Aguas Calientes, Peru: Machu Picchu Sunrise & Huayna Picchu. After an early breakfast at the hotel, get ready to board the minibus that will take you once more up the winding road to Machu Picchu, to enjoy a self-guided visit which includes the sector of Huayna Picchu (daily admission is limited to 400 visitors; in case Huayna Picchu is sold out at time of booking, it will be replaced with Machu Picchu Mountain).
Huayna Picchu is the towering mountain behind the actual site of Machu Picchu. From a distance the mountain looks impossible to climb without the necessary tools but even though a strenuous climb with some parts where you will actually will need both hands and feet, the climb is quite possible for all averagely fit visitors. For many people, climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights when visiting Machu Picchu.
The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Inca did cut out some steps out of the rocks and as you wind around the side of a mountain will see Machu Picchu from different angles. Before you reach the top you will also have to go through a tunnel carved in the rocks and the higher you get the more structures you will recognize on the top of the mountain. Some structures and terraces are built on impossible places that really speak to your imagination.
The ascent to the peak takes about an hour on a steep rock staircase from where you will enjoy breath-taking views. There are cables attached to the rock in many places to help the climber and there are places to step aside to catch your breath and enjoy the view.Â
Make sure you have your passport with you and get it stamped with a Huayna Picchu stamp at the sign in/out gate. Climbing Huayna Picchu certainly is challenging, yet one of the most rewarding experiences one can have in a lifetime!
