About Huayna Picchu

 

Located at an altitude of 2,693 meters, Huyana Picchu is a majestic mountain situated in the Macchu Picchu district of Urubamba province in Peru. This mountain overlooks Machu Picchu and is approximately 800 meters taller than it. The higher authorities of the Incas inhabited Huyana Picchu, which is why it is home to several renowned temples in Peru. Temple of the Moon, Temple of the Condor, Principal Temple, and others are located in different parts of the mountain. It is believed that the high priests used to reside at the highest point of the hill during Inca Civilization. Now, Wayna Picchu encounters a high number of travellers from across the globe. 

It is not easy for every tourist to reach the top of the mountain as it has rough terrains. Not more than 400 hikers are allowed to scale the mountain. There are different trails through which tourists reach the top of the summit. Even though the trails are quite challenging to complete, tourists still visit the area every year. Not only is the mountain historically significant, but it is aesthetically pleasing also. When one reaches the top, they will be able to see the panoramic view of the grand Machu Picchu. Even though the summit's height is not extremely high, many people face breathing difficulties while scaling Huyana Picchu. That is why tourists are suggested to reach Cusco at least a day before the trip. 

On Cloud 9
Literally, high up on the 'Young Peak' or Huayna Picchu, you will have felt your camaraderie with the clouds as they keep you company 8835 feet above sea level. The Temple of the Moon was built on this summit by the Incas. 183 meters of rock steps carved on one side of this mountain 500 years ago - this is sheer engineering brilliance. From the top, a panoramic view of Macchu Pichu will astound your senses. The Urubamba flows serene eroding the rocks into new shapes every moment. Local guides will tell you that the top of the mountain served as the residence for the high priests and the local virgins. The mountain itself is steep, slippery and dangerous if not hiked with caution. But do not worry; there are extensions of steel cables for a safe hike. You will have to cross a granite cave to go up to the summit. The Great Cavern, another sacred temple with fine masonry lies just next to the Temple of the Moon. Is the risk worth it? If you are physically fit - yes. Cloud 9 will be the reward; physical and metaphorical.

Must See

  • The Summit
  • Macchu Picchu Ruins
  • The Temple of the Moon
  • The Great Cavern 
  • The Urubamba Valley
  • The Nature Trails
  • Inca Bridge
  • Intihuatana Stone
  • Temple of the sun
  • Paucarcancha Ruins

How to reach

The fastest and most recommended way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train from the stations of Poroy and Ollantaytambo. 

From Cusco, it is best to take a taxi to Poroy (30 minutes from the city), costing about 30 SOL. From here, Peru Rail trains take about three and a half hours to reach Aguas Calientes.

Train fares will vary according to the class and comfort you opt or. For itineraries and prices visit: www.perurail.com or call 51-84-581414. From Ollantaytambo you can avail the services of Inca Rail; call: 613-5272. 

Peru Rail also has a wagon that departs from Urubamba towards Macchu Picchu, of which this peak is a part. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you can either walk the 8 km to the entrance or take a bus (leaving every 15 minutes) from 5:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Tips

  • Bring water and snacks
  • Comfortable walking shoes are advised as the hike is steep and slippery at times
  • Shorts, t shirts, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent are to be carried along in April through October, which is the dry season, humid in the mornings and warm in the afternoons
  • Long trousers, raincoats, rain ponchos are necessary in November through March, which is the rainy season
  • Backpacks up to 5 kg or 20 litres are permitted
  • Photo cameras and camcorders are allowed
  • This trip is not for the faint-hearted or people who suffer from vertigo or complicated health problems
  • The hiking difficulty varies from moderate to challenging depending on the chosen trail
  • While hiking to the higher altitudes, always drink ample amount of water to avoid dizziness
  • Remember to reach Arequipa, the nearest city from Huyana Picchu, at least a day before the hike 
  • Always remember to wear sturdy shoes for the exploration as the route to the summit is quite rough
  • Do not start walking excessively fast while scaling Huyana mountain 
  • Remember to eat a smaller dinner before the day of the hike to be active 
  • Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before the hike
  • Remember to buy the tickets for the walk, in advance as only 400 hikers are permitted per day 
  • Always try to go on a trek to Huyana Picchu at early morning to get colder weather 

Visit Time

1st Entrance

Sunday:       7:00 a.m.to 8:00 a.m.

Monday:      7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Tuesday:     7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Thursday:    7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Friday:        7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Saturday:    7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
 

2nd Entrance

Sunday:      10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Monday:      10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday:     10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Thursday:    10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Friday:        10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Saturday:    10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Only 250 people per shift can climb Huayna Picchu. The average time of ascent and descent is about 3 hours, or 4 hours if you visit the Great Cavern. Visitors must exit Huayna Picchu by 1:00 p.m., or by 11:30 p.m. if you visit the Great Cavern.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

Foreigners (adults):     281 Soles 

Foreigners (child):       189 Soles

Foreigners (students): 189 Soles

Nationals (adults):       145 Soles 

Nationals (Students):   116 Soles

Nationals (Child):         116 Soles  

(Note: The ticket price includes the trip to Huyana Picchu along with Machu Picchu, no separate price for Huyana Picchu is applicable)

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

3 hours to 4 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 15.39°C

 

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