How to climb Huayna Picchu in 2022

How does it feel to climb Huayna Picchu?

Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the world and is the dream destination for thousands of tourists in the world. But if there is something that completes that dream, it is to climb the amazing Huayna Picchu mountain. This summit is the greatest attraction of the Inca citadel. Reaching its top is the goal of all its visitors.

A tourist on the Huayna Picchu summit

What is Huayna Picchu and where is it?

• The Huayna Picchu is the mountain that appears as a backdrop in the postcard photos of Machu Picchu.
• Along this mountain, the Incas built stone steps as well as enclosures and temples such as the ‘Great Cavern’.
• This famous mountain is located in the Andes Mountains of Peru and is located exactly in the Amazonian Andes, a region known as the cloud forest. It is located to the geographic north of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• Waynapicchu is a Quechua word (language of the Incas) that means ‘Young Mountain’.

How high is Huayna Picchu?

• The top of this mountain is located at 2,890 meters above sea level (8,980 feet). While the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet).
• The height of the Waynapicchu mountain can cause ‘altitude sickness’. However, the symptoms can be very mild.

How to get to Huayna Picchu?

• To get to the Waynapicchu mountain, you must first enter the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• Then, tourists will have the citadel through the middle part until they reach the ‘Sacred Rock’ of Machu Picchu.
• Right in front of this Inca construction is the control point to the Huayna Picchu mountain.
• How to get to Machu Picchu? From the city of Cusco you must travel by train and then by bus to the entrance gate of the Inca citadel.

What is it like to climb Huayna Picchu?

• Climbing Waynapicchu is considered one of the best short walks on the planet.
• Tourists walk approximately 2 kilometers from their entrance to the top of Huayna Picchu.
• The ascent is about 300 meters along narrow Inca trails and close to ravines.
• Despite being a difficult hike, it is not necessary to be in great physical shape. The most important thing is the desire to want to reach the top.
• Only tourists over 12 years of age are allowed to enter.

A climb that seems impossible

• When you enter Machu Picchu, you will be impressed by the beauty of the Inca city.
• However, you will also be even more surprised to see how steep and vertiginous the Huayna Picchu mountain turns out to be.
• Only 400 people per day can go up it each day.
• The Waynapicchu challenges with its imposing presence all those who wish to conquer it. This is a task that seems difficult and even impossible at first glance.
• The ascent to the Waynapicchu mountain has a medium-moderate difficulty.
• A good tip is to always carry what is absolutely necessary. A small backpack or bag will help you carry your things and keep your hands free for the walk. A canteen with water is also essential.

Some trails of stone steps and adrenaline to the fullest

• The route to reach the summit of Huayna Picchu begins by entering through a rustic entrance made of wood that serves as a checkpoint.
• A sign will indicate the direction of two routes: one that will take you to the top of Waynapicchu.
• Another, towards the small mountain that accompanies it, the Huchuypicchu.
• The first part of the path that leads to the top of Huayna Picchu crosses a flat dirt path that continues with the first climb of stone steps.
• The first section is light and does not require much effort.
• Afterwards, more stairs continue and the ascent becomes more tortuous but, in return, the views of the landscape become interesting.

The terraces and the tunnel in Huayna Picchu

• As you move forward, the steps become more vertical. You will need both hands to help yourself with the handrail or the stones on the steps.
• However, the sacrifice is rewarded by the Inca terraces that begin to appear. Upon reaching them you will be able to observe not only platforms, but also various constructions and viewpoints.
• The summit is near and there is little way to go. Then there is a section that is done through a tunnel made on the rock.
• This little cave is narrow and dark. Many tourists do not want to go through there although it is the only way to continue to the top.

The narrow tunnel of Waynapicchu

The famous ‘stairs of death’

• In the last section of the road, you must climb some steep steps near ravines. This section is called ‘The stairs of death of Huayna Picchu’.
• These stairs can make your heart beat faster. This last section will take us to the top of the Waynapicchu mountain.
• Once at the top, it all comes down to an immense feeling of ecstasy and happiness that comes from being there.
• The view is simply spectacular. It is the great reward for the effort displayed.
• At the top you will understand that you are in a sacred place and that it was no coincidence that the Incas built various shrines there.

Tourist climbing the Huayna Picchu mountain by the stairs of death

The ‘Great Cavern’ or Temple of the Moon

• The descent begins along a path at the back of the mountain but ends along the same ascent.
• To end your tour in a spectacular way is the Great Cavern (also called the Temple of the Moon of Huayna Picchu).
• This magnificent construction is carved out of a natural mountain cave. It is a place that can only be seen if you climb Huayna Picchu.
• To visit the Temple of the Moon, tourists must take a detour through a narrow and winding path during the descent from the top of Waynapicchu.
• When the tourist returns to the control booth, at the foot of the mountain, he must register his departure from Huayna Picchu.

Moon temple or great cavern

The only way to visit the Waynapicchu mountain is by buying the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket online. This ticket allows you to visit these two places. The purchase must be made 4 or 5 months in advance.

How do I go up the Huayna Picchu mountain?

• In order to enter the Waynapicchu mountain, you must purchase the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, from the year 2022 this ticket allows you to tour the Inca citadel through circuit 4.
• This ticket offers three income groups:

1. Group 1:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 6 in the morning.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu: between 7 and 8 in the morning.
• Visiting time: 6 hours from your entrance (7 hours if you visit the Temple of the Moon).

1. Group 2:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 7 in the morning.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu: between 7 and 8 in the morning.
• Visiting time: 6 hours from your entrance (7 hours if you visit the Temple of the Moon).

1. Group 3:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 8 in the morning.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu: between 10:30 and 11:30 in the morning.
• Visiting time: 6 hours from admission (does not allow visits to the Temple of the Moon).

This ticket allows you to visit the entire Inca City of Machu Picchu and be able to climb the Waynapicchu mountain.

It is the most required ticket in Machu Picchu and must be purchased online well in advance: 2 or 3 months before.