Huayna Picchu
| Huayna Picchu | ||
|---|---|---|
_Mark_Blumenthal.jpg) The Huayna Picchu rises in the background of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu on |
||
| height | 2701 m | |
| location | Peru | |
| Mountains | To the | |
| Coordinates | 13 ° 9 '23 " S , 72 ° 32' 34" W | |
|
||
Huayna Picchu ( Quechua Wayna Pikchu for "young peak") is one of the two peaks between which the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu lie. The summit is known for the classic postcard motif of these ruins, on which it rises in the background.
geography
The Huayna Picchu is around 2701 meters high and lies above the Urubamba Valley in the Peruvian part of the Andes . The nearest town is Aguas Calientes , the nearest larger city is Cusco , 75 km 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 rock and isolated vegetation and the third (top) section exclusively of rocks. On the second and third section there are still some terraces and remains of buildings that were once created by the inhabitants of Machu Picchu and can still be reached today via a mountain path. Occasionally it is also spread that the Huayna Picchu represents the nose of a recumbent Inca face .
The sub-peak Huchuy Picchu ("Little Peak") is 2479 m high.
tourism
Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu are climbed by many visitors from the early hours of the morning until late in the afternoon. It is therefore advisable to visit the mountains early in the morning.
Ascent
The summit is open to tourists, but the number of visitors is limited to 400 per day. They have to register and enter their name at a control before climbing. There you will also be given an approximate return time. The ascent takes about an hour, and the demands should not be underestimated. The steepest parts are provided with steel ropes to hold on to, the path sometimes leads through caves, on the descent you have to crouch under a ledge and climb over 40 cm wide stairs, sometimes directly on the slope, unsecured. A head for heights is an absolute requirement. Ascent can only be started between 8:00 and 10:00 and must be finished by 14:00. You can access the control point after crossing the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The Huchuy Picchu can also be climbed via the same access in a quarter of an hour ascent.
Attractions
Just below the summit are the terraces that were built towards the Inca ruins. There are also some accommodations here. On the side facing away from the ruins is the moon temple at the flat foot of the summit. Finally, the unique view of the Inca ruins and the Urubamba Valley are among the rewards for the ascent.
Machu Picchu as seen from halfway up the Huayna Picchu
Machu Picchu as seen from the top of the Huayna Picchu
A terrace on Huayna Picchu
Plant at the top of the Huayna Picchu
