Is It Worth Visiting Huayna Picchu In Peru? A Luxury Traveler’s Guide

Setting the impressive backdrop for Machu Picchu ruins, Huayna Picchu is not just a scenic mountain - but also a memorable and historic destination in and of itself.

Here we can enjoy unparalleled views over Machu Picchu from the towering peak, and also discover hidden ancient ruins only visible on this particular hike. The journey to the top of Huayna Picchu is also a rewarding experience, where travelers can enjoy the thrilling yet rewarding ascent above the surrounding valleys and cloud forest.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Huayna Picchu, why it’s worth visiting, as well as how to visit this memorable site along with Machu Picchu in the most simple and comfortable way possible. Later on we’ll also answer your most frequent questions in our FAQ section.

Why Luxury Tourists Will Enjoy Visiting Huayna Picchu

Standing at a total peak elevation of 2,720m (8,924ft), Huayna Picchu is roughly 290m taller than the sacred site of Machu Picchu - which means we can enjoy better aerial views of the different Inca complexes and ancient citadel. While Machu Picchu Mountain stands even taller (at a total height of 3,082m / 10,111ft) - Huayna Picchu gives the very best eagle-eye view of the ruins, where you will feel like you are hovering directly above the sacred site.

However the true appeal begins long before you reach the top of this iconic peak. Starting with a short walk through dense cloud forest, you will then climb up a series of steep mountainside passages and through a narrow tunnel. Here we will see ancient storage sites and Inca homes, as well as watchtowers that have the most commanding viewpoints over the surrounding valleys.

Overall, visiting Huayna Picchu offers a more novel and exciting way of experiencing the Machu Picchu site, where we can see more examples of ancient Inca architecture while enjoying some unforgettable Andean vistas.

How To Plan Your Huayna Picchu Tour Along With Machu Picchu

Huayna Picchu is located within Machu Picchu, and as such you must buy a permit to be able to access the trail. The specific Machu Picchu route that includes Huayna Picchu is the “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)” ticket, which is purchased directly through the official Ministry of Culture in Peru.

It’s important to know that Huayna Picchu has a daily cap of between 300-400 visitors, which is a far cry from the usual 4,500-5,500 entrances that are granted for the general Machu Picchu site. This means you will need to book your Machu Picchu vacation well in advance to guarantee both permits - and we personally suggest securing your tickets with us at least 4-6 months in advance of your visit.

The climb up Huayna Picchu is somewhat demanding, and takes roughly 2 hours to both summit and return to Machu Picchu. For this reason it’s worth planning an extra night in Aguas Calientes during your stay, so you can take your time ascending the ancient peak and not have to rush your visit around Machu Picchu. While the total altitude of 2,720m (8,924ft) may seem tough - tourists generally have few issues climbing Huayna Picchu - given we will be more than 500m lower in elevation than Cusco which makes a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Huayna Picchu

Below we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about visiting Huayna Picchu, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Is Huayna Picchu Difficult To Climb?

The hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain is considered a moderate to challenging ascent, and takes around 2 hours to complete from start to finish. This is because you will climb roughly 2,100 steps, and will also have passages that are steep and exposed. However with frequent breaks and a slow pace, most hikers are able to climb Huayna Picchu with few issues.

What Is Special About Huayna Picchu?

Arguably what is most special about Huayna Picchu is the incredible views that look directly down onto Machu Picchu ruins - and also the fact that there will be few other hikers on the path given its limited entrance of just 300-400 visitors a day. Here you’ll also see mysterious Inca sites such as ancient watchtowers and storage sites once used by the Inca civilization, as well as the nearby Temple of the Moon which can be accessed with your Machu Picchu ticket.

Do You Need Hiking Boots For Huayna Picchu?

While you can easily walk around in Machu Picchu with any shoes, with Huayna Picchu it’s recommended to bring either hiking boots or comfortable sports shoes. This is because the hike up is more demanding, and can sometimes be slippery in places. Adequate hiking shoes will not only be more comfortable for your feet, but also make the trek up and down much more enjoyable.

Overview Of Visiting Huayna Picchu Mountain

And that’s all for this guide on why you should visit Huayna Picchu in Peru.

Overlooking Machu Picchu, this formidable mountain is the classic backdrop of all memorable photos when tourists head to these iconic ruins. Not only is it possible to hike up Huayna Picchu during your visit, here you can also enjoy both breathtaking views from the very top, as well as experience less-visited ruins that most visitors never see when only entering the standard Machu Picchu route.

Ready to plan your dream Machu Picchu and Cusco vacation? Get in touch with our expert trip planning team now, where we can fully customize your Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu experience - which can include the scenic Hiram Bingham train, the most luxurious hotels as well as privately guided Cusco city tours.