Travel magazines love Machu Picchu. Anytime they need a boost in readership, they publish the photos of the Lost City of the Incas on their cover or on one of the inserts. And it’s no wonder – Machu Picchu is a fascinating site usually found on people’s bucket lists. Ultimately, Machu Picchu inspires you to travel.
If you were to take a close look at that magazine cover or insert, you would realize that the reason Machu Picchu is so appealing lies beyond the city itself. It’s the backdrop, the surroundings, and the mystery of Huayna Picchu lies within those details.
Look behind the city. Huayna Picchu is the jagged mountain that looms just behind Machu Picchu. In Quechua it means “New Mountain” (whereas Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain”).
If you book in advance, you can purchase hiking permits to reach the top of Huayna Picchu. Spots are limited to 400 per day and you’ll have a specific hiking window to accomplish the 1,000-foot ascent.
The trail features original Incan steps, a sharp dropoff, and a couple of Incan buildings up top. It frequently ranks in the top 3 on TripAdvisor for “Things to Do” in Machu Picchu.
If you’re adventurous, and don’t have a fear of heights, you should make sure to include Huayna Picchu hike in your trip to Peru, it’s remarkable.
Happy Travels…