activities one hour before the entrance time.
  • You can only enter Huayna Picchu making the first entrance through Machu Picchu.
  • It is likely that the tour of Machu Picchu will be a little longer than usual due to the presence of more people.
  • The ascent to Huayna Picchu should be done before 11:00 am.
  • The ascent may seem heavier due to the presence of the sun on the hike. The average time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Finally, the descent to the exit of Machu Picchu, can last up to 2 hours more.
  • Be prepared for an activity of approximately 5 hours.

Buses to Machu Picchu, the best option
Buses to Machu Picchu make a 30 minute trip. The buses will connect in that time the district of Machu Picchu Pueblo with the access area to the archaeological site. Of course, you can also make the ascent to Machu Picchu on foot, but it requires 2 hours of intense activity. This, added to the tour of the Inca citadel and the ascent to Huayna Picchu, becomes a very heavy activity. If you think you can do it, control your time. Otherwise, the best option is to take the ecological buses.

The difficulty

The level of difficulty it presents can be mixed with the time it takes to climb, which will become a very interesting challenge, for roads that start with a fairly low difficulty, the mud and rocks just hinder the way and everything seems a piece of cake. It does not take a long walk to begin to appreciate the beauty of the tropical forest that surrounds this area, after some time, the road becomes winding and swampy, with wet stone walls which you will have to climb, in some cases with the help of ropes, or by hand, to ascend.

The whole environment looks like it was created on a computer or in a Hollywood studio. You will feel a sense of strangeness, exacerbated by the morning fog that surrounds the ravines, with beautiful scenery in every direction.

Walking the stone stairs to the summit of Huayna Picchu

The viewpoint

At the top you reach a kind of viewpoint, which will allow you to take superb views of the city of Machu Picchu, the different views of Machu Picchu from the top of Huayna Picchu is one of the best rewards offered by this activity. The main viewpoint of Huayna Picchu is located right at the top of the mountain. There a naturally carved stone seems to indicate the perfect place to appreciate all the splendor of Machu Picchu.

The flora and fauna of the place are simply wonderful, with species that you will not be able to see anywhere else in the world (endemic). In addition to the beautiful species that can be found, the beautiful views and the activity itself. One of the alternatives for the high season is to visit the Temple of the Moon, this enclosure is located in the foothills of the mountain. It probably does not offer incredible views, but it is an incredible experience. It is best to do it with family or groups of friends over 18 years of age. This is because, now, the entrance is only valid for that age range.

Young man enjoying the incredible views from the top of Huayna Picchu

Some recommendations to climb Huayna Picchu

• Make your reservation at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
• It is only possible to make 400 reservations per day.
• This ticket and tour is only for people over 18 years old.
• In case you have not been able to make a reservation you can purchase the Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket.
• Another entrance that offers beautiful views is Machu Picchu + Mountain.
• During the tour and stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo, use mosquito repellent.
• Make the hike with comfortable and resistant footwear, preferably hiking shoes.
• Do not carry too many belongings or belongings that require both hands.
• The hike requires a lot of attention to avoid accidents.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Tatty O.

“Huayna Picchu Majestic“

“As you go up from Machu Picchu to Huayna Picchu, you get to dimension how beautiful and special the landscape is, being surrounded by huge mountains. I have no words to describe this place, I was totally amazed by Huayna Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 5, 2024