Climbing Huayna Picchu and the Infamous “Stairs of Death”

Huayna Picchu (which translates to “Young Mountain” in Quechua) is the name of the mountain which lies directly behind the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. This jutting peak looms over the ancient city and dominates your field of vision while there. Maybe you’ve seen this iconic mountain in photos, but did you know it’s possible to reach the summit? Climbing Huayna Picchu is a highlight of many visitors’ trip to Machu Picchu. Keep reading to learn more about how to hike to the top.

Fitness Level for Climbing Huayna Picchu

One thing to take into consideration before you attempt to climb Huayna Picchu is your personal fitness level. While this hike is not considered extremely difficult, it’s also not exactly easy either. The summit of Huayna Picchu is about 360 meters (1,180 feet) above Machu Picchu, a climb which you will be doing on foot. It’s also located at an altitude of 2,720 meters (8,920 feet) above sea level, which can make the hike extra challenging if you’re not accustomed to higher altitudes (learn more about treating altitude sickness in Peru here).

With that said, if you are in good physical condition, climbing Huayna Picchu shouldn’t be too difficult for you. The average hiker will take roughly 2-3 hours to complete the trip to the top, and another hour to return. One thing that does need to be mentioned is that this hike is definitely not for anyone with a fear of heights or any condition which could cause you to lose your balance (such as vertigo). Many points on the trail pass next to sheer mountain drops of thousands of feet, so if there’s a chance that this could present an issue, the Huayna Picchu hike is best avoided.

What to See at Huayna Picchu

In addition to getting one of the best views of the Machu Picchu ruins, you’ll also pass a number of unique sites along the path to Huayna Picchu’s peak. One of these is the Temple of the Moon, a mysterious ceremonial center which dates back 1,500 years. This incredible structure is located inside a natural cave which is believed to have once held mummies. On your way to the top of Huayna Picchu, you’ll also be able to spot a number of agricultural terraces and smaller Inca structures. Last but not least are the so-called “stairs of death,” a series of stone steps with a dizzyingly steep drop-off to the valley below. Don’t be too afraid, but do be careful, since several people have died after falls from this section in recent years.

Reserving Tickets to Huayna Picchu

Unlike other areas of Machu Picchu, climbing Huayna Picchu requires special permission which is not included in the regular pass. Only 400 permits to climb Huayna Picchu are issued per day (200 for the 7 a.m. entry and 200 for the 10 a.m. entry). These permits regularly sell out a week in advance (and sometimes even earlier in the busy season), so if you would like to climb Huayna Picchu on your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll want to have this arranged ahead of time. The permit to visit Huayna Picchu costs about 150 PEN (just under $50 USD).
The best way to visit Huayna Picchu (and the rest of Machu Picchu) is with a qualified and knowledgeable guide, who will be able to provide valuable historical context for the Inca sites that you’re seeing. However you choose to see it, climbing Huayna Picchu is an unforgettable experience that relatively few visitors to Machu Picchu get to have. Consider including this option on your own once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru!

Header Image: Modified from Flickr / Emerson Alecrim