Huayna Picchu Hiking Tour

Huayna Picchu Hiking Tour

This 2-hour hiking tour is a breathtaking complement to a visit to the Machu Picchu ruins. You will leave for Huayna Picchu mountain from Aguas Calientes, the small town that is nearest Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu’s peak towers over Machu Picchu – at the summit of Huayna Picchu, hikers will be 1,180 feet (360 m) higher than ruins of Machu Picchu, at 8,920 feet (2,720 meters) above sea level.

Featured in:Hiking, Machu Picchu
Duration:
2 hrs
Available Days:
Every day
Schedule:
6:15 AM, 9:15 AM
Hotel Transport Included
Mobile Ticket Included
Offered in English, Spanish

The Inca considered mountains in this area highly sacred. According to local legend, Huayna Picchu served as the home for priests and sacred virgins. They built a steep path to the summit from stones. In recent years, cable rails have been added to help hikers keep their footing along the especially tricky portions of the path.

At the summit of Huayna Picchu, visitors can stop and admire both the view and the ruins of temples the Inca build to their gods. You will also see stone terraces built into the side of the mountain, one of the agricultural innovations that make Inca culture so distinct. As you descend the mountain, the hike will take you to two caves, called the Gran Caverna and the Temple of the Moon.
There is a limit to how many people can be on the trail at the same time, so your hike cannot last more than two hours. Please note that the tour will go ahead no matter what the weather, except in extreme cases. The tour cannot control for rain, but it is usually less cloudy during the second hike of the day, which reaches the summit at around 11 a.m. If you take the earlier hike, misty morning clouds may obscure your view. Keep in mind that this hike is in high demand, and you should make your reservation at least one month in advance.

The hike up Huayna Picchu can be challenging, and should only be attempted by visitors in good physical condition. No one older than 60 or younger than 8 is permitted to make the hike.

Attraction Visited

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the bucket-list tourist attraction and the highlight of many peoples’ trip to Peru; the vastness, location and detail of the ruins make it unmissable. Without a doubt this is the crown jewel of Peruvian ruins.

Read more:Machu Picchu

What to Bring

Hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, waterproof jacket, and a water bottle.

What's included

Bus ride to and from Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, English-speaking guide, and admission to Huayna Picchu mountain and Machu Picchu citadel.

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

Traveler Comments

Caesar the guide was most helpful and knowledgeable. Sometimes his English was hard to follow but his enthusiasm made up for it.

- KEDAR G, DEC 2019

I was scared to do this hike, but our guide José made it a great experience and took a lot of nice photos of our family too!!! So excited we made it to the top, but wouldn't have wanted to hike it on our own without a guide. Thank you!!!

- AMY P, JUL 2019

When I told people that I was going to hike up Huayna Picchu, they told me that I was crazy. People did not believe me when I told them that I had a guide going with me up the mountain. Well, I did it! It is NOT an easy hike so if you have any doubts about your health, fear of heights, or lack of endurance/tolerance of a bit of pain, do not do this hike. I hiked the equivalent of stairs inside of a 180 story building. 1 1/2 hours of nothing but stairs. Now, all of that written...It was worth it! I enjoyed the beautiful views of the jungle covered mountains high above the valley. I enjoyed the hidden Inca ruins tucked away in the jungle covered cliffs of the mountain. The guide was very helpful, knowledgeable, and truly cared for my well being. He even shared his energy providing snacks with me as we slowly climbed up the stairs. The guide explained that an average person in decent condition can climb up and back down the mountain in a bit over 4 hours. I did Huayna Picchu,to include the Temple of the Moon in 3 1/2 hours. Not bad for an old guy! Though, a tough hike, I recommend it. It is truly an amazing experience.

- ADAM C, JUL 2019
This 2-hour hiking tour is a breathtaking complement to a visit to the Machu Picchu ruins.Huayna Picchu Hiking Tour27
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