About the famous Huayna Picchu mountain: difficulty, altitude, location, schedules and availability.
About the Huayna Picchu mountain, also known as Wayna Pikchu (which means young mountain in Quechua), is 2700 m/8858 ft. It is located just north of the Machu Picchu Inca city. It is part of a large orographic formation called the Vilcabamba batholith in the central mountain range of the Peruvian Andes. It’s no wonder it’s become so popular – it looks stunning in the background of that classic photograph of the Inca archaeological site of Machu Picchu!
The trail that leads to the famous Huayna Picchu mountain starts at the northern end of the Machu Picchu Inca citadel. It is an exciting ascent, with a very steep and narrow winding path that combines stone steps, some of which are carved into the bedrock and others suspended at a height of almost 400 meters (known as the stairs of death). The climb takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on your physical condition, and the effort is well worth it.
Once you are at the top, you will be amazed by the incredible panoramic view that will take your breath away. There are also fascinating constructions on the edge of the cliff and a small tunnel, which will be part of the experience.
At the height of the Inca empire, Huayna Picchu mountain was one of the Machu Picchu inca city’s watchtowers, as this archaeological complex was threatened by territorial disputes with other surrounding cultures. With the construction of this site, the Incas were alert to any eventuality or attack.
The capacity to visit Huayna Picchu is limited to 200 people per day, divided into four groups of 50. Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu mountain must be purchased at least 2 months in advance on the Ministry of Culture website. Please note that the Huayna Picchu ticket is a full ticket that also includes entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel via circuit 3 and route 3-A (through the Machu Picchu’s lower part).
Entry times are detailed below:
First group:
Second group:
Third group:
Fourth group:
Important: