Huayna Picchu in the Inca language means ‘Young Mountain’ was a very important divinity for the Quechuas. Its the towering mountain right behind Machu Picchu ruins. It usually appears in all the classic pictures taken from the guardhouse, on the top of the citadel.
For a lot of travelers, hiking Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights for Machu Picchu trip. The views of the Citadel and surrounding places are just spectacular from the top. The hike is well worth, is not a technical climbing. There are sections with railings and cables to help the ascend. But some sections are very steep requiring the use of hands and feet to scramble upwards.
Anyone with a decent level of fitness and moderate constitution for heights can do the hike to Huayna Picchu. (if you are afraid of heights or susceptible to vertigo then this climb is probably not for you). There are sections that are exposed to steep drops. So cautions should be taken throughout the hike. Especially in the rainy season when the trail is wet and slippery. For children under the age of 10 is not the best thing to hike up to Wayna Picchu.
The total ascent is just over 1,000 feet (350m) until you get a great angle above the city. As Wayna Picchu is so close to the complex, provides you a fascinating birds-eye view. The hike up itself provides brilliant vistas of the citadel from several angles. This perspective is very difficult to appreciate while is walking within the Citadel.
If you are hiking any of those alternative trails to Machu Picchu, you should consider hiking up to Wayna Picchu. Also after Lares trek, Huchuy Qosqo trek, Ancascocha trek, Salkantay trek, Choquequirao trek, Cachicata trek . Besides of Pumamarca trek and short Inca trail hike, those hikes allow you to go to Wayna Picchu. But also you can link to Machu Picchu explorer , Sacred valley excursion & Machupicchu with this amazing Wayna Picchu. But spaces are very limited ( you should book in advance).
To buy Huayna Picchu tickets there are not discounts for students. So your youth card or ISIC will be not accepted.