Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu means "young peak" and is the mountain that is located to the north of the Inca city. The mountain, looming behind the lost city is an important part of the icon that we know as Machu Picchu as it forms the backdrop of most iconic Machu Picchu photos. Its highest point is 2700 metres and allows us splendid views of Machu Picchu and the nearby mountains.

Though the climb is a little dangerous and quite steep, it is possible to climb up to those ruins in less than an hour. It offers some wonderful Inca ruins and you will be amazed at the determination and engineering skills of the Incas when you see the slopes that they had to overcome to complete this construction. This hike is a must-do for anyone in even moderately good shape.

Huayna Picchu was used by the Incas to build a number of complexes, like the impressive Temple of the Moon which is found at the back part of the mountain. The Incas also made a series of small agricultural terraces at the peak and some buildings. These buildings could have formed part of an astronomical observatory but also would have served as a lookout point over the city because from this point you can see all over Machu Picchu, Inti Punku and the paths that lead to the city.

This archaeological site possesses one of the most beautiful Inca constructions inside of a cavern, to which they added finely polished rocks and that fit in perfectly into one another, not leaving one millimetre between their joins.

This structure has beautiful vaulted niches and empty trapezoidals of typical Inca type and in front of the cavern, there is a rock sculpted in the shape of an altar, which makes us suppose that this was a place for sacrifices.

Please note: if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu you need to depart before lunchtime (12 noon).

View of Machu Picchu from Huana Picchu