Based in Cusco, Peru, Heather is an expert on travel to Peru and South America. Heather writes on tourism, trekking, and social issues in Peru for publications including BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Matador Network, Thrifty Nomads, World Nomads, Frommer's, Flashpack, and more. Heather co-founded the Covid Relief Project with Henry Quintano Loaiza to assist vulnerable families in the Cusco region.
- 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.
At a glance
Destinations
Machu Picchu
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & TrekkingPhysical Level
Moderate
Duration
1 day
Related Guides

Trekking in Peru

There’s nothing quite like traversing a remote trail on foot, arriving at a new place by muscle power just like the travellers of old. Trekking in Peru satisfies the human itch to travel by foot for days, to earn a destination after a hearty physical challenge.

Machu Picchu hikes

While there are hundreds of fascinating ruins in Peru, the famed Machu Picchu has captured the hearts and imaginations of travellers around the world.

The Inca Trail Trek: An Expert Guide

The classic Inca Trail, one of the world's most iconic treks, is so famously popular because its final destination is the most spectacular of all: Machu Picchu. Only on this classic route can you actually arrive at the famous ruins on foot.

Hiking the Lares Trek

The Lares Trek is known as the “cultural trek” to Machu Picchu, as it offers opportunities to interact with local communities along the way. It’s one of the shorter treks, which makes it a good option for those who are short on time.

Hiking to Choquequirao

Until recently, relatively unknown and vastly overshadowed by the “sister ruins” of Machu Picchu, the Choquequirao complex is a true hidden gem that receives just a handful of visitors each year.

Hiking the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail, described by National Geographic as one of the best treks in the world. While there are no ruins along the way unless you do the lodge-to-lodge version, the opportunity for gorgeous landscapes is even greater than on the

Hiking the Ausangate trek

Because Ausangate Mountain is in the opposite direction to Machu Picchu, this trek is not typically described as an alternative to the Inca Trail.

Hiking the KM 104 route

Although tour operators typically refer to this as the "Two Day Inca Trail", it actually only involves one day of hiking. The second day you visit Machu Picchu after spending the night in a hotel Aguas Calientes.

The best time to hike in Peru

Choosing the best time to go trekking in Peru requires some trade-offs between ideal conditions, prices, and busyness. Conditions also vary considerably depending on where you're going.

Must-see Peru ruins

Peru is one of the most archaeologically-rich countries on earth, and not just because of its blockbuster site, Machu Picchu.

How to get to Machu Picchu

The 800lb gorilla of Peru's historical sites, most visitors to the country are here primarily to visit Machu Picchu.

Alternatives To Machu Picchu

For most people, Peru is Machu Picchu.

-
Huayna Picchu day hike
...