The Huayna Picchu mountain is the most requested and spectacular attraction of Machu Picchu. Getting to this place is not complicated, you only have to follow a small trail for about an hour. It is one of the best short hikes in the world. Climbing the mountain is not an easy task and requires an adequate physical condition and a great will, so it is advisable to take certain precautions to make your climb a great experience and not an ordeal. Find here some tips that will help you to better plan your trip and hike to the top of this incredible Inca construction.

• You should think about doing a previous physical preparation
• It is better to arrive early to Machu Picchu if you are going to climb Huayna Picchu
• Do not walk up to Machu Picchu on foot
• Only the necessary clothing and items should be carried
• Assess your health

Tourists at the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

You should think about doing a previous physical preparation

The entrance to Huayna Picchu is the most desired ticket in Machu Picchu. To purchase it you must make your reservation at least two months in advance, this time you will have since you book your ticket until the day you arrive to visit Machu Picchu can be used to make a previous physical preparation. If you are one of the people who usually exercise regularly you will not need to do more than your normal routine, on the contrary if you feel that you are not in shape, you could begin to perform exercise routines to improve your stamina or just go for a run, this will help you when you have to climb Huayna Picchu feel less the rigor of it. You do not need a special preparation to climb the mountain, but being physically well will help you to enjoy more the hike up the “Wayna”.

Some of the activities you can do before the trip to Machu Picchu are:

• Walks with variation of pace.
• Going for a bike ride.
• Jumping rope.
• Dances or aerobics.
• Jumping jacks, push-ups and the like.
• Playing sports.
• An important thing will be to strengthen your legs and knees with some jogging.
• You can combine the different activities, on different days.

It is better to arrive early to Machu Picchu if you are going to climb Huayna Picchu

• If you are going to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, it is best to arrive the day before and spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Especially if your ticket is for the first entrance time to Machu Picchu (7:00 am – 7:45 am). While the entrance to Huayna Picchu will be from 8:00 am of the day.
• You should take the bus up to Machu Picchu very early in the morning. It is recommended to go up 30 minutes before 7:00 am.
• The buses take less than 30 minutes to complete the ascent to the entrance area of Machu Picchu.
• Please note that there are only 2 entrance times. The second schedule begins at 9:00 to 9:45 am, to enter Machu Picchu and the mountain at 10:00 am.
• Making the trip in one day will be complicated. You will have to enter in the second schedule, but you will have to start activities in the first train schedule.
• This can be a problem and detrimental, as the walking is really strenuous.
• It is best to spend the day before in Machu Picchu village to relax and rest before the adventure of reaching the summit of Huayna Picchu.

Entrance gate to Huayna Picchu mountain

Do not walk up to Machu Picchu on foot

The usual and most advisable is to climb the stretch that connects Aguas Calientes with the citadel of Machu Picchu by bus, these leave continuously from their stop that is very close to the train station in Machu Picchu village. This tour can be done on foot, but if you are going to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, it is not advisable. The walking tour of this section lasts between an hour and an hour and a half approximately and it is only advisable to do it if you are only going to visit the Inca city; but not if you are going to do any of the short hikes that are in Machu Picchu. Unless you are a professional mountaineer or are used to long hikes, you could do the trek this way. Keep in mind that after climbing Huayna Picchu you must also hike the citadel of Machu Picchu and you will need more air to do so.

About Machu Picchu’s ecological buses
The buses to Machu Picchu are one of the best alternatives to start the activities to Machu Picchu. These buses do not have fixed departure times because they begin their journey once there are passengers ready to ascend. It is possible to make the reservation of the ecological buses virtually and it is completely safe. There are different prices and some discounts for minors and university students.

Only the necessary clothing and items should be carried

• Avoid extra or heavy loads. There are very steep sections where you will have to use both hands to help yourself.
• It is recommended to wear light clothing that allows you to release perspiration.
• If you come during the rainy season you should bring waterproof clothing or a plastic poncho that will protect you from a possible downpour.
• You can take with you a small backpack or bag in which to carry some useful objects such as your camera and a snack or energy bar for the road.
• It is highly recommended to carry a canteen for water.
• Also remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
• In addition to any object that you consider essential.
• That’s all you will need for the most incredible hike you will ever have in your life.

Descent of Huayna Picchu mountain

Assess your health

Climbing the Huayna Picchu mountain requires the will and the physique of its visitors, if you suffer from any health problem, it is best to consult your family doctor so you know if you are with the necessary health conditions to make the climb to Huayna Picchu, or in any case to provide you with the appropriate measures to do it safely. Some factors such as age and excess weight could also prevent you from making the trek, so take into account all these factors before purchasing your entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain. Machu Picchu can be visited by everyone and you have several different options to enjoy it. There will always be one that suits you.

The Huayna Picchu mountain is a challenge for those who try to climb it, and although there is much talk about the physical condition to do it, the most important factor that determines whether you can reach the top is the will to do it. You will be able to read and listen to the testimony of many people who against all odds were able to reach the top of the mountain, and visitors who walk the mountain will always be willing to give you a hand and encouragement to accomplish your goal. And once you get to the top, you will feel that everything will have been worth it.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Edu Q.

“The best adventure of my life“

“Contrary to what I thought climbing Huayna Picchu was a great challenge, fortunately in the lodge we were recommended to take only what was necessary, otherwise it would have been more tedious the climb, some sections are very difficult and you have to hold on with both hands to the ropes and the stones that are there. But when you are at the summit there is nothing that compares, the beautiful scenery and see Machu Picchu from there does justice to the effort given. I will never forget this adventure.“

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