Wayna Picchu
Good for: photographers, views
- Address
- Machu Picchu
- Hours
- registration booth 07:00-13:00, climbers must return by 16:00
Lonely Planet review for Wayna Picchu
The most famous of several short walks around Machu Picchu, the climb up the steep mountain of Wayna (also spelled Huayna) Picchu is located at the back of the ruins. At first glance, it appears a difficult climb but, despite the steep ascent, it's not technically that hard. The scramble, which takes anything from 45 to 90 minutes, takes you through a short section of Inca tunnel.
The fabulous views from the top are definitely worth the huffing and puffing, even for trekkers just stumbling in off the Inca Trail. Take care in wet weather as the steps get dangerously slippery. Beyond the central plaza between two open-fronted buildings is a registration booth, where you have to sign in.
Traveller reviews for Wayna Picchu (4)
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Speechless.
hotnacho recommends this,
It is hard to describe something that takes your breath away... the trek upwards is not for the faint of heart, there are definitely some tricky situations as your hike/climb upwards, but the views are absolutely STUNNING.
I could not recommend this more, a MUST.
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An absolutely surreal experience
mattdotson recommends this,
There are few places more photographed than Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu in South America. Some of those photos are absolutely spectacular, so I expected to be somewhat let down when I got to see it with my own eyes. There is no way it could be as beautiful as in all the amazing photos. But IT WAS. In fact it was even more breath taking in person. This is one of the most amazing places I've been and I highly recommend it.
By the way, if it starts to rain in the afternoon, find some shelter but don't leave. You might be rewarded with an absolutely gorgeous sunset all by yourself like we got.
Good for: photographers
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Best part of Machu Picchu
matpalm recommends this,
A fun steep scary clamber is well worth it for the the best views back to Machu Picchu. It's also an inspiring place in when you consider where it's actually built. Watch out for the insane sheer cliffs, and I mean INSANE! You need to get a ticket, and they are limited per day. Ticket counter was on the opposite end of Machu Picchu site so might be worth running over to ensure a spot and working backwards.
Good for: views
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Huayna Picchu
chichi71 recommends this,
Make sure you try and do this climb when going to Machu Picchu, the views back over the site are unforgettable, you will soon forget about not being able to breathe!
They let 200 people do the climb from 7am and then again from 10am.
Catch the early bus from Aguas Calientes as you have to line up inside the ruins as people are getting tickets for both the 7am and 10am time slots.
Try and get your bus tickets and entry ticket to Machu Picchu the night before so you can get straight into the queue for the buses. The first one leaves at 5.30am but there are heaps lined up to take everyone up.
It sounds like alot of people but everyone is staggered going in as you have to sign in at the gate. Definately try and get first in queue as we didnt start walking until about 8am and when we got to the top there were quite a few people and it is only a small area to stand in.
Take heaps of water as it gets quite hot (and it's a good excuse to stop and get your breath back!)
