The Huayna Picchu mountain is the imposing granite peak that dominates the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. It is considered an important “APU” or sacred summit of Machu Picchu; Huayna Picchu is a “quechua” word that means young peak or young mountain; It is located at 2,720 meters above sea level or 8,920 feet around which the Urubamba River bends. The Incas built a trail up the side of Huayna Picchu and built temples and terraces on top of it. From a distance, the mountain looks impossible to climb without the necessary tools, but even though it is a strenuous climb with some parts where you will really need hands and feet, the climb is quite possible for all visitors on average. For many people climbing Huaynapicchu is one of the highlights when visiting Machu Picchu.
The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Inca architects carved some steps into the rocks and as you hike up the side of a mountain you will see Machu Picchu from different angles. Before reaching the top, you will also have to go through a tunnel carved into the rocks and the higher you go, the more structures you will recognize on top of the mountain. Some structures and terraces are built in impossible places that really speak to your imagination. Some structures are almost flush with the side of the mountain with a sheer drop of a couple of hundred meters on the other side. The views (on a clear day) of Machu Picchu as seen from Huayna Picchu are impressive and really give you an idea of how impressive the site is.
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