Huayna Picchu

The Huayna Picchu looms in the background of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Huayna Picchu ( Quechua Wayna Pikchu for " young peak " ) is one of the two peaks, between which the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu lie. Is known of the summit by the classic postcard view of these ruins, to which he rises in the background.

Geography

Huayna Picchu is 2701 meters high and is located above the Urubamba Valley in Peru part of the Andes. The nearest town is Aguas Calientes, the nearest large city is Cusco, 75 km to the southeast.

The summit can be roughly divided into three sections: the largest (lower ) section consists of dense vegetation and rock, the second (middle ) section of rugged rocks and sporadic vegetation and the third (top ) section exclusively of rocks. On the second and third section provides some terraces and remains of buildings that were once created by the inhabitants of Machu Picchu and can be reached today on a mountain path. Chance is also common that the Huayna Picchu representing the nose of a recumbent Inca face.

The side peak Huchuy Picchu ( "Little Summit" ) is 2479 m high.

Tourism

Both the Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu be climbed by many visitors from the early morning until well into the afternoon. It is therefore advisable to visit to the early hours of the mountains.

Ascent

The summit is open to tourists, but the number of visitors is limited to 400 per day. This must login and submit by name before the rise of a control. There they also an approximate return time is specified. The climb takes about an hour, where the requirements are not to be underestimated. The steepest points are fitted with steel cables to hold, in part, the path leads through caves, on the way down you have to crouch under a ledge and about 40 cm wide staircases descend partly directly on the slope unsecured. Fear of heights is an absolute requirement. Ascents can be started and must be completed by 16:00 just in time 7:00 to 13:00. Access to the control station do you have after crossing the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. About the same access can be climbed in a quarter -hour climb and the Huchuy Picchu.

Attractions

Shortly below the summit are the terraces that were built to the Inca ruins down. Some accommodations are located here. On the side facing away from the ruins of the Temple of the Moon is on the flat foot of the peak. Last still counts the unique view of the Inca ruins and the Urubamba Valley to the rewards for the climb.

Machu Picchu seen from the top of the Huayna Picchu from

A patio on the Huayna Picchu

Plants at the top of Huayna Picchu