The Huayna Picchu mountain (also called Wayna Picchu) is the mountain that appears in the background, in the classic postcards of the lost city of Machu Picchu. Only 300 people can access their trails every day. Climb Huayna Picchu mountain is the most desired experience in Machu Picchu and is considered among the most amazing short walks in the world.
The Ministry of Culture of Peru allows the booking of Huayna Picchu tickets for 2024 for all tour operators that have the system booking online. This causes a race to get the first income to Huayna Picchu mountain for this year and next. This 2023, the tickets to the mountains were sold out easily in some months, for this reason, we recommend you book in advance.
A solution to this problem is to stay alert to the opening of space on the official website for 2024. As soon as tickets are opened for the following year, many people will try to get theirs. Here we show you all the important information about the availability and how to book your Huayna Picchu tickets for 2024.
Also known as Waynapicchu, it is the mountain that guards the Inca Citadel in the northern part of the enclosure. It is located 2,720 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.), almost 300 meters above the Inca site. More than 600 years ago, on the edges of the mountain, the Incas built stone paths. In addition, they built a cave called the Temple of the Moon, a place of worship at the top of the Wonder of the World.
Climbing to the top of this summit is not easy. Roads are steep on the edge of heart-stopping cliffs and, above all, tickets are hard to come by. Today, ascending the roads of the Huayna Picchu mountain is considered one of the most incredible short walks in the world. This is due to the adventure of crossing the narrow roads next to amazing ravines and surrounded by abundant flora and fauna. Also for the splendid landscape that can only be glimpsed from the top. For many travelers, Machu Picchu would not be the same without the visit to Waynapicchu. The only way to experience this adventure is by booking the Circuit 4 Huayna Picchu ticket in time.
The Huayna Picchu Mountain is located between Km 82 to 122 to the northeast of the department of Cusco, in the province of Urubamba, district of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu belongs to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and is north of the Inca City, and it can be seen as the background of Machu Picchu in the disseminated photos of the enigmatic Llaqta or Inca City.
The peak of Huayna Picchu is 2,693 metres (8,835 ft) above sea level, or about 260 metres (850 ft) higher than Machu Picchu.
You can climb Huayna Picchu by a steep path, which begins exactly in the Huayranas sector within Machu Picchu, where there is a well-marked path, from the entrance door to the Inca City until reaching an Income Control booth. and departure of visitors.
The narrow ascent path includes stairways worked on the edge of the mountain walls.
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If you like to know more about Machu Picchu New Rules 2024, visit this site → MACHU PICCHU RESTRICTIONS |
RELATED READ: INCA TRAIL PERU BOOK 2024
It should be known that the ascent from the town of Aguas Calientes to the citadel of Machu Picchu takes approximately 25 minutes by bus or 2 hours walking. Once located in here, you must begin the ascent to the Huayna Picchu mountain and this can only be done on foot, so a good physical condition is required. It should also be taken into account that access for children under 12 is prohibited, due to the steepness of the ascent and the dangerous cliffs of more than 400 meters that are always present throughout the ascent. In many sections the traveler must use his hands to be able to hold on safely, as a fall or slip would lead to a fatal fall towards the immense rocks that are part of the Urubamba River, located down the hill.
It is not highly recommended to do this hike if you have an extreme fear or panic of heights.
Only 400 people can enter Huayna Picchu daily. This causes that few are lucky who manage to ascend the Waynapicchu paths. That is why the main mistake of someone who wants to know this incredible place is not to book their ticket in advance. It is advisable to do it 3 months in advance. However, in high season (from April to October) it is advisable to do it up to 6 months before.
Circuit 4 Huayna Picchu tickets grant access to Huayna Picchu and also include entry to Circuit 4 (the lower part) of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Group 1 enters between 7 a.m., and visitors can stay for an additional 2 hours in the Wonder of the World. Group 2 enters at 8 a.m., and you are allowed an extra 2 hours to explore Circuit 4. Arriving late may prevent you from having enough time to experience all the attractions of this remarkable site.
Only people over 12 years old can climb Huayna Picchu. However, it is not advisable to climb the steep paths of the Waynapicchu if you suffer from vertigo. The chasms that surround the narrow stairs of this place are a scene of terror for visitors who suffer from fear of heights.
If you are not afraid of heights, do not trust either. Even the most experienced mountain climber knows that all mountains must be respected, no matter how safe they may seem. Huayna Picchu has very safe trails if you follow the signposted path. However, it is not advisable to underestimate the roads. In the rainy season (from October to April), these get wet so you must walk carefully. During the tour, there is a place called "the stairs of death". But the name does not mean that there have been accidents. No one has died on that journey.
The paths that climb the Huayna Picchu mountain are separated from the abysses by security cords. In addition, all the trails are very well marked. If you walk their paths, it is necessary not to cross the security divisions or to look for a path on your own.
The top of Huayna Picchu is located at 2720 meters above sea level. This height is almost 300 meters above the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. That is why the view from the highest point is fascinating. The best photos of the Wonder of the World can be obtained from the highest point.
The Temple of the Moon is a natural construction made of stone inside a cave whose purpose is not defined by archaeologists. This temple can only be reached by climbing the steep paths of the Huayna Picchu mountain. It is reached through a narrow path.
Huayna Picchu receives 200 people per shift, so there are rules to follow in order to guarantee the safety of all visitors.
The ticket also includes entry to Circuit 4 of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. There is no exclusive ticket for entry to Huayna Picchu. As 'Huayna' is situated within Machu Picchu, access to the Inca City is already covered by the ticket.
The alternate route to Huayna Picchu will have 300 spaces per day, divided into four entry times:
RELATED: MACHU PICCHU TICKETS 2024
The Huayna Picchu ticket includes the ascent to the summit of Waynapicchu and access to Circuit 4 of the Inca Citadel. Additionally, this ticket grants entry to the following tourist attractions:
The entrance to Huayna Picchu does not include any attraction that is not found in the Inca City or in the Waynapicchu mountain. For example, it does not include the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain or the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum.
These activities are not included in the ticket:
There are two entrance schedules for Waynapicchu. Group 1 has access to the mountain from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., and Group 2 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Here are some advantages of booking for each of the two schedules:
Please note that these prices are set by the Ministry of Culture of Peru and are subject to change. It's recommended to verify the latest prices before making any bookings. Additionally, be cautious of extra commissions that might be applied.
There are new rates for Huayna Picchu in 2024. These prices are valid from January 1st.
Adult |
Student |
Child |
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Foreigner |
USD 85 | USD 62 | USD 62 |
National Tourist |
USD 65 | USD 40 | USD 40 |
The entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu has discounts for university students, minors and citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN): Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia. The website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru only allows access to discounts for adults of the CAN. It is for this reason that many tourists make their reservation through an authorized website. These web pages offer discounts for university students and minors.
To access the discounts, visitors must meet the following requirements:
Do I need to book tickets online?
Yes. The only way to get Huayna Picchu tickets is through the internet. In theory, it can also be obtained personally in the authorized offices in the city of Cusco. However, the purchase of the ticket must be 2 or 3 months before the date of the visit.
Booking the Huayna Picchu ticket online has the advantage that it can be booked from anywhere in the world. Reservations are made on the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru or on an authorized website.
The Huayna Picchu is the incredible mountain that comes to the bottom of the classic photos of Machu Picchu. It is the most requested attraction by visitors of the Historic Sanctuary. However, only 300 people can enter daily. Reaching its peak is a great feat and will be the greatest adventure of your life. The mountain has zigzagging paths and stone carved staircases. Once at your peak you will feel a great sense of satisfaction and peace. The views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings are spectacular and unique. In the mountain you can find Inca remains as viewpoints, chambers and platforms. Also, there you can observe the magnificent Temple of the Moon.
The high season of tourism (from April to October) is the most difficult time to obtain the Huayna Picchu tickets. During those months, it is necessary to make the reservation 3 months or more in advance. If you do not, it is more than certain that you will not find availability.
The entrance ticket to the mountain Huayna Picchu must be reserved yes or yes months in advance. Depending on the time of year, they should be reserved with more or less time:
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Season of tourism |
Months |
How long before booking? |
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High season |
From April to October |
3 months in advance |
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Low season |
From November to March |
2 months in advance |
*The months with the highest demand are May, June (becuase of the Inti Raymi 2024) and July.
The most recurrent problem is finding availability. Reservation to Huayna Picchu must be made 3 months in advance. If you plan to make your visit for the high season of tourism (from April to October), with up to 4 months.
In case you no longer find availability try these steps:
Looking for adventure in Machu Picchu but the tickets to Huayna Picchu are sold out? The best options are to make the trek to Inti Punku (Puerta del Sol) or ascend to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain. Which is the best option?
Machu Picchu is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Your easiest alternative to see the Inca city from above is to climb the Machu Picchu mountain. You can book the tickets for this mountain a few weeks in advance. Keep in mind that the top of the Machu Picchu mountain rises to 3,082 meters above sea level, considerably higher than the Huayna Picchu mountain so it will take longer to travel it.
The Machupicchu Mountain alternate route will have 400 spaces per day, distributed in 2 hours:
Visitors with this type of ticket must enter the Machu Picchu Mountain route directly and leave the monument by the same path. This type of ticket will have the possibility of a re-entry to the llaqta to carry out circuit 3 (low short - yellow color).
Huchuy Picchu is the smallest peak in Machu Picchu and is located right next to Huayna Picchu. You can only climb this mountain with valid tickets to enter the Huayna Picchu mountain. The difference is that it is very small, the hike is much shorter, and it is not particularly challenging.
The Huchuypicchu Mountain alternate route will have 200 spaces per day, distributed in 9 hours:
Visitors who access this alternate route must complete circuit 4 (long bass - light blue) and will not be able to re-enter the monument.
There are many tourists who can not enter Waynapicchu mountain. This was mainly because they could not book the Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu Ticket in time. What to do to secure a ticket to the 'Young Mountain'? The most important thing is to follow all the steps on time. Here are some tips:
Aguas Calientes is the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu. If you decide to stay in the town at the base of the mountain where Machu Picchu is situated to avoid any delays, it's a great idea—especially if you have booked the Circuit 4 Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket for groups 1 or 2. This allows you to enter the Inca city of Machu Picchu very early and access Huayna Picchu from 7 a.m.
For those planning to enter Huayna Picchu in group 3, we recommend entering the Machu Picchu circuit from 9 a.m. This way, you can make the most of your time in Machu Picchu. Remember that the Circuit 4 Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu ticket allows approximately 4 hours to explore both Machu Picchu and the Huayna Picchu mountain. Take your time, and exercise caution, especially when traversing the dizzying trails of 'Huayna.'
If you stay in Cusco, we recommend you avoid the first groups, to any of the mountains of Machu Picchu. It is very difficult to arrive in time to enter these groups. And if you are thinking of staying in Cusco before the day of your visit to Machu Picchu, it may be best to avoid the tickets that include the mountains of Machu Picchu. Well, unless you book the first train schedule to Machu Picchu, you will not be able to arrive to enter even in the third groups.
We recommend entering Machu Picchu from 7 a.m. and being among the first to ascend Huayna Picchu. While Machu Picchu may be covered in morning fog, depending on the time of your visit and a bit of luck, you might witness the fog dissipate over the Inca city from the top of Huayna—a bit like an artist revealing a masterpiece.
For this group, it's essential to enter Machu Picchu promptly at 8 a.m. Proceed directly to the entrance gate of the mountain to avoid being late and missing the chance to enter. The experience in this group is similar to the first schedule, often with morning fogs. At the top, you might encounter some tourists who entered in the first group.
Many people opt for Group 3 to avoid the morning fog that typically covers Machu Picchu. However, keep in mind that you'll be ascending while those from Groups 1 and 2 are descending. If you've chosen this group, we recommend entering Machu Picchu at 9 a.m., accessing the Huayna Picchu trails in Groups 3 and 4 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and then exploring the ancient Inca city.
On October 7, 2021, Huayna Picchu was temporarily closed due to the pandemic. However, for this year, both Waynapicchu and Huchuypicchu will be open throughout the year.
During the pandemic, the Ministry of Culture closed Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains. In 2024, both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu have been reopened. We strongly recommend booking in advance, as there is significant interest from travelers to visit these iconic mountains.
1. When is the best time to ascend the Huayna Picchu?
Most people prefer the dry season to tour the Huayna Picchu mountain, however, coming to Machu Picchu during the rainy season has its own, less people greener landscapes, cooler days, but you will have to be extra careful walk the narrow stone paths of the "Huayna"
2. Is Huayna Picchu really dangerous?
No. Huayna Picchu has narrow roads with slopes of up to 60º. Some of these trails are next to frightening ravines. However, danger is more an impression than a reality. The whole journey is well signposted. The most difficult stretches have safety ropes to hold on.
3. Can I ascend the Huayna Picchu if I suffer from fear of heights?
It is not recommended. The only restriction to climb the Waynapicchu is to be over 12 years old. However, tourists with fear of heights should also avoid this adventure if they are not determined to overcome their fears.
4. Do you need to be an expert mountaineer to climb the Huayna Picchu?
No. Anyone can ascend the Huayna Picchu. You do not need to be an expert mountaineer. A previous physical preparation can help although it is not determinant.
5. Can older adults climb the Huayna Picchu?
Yes. The people who have made the ascent to Huayna Picchu comment that they met several older adults on the road. Of course, it is important to consult with the doctor before doing the adventure.
6. Do not allow entry to Huayna Picchu with children?
Only people over 12 years old can enter the Waynapicchu mountain. This is because the roads are very steep and narrow. Outside the trails there are frightening precipices. But do not worry, these are very safe. Of course, if accompanied by teenagers, try to monitor them closely. Is not there an entrance ticket just for Huayna Picchu? No. The Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu ticket is the only entrance that allows entry to the Waynapicchu. This ticket includes access to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. There is no ticket designed exclusively to access the 'Huayna'. Remember that the gateway to this adventure tourist attraction is located within Machu Picchu.
7. I was wrong! How to change the data of my Huayna Picchu ticket?
Keep calm. Yes, it is possible to change personal information on the ticket. However, in any case, there is an economic penalty that varies according to the anticipated time with which the procedure is requested. Remember that the ticket is only valid for the day and time recorded on the ticket. If for any reason you do not make the visit on such date, there is no refund of money.
8. Can you explore Machu Picchu and climb Huayna Picchu in the same day?
Yes, and it is the most recommended for people who do not have much time; In this case, the most important thing is that you buy your Ticket Machu Picchu Circuit 4 and Huayna Picchu in advance and that you arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town very early; This will allow you to ascend to Huayna Picchu in the first or second group, to descend before eleven o'clock and be able to enjoy Machu Picchu without haste.
