Huayna Picchu is one of two peaks found inside the magical site of Machu Picchu. For this reason, it is a bucket-list item for hikers and thrill-seekers alike who wish to add an exciting and memorable element to their luxury Machu Picchu tours with Andean Travel Experience. Huayna Picchu, which means “Young Peak” in Quechua, is one of Machu Picchu’s iconic viewpoints. From the top of Huayna Picchu mountain you are blessed with awe-inspiring views over the Machu Picchu Inca citadel and across the surrounding spectacular valley. Here are just some of the main reasons why you should consider climbing The Huayna Picchu Mountain when you take the luxury train to Machu Picchu!
Huayna Picchu Restrictions
The Peruvian government limits the amount of people who can visit Machu Picchu each day. This is also the same for the mountain climbs within Machu Picchu. Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have a daily limit of how many people can climb each mountain each day. The Huayna Picchu mountain hike is r restricted to 400 people per day and is divided into two entrance times:
Huayna Picchu Entrance Time
First Entrance: 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Second Entrance: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Ticket Regulations For Huayna Picchu
The Huayna Picchu entrance ticket is a combination ticket that allows entry to both Machu Picchu archaeological complex (for the general tour) and Huayna Picchu. You will need a type 2 entrance ticket that includes Huayna Picchu for the Huayna Picchu mountain hike. It is of vital importance that you purchase this ticket at least 3 months in advance, an even more in advance if you plan to travel during high season. (May to September).
Valid for 6 hours: This time begins when you enter Machu Picchu. If you choose to take the Machu Picchu guided tour, this lasts around 2.5 hours and the Huayna Picchu hike takes about 2–3 hours. Visitors can spend a maximum of 4 hours on the Huayna Picchu hike.
The Huayna Picchu ticket allows one exit/re-entry into Machu Picchu. This is helpful if you want to hike first and then have lunch at the cafe at the Machu Picchu entrance. Lockers and restrooms are located outside of the main Machu Picchu entrance, so make sure you use them if you need to before you enter the Machu Picchu sanctuary, as there are no bathroom facilities inside.
How to Get to The Huayna Picchu Entrance
After reaching the Machu Picchu entrance, you’re only a short 15-minute walk from the Huayna Picchu trailhead! Follow the signs through the Machu Picchu archaeological site and you will end up at the Huayna Picchu checkpoint at the opposite side of the citadel. You’ll see a small hut and a Huayna Picchu map, which gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enter at your allocated time and your Huayna Picchu adventure will begin!
What To Expect On The Huna Picchu Hike
The hike begins at the checkpoint next to the sacred rock at the far end of the Machu Picchu citadel. At your allotted time, you show your ticket and sign in before you begin walking along the trail. The climb begins relatively flat, but quickly changes to windy ups and downs through rocky terrain and beautiful green scenery. Remember the trail is narrow with sheer drops, so we do not recommend this hike for anyone who suffers from vertigo.
As you make your way toward the top of the Huayna Pichu mountain, the trek continues along steep switchbacks. You will most likely be hiking alongside other trekkers, so make sure to be courteous on the trail and let people go ahead of you if they want to pass, or politely ask to pass if you are the one walking at a faster pace. Once you’ve made it through the switchbacks, you will reach the stairs of death!
The Stairs of Death
The Huayna Picchu “Stairs of Death” deserve their own blog because of their sheer architectural awesomeness. These steep steps are an original Inca staircase, dating back to the 1400s. Don’t let that put you off though. The Incas were master builders and created architectural marvels with better structural integrity than most modern buildings today! Looking up may intimidate you, but looking down is even worse, and not recommended! Make sure to utilize the hand rails and ropes to help you move forward. If you feel dizzy or are suffering from vertigo, or simply need a quick break, just step to the side on one of the terraces where you can take a break on flatter ground. If you’re still wondering, is Huayna Picchu dangerous? Then the answer is no. Not only are there guides stationed along the trail to help you, but there are also rails, ropes and other people around you to keep you safe.
Temple of The Moon
Once you have made it past the ropes and pully section, you’ve made it through the most difficult section and once you reach the summit, ruins with begin to appear all around you. This is a great time to explore around and take your first photos. This is also the time when you need to make a decision…….continue along the main trail, or take the side trail to the Temple of the Moon. The second option adds an extra 45 minutes in total, but is totally worth the effort. This 1,500 year-old temple was built within caves, and is still a mystery to modern-day historians. The hypothesize that it was possibly used for rituals, sacrifices, or the worship of the moon. In order to reach this area, you must follow the side path that takes you down and around the backside of the mountain and eventually winds back up to the main path that takes you back to the main entrance.
The Views From Huayna Picchu
If you decide to stay on the main path, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the “Throne of the Inca” that looks out over Machu Picchu. This rock formation is a perfect spot for photos and admiring the stunning scenery of the valley below you. You can appreciate spectacular views of mountain tops, ruins and the winding Vilcanota river below. You will need to keep moving in order to prevent a “person” jam. From the viewpoint, climb down the ladder and under the “Throne” you can begin the descent of Huayna Picchu.
The Descent Of Huayna Picchu Mountain
A similar staircase that took you up will lead you back down the mountain, and back towards the checkpoint. Descend carefully to ensure your safety and take your time, there is no need to rush. This is also an excellent opportunity to take in the last views before finishing the Huayna Picchu hike. When you arrive back at the Huayna Picchu entrance, sign out and make your way to the Machu Picchu exit where you can rest up and re-hydrate.
If it is your dream to climb the impressive Huayna Picchu mountain on your Luxury Peru tour to Machu Picchu, then please let us know at the time of booking your Peru luxury tour, so we can reserve the correct permit. It is recommended, if possible, to have some flexibility with your travel dates if the Huayna Picchu climb is an essential aspect of your luxury Machu Picchu visit. Ask here if you have any further questions about this impressive Huayna Picchu mountain trek!