Some of the best hiking trails in Peru are near Cusco and are truly amazing. We can mention the Huayna Picchu hike. Visitors can see this imposing mountain behind Machu Picchu citadel in all photos and postcards.
The advantage of climbing it is the impressive panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Of course, yo will have amazing photos of Machu Picchu from another angle. Also, hundreds of tourists visit daily this famous hiking trail.
And for this reason, together with Machu Travel Peru, we’ll bring you a complete article about this quaint mountain. In this way, you will know in depth what awaits you when you undertake this imposing route among other Machu Picchu tours.
Everything you need to know about this magical mountain
- Huayna Picchu
- Location
- Getting there
- The Hike
- Attractions
- When to visit it
- Tickets
- Schedules
- Advice
- Alternative hikes
- How dificult is Huayna Picchu?
- Difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain
Huayna Picchu
| 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 |
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.
But, technically, it is not that difficult. Although the climb will be steep and lasts 01 hours, the descent will be easiest and lasts 01 hours. Despite it being a climb suitable for all audiences, maybe children, elderly people, and people with vertigo suffer. So it is advisable not to realize it with them.
A. What does Huayna Picchu mean?
The name means, literally, Huayna equal to Young, and Picchu equal to Mountain. The Young Mountain would be the exact translation of its Quechua name. On the other hand, the old mountain is the exact translation for Machu Picchu.
Unfortunately, the Inca culture didn’t leave a writing system to be able to know the names of their citadels. For this reason, there are two forms to write the mountain name: Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu. Of course, this name, deduced from local historians and Spanish chroniclers, is an approximation of his real name.
Location
Huayna Picchu is an ancient mountain located 2 kilometers at north of Machu Picchu citadel. The mountain is inside a tropical zone (Jungle eyebrow). It have also an altitude of 2693 m.a.s.l. (8,835 ft), and the Vilcanota River surround it.
This mountain is in Urubamba province, department of Cusco, south zone of Peru. In its slopes, you can find Inca buildings, and a famous trekking route to its top. Therefore it is not a surprise to feel hot and humid weather there.
A. Mountain elevation
This stepped mountain stands at a height of 2693 meters above sea level. Its elevation gain from the ground is 1,000 feet (360 meters). Thus, the total distance to trek, going up and down, is 2.5 miles or 4 kilometers.
Getting there
If you see a Machu Picchu map, getting to the “young mountain” is easy once you get to the Machu Picchu park entrance. You will have to show your entrance ticket and original passport at the checkpoint entrance of Archaeological Park. This ticket entitles you to visit Machu Picchu only by Circuit 4, and after, visit the Wayna Picchu mountain.
The starting point of the trek to this mountain is on the north side of Machu Picchu, behind the Sacred Rock sector. Naturally, you will have to cross Machu Picchu, following Circuit 4, which is 940 meters in distance. During the circuit, you’ll be able to appreciate some interesting parts of the lower part of the citadel.
Finally, you’ll get to the north zone where is the control booth of this mountain. If you will make the trek, you will have to register at this point. For that, you’ll have to showing again your entrance ticket and passport to the park guard.
Remember that Circuit 4 is one-way, and once advanced, you cannot go back. Additionally, once you leave Machu Picchu to enter Huayna Picchu, you cannot turn back to enter the citadel again.
The hike
If you are still wondering? Yes, you can hike Huayna Picchu in 2024.
The hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu takes long around 120 minutes, approx. 60 minutes is the time to climb up and the rest to descend. Throughout a 4 km round trip.
Everything will depend on your physical condition and your previous acclimatization. Also, you will must be careful and take some precautions. Since the staggered steps can be slippery when wet by the rain.
That is why, to hike this moderately challenging route, avoid the rainy season from December to March.
1. Starting the hike
Leaving the control booth, you’ll find a soft descent that ends with a fork. The path on the right leads to Huayna Picchu, and the path on the left leads to Huchuy Picchu. This last mountain has a route that is shorter and easier to do.
The Huayna Picchu trail, zigzags for about 15 to 20 minutes (300 meters). Through the sacred mountain and continues up to where there is a small complex of Inca constructions.
We can take a rest there for a few minutes. Next, continue the journey up the route, and we will find the route splits into two sections. One ascends the mountain, and the other descends it. The ascends trail stretches to the top.
While the descending trail goes down around the base of the mountain to reach the Great Cavern and the Temple of the Moon. Then it climbs steeply to the top of the mountain, equally.
2. The ascend
If we decide on the path to the right and go straight, we will find that the path is easy to follow. This is because the route is well-signed, and it is only one direction. But many of its sections are quite steep.
Initially, we’ll find some first stairs quite wide and comfortable. These will take us up to a small summit. And after we’ll go down through a slight descent of a few meters to a small plain.
Passing this plain, we’ll find other steep stairs with narrow steps. This is where the real challenge begins.
From time to time, the stairs rest in some areas of Inca constructions in the middle of the mountain. There, one can rest and enjoy different and awesome views of Machu Picchu from a distance. In this form, we can give way to other young climbers who follow the path without stopping.
3. Reaching the top
As we approach the top, we will pass some old agricultural terraces. These areas were too difficult to reach and too small to be useful for farming for the Incas. Scholars affirm that they were probably gardens for decorative purposes or had some structural function.
Finally, we reach the summit, we will have a unique view of the beautiful Machu Picchu over a rock slope. As this natural viewpoint is so small, many tourists can occupy whole the place by many hours. They usually take themselve selfies with Machu Picchu as a background. For this reason, a park ranger is in this area and acts as a traffic police officer.
The park ranger allows you to stay in the place for 20 minutes at maximum. So when you get to the top, make the most of your time there. This is only one of the many Machu Picchu facts that you have to know. But don’t worry; we have more tips and information below.
4. Descending
The path descends around the mountain before plunging into the cloud forest where we started. At the initial descent, we will pass through a narrow tunnel, where we will have to crawl practically. Some scholars claim this tunnel could have been a trap for enemies or invaders. This is because its cavity is narrow and dark, and one cannot get through it quickly.
After, the descent is steep, and our knees will do most of the work there. Also, we will have the possibility of choosing a fork in the return road that will take us directly to the Moon Temple. (See the temple of the moon section)
Finally, we’ll then come to a cleared area. There, we will find some beautiful ruins to appreciate, a sign that the path has come to an end.
When to visit it
Without a doubt, the best time to visit Huayna Picchu is in the Dry season (April – November). This is because you will have clear skies, sun, humid and hot weather, and colorful vegetation. But most importantly, you will have solid and dry paths to walk securely.
On the other hand, the rainy season (December – March) presents a muddy and slippery path. Of course, hard rains, cloudy skies, mosquitos, and sometimes a fog will accompany the season. Moreover, the fog will prevent you from having good views of Machu Picchu.
But, in the same way, it will depend on your preference. As you can see, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is similar to visiting this mountain, too!
Attractions
The visit to this beautiful mountain consists of a climbing trek. Machu Picchu visitors usually make this trek after visiting the citadel. But Is it worth going to Huayna Picchu? Because of reaching its top, the mountain offers the possibility of a great alternative view of the Inca citadel.
You will get great Inca citadel photos from another angle! The unique plants, animals, the stairway of death, and the famous Moon Temple in this area will amaze you with their beauty.
1. Endemic flora
This amazing mountain, like Machu Picchu, is in a tropical rainforest with a warm and humid climate. Therefore, this condition encourages the growth of particular types of plants. We can mention orchids, which have more than 200 species along all slopes of the mountain.
Other important representatives are the Bromeliads. These lithophytes are relatives of pineapples. And you find them suspended in almost all the trees and bushes of the mountain. Also, you’ll find more than 60 types of ferns covering the ground, some stone walls, and trees.
2. Special fauna
You will see Llamas grazing the green areas, lizards slipping between the lithic walls, and some vizcachas looking for food. To mention a great variety of birds and even the fantastic spectacled bears (if you are lucky). Of course. You’ll be able to see all of them, mostly on dry and sunny days.
3. Amazing views
Climbing the mountain offers amazing views of Machu Picchu and the Vilcanota Valley from a unique angle. The experience of seeing these sights from above is truly special. It allows you to appreciate the beauty of the landscape in a whole new way.
4. The stairs of death
As the name indicates, these are several stepped stairways with angles of over 60 degrees. These are at the beginning of the route and a few meters before reaching the top. To walk over them, you must use your hands as extra support.
This experience is all an ordeal for overweight people, elderly people, children, and persons with vertigo. But don’t worry, there were no deaths reported from falling off the cliff or anything like that.
5. The Moon Temple
This is a special natural cave with carved ceremonial niches, intricate stonework, and perfect angles. The Inca elaborated them on stone walls on the same mountain. Scholars believe that the Incas used this temple as an Inca sacrificial and ceremonial center.
Even specialists believe that mummies rested there. Remember that the Incas considered caverns and inhospitable sites as communication portals (Huacas). This is with the objective of contacting their gods, sacred spirits, and dead people.
Tickets
| Circuit 4 + Waynapicchu Ticket | Price |
| Foreign adult (From 18 years old and more) | $50 |
| Foreign underage (Between 03 to 17 years old) | $30 |
| International student (Under 25 years) Prev. show original univ. card | $32 |
| Andean Community of Nations (CAN) Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia | $28 |
| CAN underage (Between 03 to 17 years old) | $20 |
| CAN student (Under 25 years) Prev. show original univ. card | $20 |
When you get your Machu Picchu tickets, be sure to also choose the tickets for the hiking route that best suits your preferences. You will notice that you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In this way, if you choose the first one, your ticket will have to indicate: “Circuit 4 + Waynapicchu”.
By the way, you can buy your tickets on the official website of the Peruvian government https://tuboleto.cultura.pe. Another important recommendation is to book your Wayna Picchu tickets at least 6 months in advance. These usually sell out quickly the closer the date of use is.
A. What is circuit 4?
There are 5 circuits to visit Machu Picchu. Each one of them passes through unique and different attractions. These never cross between them. And the Park administration destined them for a unique type of visitant.
For example, Circuit 1 passes through a large part of the citadel. The administration destined it for someone who wanted to visit only the citadel. Instead, the second one passes only through the north zone of the citadel. The park administration destined it for people who can’t walk for a long time.
Circuit 4 only passes by some attractions like Sun Temple, Condor Temple, and Sacred Rock inter alia. This short circuit has a complement of Huayna Picchu’s visit (Both in one ticket).
Therefore, if you want to visit Machu Picchu completely, we recommend you buy another ticket for Circuit 1. In addition to the already existing Huayna Picchu + Circuit 4 ticket.
Schedules
You can enjoy this mountain climbing at any time of the year. But you have to keep in mind that there are four time slots available per day. Park rangers allow only about 75 people in each shift to make the route. These visitors take a one-hour preview to enter and visit the Machu Picchu citadel.
In other words, if your entrance to Wayna Picchu is from 07 to 08 am, you are allowed to enter Machu Picchu an hour earlier (at 06 am) to explore the citadel (via circuit 4). Following this, you can commence the mountain hike within a 4-hour window, starting at 07 am. Consequently, the government makes it possible to access 325 lucky people per day to this wonderful mountain.
| Range time to enter | Tickets availability | Perfect for those people who… |
| From 07:00 – 08:00 am | 100 | Spend a night before in Aguas Calientes |
| From 08:00 – 09:00 am | 75 | Spend a night before in Aguas Calientes |
| From 09:00 – 10:00 am | 75 | Spend a night before in Aguas Calientes |
| From 10:00 – 11:00 am | 75 | Just arrive from Cusco |
These schedules are essential when climbing the mountain. Depending on when you reach Machu Picchu, you will see what the best time is to climb the mountain. Either way, you can’t miss one of the best tours in Peru. Our recommendation is to take the two first schedules in the morning, with fewer crowds to climb and enjoy the views with more time.
Advice
Follow these tips to enjoy climbing this amazing mountain without any inconvenience.
- As a minimum, buy your Huayna Picchu tickets 6 months in advance. As you can see, the schedules to visit the mountain and its high demand make full out the availability of tickets quickly. For an easier experience, it’s best to buy Machu Picchu tickets on their website or from a travel agency. This is 6 months in advance.
- By law, a tour guide is necessary during your Machu Picchu tour, not so during your visit to “young mountain”. This is because the route is well-signed. The government understands that most Machu Picchu tourists want to answer the only question: What is Machu Picchu? Therefore, they established a person to guide visitors during the citadel tour.
- Before buying and taking the visit to the mountain, be honest with yourself. Remember, this trek has a level from moderate to challenging. Therefore, if you are not in good physical condition, you won’t make it. And the Machu Picchu mountain route can be perfect for you.
- If you have children or older persons, see other options besides doing a Huayna Picchu visit. Because its trek demands high physical effort. See other things to do in Machu Picchu citadel like the Machu Picchu mountain or the short Inca Trail trek.
- The dry season to do this trek is recommendable always. As we mentioned before, the rainy season can represent a true risk for visitors.
- Sporting hiking boots with thick soles (for enhanced balance on rocky stairs). In addition to light trousers, a casual tee and a waterproof jacket, along with caps and trekking poles, would be ideal. Other important implements can be repellent, sunblock, a bottle of water, and a fully charged cellphone for taking photos!
Alternatives hikes
Tickets for the popular mountain sell out 4 to 5 months in advance. This is because it is popular. Happily, there are alternatives surrounding the Inca citadel if you don’t get entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu. These routes are the hike to Machu Picchu mountain, to Huchuy Picchu mountain, or to Putucusi Mountain.
1. Machu Picchu mountain
This eponymous mountain is south of the Inca citadel. Its elevation is higher than Huayna Picchu (1,010 feet or 3,051 m.a.s.l). However its inclination is more horizontal, therefore, it is easier to climb it.
Therefore, it is perfect if you are traveling with children, old people, or persons with vertigo. The climb time is around 02 hours, and it takes another couple of hours to descend.
This mountain, which shares its name with the Inca citadel, has two schedules of visits: From 07 to 08 am and from 08 to 09 am. Each one offers 50 tickets per day, making a total of 100 entrances per day. These entrances include the visit to the citadel only by circuit 3.
These have costs similar to Wayna Picchu. The best time to do the Machu Picchu mountain is in the second schedule. In this form, you will visit the citadel, hike the mountain (around 4 hours), and go out from the citadel calmly.
2. Huchuy Picchu mountain
Until recent years, Huchuy Picchu was part of the walk to Wayna Picchu. Both mountains are together, at Machu Picchu north. However, the government managing office decided to create a new route for Huchuy Picchu.
Its elevation is 8,193 feet or 2,497 m.a.s.l. Therefore, climbing it is easier than even the hike to Machu Picchu mountain. Take around a 1-hour climb up and 30 minutes more to descend by the same route. Mostly stone stairways make up the path.
This mountain has 6 schedules of visits, from 7 am to 13 pm, distributed by hours (because it is a short hike time). In the same way, it has its own entrance ticket and comes with the visit to the citadel included (only by circuit 4). The costs go from $39 per foreign adult, $20 per foreign student, and $18 per foreign underage. Definitely, this is another easy alternative to take the best photos of Machu Picchu with spectacular angles!
3. Putucusi mountain
Putucusi is a mountain located on the east side of the citadel. Being further away from the world wonder, it doesn’t have a checkpoint, park ranger, or entrance ticket to visit it. Putucusi has more than 11,680 feet or 3,560 m.a.s.l.
Its climbing is more vertiginous and difficult than the previous alternatives. Only persons with good physical conditions can hike its path. The climb up takes around 02 hours, and the descent takes the same time.
To get there, the visitor must follow the railways from Aguas Calientes and head to the hydroelectric zone. Then, he has to follow some footsteps until he finds a “Putucusi mountain” sign on the right hand. The first part of the route is a steep slope of stone stairs (around 600 meters or 1970 feet). The hiker must be careful; a fall in the middle of this ascent would be fatal.
The last part of the path is the same stone stairways in a zigzag over an even steeper slope. However, the photos obtained of Machu Picchu from its top will be fantastic! The route is perfect for adventures and people in good physical condition.
How difficult is Huayna Picchu?
When you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu and the famous mountain, this is an important question. The hike to this famous mountain is hard and defiant. Happily, steel rope handrails on the steepest parts of the stairs implement the route.
Also, you will find signs and park rangers at the top of the mountain. Enough elements to be safe. Of course, if you have an old person, children, or friends with vertigo, we don’t recommend this kind of route.
Difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain
Machu Picchu is the famous Inca ruins of Peru postcards. Besides this, there are two mountains surrounding it: Huayna Picchu (north) and Machu Picchu (south).
The first one always appears in photos behind the ruins. The second one shares the same name as the citadel. However, both the citadel and mountain you can visit.
The path to Wayna Picchu mountain is steep and requires extra effort from visitors to get to the narrow top. On the contrary, the Machu Picchu mountain path is more horizontal, the walk takes more hours, and the top is wider. You will get amazing views from there, even better than the views of the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu.
So, which is better, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain?
If you are traveling together with your family, it is better to opt for Machu Picchu mountain. This is 3051 meters above sea level. Because of its lower elevation compared to other mountains, it is easier to climb.
If you’re in good shape and want a challenge with your partner, consider the Wayna Picchu trek. Spectacular photos of the Inca citadel will reward your effort. You will also get images of the entire Vilcanota valley from another angle. In addition, you can buy entrances for both mountains, but always in advance.
“TRAVEL IS THE ONLY THING YOU BUY THAT MAKES YOU RICHER”
As you may have appreciated, Huayna Picchu mountain is a challenge to take. Especially if you are an adventurous soul visiting the old citadel. Therefore, leave the Machu Picchu virtual tour that you can find on the internet and come to do the real experience.
Machu Travel Peru hopes that this little article has been useful. If you decide to visit this imposing citadel, this hike should definitely be on your itinerary. To learn more about our travel programs, you can consult with our qualified team of advisers. They will be happy to help you plan your trip.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
