Peru It is one of the most interesting countries to visit in South America. It has an ancient culture and ruins of different cultures that are fabulous. Perhaps the best known ruins are those of Machu Picchu, the adventure that we all want to do, but we cannot summarize Peru in them.
All the ruins of Huayna Picchu They are a treasure not so well known to the regular tourist, although you may even hear them mention them while organizing the climb to Machu Picchu. They are worth knowing because, like the other most famous ones, they are ruins that are hidden in the heights of the mountains. Are you going to Peru? Then write down this information so you don't miss it.
Huayna Picchu
Its meaning in Quechua, the original language, is young mountain. If we compare this mountain with that of Machu Picchu it is a smaller mountain but what it has a much steeper, narrow and dangerous uphill path.
The mountain has Meters 2700 and to reach its top it is necessary to go through Machu Picchu because there is a dirt road that connects both mountains from the north side of the first. When you see the classic postcard of the ruins look at the mountain behind them, that is Huayna Picchu. Just looking at the little path and it gives you vertigo but you have to remember that the Incas were tremendous builders and that if they made a path it is because that path is passable.
Knowing the mountain then is part of the hiking excursions what you can do from the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. To do this, you must buy a ticket and know beforehand that not all those who ascend to Machu Picchu later arrive at Huayna Picchu. Why? Well, because the path is narrow and steep and not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo. Luckily security cables have been installed but it is still a challenge.
In short, the climb to Huayna Picchu is almost vertical and that is why it is wonderful, one of the best walks you can do up here.
Visit Huayna Picchu
As we said above it is necessary to buy a special ticket and there are not many. Only 400 tickets are sold so you can get it up to six months before your old date. And it is that only 400 people are accepted per day, so if you go in high season keep this in mind. When organizing you should think about train tickets, hotel and this one in particular, all together.
So, first you must get to Machu Picchu and after touring the citadel you head north, you pass through the Huayranas or Sacred Rock sector and there you come across the control booth that regulates the entrance to the mountain. Two groups enter per day: one does it between 7 and 8 in the morning and another between 10 and 11 in the morning. 400 people are allowed, that is 200 per shift.
Calculate a two and a half hour walk between ascent and descent without counting the time you will spend at the top. The walk is moderate to difficult, in terms of difficulty, because as we said, the mountain is steep and although there are stairs carved into the rock and safety cables, the truth is that it is not very easy, let alone if you suffer from vertigo. What are the rewards?
Well above is the Temple of the Moon, carved inside a natural cave. It is one of the most incredible underground constructions in the area. It is not a single cave but several that the Incas covered with quarry pieces perfectly embedded in the natural rock. The walls are decorated and it is easy to think that it was not easy to shape this place. Nobody knows its original function because many of its decorations have been looted. A shame
Thus, the name by which the cave is known, temple of the moonIt is somewhat arbitrary and there is no archaeologist to back it up despite its popularity. On the other hand, the road that connects Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu forks and only one of its paths is the one that reaches the top where there is a rock known as Inca chair ass and wonderful views of the citadel of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River with its churning waters.
The photos indicate that it is a difficult path but it seems to me that you should not miss it because from above all the panoramic view it's just wonderful, it takes your breath away. Think that you are about 400 meters above the ruins of Machu Picchu ...
Above we said that you have to buy a special ticket to do this tour. The rates are different for Peruvians and foreigners. In the case of the combined visit Machi Picchu / Huayna Picchu costs 200 soles per foreign adult (around 200 euros), and 125 soles per foreign student (33 euros). These prices are the most expensive of the visit because if you only visit Machu Picchu, the museum or the mountain, the rates are between 152 and 174 soles.
When hiking here, remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, a light coat that repels rain and water. What time of year is the best to visit Huayna Picchu? Well, between May and October because between November and March it is the rainy season and the discomfort of the water is compounded by the danger of landslides that are, unfortunately, quite frequent.