Initially, hikers were free to climb Huayna Picchu without any restrictions. There was no limit on the number of visitors who could climb the mountain, nor were there strict schedules for ascent and descent. However, due to increasing demand, this has changed. Discover everything you need to know to make your experience on Huayna Picchu the best of your entire trip to Cusco.

• Why is access to Huayna Picchu mountain regulated?
• What is the income limit for climbing Huayna Picchu?
• What are the group schedules for climbing Huayna Picchu?
• Can I climb Huayna Picchu with children?
• Visiting rules for climbing Huayna Picchu
• What other mountains can I climb in Machu Picchu?
• Tips for climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist observing from the top of Huayna Picchu

Why is access to Huayna Picchu mountain regulated?

When Huayna Picchu was climbed without any regulations, it had a significant impact on the trails of the Inca road network. There were also cases where visitors interrupted the excavation and conservation work, which was being carried out as it was until now, on Huayna Picchu. This is not to mention the safety risks associated with having many people ascending and descending steep paths, through sections where sometimes only one person could fit.

Everything you’ll learn with the Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket
With the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket, you’ll not only be able to climb the mountain, but also include a tour of circuit 3 of Machu Picchu. This route is called the Royal Route, and along with it, you’ll be able to visit the main temples in the lower part of the citadel. Among the places you’ll be able to visit are the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Springs, and many agricultural terraces. This way, you’ll have a more immersive tour that can take up to 6 hours.

What is the income limit for climbing Huayna Picchu?

A few years ago, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture decided to implement a series of measures to regulate climbing activities on Huayna Picchu. Regulations were implemented that limited the number of climbing permits to 350 per day by purchasing the Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu ticket (Route 3A). Previously, climbers could ascend and descend at any time of day, as long as the final ascent took place two hours before the mountain closed. Now, visitors ascend in two groups and at established times.

This way, there is stricter control, preserving Huayna Picchu Mountain, in addition to providing a better visitor experience, with fewer crowds and more peaceful tours.

Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain

What are the group schedules for climbing Huayna Picchu?

There are currently two entry times to Huayna Picchu Mountain, the availability of which must be constantly reviewed.

• Group 1: 08:00 am to 09:00 am (entrance to Huayna Picchu) / from 07:00 am (entrance to Machu Picchu).
• Group 2: 10:00 am to 11:00 am (entrance to Huayna Picchu) / from 09:00 am (entrance to Machu Picchu).

It will take you about an hour to ascend, and approximately 45 minutes to descend. Officially, visitors ascending in Group 1 must descend the mountain before noon to avoid crossing paths with climbers ascending in Group 2. Tourists climbing in the latter group should descend the mountain by approximately 2:00 p.m. Both groups offer enough time to enjoy both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu with children?

Yes, although children under 12 are not permitted to climb Huayna Picchu. Caution is also required with older adults, as is anyone with a health condition that prevents them from climbing normally.

View from the top of Huayna Picchu

Visiting rules for climbing Huayna Picchu

Anyone entering Huayna Picchu must comply with the current protection regulations established by the Peruvian authorities.

• Do not bring food.
• Do not carry disposable containers.
• Do not litter.
• Do not carry a backpack weighing more than 5 kg.
• Do not cause damage to the premises.
• Do not carry walking sticks.
• No smoking.
• Do not disturb the flora and fauna.
• Do not pollute water channels.
• Drive on marked circuits.

Although the regulations specify that food and disposable containers such as water containers may not be brought in, visitors can be seen eating, resting, and drinking openly. This is only as long as it is done in a respectful manner, without throwing leftovers on the ground or hiding them among the stones.

What other mountains can I climb in Machu Picchu?

If you’ve already experienced climbing Huayna Picchu or weren’t able to secure a ticket, we’ll recommend other mountains you can also climb during your visit to Machu Picchu. These adventures will take you along paths filled with biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and historic buildings.

• The Mountain Small Picchu

  This mountain is located next to Huayna Picchu and is much smaller in comparison. The hike is short and easy, but still allows you to enjoy spectacular views of the entire Machu Picchu citadel. To complete this route, you will need the Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3D) ticket, which also allows you to tour circuit 3, known as the Royal Route.

• Machu Picchu Mountain

  Another of the most popular adventures in the citadel is the ascent of Machu Picchu Mountain. This mountain is located opposite Huayna Picchu and is the highest. Despite this, the route is easier, as it is not a constant climb, but the journey is longer. To participate in this adventure, you will need the Machu Picchu with Mountain Ticket (Route 1A), which also allows you to tour Circuit 1, known as the Panoramic Route.

Tips for climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain

To ensure your travel planning and adventure to Huayna Picchu is fully informed and hassle-free, we’ll provide a series of tips and recommendations that will help you have a better travel experience. Check them out:

• Reserve your ticket to Huayna Picchu at least three months in advance so you can decide on your preferred time without any problems.
• Machu Picchu peak season tickets are also available on December 30th and 31st each year.
• To climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the Temple of the Moon, and the Inca Bridge, you must be at least 12 years old.
• Before visiting Machu Picchu, remember to acclimatize during your first few days in Cusco with leisurely activities. This way, you’ll avoid altitude sickness and enjoy your trip without any problems.
• If you plan to climb Huayna Picchu during the rainy season (November–March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as the weather can change at any time.
• If you want to climb Huayna Picchu mountain during the dry season (from April to October), you will find better weather, much clearer and clearer.
• Tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu are available year-round, while tickets to Huchuy Picchu are only available during peak season.
• During your tour of Huayna Picchu mountain, take advantage and calmly enjoy each of the landscapes you will find, its geography will allow you to have moments of calm and introspection.
• The regular ticket season for Machu Picchu runs from November 3rd to June 18th, during which time you’ll find six types of routes for your visit.
• The peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu runs from June 19 to November 2, with a total of ten routes available.
• Remember that you can book your Huayna Picchu experience with Boletomachupicchu. Ask our advisors about all the options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is Huayna Picchu mountain?

  It’s the iconic mountain that appears in the background of classic photographs of Machu Picchu. Its ascent offers spectacular views of the Inca citadel and is one of the most popular experiences for visitors to Cusco.

• 2) Why is a permit required to climb Huayna Picchu?

  Due to its growing popularity and the fragility of the environment, access was regulated to preserve the trails, prevent accidents, and maintain ecological balance. Today, only a limited number of people (350) are allowed in per day with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket.

• 3) How many people can enter Huayna Picchu per day?

  Access to Huayna Picchu Mountain is restricted to 350 visitors per day, divided into two morning shifts.

• 4) How do I get the ticket to climb Huayna Picchu?

  You must purchase the “Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)” ticket. This includes admission to the Inca citadel via Circuit 3 and the ascent of the mountain.

• 5) How long does it take to climb Huayna Picchu?

  The entire hike (round trip) usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace and the time you spend at viewpoints or resting.

• 6) Is climbing Huayna Picchu mountain dangerous?

  The trail to Huayna Picchu is steep, with very narrow sections and stone steps. While it doesn’t require much experience, it’s important to be in good physical condition and not suffer from vertigo.

• 7) Can children enter Huayna Picchu mountain?

  No, as a rule, the climb is restricted to people over 12 years old due to its level of difficulty.

• 8) Can I climb Huayna Picchu mountain if it rains?

  Yes, but extra caution is required. During the rainy season (November to March), the trail can become slippery. However, the mountain remains open except in extreme weather conditions.

• 9) Are there other mountains I can climb in Machu Picchu?

  Yes. You can choose:

  • Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A): higher and longer route, but easier.
  • Huchuy Picchu (3D Route): more accessible and shorter, ideal if you are looking for a short hike.

• 10) When is the best season to climb Huayna Picchu?

  The dry season (April to October) is ideal, as the weather is more stable and the views are clearer. However, during this peak season, tickets sell out quickly, so you should book in advance.

Conselhos de pessoas que estiveram lá

Huayna Picchu

Por: María R.

“An unforgettable challenge“

“Hundreds of things happened in my head when I saw that mountain in front of me, the first thing was that maybe I could not; but my desire to see Machu Picchu from the top was stronger; the second thing was that after climbing I could not stop for days; but neither of the two, at the top I felt like never before in my life, it is fascinating, I would do it a thousand times.“

Por Ticket Machu Picchu – Ultima atualização, junho 21, 2025