The Huayna Picchu is the symbol of Machu Picchu. Almost everyone recognizes that it is Machu Picchu without even seeing the ruins in a photograph. The Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains opposite the ruins of the Inca city is one of the most famous photo motifs in the world. Huayna Picchu translated, his Quechua name means: 'young mountain' or 'needle mountain'.
Daily access to Machu Picchu is limited to 4,500 people. Also, it's important to know that entry to Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu is organized into two groups for each mountain. You can find all this information and more on the new government website "Tu Boleto Cultura", which also shows you the list of available Machu Picchu tickets for each day. Additionally, if you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book the ticket for Circuit 3 (Route A: Huayna Picchu) or Circuit 1 (Route A: Machu Picchu) in advance and the price is $60 for both mountains.
On the other hand, please note that there is a limit of only 400 permits to climb Huayna Picchu, and only 200 people are allowed in each of the 2 scheduled groups, at 7 am and 9 am. Also, keep in mind that the entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu is made with your name and passport information, so it is non-transferable and non-refundable. Last-minute bookings for this hike may result in not obtaining permits during peak season, so we recommend that you book and pay in advance.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are two mountains situated just above the antique city of Machu Picchu and they both serve to take some panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. Each mountain entrance has to be booked ONLY TOGETHER with Circuits 1 or 3!! The booking needs to be done enough time in advance as there is a limited number of spaces a day (400 permits per Huayna Picchu and 400 permits per Machu Picchu Mountain as well)! Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain cost are U$ 60 per ticket. If you have a private tour guide for the circuit 1 or 3, your tour guide always organizes a Machu Picchu guided tour tohaveenoughtimetoascendto enter either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Note: Please note that your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain always displays your name and passport details so it is NOT TRANSFERABLE to another person and NOT REFUNDABLE either!!
The 'Young Mountain', as locals call it, is one of two peaks that rise above the ruins of Machu Picchu. There is the mountain Montaña (also called 'Machu Picchu Mountain'). It is located on the opposite side of the Inca City, seen from the top of Huayna Picchu.
At 3082 m, it is significantly higher than the Huayna Picchu. On the other hand, with an increase of 30-50 degrees, it is not as steep as its 'little brother', the Huayna Picchu. This brings it to almost 60 degrees increase and is 2701 m high according to the latest measurements. It is 271 m higher than the ruins of Machu Picchu at an altitude of 2440
Huayna Picchu, another significant mountain, is also known as Wayna Picchu. It farstands beyond the ruins of this Inca sacred citadel in Machu Picchu, Peru and contributes majestically to the grandeur of this sacred site.
Without any ado, the ascent of Wayna Picchu would get harder and harder with a peril staircase making the "Stairs of Death" as its name shows, especially as one keeps running into ancient Machupicchu ruins with burial spots, temples and beautiful orchids being the unexpected findings during this journey, the rewarding aftermath of which is the stunning landscape from the euphoric summit Besides the conventional volcanic hiking covenant, trekking the Wayna Picchu trail grants the most unparalleled experience and viewing pleasure found at the summit.
This green and steep sided mountain forms a substantial portion of the widely acclaimed view of Machu Picchu, which justifies its Quechua name "Young Mountain", which is translated into English as "big mountain".
Machu Picchu Mountain, also known as Machu Picchu Montaña, stands as a formidable peak in the vicinity of the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru.
This remarkable mountain, the tallest of the three encircling the citadel, promises the most awe-inspiring panoramic vistas. Envision yourself gazing upon the expansive landscape of the cloud forest, majestic peaks, rugged valleys, and the winding Urubamba River in the distance, all from the vantage point of Machu Picchu Mountain, aptly named the "ancient mountain" in the native Quechua language.
This is a hike of endurance and altitude, not technical risk. The trail is an original Inca Trail, wide and well-defined, which consists of a constant climb of approximately 1,600 stone steps. Unlike Huayna Picchu, this trail does not have sections exposed to cliffs, so it is the right option for people with vertigo.
The challenge here is the cardiovascular effort. The trail climbs more than 650 vertical meters above the citadel, reaching 3,082 masl. The route offers little shade, so sun protection is essential. During the climb, the path offers wider and wider views of the Urubamba River canyon and the back of the citadel.
The summit is a wide viewing platform that offers the highest and most complete 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Historical Sanctuary. From this point, the Inca citadel is seen in its entirety, along with Huayna Picchu and the surrounding snowy mountains. The descent, although not technical, is long and requires considerable effort on the knees.
This is a technical, vertical, and short hike. It is famous for its narrow paths, high exposure, and feeling of vertigo, so it is not suitable for people with a fear of heights.
The climb is short (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours round trip) but very intense. It includes sections where it is necessary to use your hands to climb. Near the top, hikers must pass over steep stairs known as the "stairs of death" and a narrow rock tunnel. For safety, there are steel cables fixed to the rock in the most exposed sections.
The summit of Huayna Picchu (2,720 masl) is a set of terraces and rocks that offers a spectacular and vertical view of the citadel. The descent is just as steep and requires caution, often going down backwards in the most vertical sections.
If you have enough time on the Huayna Picchu, you should not miss to take a look at the moon temple. Located just below the summit, it is an exceptional site. It is a large natural cave. The Inca revered and admired caves because they believed that they had the entrance to the world of the dead in front of them and that they could contact their ancestors in this way.
To this day, no one has any idea what exactly the Moon Temple on Huayna Picchu meant to the Incas. However, in the middle of the complex there is a stone in the form of a throne. This could have been an altar. It can be assumed that offerings were made here to the dead.
The Temple of the Moon got its name 25 years after Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu. It is not a name given by the Incas. However, the sun and the moon played an important role in the culture of the Andean people. Gold was called the 'tears of the sun' and silver the 'tears of the moon'.
A visit to the moon temple on the Huayna Picchu is definitely impressive and worthwhile. It takes around an hour, which should be planned in advance if you intend to stay here during the ascent.
Today, there are only theories as to why the Inca built their city here of all places built.
These range from the theory of the last place of refuge to the supposed country seat of the king, place of pilgrimage, and astronomical center to the abstruse opinion that all of this could only have been built by extraterrestrials.
During your visit to the Machu Picchu the following is prohibited:
1. Carry backpacks or larger than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches).
2. Enter with food and utensils.
3. Enter with any illegal substance or under its influence.
4. Enter with any type of alcoholic or alcoholic beverage.
5. Carry poles, umbrellas, umbrellas, portable seats, tripods, supports or extensions for cameras, cell phones, or any other stabilization or extension element for filming or photography.
6. Enter with animals, except guide dogs.
7. Feed domestic and wild animals.
8. Enter with any type of sprays.
9. Make any type of graffiti.
10. Enter with any type of musical instrument, megaphone, or speaker.
11. Make loud or annoying noises such as clapping, shouting, whistling, or singing, among others.
12. Use virtual applications with cell phones or mobile devices in narrow arteries.
13. Enter with heels or hard-soled shoes.
14. Access with baby carriages.
15. Entering with sharp objects or weapons of any kind.
16. Enter with banners, posters, clothing for advertising purposes, costumes, among other objects of this type. Take filming or photographs for advertising purposes.
17. Causing a riot, jumping, lying down, running, undressing, or creating disorder.
18. Climb or lean on walls and/or structures. Touch, move, or extract lithic elements.
19. Disturb, collect or extract flora or fauna.
20. Carry out activities that distort the sacred character of the Machupicchu; such as fashion shows, dances, social commitments, obscene acts contrary to morals and good customs, or any type of activity that implies the impairment or deterioration of the monument, its natural environment and/or facilities.
21. Smoking, vaping, or making any type of fire.
22. Throwing waste of any kind.
23. Not respecting the established circuits and routes.
24. Outpatient commerce in the monument and surrounding spaces up to Puente Ruinas.
25. Perform overflights with paragliders, drones, or any type of smaller ship.
For those looking for adventure and nature, arriving at Machu Picchu on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to experience this wonder. There are several trekking routes that cross Andean landscapes, cloud forests and ancient Inca trails. These are some of the most outstanding hikes:
Other equally fascinating tours:
+51 84 226 547
+51 912 891 560
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
www.salkantaytrekmachu.com
