Hiking to the Summit of Huayna Picchu

If you are looking for a bird’s eye view of Machu Picchu and some amazing photo opportunities you absolutely should sign up for a hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu (also called WaynaPicchu). The entrance is located on the far side of Machu Picchu.

Although you are not required to have a guide escort you on the trail, you do need to sign in and present your passport at the check point. Only 400 people are allowed entry each day and you must purchase your tickets in advance to ensure you have a spot reserved. It is recommended that you purchase your tickets at least 2-3 months in advance.

You must also sign out as you are leaving. There are two time slots to choose from: between 7 & 8 am or between 10 & 11 am. You are given a three hour window to climb to the summit and back down, although  currently this is not enforced. Our guide informed us we would have a better chance of the clouds clearing if we elected the later option (if the clouds do not clear or thin, it is possible that you would not be able to see Machu Picchu at all from the summit). 

The start of the trail takes you through some dense vegetation. At the beginning you are actually hiking down more than up. If you would like to avoid climbing the mountain with 200 people you can try entering the hike towards the middle of your time slot. 

Even though we were there during the dry season (April – October) it had stormed the night before our hike, so it was a little slippery in places. There are steel cables anchored into the mountain that you can hold onto to help you in the climb. The path is narrow and only allows for a single person to walk in many areas. As a side note, hiking etiquette is for the person climbing up to have the right of way. If you are coming down and there is not room for two to pass, you should give way.

Our morning ride up to Machu Picchu had me a little worried that we may climb Huayna Picchu and not be able to see the ruins at all. I was glad that we choose to do the later time slot for the hike.

The hike is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or have a fear of heights. You will be climbing approximately 360 meters (1181 ft.).

About half way up you will start encountering amazing views of Machu Picchu. Of course, this is all weather dependent.

I always save this shirt to wear on my favorite day of each vacation.

 

The clouds did cooperate with our plans that day and we were graced with magnificent views.

Standing in the clouds and watching them roll on by was mesmerizing.

 

I had read during my research on many blogs people saying this was the hardest, scariest hike they have ever taken, paired with pictures like these. First of all, these are not the steps you climb, you will just walk by them. Second, if you have hiked in the mountains of Colorado, California or Arizona this will most likely not be the hardest or scariest hike you have ever been on. That being said, it is an uphill climb that lasts approximately an hour, but there are plenty of places where you will want to stop and admire the view which allows you ample time and opportunities to catch your breath.

Near the top you will pass some astronomical buildings built right into the side of the mountain. You can not help but be amazed by the feats of engineering that the Incans accomplished.

We thought the best views of Machu Picchu were before the summit. There is a nice area you can stop and rest in and admire the view before the last and steepest part of the climb. Near the end is a staircase that is so steep you will need to climb up it like a ladder, using your hands and your feet. You do need to pay attention to what you are doing to be safe. To get to the summit you also have to climb a ladder, but you don’t climb the ladder to get down.

We only had time to get a few photos once we got to the top. The summit is 2667 meters (8751 feet). I feel a need to explain the socks in these pictures. If you’ve read my Machu Picchu Post you know that the day before, during our visit to Machu Picchu, my husband and I (we were both wearing shorts) felt like we were being eaten alive by sand flies. Our legs from the knees down were covered in horrible welts. Since we had no clean pants left and we needed to cover as much skin as possible, our only option was to pull up our socks as much as we could, as the flies can not bite through clothes. We also used mosquito spray on day two and had no problems (other than how we looked – lol).

What goes up, must always come down. Our trusty guide, Luis, assured us we would be able to squeeze through the passage.

Being the ever supportive wife that I am, I whispered to my sister, “Let’s have Sam go first and see if he fits.” My husband eyed the crevice wearily but agreed to go first. He did take his backpack off at one point, which made things easier.

 

I followed and promptly fell on my butt when I got to the bottom of the stairs. Serves me right for standing on the other side and yelling to my husband, “Can you fit? Did you make it through?” The rest of the downhill trek was uneventful. I didn’t realize how tired my legs were until we were near the bottom and the trail had some large rocks you had to step up on and over. My husband, who is definitely the better half, gave me a hand and boosted me up because my legs decided they didn’t want to work so hard. My brother-in-law who could hear me saying over and over, “One, two, three, up,” came back and took turns with my husband pulling my up.

After our hike, on our way out of Machu Picchu, we saw many llamas who graciously ‘posed’ for some photos.

In fact, one llama decided to join the tourists. It was a nice ‘Farewell to Machu Picchu’ moment.

After spending our second day in Machu Picchu we returned to Ollantaytambo via the Vistadome train. Our driver and guide took us to our hotel in Cusco, The Belmond Monasterio (a beautiful place to stay!)

If you can spend two days at Machu Picchu, I highly recommend it. You can spend the first day exploring the site, hiking up to the Sun Gate and the second day hiking Huayna Picchu.

Additional information regarding the hike: Cost for the hike varies depending on whom you purchase tickets from. The latest information that I’ve seen is $80/person for entrance to both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. It is less for students, $54 (ages 17-25), and $54 for children (12-17). You must be at least 12 years old to hike Huayna Picchu. Our tickets were part of our package with our travel agency.

You should bring water, a raincoat, sunglasses and a hat. You should wear either pants or spray your legs with bug spray and you should wear hiking boots, hiking shoes or sturdy hiking sandals. Make sure your clothes are comfortable and appropriate for hiking.

As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.

All pictures are available for purchase as Fine Art or Digital Downloads at full resolution through Alamy. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)

More Adventures in Peru

To Walk or To Ride To Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes the Gateway to Machu Picchu

Hiking Down the Patacancha Valley

Chunco Macaw Clay Lick – Amazon Rainforest

Hiking Through the Amazon Rainforest to Oxbow Lake

Pin for later!