The Ultimate Guide to the Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike
Tickets, the "Stairs of Death", and how to get the best panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.
What is Huayna Picchu?
Huayna Picchu, also known as New Mountain or Young Mountain in its translation from Quechua to Spanish, is the tall, pointed mountain located just behind the citadel of Machu Picchu. It forms part of the sanctuary's landscape and is famous because its summit offers the classic elevated view of the ruins. In addition, ancient Inca trails run along its slopes, allowing visitors to climb to the top. In short, it is the iconic mountain that accompanies Machu Picchu and completes its impressive natural setting.
The journey to the Huayna Picchu is one of the most complicated, riskiest and probably the most difficult to undertake. It requires enough physical strength, determination, and vigour to reach the top. The journey will take about 1 hour. The road starts in the Sacred Rock (Roca Sagrada), where you will find dense vegetation, a steep and narrow path, and granite stairs with uneven steps, so you must be very careful where you step.
According to the story, Huayna Picchu was the monitoring centre of the citadel of Machu Picchu since this archaeological complex was threatened by other cultures from the surroundings for its lands. With the construction of this place, the Incas were alert for any eventuality or attack.
Key Takeaways:
- Height: 2,693 meters (8,835 ft).
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (Steep steps).
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hours round trip.
- Booking: Must book 2-4 months in advance (Limited to ~200 spots/day).
However, due to strict visitor limits and steep terrain, planning is essential. This guide covers everything from securing your Circuit 3 ticket to navigating the famous "Stairs of Death".
Huayna Picchu Tickets (Circuit 3)
To hike this mountain, you must purchase the Circuit 3 A: Royalty + Huayna Picchu ticket. This ticket grants access to the lower part of the citadel and the hike.
| Visitor Category | Foreigner (USD) | Andean Community (CAN) | Peru (National) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $55.00 | $33.00 | $33.00 |
| Student (Under 25) | $33.00 | $21.00 | $21.00 |
| Child (3-17) | $31.00 | $21.00 | $21.00 |
* Prices are approximate and subject to government changes in 2026.
Entry Times: Which Group is Best?
Group 1: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Pros: Cooler, less crowded summit.
Cons: Potential morning mist/fog.
Best strategy: Hike first, then tour the ruins around 10:30 AM when the sun is out.
Group 2: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Pros: Clear views, blue skies.
Cons: Hotter, stronger UV, more hikers.
Best strategy: Tour the ruins first (Circuit 3) and finish your day with the epic hike.
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Download Circuit 3A Map (Huayna Picchu)How to book Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets
To buy your Machu Picchu ticket with Circuit 3-A (Huayna Picchu access), go to the official ticket site of Peru’s Ministry of Culture: tuboleto.cultura.pe, Select the option “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu” or “Circuit 3A + Huayna Picchu.” Places are very limited (only 200 per day), so we recommend booking at least 2 to 4 months in advance.
If you are unable to make the reservation yourself, we can assist you.
If you are unable to obtain a ticket to Huayna Picchu on your own, you can reserve one directly with us at Wari Expeditions.
What we offer
- Assistance throughout the entire booking process
- Official Huayna Picchu tickets included in our tour packages
- Immediate confirmation (subject to availability)
- Personalized support in English and Spanish
- Full Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu tours
- Secure payment and trusted local service
Booking with us guarantees you won’t miss this incredible experience. We take care of everything so you can simply enjoy your trip.
Is it worth it?
Yes. We couldn’t recommend hiking Huayna Picchu more. The terrain may be steep, but the Huayna Picchu view is unforgettable.
Huayna Picchu Hike FAQs & Common Doubts
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