[2025 Aguas Calientes Attraction] Travel Guide for Huayna Picchu (Updated Mar)

Machu Picchu is located about 75 km northwest of Cusco Province, Republic of Peru. It is a pre-Columbian Inca Empire site built in the 15th century and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu means "ancient mountain" in Quechua and is also known as the "Lost City of the Incas." It is a well-preserved pre-Columbian Inca site. Machu Picchu is the most outstanding architectural representative of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned after being destroyed by Spanish conquerors in the 16th century and was not rediscovered until 1952. Machu Picchu is not only a symbol of the Inca Empire but also one of the most important archaeological excavation centers in South America. Here is a detailed guide I have put together. If you find it helpful, please follow me! Attraction Introduction - Main Square and Temple of the Sun: The Temple of the Sun is a religious center that showcases Inca astronomical knowledge and beliefs. The main square is the center of the ancient city. - Sun Gate: Hikers on the Inca Trail will arrive here first. It takes about 1 hour to hike from the site, and you can enjoy a panoramic view. - Huayna Picchu: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The scenery is spectacular, but the route is steep. - Moon Temple: Located on the other side of Huayna Picchu, it is a mysterious rock building complex suitable for adventurers. Food Recommendations - Guinea Pig Roast: A traditional Peruvian dish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, priced at about 100–200 soles. - Quinoa: Often made into various delicacies, a quinoa salad or soup costs about 30–50 soles. - Ceviche: Made with fresh seafood, refreshing and delicious, priced at about 80–120 soles. - Peruvian Roast Chicken: Marinated and roasted with various spices, tender and juicy, priced at about 50–80 soles. - Creamy Chicken Rice: A national dish of Peru, priced at about 60–90 soles. Notes - Altitude Sickness: Cusco is at a high altitude, and you may experience altitude sickness when you first arrive. Slow down and drink plenty of water in the first few days. Many hotels provide oxygen. - Equipment Preparation: For hiking, bring comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and rain gear. Waterproofing is important during the rainy season. - Book in Advance: Tickets, accommodation, and transportation should be booked in advance, especially during peak season.

⛱️Must-visit Attractions • Machu Picchu Ruins: This is the absolute core attraction. This ancient Inca city stands atop a mountain, shrouded in mist like a fairyland, and when the sun shines, it reveals its rich history. Be sure to visit the Temple of the Sun to feel the Inca people's reverence for the sun, and the Central Plaza to imagine the bustling life that once took place here. Watch the breathtaking sunrise and sunset by the Intihuatana Stone. The view is simply stunning🌅 • Huayna Picchu: Climb Huayna Picchu for a bird's-eye view of Machu Picchu, with its terraced fields and ancient buildings, offering an unparalleled visual impact. However, the climb is challenging, so be prepared in advance🧗‍♂️ 🍜Food Guide • Ceviche: Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, chili, and various spices. The fish is tender, tangy, and appetizing, with a mouthful of ocean flavor. • Peruvian Roast Chicken: Crispy skin and tender meat, marinated with unique spices for a fragrant aroma, served with local sauces. It's a delicacy that many tourists can't get enough of😋 • Inca Kola: A unique Peruvian beverage with a different taste from regular cola, featuring a hint of vanilla flavor. Be sure to try it and experience the local flavor. 🏨Accommodation Guide • Aguas Calientes: Close to Machu Picchu, offering a range of hotels and guesthouses. For a more comfortable stay, choose a hot spring hotel to relax after a day of sightseeing. For budget travelers, there are affordable and cozy guesthouses. • Cusco: A major transit city for Machu Picchu with more accommodation options. Stay near the historic center for easy access to Cusco's attractions and to experience the local culture. 🚄Transportation Guide • First, get to Cusco: International flights usually arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, and then transfer to Cusco. • Cusco to Aguas Calientes: Take a train with scenic views of the Andes Mountains. Trains offer different classes and services to suit your budget. Alternatively, take a bus, but the journey is longer. • Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Take a bus to the site, the main transportation to Machu Picchu. 💗Other Tips • Book Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as tickets are limited. • Machu Picchu is at a high altitude, so be prepared for altitude sickness with medication. • The local climate is unpredictable, so bring rain gear and warm clothing. • Respect local culture and customs, avoid loud noises, and don't touch artifacts when visiting the ruins.

Many people buy Machu Picchu tickets online in advance because popular routes, such as Circuit 2, are easily sold out and need to be booked 2-3 months in advance. However, booking tickets in advance makes the itinerary inflexible, so I did not book in advance. . I went to Machu Picchu in October, which is the beginning of the rainy season, not the peak season. I arrived at Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu, at 11 a.m. the day before and went to the ticket center to get a number. I got chip number 394 that day and returned to the ticket center at around 4 pm. The staff started calling out chip numbers. When my number was called, I was able to enter the ticket center to queue up for tickets and successfully bought a ticket to Machu Picchu for the next day. (Put on a helmet first. This is my experience in October 2023. I am not sure if it is applicable now, but you can ask the visitor center or hotel staff in Cusco, they can provide the latest information) . After the epidemic, there have been many changes in the ticket packages for Machu Picchu. When I went there in October 2023, there were 4 types of tickets. From June 2024, Machu Picchu tickets are divided into 3 packages. (Many people think that the authorities want to earn more money from tourists, because tourists need to buy at least 2 sets of tickets to see the whole Machu Picchu) . Circuit 1 (Panoramic route): You can take pictures of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House, where you can see the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows and other buildings. You can mainly walk on the upper level, and you can also climb up Machu Picchu Mountain. 💰The current ticket price is 152 soles (HK$317) if you don’t climb the mountain, and 200 soles (HK$418) if you climb the mountain. . Circuit 2 (Classic Route): You can take photos of Machu Picchu from the platform under the guardhouse. The photos taken are closer to Machu Picchu than Circuit 1. You can see the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the main square, the water mirror and other buildings. It is a relatively comprehensive route. 💰The current ticket price is 152 soles (HK$317). . Circuit 3 (Royal Route): It mainly walks around the lower level of the Royal Building. You cannot take pictures of Machu Picchu from the classic angle, but you can choose to climb up Waynapicchu Mountain to see Machu Picchu from another angle. 💰The current ticket price is 152 soles (HK$317) if you don’t climb the mountain, and 200 soles (HK$418) if you climb the mountain. . My travel companion and I thought about it for a long time and finally bought the Waynapicchu tickets at 6 am. 6 o'clock is the earliest entry time, which ensures that there is enough time to slowly appreciate this city in the sky. Although we can't take pictures of Machu Picchu from the classic angle, we want to climb up Waynapicchu Mountain to see Machu Picchu from a high angle. And for me, taking a classic tourist photo of Machu Picchu is not the only purpose of going to Machu Picchu. What I look forward to is to carefully appreciate the architecture of the Inca civilization with my travel companions who have climbed the mountain for 4 days🥳 #GlobalTravel

Driving along this road, you will reach the famous Waynapicchu Mountain Range. Indeed, only by being there in person can you deeply feel the magnificence and grandeur before your eyes. One cannot help but marvel at the craftsmanship of nature, which makes me click my tongue in admiration. In such a setting, I feel how small I am and suddenly have a sense of great relief.

Huayna Picchu, a mountain that towers majestically behind the Machu Picchu ruins This mountain, which can be called the "symbol of Machu Picchu," is a very popular climbing spot. It was tough. We climbed up and down narrow paths, and at the end there was a little rock climbing. Even though it's climbing, heavy equipment is not required. Huayna Picchu means "young peak." Only 400 people per day can enter Huayna Picchu. You can purchase tickets in a set with admission to Machu Picchu in the village at the foot of the mountain. However, as the number of tourists is increasing, it is better to make a reservation in advance online to be sure you can go. I have heard of cases where people went to apply the day before but were unable to make a reservation. The online application is not available in Japanese, but you can apply in English. #Peru #WorldHeritage #HuaynaPicchu