What you need to know about Hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain

Practical Information About Hiking Huayna Picchu

 

Huayna Picchu Entrance Time Options

The Peruvian government limits the number of people who can visit Machu Picchu every year, and this also goes for the hikes within the archaeological site.  When hiking Huayna Picchu  or Machu Picchu Mountain, bear in mind  that both have a limit of 400 people per day and are divided into three entrance times:

 

Machu Picchu Entrance Time    Huayna Picchu Entrance Time
  6:00 am                                       7:00 am – 8:00 am
  7:00 am                                       7:00 am – 8:00 am
 After 8:00 am                              10:00 am –11:00 am

 

Narrow Trail When Hiking Huayna Picchu

 

What Are The Regulations For Hiking Huayna Picchu?

Hiking Huayna Picchu requires a combination ticket that allows entry to both Machu Picchu (for the tour) and hiking Huayna Picchu.  It is valid for 6 hours: This time begins when you enter the site. (If you choose to take the Machu Picchu guided tour, this lasts around 2 hours, and hiking Huayna Picchu takes about 2–3 hours). Visitors can spend a maximum of 4 hours on the hike. The ticket does NOT allow exit/re-entry into Machu Picchu anymore. 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 entrance, so make sure you use them if you need to before you enter the sanctuary. The circuit that you will need to purchase for hiking Huayna Picchu is the (Route 3A) ticket. This ticket grants access to the lower part of the Inca citadel and allows hiking the mountain. 

 

Steep ups and Downs

How Do I Get to The Huayna Picchu Entrance?

After reaching the Machu Picchu entrance, you’re only a short 15-minute walk from the trailhead! Follow the signs through the archaeological site, and you will end up at the checkpoint on the opposite side of the citadel. You’ll see a small hut and a hiking Huayna Picchu map, which gives you a good idea of what to expect. Don´t forget you will need a Huayna Picchu Ticket! Enter at your allotted time, and your adventure to the top of the mountain will begin! 

 

Signposts to Follow for Hiking Huayna Picchu

 

What To Expect Hiking Huayna Picchu?

 

• The Trailhead

The hike begins at the checkpoint next to the sacred rock on the far side of the Machu Picchu citadel. At your allocated time, you present your ticket and sign in before you begin walking along the path. It begins relatively flat but quickly changes to windy ups and downs through rocky terrain and beautiful green scenery. 

• The Ascent

As you make your way toward the mountain, the trek progresses into steep switchbacks. You will most likely be hiking alongside other groups, 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 infamous stairs.

• The Stairs of Death

The “Stairs of Death” deserve their own section because of their sheer architectural magnificence. These steep steps are original stairs, built by the Incas, and date 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 many modern buildings. Looking up may be intimidating, but looking down is worse, so keep your eye on the prize. And make sure to utilize the handrails and ropes to keep you moving forward. If you feel dizzy or need a quick break, just step to the side on one of the terraces where you can take a break on the flat ground. If you’re still wondering if hiking Huayna Picchu is dangerous? The answer is no. Not only are there guides stationed on the trail to help you, but there are also rails, ropes, and other people around you to keep you safe. 

• Temple of The Moon

At this point, you’ve made it through the difficult section and arrived at the summit, where ruins start popping up around you. This is a great time to explore and snap your first photos. This is also the time when you need to make a choice: continue on 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 completely worth the effort. This 1,500-year-old temple, built within caves, is a mystery to modern-day historians but was possibly used for rituals, sacrifices, or 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 entrance.

 

 

• The Views

If you decide to stay on the main path, you can enjoy the views from the “Throne of the Inca,” which looks out over Machu Picchu. This rock formation is a perfect spot for photos and admiring the beauty of the area. You can appreciate sweeping views of mountain tops, ruins, and the winding river below. You will need to keep moving in order to prevent a “people” jam. From this viewpoint, climb down the ladder and under the “Throne,” you can then begin the descent.

• The Descent

Similar stairs that took you up the trail will lead you down the mountain and back toward the checkpoint. Descend carefully to ensure your safety and take your time; there is no need to rush. This is also a nice opportunity to take in the last views before finishing hiking Huayna Picchu. 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 rehydrate.

 

The Top of The Mountain!

Top Tips For Hiking Huayna Picchu

 

Entrance Tickets

If you wish to go hiking Huayna Picchu on your Machu Picchu trip, then let us know at the time of booking to reserve your permit. Please bear in mind that the entrance ticket for circuit 3A includes Huayna Picchu and the lower terraces only in Machu Picchu. If you would like to see the main temples or the panoramic views from the top of the site, you will need to purchase an extra Machu Picchu entrance ticket.

 

Hiking Huayna Picchu Without a Guide?

Many people leave their Machu Picchu guide at the entrance gate and climb Huayna Picchu on their own. You can choose if you want to hike up the mountain with your guide or not!

 

What To Bring On The Trail?

Make sure you have put on your sunscreen and a sunhat! The trek is a steep uphill, so you want to avoid carrying anything too heavy. Make sure you carry your camera to capture the incredible views of Machu Picchu from the top of the mountain. 

 

How Long Does Hiking Huayna Picchu Take?

Hiking Huayna Picchu is a relatively short trek lasting around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the summit of the mountain. The round trip generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours. It is quite challenging and is a very steep climb up some big steps. You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. You will find yourself scrambling over boulders at the top. There are also some unnerving drops to one side of the narrow stairs. This climb isn't for those with a fear of heights. However, it's rewarding for the brave and energetic.  Especially for those who want to take their visit to the next level. Take extra care if you climb this mountain in the rainy season! 

 Ask us here if you have any further questions!