Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu

Most of the hikers choose to go to Huayna because it's the most famous in Machu Picchu area, but there's also the little Huchuy Picchu that you can also go up. When you descend about halfway to the split, you'll see a sign to direct you to Huchuy, which is a bit shorter, but personally, I think has a better vantage view of the lost city. The last few minutes of the hike to the top require the use of rope, so it's not for everyone. But it's less crowded, and highly recommended if you have the energy after climbing the bigger Huayna.

If you’re not in a rush to go down from Huayna Picchu, there is also an alternate route to the great cave of the Moon Temple. Ladders are involved to go down to the great cave and some people might find it difficult to do the narrow Cliffside staircase (fear of heights).

And then after reaching the Moon Temple, you have to go back up again to the original path because the great cave is at a lower altitude. So, because of this tiring up and down, up and down route, people just skip the Moon Cave. And guess what, I was one of them, hehehe…. (lazy bum)

After seeing the Machu Picchu the previous day, I returned to go up that mountain that overlooks it and looks so amazing on pictures (that jutting peak you see guarding the ruins). The mountain is called Huayna Picchu.

The gates open early and only 400 people are allowed per day in two groups of 200 to climb up Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain). I was greeted by a registry at the gate to the Huayna Picchu (separate from the main gate to Machu Picchu) and at the time, they were securing signatures and emails for making Machu Picchu one of the New Seven Wonders! And so I did sign, and lo and behold, on June 7, 2007 this place was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World!

At first I thought the climb could not be too hard, but it took me about 45min to an hour to reach the top (stopping at some areas to take pics). Some of the stairs are really steep, and close to the top, you have to go through a narrow tunnel and crouch down. It seemed to me that there were other ways to go up but that seemed to be the most logical choice for me then.

I also noticed at the top a person holding some king of radio, and I guess there are also guards to make sure that everything is in order at the top.

But once you’re there on the top, you see the zigzagging road that the Bus takes to go up to Machu Picchu and you just marvel at the whole site. I felt like I was on top of the world! Like some Peruvian Zeus looking over the ruins…

I have just been reading all the post's and I just wanted to clarify a few things.... I think taking a bus to Machu Picchu is no problem. That is what I would suggest looking into. If your asking about hiking the actual mountain that is at Machu Picchu it is called Huayna Picchu I don't know that I would recommend taking your 8o year old relative up that mountain. There is plenty to see and do besides hiking the mountain (Huayna Picchu) The sites in an around the mountain are amazing. If you do decided to hike Huayna Picchu you only have a certain window of time to do it in. Since I wanted to do the hike I actually feel I did not get as much time as I would have like in and around all the ruins. I hope this makes sense.

Let me know if you have any other questions

2 more images

If you are taking the time to go to Machu Picchu then make the climb up Huanya Picchu. Be warned, there are some spots that if you lose your footing you may plummet to your death. Aside from that, the view is spectacular. You may even see a condor gliding over the valley while you're up there.

If you are taking the time to go to Machu Picchu then make the climb up Huanya Picchu. Be warned, there are some spots that if you lose your footing you may plummet to your death. Aside from that, the view is spectacular. You may even see a condor gliding over the valley while you're up there.

1 more image

Everybody strives for climbing Huayna Picchu, we followed our tour guide's advice instead and climbed Machu Picchu Mountain, which is located opposite Huayna, on your left hand when you enter the site, following the signs to Puerta del Sol. It takes approx. 3 1/2 hours to get up and down, so if you are not perfectly fit or used to mountain climbing you should pass it.
Here there are no limits on time or persons allowed and no registration counter. Don't expect crowd either: we crossed no more than 10 people during the whole hike. Also remember to take some water, some food and something warm to wear, as the top is windy.
The path was made by the Inka and looks like a long stairway of stones, brinings you up to 3200 mt o.s.l. though marvellous nebular forest and incredible vegetation. In some points it gets very steep or exposed, but on the whole the guide said it is less dangerous than climbing Huayna (where some tourists actually died).
On the top you'll enjoy the full view of the Machu Picchu site and its surrounding peaks, but also of the whole valley and nevados of the Cordillera.
And the feeling of looking down on Huayna Picchu :))

3 more images

This was the hike from hell. It was challenging, steep, exciting, and we were unprepared! Our guide told us that usually people make it up in about 45 minuts and down in another 45 minutes. She has done it so much that she does it in 20 minutes up and 20 minutes down. So Adrianna thinks she cando it in 20 minutes too. She is competitive and she is also a runner and has stamina. I guess she wasnt counting on me. Bottom line, we made it up in 1 hour and 15 minutes. My heart was pounding so hard and so loud in my ears I thought I was going to faint. We didnt have water or protien bars or anything!
I thought i was in hell and I was being tortured!
In the end I made it up and I saw the most beautiful view! I also got a workout and bragging rights.
If you have time to do the hike, you have to do it. Its grueling but worth it.