Is it difficult to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu? In this blog, we will talk about this route. We will learn more about the details that can make it complicated and easy at the same time, when ascending. We will also leave information about Huayna Picchu Mountain, the experience of hiking and everything necessary to book the entrance ticket. So let's learn more about the hike to one of the most requested destinations that involve when visiting the route to Machu Picchu.
For some years now, the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket has become one of the most desired by people from all over the world on their trip to Machu Picchu; this ticket allows, in addition to the visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, entry to the trails of Huayna Picchu Mountain. This mountain is amazing and its one and a half hour climb to the top is considered among the most amazing short hikes in the entire world; However, not everyone can climb this mountain.
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu is the steep, cone-shaped mountain that can be seen in most postcard photos of Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu is 2,720 meters above sea level.
Huayna Picchu Mountain has sections built and designed by Inca urban planners.
That is why, although it seems like an inaccessible mountain, from a distance, the climb can be done safely.
Some people are afraid of the mountain, because the route seems very risky. However, the walk is simple.
Most of the sections follow the morphology of the mountain.
From the top you can see, especially in the rainy season, the strong currents of the Vilcanota River (also known as the Urubamba River).
As we will see later, the experience of doing this route is one of the most rewarding that can be done.
How difficult is the hike to Huayna Picchu?
Achieving the climb requires a walk of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Although the trails seem dangerous, the truth is that they are wide and one can always hike along the mountain and not on the cliffs.
The difficulty of the hike to Huayna Picchu is medium/moderate.
Something that can make the hike difficult is that it is completely uphill. In many sections you can find very large staircases.
Before hiking, it is recommended to get to the archaeological site on the ecological buses.
Similarly, following the previous point, it is often more advisable to spend the night in Aguas Calientes or Machu Pichu Pueblo.
Another detail that may seem difficult is that it is not recommended for people with a fear of heights or acrophobia.
It is also important that if you are over 50 years old, consult with your doctor about your intentions for hiking to Huayna Picchu.
One recommendation is that you also prepare yourself physically in case you do not have regular physical activity. This trip should be enjoyed and not suffered.
The hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain
How does the hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain begin? To access the route that takes us to Huayna Picchu, the first step is to enter Machu Picchu and continue with the tour. Below, we briefly explain this entire process:
The entrance is through the lower area of ??Machu Picchu. That is, through the terrace area.
The walk continues through the magnificent views of all the Inca constructions.
It passes through the wide esplanades of Machu Picchu such as Plaza Pisonay.
There are good views of the main temples and the lower temples.
It continues along a short staircase to enter the buildings such as the Lower Temples.
The tour of the citadel continues until reaching the Sacred Stone.
Near the Sacred Stone, you can find the checkpoint to enter the path to Huayna Picchu. Before taking the route, you must register your entry time, name and also show your registered ticket.
The ascent continues along the Inca trails until you reach the top of Huayna Picchu.
During the walk we will pass by the Stairs of Death, which are an indication that we are already at the Inca constructions.
At the top of Huayna Picchu you can find a short circuit of Inca constructions.
The descent continues along the same section you traveled when you climbed.
When you return to Machu Picchu, the tour of the citadel ends.
You pass by the Temple of the Condor and also the complex or room of water mirrors.
The tour of the citadel will end by the terraces or agricultural area, very close to where we started.
Normally, the return to Cusco is done in the afternoon, so you can have an excellent lunch.
In Machu Picchu Town you can find a great variety of restaurants, hotels and bars.
What do I need to climb Huayna Picchu?
The first thing you will need is the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
You can only reserve 400 entrance tickets.
The reservation must be made 3 to 4 months in advance.
You must travel with your identity document or passport to validate your entry.
Wear comfortable shoes to avoid injuries. You can wear hiking shoes.
If you travel during the rainy season, you should bring a waterproof poncho.
As for the tour of Machu Picchu, that is, before ascending, it is recommended to do so with a tour guide.
Remember to bring only what is necessary for the tour.
Organize your luggage according to the number of days you plan to stay in Machu Picchu.
You can bring a small backpack with personal documents and a change of clothes if possible.
The hike is exhausting, so bring snacks and drinks as well.
