Huayna Picchu (Wayna Pikchu) The classic postcard view of the Inca citadel is Machu Picchu with the green peak of Huayna Picchu towering dramatically behind it. This epic mountain climb is a thrilling adventure, taking you up steep, narrow original Inca staircases, cliffside terraces and through the mysterious Temple of the Moon, carved right into the rock face.
Highlights and Experience at a glance
Breathtaking Panoramic Vistas Get to the top and you will be rewarded with a rare bird's-eye view looking down over the whole ancient city of Machu Picchu and the meandering Urubamba River far below.
Inca Engineering Feature: View agricultural terraces and stone paths carved into near-vertical cliff faces 2,700 m+ above sea level.
The Moon Temple Visit a sacred ceremonial site. It is a natural granite cave with finely worked stone work, built by the Incas.
Photography Paradise: Shoot some of the most iconic and dramatic angles of the Andes and the cloud forest below.
Visitor Information and Useful Tips
Permits & Booking Access is very much controlled. Permits sell out months in advance and should be booked well in advance of your Machu Picchu entry.
Fitness level required: steep and challenging ascent using uneven stone steps with exposure to heights (not suitable for vertigo sufferers).
Time: The hike from the base checkpoint and back is about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Where to go and how to get there
In the middle of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, in the Cusco Region, Peru:
Access Point: The trail begins in the Machu Picchu archaeological park, marked by a signpost near the lower agricultural area.
How to get to Machu Picchu: Travel by train through breathtaking scenery from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and a short shuttle bus ride to the gates of the citadel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why take a vacation to Huayna Picchu in Peru?
It’s a world-class archaeological site, an unforgettable hiking adventure and a thrilling physical challenge with the absolute best panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
When is the best time to go to Huayna Picchu?
The dry season, from May to September, is the most stable time to go, with clear skies and safer, drier conditions for walking up and down the steep stone steps.
