The Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu mountain is located at an altitude of 2,667 meters, on the north side of the Machu Picchu citadel. The trail to reach the summit of this mountain is challenging, as it includes narrow, steep stairs and paths.
This route is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo, nor for those accompanied by children under 12 years old or elderly individuals.
Huayna Picchu is a word that comes from the Quechua language, "Wayna" meaning young and "Picchu" meaning mountain, thus translating to "Young Mountain". It is considered the opposite 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. In most photos, Machu Picchu mountain is not visible, only Huayna Picchu.
The Huayna Picchu mountain is located to the north of Machu Picchu, at an altitude of 2,667 meters, part of the Andes Mountain Range. Its base is surrounded by the Urubamba River, which flows through the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas.
To access this mountain, you must purchase a ticket for the Royal Circuit 3 or Lower Part + Huayna Picchu, which includes entry to the Machu Picchu Citadel + Huayna Picchu Mountain, and also allows visits to the Inca House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the agricultural area, and the Sacred Rock.
The trail to reach the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain is very difficult, with narrow and steep sections, including several areas with steps carved directly into the rock.
Along the way, you will also be surrounded by abundant vegetation, giving the feeling of being in an unexplored place. If you are lucky, you may encounter wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Huayna Picchu mountain generally has clear weather throughout the day, with strong winds due to the altitude, although during the rainy season it tends to be cloudy with occasional light showers.
The temperature on Huayna Picchu mountain ranges between 19°C and 21°C at its maximum, and between 8°C and 11°C at its minimum. However, at night, it can drop to 0°C.
The best time to climb the mountain is during the dry season, which lasts from April to October, as it rarely rains and the trail surfaces are not slippery or wet. Additionally, the view of the citadel is better since it is not usually covered by clouds.
The Temple of the Moon is one of the most incredible structures found within the Machu Picchu citadel. This place is also known as "The Hidden Gem of Machu Picchu" because it is located inside a natural cave on Huayna Picchu, nearly 1 km from the mountain's summit. It is not often visited due to its distance and difficult path.
The entry times for Huayna Picchu mountain are divided into groups of 50 people each, with a daily limit of 325 people allowed.
First Group
Second Group
Third Group
Fourth Group
To access Huayna Picchu, you must purchase in advance a ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel and buy an additional ticket for Wayna Picchu Mountain.
The Royal Circuit 3 or Lower Part + Huayna Picchu ticket, which includes entrance to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, allows you to reach the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain and visit the lower part of Machu Picchu, that is, only the urban sector, in addition to visiting the Inca House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the agricultural area, and the Sacred Rock. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
To make your choice easier, we present a comparative table of both trails:
| Differences | Huayna Picchu Mountain | Machu Picchu Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Location | North of Machu Picchu Citadel | South of Machu Picchu Citadel |
| Height | 2,693 meters above sea level | 3,082 meters above sea level |
| Distance | 2 km, 290 meters elevation gain | 2 km, 400 meters elevation gain |
| Hiking Time | 3 hours (ascent and descent) | 4 hours (ascent and descent) |
| Access | Huayranas Sector | Guardian's House Detour |
| Schedules | Group 1 from 7 am – 8 am Group 2 from 8 am – 9 am Group 3 from 9 am - 10 am Group 4 from 10 am – 11 am |
Group 1 from 7 am – 8 am Group 2 from 8 am – 9 am |
| Number of Visitors | 325 people per day | 250 people per day |
| Circuit | Circuit 3 - Waynapicchu Route | Circuit 1 - Machu Picchu Mountain Route |
| Re-entry | Does not allow re-entry to the citadel | Allows re-entry to the citadel |
| Archaeological Attractions | Terraces and Moon Temple | None |
| Restrictions | Only for people over 12 years old | For all audiences |
| Difficulty | Medium-High | Medium |
Huayna Picchu Mountain is the popular 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, translating to "Young Mountain."
Yes, to ensure availability on your desired travel date, it is necessary to book 6 months in advance.
The ticket costs approximately 55 USD per person.
The approximate time is 3 hours for both ascent and descent.
To climb Huayna Picchu mountain, one must be at least 12 years old due to the steep trail.
Huayna Picchu Mountain is not dangerous for tourists but is challenging. However, certain precautions should be taken in specific sections of the mountain.
Yes, you can visit both attractions on the same day by purchasing a ticket that includes Machu Picchu + Wayna Picchu mountain.
Only trekking poles with rubber tips are allowed as common ones damage the ground. Additionally, it is advisable not to bring them as you will need your hands free to help yourself along the path.
Yes, you can find tour guides to climb this mountain, but it is optional.
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