Huayna Picchu Mountain

There are three mountains around Machu Picchu, but the most important is the Huayna Picchu Mountain, also known as the Young Mountain in its translation from Quechua to Spanish, located at 2,667 m.a.s.l. in the Cusco region. Its circular base is surrounded by the Urubamba River, north of the citadel of Machu Picchu. It will be worth reaching this place because you will see the land of the Incas at its best, and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.

This majestic peak, which dramatically rises on the horizon, not only adds an impressive backdrop to the archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu but also offers intrepid adventurers the chance to explore a mountainous landscape of unparalleled beauty.

The grandeur of Huayna Picchu Mountain is not only visual but also represents a unique opportunity for those bold travelers who wish to explore beyond conventional boundaries. With challenging trails and breathtaking panoramic views, this mountain adds an exciting dimension to the Machu Picchu experience.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the pointed, cone-shaped mountain behind the citadel. It appears in many of the classic Machu Picchu postcards. And its trek is one of the alternatives to Machu Picchu that you can’t miss!

Besides having new view of Machu Picchu citadel from its top, you will discover new Inca rests. Like the Moon temple and beautiful landscapes during its tour. At first glance, it can seem like a challenging mountain hike.

Trip distance	2.5 miles or 4 kilometers (Round trip)
Trip time	01-hour climb up / 45 minutes descend
Elevation gain	1,000 feet or 360 meters
Top elevation	8,835 feet or 2,693 meters above sea level
Difficult	Moderate to hard
Not recommendable	Children under 14 years old, elderly people and vertigo people

History

The citadel of Machu Picchu was built around 1450 by the Inca Pachacutec as a royal residence or place of retreat. The citadel is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley, which lies in the heart of the Andes. Huayna Picchu towers over the ancient ruins and provides a stunning backdrop to the site.

Huayna Picchu Mountain played an important role for the Incas in the history of Machu Picchu. They built agricultural terraces and other amazing structures on its steep slopes to show off their excellent architectural skills. In addition, the mountain had a strategic location, perhaps used as a defensive lookout point with panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

Although it initially received less attention after the rediscovery of Machu Picchu in 1911. It attracts visitors from all over the world who want to explore its fascinating history and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top.

Huayna Picchu Tickets

Huayna Picchu Tickets The Peruvian government allots 200 tickets each day for the Huayna Picchu hike. These tickets are divided into four entrances:

Entrance Tickets	Huayna Picchu Entrance Time	Recommendations
Option 1	7:00–8:00 am	Ideal for those who stayed in Aguas Calientes the night before. After boarding the morning buses, you will ascend before sunrise and enjoy unique views. You should enter the citadel between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., an unforgettable morning experience.
Option 2	9:00–10:00 am	This schedule is ideal for those who have done routes such as the Inca Trail, Short Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Lares trek or Train Tours. We suggest exploring the citadel of Machu Picchu before ascending the mountain.

Tickets for Machu Picchu typically do not sell out more than 3 months in advance. However, tickets for the Huayna Picchu hike can sell out several months in advance. Therefore, make sure to decide as soon as possible if you would like to do the hike.

*Visitors can both hike Huayna Picchu and take the Machu Picchu tour on the same day. For a more relaxed pace, you can also split the two activities between two days. Spending two days at Machu Picchu is especially recommended during the rainy season when inclement weather is likelier.

Ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain
To access detailed information about reservations in the National Park, we offer you a complete guide on purchasing updated tickets to Machu Picchu.

Remember that the Ministry of Culture of Peru and the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu updated the information on the new circuit options to visit Machu Picchu on May 24, 2024.

Tickets are now on sale to visit the Wonder of the World during the high season, which runs from June 1 to October 15, 2024, and from December 30 to 31, 2024. Learn more about the new routes to Machu Picchu on our blog: Tickets to Machu Picchu.

Ticket Type for Huayna Picchu:
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route
The climb to the summit of Waynapicchu, or Huayna Picchu Mountain, is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences you can have at Machu Picchu. This 2.4-kilometer route not only tests visitors’ physical endurance but also offers unparalleled rewards in terms of views and cultural significance.

Huayna Picchu Mountain Map

Attractions on Huayna Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich cultural and natural wonders. Below are some highlights of the Huayna Picchu hike.

1.- Impressive Views
Most of Huayna Picchu mountain is under forest cover; however, the views from the peak make the hike up well worth it. At the top, hikers can enjoy phenomenal aerial views of Machu Picchu, as well as astounding mountain vistas. It is the perfect place to take a moment to reflect on your journey thus far.

2.- The Temple of the Moon or The Great Cavern

This archaeological gem is an integral part of the Huayna Picchu experience and offers a unique insight into Incan culture. The Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cavern, is an archaeological wonder meticulously built inside a natural cave with finely carved stone structures. The Incas attributed to the caves the ability to communicate with the deceased, giving them a special spiritual significance.

The cave houses a mystical atmosphere and some studies have suggested that this place may have been used for sacrifices. However, these historical interpretations often generate debate and have yet to be fully confirmed.

3.- Stairs of Death

Stairs of Death at Huayna Picchu You may have heard of the “Stairs of Death” on Huayna Picchu Mountain. Off the main path are diagonal rows of Inca steps jutting perpendicularly out of the side of the mountain. The Stairs of Death are also known as the “floating steps” of Huayna Picchu, as there is a deep chasm beneath them. Only air separates them from the Urubamba River, more than 300 meters below.

These stone steps allowed the Incas to reach their terraces on Huayna Picchu without crushing their crops. They also prevented access to animals such as llamas and alpacas.

Due to the risk of falls, the stairs are cordoned off to the public. Instead, continue along the main path and snap a photo of these iconic steps during your climb.

Best time to visit Huayna Picchu
In the Peruvian Andes the weather is very changeable, the rainy season runs from November to March, and the dry season from April to October. The peak tourist season coincides with the dry season.

The rainy season is considered summer, while the dry season is considered winter. Temperatures throughout the year range from 7 °C to 28 °C (44 °F to 83 °F). Average humidity is around 50% in the dry season and 90% in the rainy season.

Advantages of the dry season:

Less morning fog (better views)
No need for a raincoat
Lower humidity
Fewer insects
Rocks are not slippery.

Advantages of the rainy season:

Less crowds
Easier to get tickets with less advance notice
Rain will cool you down
Cheaper flights to Peru

If you are in search of an adventure, experience Machu Picchu to the maximum by adding the Huayna Picchu hike to your itinerary. You’ll be amazed by its magnificent views of both the ruins and the surrounding landscapes. It is an excellent way to extend your visit to Machu Picchu, and for many travelers, it is the highlight of their trip.