Huanya Picchu

Overlooking the ruins of Machu Picchu is the famous mountain Huayna Picchu, an important component of the site’s stunning visual location. The peak of this mountain is covered with a remarkable set of ruins that are believed to be a special retreat for privileged priests and religious figures. The narrow terracing here is thought to have contained a colorful floral arrangement that could be marveled at by people in the city below.

An Inca path leads up the side of Huayna Picchu that can be scaled in around an hour. Although the path is steep and narrow at times, this can still be completed by those travelers who don’t high levels of fitness. The view from the top of Huayna Picchu is well worth the climb; a fantastic aerial view of the entire Machu Picchu ruins and their surroundings can be admired, right down to the Urubamba River winding in the valley far below.

Currently, the only way to climb Huayna Picchu is to purchase a special ticket before you arrive at the site. It is recommended that you purchase your Huayna Picchu ticket jointly with your general Machu Picchu ticket. At the time of purchase, you will have to decide if you want to hike the trail at 7 a.m. or 10 a.m. Two hundred people are allowed to enter during each time slot, for a total of 400 visitors per day. Tickets that include Huayna Picchu access will be slightly more expensive than regular Machu Picchu entrance tickets.