The mountain Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu is located at an altitude of 2,667 meters on the north side of the Machu Picchu citadel. The trail to reach the top of this mountain is challenging, as it includes stairs and very steep narrow paths.
This journey is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo, nor is it advisable for children under 12 years of age or the elderly.
Huayna Picchu is a word that comes from Quechua “Wayna” meaning young and “Picchu” meaning mountain, its translation would be “Young Mountain”. It is considered the antonym of the also famous Machu Picchu mountain, which means “Old Mountain”.
This name is given to compare both mountains, with Huayna Picchu being smaller than Machu Picchu mountain. In most photos, the Machu Picchu mountain is not visible, only Huayna Picchu.
The Huayna Picchu mountain is located north of Machu Picchu at an altitude of 2,667 m, part of the Andes Mountain Range. Its base is surrounded by the Urubamba River that crosses the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas.
To enter this mountain you must purchase the ticket for circuit 4 which includes entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel + Huayna Picchu Mountain, as well as the visit to the Inka House (La Casa del Inca), the Temple of the Sun (Templo del Sol), the Water Mirrors (Los Espejos de Agua), the agricultural zone, and the Sacred Rock (La Roca Sagrada).
The trail to reach the summit of the Huayna Picchu mountain is very difficult as it has narrow and steep sections and includes various sectors with stairs carved into the rock itself.
Along the way, you will also be surrounded by abundant vegetation, giving the sensation of being in an unexplored place. If you are lucky, you may encounter wildlife in its natural habitat.
The Huayna Picchu mountain generally has clear weather throughout the day, with strong winds due to the altitude. However, during the rainy season, it tends to be cloudy with light rains.
The temperature on Huayna Picchu mountain ranges between 19°C and 21°C at its highest and between 8°C and 11°C at its lowest. However, at night it can drop to 0°C.
The best time to climb the mountain is during the dry season, which runs from April to October, as it doesn't rain frequently during this period, and the paths are not slippery or wet. Additionally, the view of the citadel is better because it is usually not covered by clouds.
The Temple of the Moon (Templo de la Luna) is one of the most incredible structures within the Machu Picchu citadel. This place is also known as "The Hidden Jewel of Machu Picchu" because it is located within a natural cave on Huayna Picchu almost 1 Km from the top of the Mountain. It is not often visited due to its remoteness and challenging path.
The entry times for Huayna Picchu mountain are divided into groups of 50 people each, as only 200 people are allowed per day.
First group
Second group
Third group
Fourth group
To reach Huayna Picchu, you must purchase the entry ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel in advance and buy another ticket for the Huayna Picchu mountain.
The circuit 4 ticket, which includes entry to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, allows you to reach the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain and visit the lower part of Machu Picchu, namely, only the urban sector, in addition to the visit to the Inka House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the agricultural area, and the Sacred Rock. The tour lasts approximately 2h 30m.
To make your choice easier, we present a comparative table of both paths:
| Differences | Huayna Picchu Mountain | Machu Picchu Mountain |
| Location | North of the Machu Picchu citadel | South of the Machu Picchu citadel |
| Altitude | 2,693 meters in height | 3,082 meters in height |
| Distance | 2 Km, elevation gain 290 m | 2 Km, elevation gain 200 m |
| Hiking time | 2h 30m (ascent and descent) | 3h 20m (ascent and descent) |
| Access | Huayranas sector | Detour at Guardian’s House |
| Entry times | Group 1 from 7am – 8am Group 2 from 8am – 9am Group 3 from 9am - 10am Group 4 from 10am – 11am | Group 1 from 7am – 8am Group 2 from 8am – 9am |
| Number of visitors | 200 people per day | 400 people per day |
| Circuit | Circuit 4 | Circuit 3 |
| Re-entry | Does not allow re-entry to the citadel | Allows re-entry to the citadel |
| Archaeological attractions | Terraces and Temple of the Moon | None |
| Age restrictions | Only for those over 12 years old | For all audiences |
| Difficulty | Medium-High | Medium |
Huayna Picchu Mountain is the famous mountain that appears in all the photographs of Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu mountain is located on the north side of the Inca citadel, it is the mountain that appears in the famous photo of Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu comes from Quechua “Wayna” meaning young and “Picchu” meaning mountain, its translation would be “Young Mountain”.
Yes, to find availability on the day you wish to travel, it is necessary to book 6 months in advance.
The ticket costs approximately 55 USD per person.
The approximate time is 2h 30m for both ascent and descent.
To climb Huayna Picchu mountain, you must be at least 12 years old, due to the steep trail.
Huayna Picchu mountain is not dangerous for tourists, but it is challenging. However, certain precautions should be taken in some sections of the mountain.
Yes, it is possible to visit both attractions on the same day by purchasing the ticket that includes Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu mountain.
Only trekking poles with rubber tips are allowed, as regular ones damage the ground. It is also advisable not to bring them because you will need your hands free to help yourself along the way.
Of course, you can find a tour guide to climb this mountain, but it is optional.
