Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu day hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: Two to four hours
- Max elevation: 2,693
- Start/end point: The trailhead is at the far end of the Machu Picchu citadel
The classic Machu Picchu day hike, Huayna Picchu is best known as the perfectly triangular peak that towers behind Machu Picchu in all the classic photos.
Many of the breathtaking photos you’ve seen that are taken from a vantage point far above the ruins were shot from this peak.
Huayna means young in Quechua, as opposed to “machu” which means old. Huayna Picchu is the smaller of the two peaks that bookend the main archeological site and Machu Picchu Mountain is the larger one.
Before committing to this hike, it’s important to know that it is definitely not for people who have a fear of heights. While this can be an issue anywhere in the Andes, climbing Huayna Picchu involves plenty of narrow paths with exposure to sheer drop-offs. There are handrails in the worst spots, but not everywhere you may want them.
Although there are some ruins toward the top, the main reason people do this hike is for the great perspective it gives you, looking down on Machu Picchu. If you are more adventurous, you can also go over the top and around the other side. This will allow you to visit the Temple of the Moon and the Great Cavern.
As with so many hikes in Peru, the hard part isn’t the distance as such, it’s the vertical gain over a very short distance that makes the route so challenging. Be prepared for over 300m (1,000 ft) of ascent, with steep rock stairways all the way up. It takes most people between one and two hours. If you choose to do the hike around to the back as well, you should give yourself a good four hours to complete the circuit and have time to explore the cave.