Huayna Picchu – The most dangerous route of Machu Picchu

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. This mountain has the particularity of housing constructions that are a challenge to vertigo and that unfortunately, many people fear. In this article, we want to talk about how the route is an answer if it is really dangerous. We will also learn more about this entrance ticket to Machu Picchu that allows you to do Circuit 4. We will start talking about some details of the mountain itself, and then talk about the care that must be followed and some details of how the hike to the top of the mountain. Join us.

Hiking to the summit of Huayna Picchu

Death stairs in Huayna Picchu

The hike to the top of Huayna Picchu requires a regular effort. The hike is not as demanding as it may seem. This is probably because you only follow the hike for 1 hour and 30 minutes up to 2 hours. The hiking time is always relative according to the physical conditions of the tourist. However, this does not mean that only a group of people will be able to complete the hike. The hike itself can be done by people over 60 years old. Many seniors managed to climb to the top without any problem.

Circuit 4 by the Llaqta of Machu Picchu includes a tour from the lower area of the access to Machu Picchu. That is to say, you enter from the middle of the platforms or the agricultural area. From this point, you start with the tour so you get directly to the area of the main temples and the House of the Inca. You can also see some fountains and water channels. Some of these are still working, although with a weak flow.

The tour of the Inca citadel will continue through Pisonay Square. Although the tour may seem short, you can appreciate the architectural details of the citadel, especially during the tour of the main buildings. The road will continue past the Sacred Rock. From there, the ascent to Huayna Picchu begins. It follows one of the routes created by the same urban planners of Tawantinsuyo. In other words, we will have the opportunity to follow the Inca Trail to reach the top of Huayna Picchu.

Before starting with the ascending routes, there is a small downhill route, just to exchange the passage through the mountains. When ascending, we will follow the road that will be composed of stretches of stairs formed with carved stones. The route is quite normal until you can see the first Inca constructions of the place. There also, you can find quite steep stairs that are next to the platforms. Further on is where the views and the route take on a different meaning.

Once you pass the first sidewalks and buildings, you will reach a sector known as the “stairs of death”. These stairs are characterized by having steps that are quite close together, which means that you have to ascend using your hands. This place is short but beautiful. From this ascent, you can see beautiful views that are a delight for lovers of heights. Although the route may seem dangerous, it is quite safe. It will always be important to do it carefully and without haste. Here are some more tips.

Care and recommendations during the hike

Tourist Climbing to the summit of Huayna Picchu

• The route is quite safe, although at times the nerves may produce some fear, there is nothing to worry about. Above we mentioned that the route can be done by people over 70 years old without any problem. However, it is necessary to make the ascent with total care and as far as possible to have your hands free, especially during the last stretches of the ascent.
• In the case of using trekking poles, they can be an excellent option, but make sure that you are allowed to have permission and use them carefully and without the intention of damaging the enclosure or some constructions of the place. On the other hand, it is advisable to use it only until you reach the Inca constructions. In this place, you will need your hands free to hold on to the support points or the stairs themselves.
• It will also be important to wear good friction or non-slip shoes. Remember that you will have a total hike of approximately 5 hours doing the tour of Machu Picchu and the ascent to Huayna Picchu. Footwear is essential to avoid problems or accidents. Some people do the tour with the wrong shoes and end up with injuries or similar.
• Have a good breakfast. It is important to eat well, especially knowing that you will have a long and strenuous ride. Good nutrition is the basis for safe and enjoyable treks. No one wants to arrive at Machu Picchu and think about their next meal or breakfast. So make sure you have an excellent breakfast.
• In case, you visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season, you have to be careful when hiking. The wet stones are sometimes slippery. On the other hand, the rains will likely continue to fall without warning. If you make the trip between January and March, it is best to have a waterproof poncho and walk carefully among the stones.
• Don’t think too much about time or worry if you are running late. The time we mentioned of 5 hours is the necessary time for most people. In all that time tourists can make the ascent with the respective rests. Also, have enough time for contemplation and touring the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. Try to make the ascent at your own pace will be essential to avoid accidents.
• Something that many agencies leave out is the protection you will need. The activities during the visit and ascent of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are entirely under the sun. We could also call them outdoor activities. In this sense, it is recommended to bring and use sunscreen and mosquito repellent regularly. Sweat sometimes removes the protective layer.

How to make the ascent safely?

Climbing Huayna Picchu in an orderly fashion

To have a safe ascent it is important to be attentive to the route. On the other hand, you should follow the recommendations we gave in the previous section. Something we did not mention is related to the belongings you will carry. It is advisable not to carry large backpacks or similar. A small backpack where you can store the necessary things will be enough for one day’s activity. In case you plan to have more adventures in Machu Picchu Town, take only the necessary for your tours.

Another recommendation that can be followed as an option is that the interested tourist should have sporadic workouts. This is to have good physical shape and to be able to do the walk enjoying it and not as a punishment. In case you do not exercise regularly, the advice would be to start doing it. This is for the above-mentioned purpose. The exercises that you can do are the essential ones such as running, cycling routes, or others in which you can improve your physical condition.

As for acclimatization, we believe that it is not necessary to do so. This, although Machu Picchu is over 2 430 meters above sea level and the summit of Huayna Picchu at 2 720 meters altitude. This may cause some discomfort, but no such cases were recorded. This is because many people, without realizing it when they arrive in Cusco and do some activities there, are already acclimatizing. In case you do the Inca Trail, we suggest that you strictly have two days of acclimatization.

Is Huayna Picchu a dangerous route?

Finally, and as a form of conclusion, we can say that the route and ascent to Huayna Picchu is not dangerous. Many people consider that the route is dangerous because you have to climb vertiginous scenarios. However, these scenarios are what make this route beautiful and surprising. In case you have the opportunity to do this ascent route, do not be afraid of heights and dare to do it. It is likely that during the hike you will have some fears, but the important thing is to remain calm and understand that it is part of the route.

To have a comfortable hike we recommend that you have a regular-size backpack. In it you should have a few snacks if possible fruit and some hydrating drinks or just water. The heat of the place during the ascent makes the hike seem strenuous but the truth is that you only sweat a lot. Product of the hike and the heat. In case the tourist thinks that he/she sweats too much, it would not be superfluous to bring a towel and a change of clothes.

The safest time to do this tour is during the months between April and October. These months are the dry season, so rainfall is scarce. However, there is always the possibility of light rain in the afternoon. These rains will be a product of the climatic conditions. The whole area of Machu Picchu is located in a semi-tropical zone.