Climb Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is one of the steep mountains that overlooks the Incan city of Machu Picchu and is 2,725 meters high. Climbing this mountain is a unique experience and an excellent addition to a trip to Machu Picchu. It provides 360 degree views and a superlative perspective of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains, along with a completely different view than that from the Sun Gate. For any tour that leads to Machu Picchu, it is possible to reserve tickets for Huayna Picchu.
The access to Huayna Picchu is straightforward but it involves a very steep climb to the summit. Apu Andino does not recommend this hike for those who experience vertigo. Normally, it takes about one hour to climb to the top and one hour to descend. At the top, you will find terraces and residential houses that are hypothesized to have been used by soldiers as a point of surveillance, or as an astronomical viewing station. Should you have more time, from the top there is an optional hike to the Great Cavern (or Temple of The Moon), but be prepared to add another 2.5 hours to your day to complete this loop.
Timing: The national park limits the number of people who climb Huayna Picchu to 400 spots per day and entrance is only at scheduled times. If you would like to consider doing the climb, it is important to advise Apu Andino at the time of your booking so that tickets can be purchased in advance.
There are two scheduled times during the day when Huayna Picchu can be summited; the first stage is between 7am – 8am, and the second is between 10am – 11am. It is important that you specify at the time of booking which time you prefer to do the hike.
Combined with Inka Trail: If you are booking the Inka Trail and would like to ADD the hike to Huayna Picchu, the additional cost per person is USD $65. If you have time, Apu Andino highly recommends that, once arriving to Machu Picchu, it is ideal to spend the night in Aguas Calientes and climb Huayna Picchu the next day. However, if your time is limited, Apu Andino can reserve your ticket to climb Huayna Picchu on the day that you arrive to Machu Picchu.
