Off The Beaten Path - Take A Hike In Peru

Huayna Picchu, Peru 

You’ve heard of Machu Picchu and seen the images of the ruined city, so then you have most likely seen the mountain that resembles a face or looks like a pyramid-like natural spire in the background. This is the hike up that spire, Huayna Picchu is up on the nose of that face.

Only 400 people are allowed to climb this peak each day, and you need to buy tickets for entering the trail. This is a very tough ticket to get so if you are not sure do not purchase (non transferable) and let someone else have the experience of suffering through the steep and sometimes exposed path that leads to the summit. 

Some of the more slippery parts of the path are lined with steel cables to keep people from falling to their deaths. But even with that, there are wet seasons periods when the trail is closed because it's simply too dangerous. 

Not for the faint hearted for sure, this hike is about 45 minutes straight up, take your time and bring some water. If you're afraid of heights then you will likely be uncomfortable most of the hike up there. If you're extremely afraid of heights, don't go. Once you make it up, the scenery will make it worth it. It can be very treacherous and you need to be in fairly reasonable shape to attempt the hike!

The entrance to the hike is all the way across from the main gate to the Machu Picchu ruins towards the base of Huanya Picchu mountain. There is a booth that marks the start of the trail where you need to sign in and note the time when you enter and then do the same when you leave so they can keep track, just in case people fail to return from the trail. The stone steps are very irregular throughout the trail but occasional cable handrails aid in the hike upward. There are lots of places to take a breather and a few key spots to photograph the citadel ruins from up high. Spectacular!  If you are in good shape and looking for an interesting physical challenge in one of the most incredible places in the world, sign up for the Huanya Picchu hike!

From the top there’s another trail to the “Temple of the Moon” caves, where you can loop around the mountain and rejoin the main trail. This part of the trail takes approximately an extra 45 minutes and includes a climb up a ladder. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
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