The Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain) is next to the Machu Picchu citadel and the hike up to its peak has become renowned worldwide! You can include this adventure option in our Machu Picchu packages! Here are our best tips for a perfect excursion!
Before the Machu Picchu / Huayna Picchu Tour
- Before coming to Cusco City (3.500 meters above sea level) a must topic is altitude. As non-locals arrive, they may feel the effects (dizziness, headache, shortness of breath for example) of oxygen shortage in the air. However, 99% of visitors do manage to have the best of times anyhow.
- Here’s how: first, you’ll do well by arriving a few days prior, so the organism triggers coping reactions. Drink lots of bottled water and also coca leaves tea (an old Andean trick for energy and stamina). Finally, few people will need over-the-counter pills and things will be ok.
- There are several options for the trains from Cusco City to Machu Picchu: the Expedition is the economical one, the Vistadome, with wide, panoramic views and ceilings is quite elegant but affordable and finally there is the VIP, 5-star Hiram Bingham Luxury Train
- While traveling in the Cusco region, never forget to have your passport at hand, because a registration process is required everywhere by tourism authorities. If you are an eligible student, do not forget the ISIC for having discounted prices at the site
Hiking the Huayna Picchu Mountain
- From the starting point at the Machu Picchu citadel until the summit, it’s 360 meters or 1.180 feet, with a 70° inclination, quite defying, exciting steepness! You will need a regular, good level of fitness (although people all ages do it) and also trying a proper mental attitude (persistence, ability to calm down, not caring of taking a break and rest sometimes)
- Most of the path is wide enough. For the narrow parts, most have railings and if not, it will be sufficient to stay away of the edge. This is one of the best tips: accidents have happened when, unfortunately, people took really high risks like jumping for selfies on a ledge. If you just walk straight ahead or straight up away from the cliff on the alley sections, things will be just fine. For the same reason, smoking, alcohol or any stimulants whatsoever -the only exception being coca tea- are utterly forbidden
- Bring the proper hiking gear. Particularly, sun hat, sunglasses, mountaineering socks, good hiking boots (used, to avoid blistering). If on rain season, add a rain poncho of waterproof jacket. Sunblock and bug repellent are obligatory. Your photographic camera of course. And a light backpack
- We recommend walking poles, because they give you extra equilibrium (particularly on the way down back) and save energy. They can be rented from us at a very good price
- As you hike up and down the Young Mountain, there are ancient Inca constructions which are kind of attached, round-attached to the mountain side actually, a really impressive, rewarding sight. And on the summit… you’ll witness the famous 360° view of the entire valley with massive green mountains, the clouds passing slowly in front of you, the river canyon below and the extraordinary atmosphere of peace, quietude and natural energy flow which is one of the highlights for everybody in the Cusco region
As a perfect alternative, TOUR IN PERU can offer the Short 2-Day Inca Trail, which comes from the old paths on the highlands until the Aguas Calientes village, you can include (additional price) the Huayna Picchu hike before the regular Machu Picchu tour on day 2.
So, with these best tips, we are sure your Huayna Picchu hike will be a total success! Talk to us for booking a Cusco vacation the soonest!
