Climbing Huayna Picchu?

For many, a climb of Huayna Picchu is the (literal) high point of a visit to Machu Picchu.

It is highly recommend – both for its views, but also for the heart racing climb! You climb steep steps with very little between you and a several hundred metre drop into the river below. If you suffer vertigo or have any fear of heights you may not be able complete this climb.

You should allow 1.5 hours to 2 hours round trip to do Huayna Picchu. (or more if you don`t like heights)

There is a back route from the top of Huayna Picchu down to the Temple of the Moon. This is not for the faint hearted!

Due to the heavy usage of Huayna Picchu, INC have introduced a permit system.

You need to indicate to your Travel Consultant that you wish to hike Machu Picchu.

The price is $10 per person for those doing the Alternative treks .

For those who are doing the Inca Trail you need to purchase a new ticket to Machu picchu in order to visit Huayna Picchu and the price is $60 per person.

Also if you wish to climb Huayna Picchu you should elect which intake you wish to enter on. There are two intakes, one at 7am and one at 10am.

Climbing Cerro Machu Picchu.

This moderate three-hour hike is a good alternative to climbing Huayna Picchu if Huayna Picchu has reached its daily quota or if you are afraid of heights (Huayna Picchu has one steep and exposed section).

The hike up Cerro Machu Picchu (3,051 meters, or 601 meters above Machu Picchu) offers lots of fresh air, quiet natural surroundings, and a great view at the top.

Cerro Machu Picchu is the mountain above Machu Picchu in the direction of the Inti Punku, or Sun Gate. To get there take the Inca Trail out of the Machu Picchu ruins past the Caretaker’s Hut and towards Inti Punku. About 150 meters past the Caretaker’s Hut, head right up a set of stairs with a sign that says “To Machu Picchu Mountain.”

Follow the trail for one hour through a habitat of exotic birds, orchids, lichen, moss, and trees, until arriving at the bottom of a set of Inca stairs. From here, it is a steep, 45-minute uphill walk.

Its about  3 hours return for people of reasonble fitness.

You need to buy a separate complete entry to climb Cerro  Machu Picchu. ($60 per person, regardless of whether you did an Alternative trek or an Inca Trail trek)