Huayna Picchu, also known as New Mountain or Young Mountain in its translation from Quechua into Spanish, is located at 2,667 m.a.s.l. in the region of Cusco. Its circular shape base is surrounded by the Urubamba River, to the north of the citadel of Machu Picchu. It will be worth getting to this place because you will see the land of the Incas in its fullest, and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.
If you want to travel by train, discover with us everything you must know about Machu Picchu Station the last stop to the impressive Huayna Picchu.
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.
At the peak of this mountain, you can see a lot of buildings used for crops near the abyss. From this point, you may also watch Machu Picchu in its fullest; the wonderful Urubamba River with impressive shades of green, 400 meters down; and, to the north, you will enjoy the view of the Temple of the Moon.
Huayna Picchu tickets and schedules:
The capacity to visit Huayna Picchu is limited, as only a maximum of 200 people per day can enter, divided into four groups of 50. Entrance tickets to the young mountain must be purchased in advance on the INC website. Keep in mind that, when acquiring them, you also acquire the entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu in Circuit 4 + Waynapicchu. These are the available times:
- Group 1:
- The first group enters Machu Picchu from 7 a.m.
- The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain is between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.
- Group 2:
- The second group enters Machu Picchu starting at 8 a.m.
- The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain is between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
- Group number 3:
- The third group enters Machu Picchu from 9 a.m.
- The entrance to Huayna Picchu is between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Group 4:
- The fourth group enters Machu Picchu from 10 a.m.
- The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain is between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Huayna Picchu Attractions:
The Temple of the Moon: It is located at 2667 m.a.s.l. within the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu; it was considered a ceremonial temple and was part of Huayna Picchu. It is built inside a cave with fine finishes with trapezoidal niches in an Inca style. Upon the arrival of Hiram Bingham, it was named the Temple of the Moon although it is unknown its original name during the Tahuantinsuyo era. In the centre of the cave, there is a throne carved out of rock, and it is also believed that it was used to hold mummies.
It is recommended to take into account that the items to take for visiting Huayna Picchu are the same for visiting the Inca Citadel. This link will give you more details about the 10 things you must take to Machu Picchu.
If you love adventure, you cannot miss Huayna Picchu, the new mountain located in front of Machu Picchu, which many do not dare to visit. Enjoy this wonderful height in the Andes and complement your journey to this place aboard the PeruRail Expedition train! Buy your tickets now!