"This is a review specifically for Huayna Picchu (also known as Wayna Pichhu) done in late August at the 7 am slot (toward end of peak season). Is it as dangerous as social media claims it to be? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Should you do it? If you are reasonably fit, acclimated and hydrated - yes. Think of it like climbing stairs for 1 hour. Is altitude a problem? Not if you have been in Cusco for at least 2 days and stayed in Aguas Calientes the night before. When should you do it? When it's dry and the early morning slot (7 am). At 11 am, it will get too warm and make it much more tiring, and the lighting will be harsh (for photography). Navigating the tourists & guides, and taking photos along the way, it took us 40-45 mins from the main entrance of Machu Picchu to the checkpost of Huayna Picchu. From there, the ascent to the top takes 50-60 mins at a moderate pace to 75 mins with frequent stops. Expect to spend around 20-30 mins at the top because it's a conjested area with footing that requires concentration + waiting for your turn to take photos. The descent takes ~45 mins. If you intend to explore the cavern and temple along the way, it will take longer. A bottle of water with a light snack (energy or protein bar, bananas) should be fine. You validate your ticket with your passport + sign a register at the checkpost. The initial section is a descent to the base of the mountain. From there, begins an hour long "Stairmaster" workout. Gradual pace is key. Take breaks as you need them . There are guard rails/ropes along the way for assistance. The final section - the infamous "Staircase of Death" is not "deadly". Just do what you will have been doing along the way and take it slow. By the way, you only take these stairs on the way up; separate route for the descent for this section. If you want to take photos here, take them on your way up. At the top, there is a natural "chair" rock formation where most people take their photos. For the best angle, the person taking the picture will need to climb the boulder facing it. Again, it's one way traffic so take your photos before you start the descent. It can get quite crowded there so be patient and even more careful with your footing. In the initial part of the descent, there is a tight rock squeeze requiring sideways maneuvering and crouching. You will be tempted to rush down after getting the high from the view and the eagerness to get down quickly...but, for the sake of your knees, I'd advise to just hold back a touch. Finally, you sign off on the register and take a different route back to the main entrance. If you have tickets for Route 2 or 1, you may be able to access them without having to leave the complex. We went down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and returned for the 3pm entry to Route 2 on the same day. Additional tips: book this at least 3 months in advance. Take the 7 am slot but line up at the bus station in Aguas Calientes at least an hour early. It took us around 2 hrs from joining the bus queue to the checkpost of Huayna Picchu. It will be chilly till you start hiking. You start warming up fast. Pack as light as you can. Be mindful of bugs at the top. Restrooms located at main entrance (2 soles) along with luggage storage (5 soles). Carry your physical passport with you at all times as it's required for ticket validation. Tickets' QR codes can be scanned from your phone."

Sim M

"Huayna Picchu was a very difficult climb for us. It took us more than two hours to reach the top, and some of the steps were quite slippery and narrow. We had to stop often to catch our breath, especially with the altitude, but we took it slow and steady.

The view from the top made it worth the effort. You get a full view of Machu Picchu from above, with stunning mountains and valleys all around.

It is not an easy walk and not for everyone, but if you can manage it, I would highly recommend it."

River - Glad or Mad Australia

"Wonderful view of Machu Picchu and solid hike. I did not use or need hiking poles."

Michelle Marie Paul