NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Huayna Picchu is situated in southeast Peru, northwest of Cusco, within the Machu Picchu site
VISITORS PER YEAR
Fewer than 50,000
DAYTIME TEMPERATURES
Jan: 50°F (10°C); Apr: 57°F (14°C); Jul: 57°F (14°C); Oct: 59°F (15°C)
At 8,920 ft (2,720 m), the cone-shaped pinnacle of Huayna Picchu is 1,180 ft (360 m) higher than Machu Picchu below, but receives far fewer visitors. The view of Machu Picchu is vastly superior from this summit, a village of Inca royalty and priests centuries ago. The climb is quite challenging and definitely not for the faint of heart.
Steep stone steps suddenly turn into narrow passages overlooking ravines far below, and twist their way along slippery, narrow paths before abruptly ending at a wonderfully preserved Inca storehouse. Only 400 visitors a day are permitted; if you’re one of the lucky few, you’ll see why many claim Huayna Picchu as the highlight of their visit to Machu Picchu.
Practical Information
Getting There and Around The trail ascending Huayna Picchu begins near the Sacred Rock at the north side of the Machu Picchu site.
When to Go The best time to visit is Dec–Mar. You must sign in at Huayna Picchu by 1pm on the day of your visit to Machu Picchu.