- On 4 February, 2022
- In Blogs
- Tags
Huayna Picchu is the Quechua name that translates as “Young Mountain”, Huayna Picchu is none other than the great mountain that appears behind the Inca city of Machu Picchu, a place where impressive views of the archaeological complex and the surroundings can be obtained.
Reaching the top of Huayna Picchu is quite a challenge since the path is very steep and narrow and includes several sections with steps and stairways carved into living rock. The ascent takes, for an average person, between 45 to 60 minutes depending on the physical state in which you are.
History:
Huayna Picchu is part of a large orographic formation known as the Vilcabamba Batholith, in the Central Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes. The Mountain is part of the Historic Sanctuary that protects all biological species in danger of extinction and several Inca establishments, the Huayna Picchu is located on the left bank of the so-called Urubamba Canyon, formerly known as Quebrada de Picchu. At the foot of the hills and practically surrounding them, runs the Vilcanota river.
Location:
The Huayna Picchu mountain is located north of the citadel of Machu Picchu with an altitude of 2,667 meters above sea level, the mountain itself, is within an intangible territory of the National System of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SINANPE), called Historic Sanctuary from Machu Picchu, which extends over an area of 32,592 hectares, (80,535 acres or 325.92 km²) of the Vilcanota-Urubamba river basin (the Willka Mayu or “sacred river” of the Incas).
What can we find in the Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Contents
At the top of the Huayna Picchu Mountain, some archaeological remains can be seen, such as the Temple of the Moon, one of the most beautiful Inca constructions inside a cave. This has magnificent structures in the form of a vault that ratify the refined architectural technique of the Incas.
Although some studies maintain that the Temple of the Moon would have been used for funerary purposes, its specific function has not yet been determined. However, the specialists agree that it would be a set of elite buildings, due to the apparent effort that its construction required. The name “Temple of the Moon”, although popular with tourists and archaeologists, lacks any kind of archaeological foundation.
In front of the cave, we can find a carved stone in the shape of an altar, which, it is believed, could have been used for sacrifices.
Entrance to the mountain of Huayna Picchu
The maximum capacity for entering the Huayna Picchu mountain is 400 people divided into two groups of 200 people per day.
For those travelers who want to ascend to Huayna Picchu, it is recommended to purchase their Ticket well in advance, the Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Group 1 is one of the most frequently sold out due to the great interest of hundreds of tourists. for climbing this mountain and for the limited number of spaces that are for sale
Best time
Definitely, the best time to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain is the dry season between the months of April to October. However, with climate change, the climate may change, for which it is recommended to be prepared for any eventuality.
What to do in the Huayna Picchu mountain
Climbing to the top of Huayna Picchu is pure adrenaline because not only does it offer you the best panoramic view of the citadel, but you are literally among the clouds! Take the challenge of climbing seriously and do so with proper clothing, as it has paths that are sometimes very steep and could be slippery due to the rain. Going up and down takes you about 1 hour and a half. It is convenient to go up in the first group, that way you will find the road free because those who go up in the second group go slower because they must share the paths (at times very narrow) with those who are going down. If you like challenges, you cannot miss this attraction!
Recommendations:
- Trekking shoes
- Bottle with water
- Cap and sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Repellents for mosquitoes