Can I climb to Huaynapicchu

Huayna Picchu, also known as Wayna Picchu in Quechua ("Young Peak"), is a mountain in Peru around which the Urubamba river bends. It rises over Machu Picchu, the so-called "lost city of the Incas", and divides it into sections. The Incas built a trail up the side of the Huayna Picchu and built temples and terraces on its top. The peak of Huayna Picchu is about 2,720 meters (8,920 ft) above sea level, or about 360 meters (1,180 ft) higher than Machu Picchu.

According to local guides, the top of the mountain was the residence of the high priest and the local virgins. Every morning before sunrise, the high priest with a small group would walk to Machu Picchu to signal the coming of the new day. Another hypothesis is that Huayna Picchu was used to make studies about astrology since there is the temple of the stars on the top of the mountain.

Tourism

The number of daily visitors allowed to enter Huayna Picchu is restricted to 400. Advance purchase of tickets online will guarantee admission. A steep and at times exposed climb leads to the summit. Some portions are slippery and steel cables (a via ferrata) provide some support during the 45 minute climb. At times during the rainy season, the tours are closed. The climb is not recommended for visitors in poor physical condition.

If you want to climb Wayna Picchu you should book it at the same time you are booking your Inca trail, alternative treks, or any classic tours as mentioned above since only 400 people can do it per day. The schedule is divided as follows:

From 7.00 am to 8.00 am .- 200 people can climb it and they must be back around 10 am to Machu Picchu. Most of the time people do not have nice views due to the weather conditions because the mornings tend to be very humid and most of the time is cloudy.

From 10.00 am to 11.00 am.- next 200 people can climb it. Most of people want to climb at this time since they will tour Machu Picchu in the morning. Also there are great views because it is not cloudy any more:

Note:

You might be asking if I should do it? How difficult is it? Is it worth it to go there? We think of you and your flight so far away from your country so it is a must do once you are in Machu Picchu. If you are doing the Inca trail you might have the the same views from the sun gate since this mountain is at the same elevation, but if you are doing alternative treks or tours by train it is highly recommended. The climb does require you to be in good physical condition, but it is not that difficult. It takes 45 minutes uphill climb and 45 minutes downhill to come back with a lot of stairs. We have calculated that there are 3300 steps in total. It is definitely worth it because you will have amazing views from the top of the mountain.

Alpaca expeditions do not include tours to Huayna Picchu, but we can help you to get your ticket to climb Huayna Picchu, unless you would like to have a tour guide with you which would be an extra charge.

If you have a fear of heights we do not recommend you to do it since it is very steep climb.

Enjoy your tour at Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu! more information about huaynapicchu at www.machupicchu.gop.pe peruvian goverment web page.

Alpaca expeditions team