EL TEMIBLE HUAYNA PICCHU

Huayna Picchu är berget som ligger norr om Inka arkeologiska plats och 2.720 meter över havet. I sitt inre är Grand Cavern eller Moon Moon, en mystisk byggnad mitt i två grottor. Från Inca Citadel ses det som ett brant toppmöte svårt att resa och faktiskt är det. I sin inredning utstrålade Incas stenstegen av komplicerade lutningar. I vissa avsnitt begränsar de med fruktansvärda klippor. På toppen kan du se den världsomspännande geografiska skönheten som ingen annanstans. Trots allt är äventyret erkänt som en av de mest otroliga på planeten. Varje år finns det fler turister som vågar leva adrenalin av Waynapicchu.

How is the route?

The climb – The route is difficult. It starts with a slight ascent along trails. The first difficulty is to cross a huge rock whose only possible way is a narrow opening. The ascent continues through stone steps of reduced space. On one side it borders the rock wall of the mountain and on the other a precipice several meters long. The view is terrifying. However, if fear is overcome, it will reach the top. It is estimated that the ascent takes 1 hour depending on the physical state of the tourist.

The highest – The top of Waynapicchu is the perfect reward for the effort deployed. From that point you can see the Inca Citadel and the nature that surrounds it like nowhere else. The highest part of the mountain is 300 meters higher than the archaeological site. From there you can also see the town of Aguas Calientes, the Vilcanota River, the Putucusi and even the snowy Salkantay. It is believed that the proximity to this nature and mountains was the reason why Machu Picchu was built in that place.

The descent – The descent is as arduous as the climb. It starts on a different path to the ascent. In a section there is a detour that leads to the Great Cave or Temple of the Moon. The stone stairways are also narrow and next to precipices. These join at a point with the initial path of ascent. It is estimated that going down from the top of Huayna Picchu takes 1 hour depending on whether or not the visit to the archaeological temple is made.
The stairs of death

En la parte final del ascenso al Waynapicchu existe un tramo denominado ‘las escaleras de la muerte’. Este sobrenombre es exagerado ya que en realidad nadie perdió la vida al caer de estas escalinatas. Estos deben su nombre a la verticalidad y dificultad del tramo. Se trata del último escollo antes de llegar a la cima del Waynapicchu. La sensación de vértigo y adrenalina en esta parte del camino es uno de los momentos más extremos de la subida.

Is it really dangerous?

The Huayna Picchu mountain tour is difficult and fast but not really dangerous. In the most complicated sections at the edge of precipices there are safety ropes that help to overcome them. In addition there are qualified personnel to assist tourists who need some kind of support and signs along the trails. At the beginning of the road it is obligatory to register the personal data of each person who enters and leaves the summit. In this way, the authorities assure that all those who enter, leave the place. Access is only allowed to people over 12 years old. The adventure is not recommended to people who fear height or heart problems.

Mountain Huayna Picchu

• Height: 2,693 m.s.n.m.
• Walk distance: 2 km, steep and narrow roads.
• Location: North of the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Road Description: The trails are quite steep, you will need ropes to overcome some parts of the road. You will cross steps built in rock and wooden stairs; the road is visually terrifying.
• Access: From the Inca City of Machu Picchu, through the Sector of the Huayranas (Sacred Rock). Here you will find the entrance control booth to the mountain.
• Schedule:
  • First Group: 07:00 hrs. – 08:00 hrs.
  • Second Group: 10:00 hrs. – 11:00 hrs.
• Number of visitors: 400 per day, divided into two groups of 200.
• Walking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (up and down).
• Degree of Difficulty: Moderately high. It is a steep mountain, with precipices and many steps (not recommended if you suffer from vertigo).
• Archaeological Attractions: Andenería and the amazing Temple of the Moon, built inside a natural cave.
• Flora and fauna: Landscape of jungle brow, abundant vegetation, which serves as a habitat for birds, butterflies and insects.
• Advantages: Some of the best panoramic views of the Inca City and the amazing mountain environment where it is located.
• Disadvantages: Precipices covered with vegetation, steep ascent, narrow roads.

Tips

• Any experienced climber is aware that any mountain must be treated with respect. You should take precautions and not risk your life unnecessarily.
• If you suffer from vertigo or fear of heights, we recommend you ignore the Waynapicchu. You can get wonderful aerial views of the Inca Citadel from the top of the Puerta del Sol or the Machu Picchu mountain.
• If you wish to choose the dates on which you wish to ascend to the Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must book the tickets with up to 3 months in advance.
• It is only allowed to carry a backpack no bigger than 5 kilos. It is advisable to bring only what is necessary: water, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, poncho in case of rain, snacks and a camera.
• Climbing to the top of Waynapicchu is a challenge. You just have to do it at your own pace. Many older adults also dare to reach the top.

The Huayna Picchu Ticket

The only way to ascend to the top of Waynapicchu is to book in advance the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket. Daily only 400 people are allowed to access this adventure. The ticket also allows the tour of the Inca Citadel. The entrance to the mountain is in 2 groups:

• Group 1: from 07:00 a.m. at 08:00 a.m. (200 tourists)
• Group 2: from 10:00 a.m. at 11:00 a.m. (200 tourists)

Group 1 can stay at Machu Picchu from 06:00 a.m. until 01:00 p.m. Group 2, from 06:00 a.m. until 02:00 p.m.