Huayna Picchu (also written Wayna Picchu, “young peak”) is the steep mountain that stands behind the city in almost every photograph. The Incas built a staircase up its flank, with terraces and small buildings clinging to the summit at about 2,720 m — roughly 290 m above the main plaza.
The climb is sold as its own route on Circuit 3, with a limited number of places each day (a few hundred, in timed groups). It is the first ticket to sell out; in the dry season, book it two to three months ahead.
Top things to do at Huayna Picchu
Climb to the summit
From the control hut beyond the Sacred Rock the trail drops to a saddle and then climbs steeply on original Inca steps, with cables on the narrowest sections. Allow 45 minutes to an hour up, and about the same down. The view straight down onto the city and the bends of the Urubamba is the reward.
The summit terraces and the “stairs of death”
Near the top, tiny terraces and stone structures perch above big drops, and a short tunnel squeezes through the rock. The famous steep flight of steps here is narrow and has no handrail; take it slowly, facing the slope if you need to.
Huchuy Picchu, the gentler option
The small hill beside Huayna Picchu has its own route (also on Circuit 3, generally in high season). It is a short climb of 20–30 minutes with a good view back over the city — a fair choice if Huayna Picchu is sold out or sounds too exposed.
The Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon)
A longer trail leads round the back of the mountain to a cave lined with fine Inca masonry. It is offered as a separate high-season route and adds several hours of steep walking.
How to get to Huayna Picchu
- Buy the Circuit 3 – Huayna Picchu ticket; an ordinary citadel ticket does not give access. See the ticket guide.
- Enter the citadel at the hour on your ticket and follow Circuit 3 to the Huayna Picchu control point, where you sign a register on the way in and out.
- Stay in Aguas Calientes the night before — the entry times are in the morning.
Insider tips
- Not for anyone with a strong fear of heights. The steps are steep and often wet.
- Wear shoes with real grip and keep your hands free; a small backpack is better than a shoulder bag.
- A minimum age applies (it has been 12); check when booking.
- This ticket does not include the classic upper viewpoint. Add a Circuit 2 or Circuit 1 ticket if you want that photograph.
- In the rainy season the summit is often in cloud early on; a later group may see more.
Best tours & tickets for Huayna Picchu
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Huayna Picchu:
Entry ticket Huayna Picchu Mountain Entry Ticket
A ticket for the Huayna Picchu route, which combines the lower sector of the citadel with the famous steep climb. It has only a handful of reviews and a middling rating, so read recent comments before booking; it remains one of the few ways to reserve this route through GetYourGuide.
- Entry for the Huayna Picchu route (Circuit 3)
- The steep climb to the summit above the city
- Limited daily places
Entry ticket Machu Picchu: Official Ticket – Choose Circuit 1, 2 or 3
An official Machu Picchu ticket bought for you by a local agency, with a choice of Circuit 1, 2 or 3. You pay a service fee over the government price in exchange for simple payment and support. Train, bus and guide are not included.
- Official entry ticket in your name
- Choice of circuit and entry time, subject to availability
- No need to use the government website
