Otherwise, when you rejoin the group, they’ll greet you like a triumphant hero.
Huayna Picchu is a majestic mountain that towers behind the iconic Machu Picchu ruins. Known for its dramatic and rugged terrain, it’s a favorite among thrill-seekers. In just an hour, climbers ascend nearly 1,000 meters in elevation. The journey to the summit is no walk in the park—most of the trail consists of narrow stone paths with gradients as steep as 40-50 degrees, barely wide enough for one person.
At the peak, you’ll find ancient Inca ruins waiting to tell their stories. The climb demands all your strength, using both hands and feet to navigate the precarious terrain. The stone steps are perilously narrow—barely two feet wide—with a sheer cliff on one side and a chain for support on the other.
I couldn’t help but joke with my friend that the “Hua” in Huayna Picchu sounds just like the “Hua” in Mount Hua from China.
Before reaching Machu Picchu, I had already spent three days trekking through the Andes. On that fateful day, I set off at 5 AM, lugging about 5 kg of gear, determined to make it to the site. With an afternoon train back to Cusco looming, I had to push myself to reach the summit as swiftly as possible.
It felt like running a marathon followed by a grueling sprint. Surprisingly, the four-day Inca Trail seemed relatively manageable, but this final ascent up Huayna Picchu left me utterly spent. Including moments where I paused to let other tourists pass, it took me 40 minutes to conquer the peak—our guide’s personal best was an impressive 11 minutes!
The breathtaking panorama from Huayna Picchu’s summit makes every ounce of effort worthwhile. From atop this towering giant, you can take in the full splendor of Machu Picchu below. Though Huayna Picchu isn’t the tallest peak in the region, its dizzying height made me feel as though I were standing on top of the world. What a thrilling way to cap off a four-day adventure filled with unforgettable challenges and stunning vistas!
Tip: Be sure to secure a separate permit well in advance if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu.
