Huayna Picchu Hike (Machu Picchu Peru)

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The Huayna Picchu hike, is the iconic peak that towers over the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and is one of the best bucket list adventures to have in Peru.

This steep climb rewards you with insane views overlooking the sacred ruins and surrounding mountains. You get a bird’s eye view and a grasp on why there is so much mystery surrounding Machu Picchu.

The hike to Huayna Picchu is not for the faint of heart, with its narrow paths, vertigo inducing heights, and steep stone steps known as the stairs of death.

But trust me, if you’re wondering if Huayna Picchu is worth it, it’s absolutely worth the climb for a unique perspective and best views of one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.

In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about hiking Huayna Picchu including which entry ticket to buy, what to expect, and any tips for making the most of you trek to the top of one of Peru’s coolest mountains.

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Huayna Picchu Hike Quick Facts

💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult due to Steepness
🥾 Distance: 1.5 Miles Round Trip
⏰ Duration: 2-3 Hours to go up and come back down
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3,280 feet
🦙 Highlights: Views over looking Machu Picchu
⚠️ Tickets & Permits: Separate tickets required to enter Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu.

Keep scrolling for more details of the Huayna Picchu Hike in Machu Picchu, Peru.

How to Get to Huayna Picchu Trailhead

Getting to the Huayna Picchu Trailhead is an adventure in itself. Before starting the Huayna Picchu hike, you must first reach Machu Picchu. From Cusco you have a few options to get to Machu Picchu – by train & bus, by foot, or a combination of ways.

Take a Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Trains run from Poroy or Ollantaytambo stations to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes 1.5-3 hours or so depending on your departure station and train service (e.g. PeruRail or Inca Rail).

Many travelers choose to stay the night in Aguas Calientes to rest and catch an early bus to Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes, shuttle buses run every 15 minutes to Machu Picchu entrance. The bus ride up takes about 30 minutes and you can book in person the night before or book a shuttle online ahead of time.

For a more adventurous option, you can hike the Hiram Bingham Trail to Machu Picchu entrance. This takes about 2 hours and involves steep steps. Since the Huayna Picchu hike already involves steep stairs, I’d opt for the shuttle bus.

You can also embark on a trek to Machu Picchu instead of the train. I personally trekked the Salkantay Trek which was one of the most challenging & biggest adventures of my life. I highly recommend it.

Book a Shuttle to Machu Picchu →

🚂 Read Next: Best Ways to Get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Next you must enter Machu Picchu. Make sure you have your entry tickets for both Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu, as they are sold together with specific time slots.

The Huayna Picchu trailhead is at the northern end of Machu Picchu, near the Sacred Rock. From the main entrance of Machu Picchu, follow the paths leading through the citadel toward Sacred Rock. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes.

Present your Huayna Picchu ticket and passport. The trail head is staffed, and only a limited number of hikers are allowed per day. This is why you should buy your Huayna Picchu entry ticket far in advance.

Huayna Picchu Ticket

The Huayna Picchu hike is one of the most popular activities in Machu Picchu. Tickets to hike Huayna Picchu are limited and must be purchased in advance due to its popularity and restricted access.

Huayna Picchu tickets are combined with Machu Picchu entry tickets, you’ll want to get the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket which includes access to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu hike.

There are two different time slots. I personally think the 7am ticket is the way to go.

Group 1: Entry between 7-8 am
Group 2: Entry between 10-11 am

Tickets sell out quickly, often months in advance, especially during the high season (May to September). Again, it’s best book as early as possible.

📌 Important Requirements:

Passport: You must present the same passport used to purchase the ticket at the Machu Picchu entrance and Huayna Picchu trailhead.
Time-Specific Entry: Arrive at Machu Picchu and the Huayna Picchu trailhead within your designated time slot.
Non-transferable: Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person.

Book a Huayna Picchu Ticket →

🦙 Read Next: Machu Picchu Travel Guide

When is the Best Time to Hike Huayna Picchu

The best time to hike Huayna Picchu is during the dry season in Peru, which runs from April to October. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions. Mornings are crisp and the afternoons are mild, ideal for hiking.

The skies are typically sunny and clear, which gives unobstructed views of the summit. Trails are dry and less slippery, making the steep and narrow path safer to navigate.

Months of May and September are particular excellent as they fall on either side of the peak tourist season (June – August), offering great weather with slightly fewer crowds. I trekked the Salkantay Trek and hiked Huayna Picchu during the month of May and had fantastic weather.

Expect the biggest crowds during peak season of June to August. The dry season coincides with the busiest tourist months, so permits sell out quickly. The first group 7am time slot will provide a quieter experience during this time.

⏰ Best Time: Dry season (April to October), with May and September being ideal for clear skies.
👣 Avoid Crowds: Shoulder seasons (March or November).
💰 Budget Option: Rainy season (December to February), but be prepared for challenging conditions and possibility of a very cloudy summit. I would not hike Huayna Picchu durig wet season.

How Long Does it Take to Hike Huayna Picchu

Hiking Huayna Picchu takes about 2-3 hours round trip, depending on your pace, fitness level, and how much time you spend at the summit.

It takes about 1 hour to reach the summit from the base of the mountain, 20 minutes at the top enjoying the panoramic views, and about 40 to 60 minutes to get down as sometimes the stairs are harder to navigate going down versus up.

Huayna Picchu Trail Information

📍 Location: Huayna Picchu is the towering mountain visible in the background of photos of Machu Picchu.
🥾 Distance: 1.5 Mile Round Trip
💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging, with steep ascents, narrow pathways, steel cables, and sections requiring careful navigation.
⏰ Duration: 2-3 Hours to complete, including time at the summit.
💰 Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Ticket is $90+ with a tour guide.

The Huayna Picchu hike, known for its “Stairs of Death,” is a thrilling and iconic trek within the Machu Picchu ruins, when climbed to the top of Huayna Picchu you are rewarded with panoramic views and an exhilarating adventure up steep, ancient pathways.

Huayna Picchu, whose name means “Young Mountain”, is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Machu Picchu citadel due to its combination of history, epic views, and adrenaline pumping trail.

Huayna Picchu Stairs of Death

The “Stairs of Death” refers to a particularly steep and narrow section of the Huayna Picchu trail. While the name may sound intimidating, it’s manageable for hikers with a cautious approach.

The ancient stone steps are steep, often just wide enough for one person. In some sections, ropes and cables are provided for stability. The stairs hug the cliffside, with sheer drop-offs on one side.

This provides breathtaking (and nerve-wracking) views. Let’s just hope you don’t have vertigo issues or a fear of heights. The steps were part of the original trail used by the Incas, showcasing their architectural ingenuity.

It is believed that Inca priests lived or spent significant time on Huayna Picchu, as it was considered a sacred site in Inca culture. The Inca’s believed that high places brought them closer to the gods.

While definitive proof of permanent priestly residence on Huayna Picchu is limited, the evidence strongly suggests that the sacred mountain was a site of profound spiritual and ceremonial importance, frequented by the Inca elite, high priest, and religious leaders.

It was pretty impressive the farther up you climb, the more terraces and carved steps you find. It is truly a mystery. Once at the top of the mountain, the summit of Huayna Picchu offers incredible views of Machu Picchu, Urubamba River, and the surrounding area of the Andes Mountains. It’s a reward well worth the effort.

Temple of the Moon

At the base of Huayna Picchu mountain, you’ll find the Temple of the Moon or Moon Temple, an Inca ceremonial site built into a cave. Visiting the site adds extra time to the hike but provides a fascinating glimpse into Inca spiritual practices.

Tips for Hiking Huayna Picchu

🎟️ Book your Tickets in Advance (2-4 months), especially during high season as tickets are in high demand and sell out quickly.

Book a Huayna Picchu Ticket →

🛂 Bring your Passport for check-in.

💦 Stay Hydrated and Snack Often. Dehydration is common at high altitudes

⛰️ Acclimatize Before the Hike as the hiking trail starts at around 8,900 feet above sea level. Spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to adjust to the altitude before the hike, altitude sickness is not fun.

⏰ Choose the Right Time Slot.

Early Morning (7-8 am): Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds. Explore Machu Picchu Inca ruins afterwards.
Mid-Morning (10-11 am): Trails may be busier, but the citadel will be less crowded by the time you finish.

🧢 Wear Proper Gear.

Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential for the steep, rocky trail.
Clothing: Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking layers. Bring Waterproof Jacket in case of rain.
Sun Protection: A hat, Sunscreen, & Sunglasses.

🎒 Pack Light. Only small backpacks are allowed inside Machu Picchu. Bring water, Mosquito repellent, & GoPro. If you stayed the night in Aguas Calientes leave your large luggage at the hotel.

♻️ Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles to keep the hiking trails in Peru clean and pristine for future visitors. Don’t litter, stick to marked paths, respect the environment, and avoid climbing on the ruins.

⚠️ Be Cautious: Pay close attention to your footing, especially on the Stairs of Death. Hold onto ropes where provided.

Other Awesome Hikes in Peru

Salkantay Trek – Often referred to as the alternative trek to Machu PIcchu, the Salkantay Trek is 46 miles in completion that takes you through rugged mountain terrain and connects Cusco to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

Colca Canyon – Offers trekkers a chance to spot soaring condors, stay in an oasis on the canyon floor, witness some of Peru’s most beautiful landscapes, bathe in thermal hot springs and hike through desert scenery.

Humantay Lake – Humantay Lake is a stunning emerald green lake that sits at 14,000 feet and is one of the best day trips from Cusco.

16 Epic Hikes & Treks in Peru – Peru is a hikers dream destination and these are the best hikes and treks Peru has to offer.

☕️ Read Next: 19 Essential Things to Know Before you go Hiking in Peru

Huayna Picchu Travel Vlog

Would you rather see what it’s like to hike Huayna Picchu? Joe and I filmed several vlogs during a 2 month travels around Peru, including hiking Huayna Picchu & exploring Machu Picchu.

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