Towering above the ancientcity of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu – or ‘Young Peak’ – is a grand mountainwith a distinctive peak in the shape of a rhino horn. The path up to the topclimbs over 305 meters (1,000 feet) along a trail that is short but very steep.Hike to the summit and you will be rewarded for your efforts with stunningviews and some memorable local sites.
The path up the ridge of themountain was made by the Incas, a remarkable feat considering they carved stepsout of the rock using only pre-modern technology. As you ascend, make sure yourest regularly on account of the thin mountain air. The trail will take aboutan hour for reasonably fit climbers, but be warned that it is very steep andoccasionally narrow and exposed.
At the top, enjoybreathtaking views of the Machu Picchu ruins as well as the mountains andvalleys all around. The Urubamba River shines white as it winds through thearea. Look out for remnants of an ancient temple at the summit: it is believedthat high priests and local virgins made their home at the peak of HuaynaPicchu.
Stop by the Temple of theMoon on the way back down. Here, in a cave on the far side of Huayna Picchu, aceremonial shrine has been built into the rock. The stonework is exquisite, andthe atmosphere truly memorable. The Grand Cavern, located close by, is alsoworth a visit.
Only 400 people are allowedto hike on Huayna Picchu every day: one group of 200 leaves early in themorning, and a second group of 200 heads off a few hours later. Book well inadvance to ensure a spot, making your arrangements through a Cusco-based tourcompany or through the Peruvian government’s website for Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu is accessibleby bus or foot from nearby Aguas Calientes, or it can be visited as part of thefour-day-long Inca Trail. Tours of the peak between November and April may becancelled because of the wet season the best months to climb are June, Julyand August.
