Huayna Picchu rises to the north of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. To climb Huayna Picchu, you must reach the checkpoint and entrance to the mountain and follow the trail that begins a few meters from the Sacred Rock. The area is covered in dense vegetation, and the trail is very steep and quite narrow, with sections of stairways and steps made of granite blocks laid irregularly, some of them carved directly into the rock. The ascent takes between 45 and 60 minutes depending on your fitness level.
The imposing beauty of this natural attraction makes it a must for anyone who wants an unforgettable memory of the citadel. The trail up this “young mountain” zigzags upward, with almost vertical stairways and dizzying drops. Access is somewhat difficult and care is recommended. Reaching the summit of Huayna Picchu is definitely a challenge, but once at the top the effort is well worth it, as the view is breathtaking. Huayna Picchu stands at 2,667 m.a.s.l. and its summit covers an area of 2,000 m².
