Review of Climbing Waynapicchu

Waynapicchu climb

View more photos 

Denny and I were among the first group to hike Waynapicchu today (I was #15 to enter at 7:05 AM).  The number to impact the trails and sites on this mountain is limited to 400 each day.  If you want to do it, you must go there early.  We went out of the Park for lunch after our climb and when we returned through the entry gates there was a sign posted that Waynapicchu was already closed for the day.  Plus you would want to do it during the cool morning hours on a sunny day.

Waynapicchu, sometimes also seen spelled Huayanapicchu is presumed to be a huayana, or place of ceremonies.  The king and his chosen nobles are thought to “escape city life” sometimes by going to this secluded retreat for rest and/or special ceremonies.

The hike was an hour and a half strenuous climb pretty much straight up. For me the saving grace was that the rocks are firm, no slippery slides.  Sometimes there are wires strung to help climbers through particularly tricky spots with exposure.  

Up here?

View more photos 

The views are magnificent…well worth the exertion, but not for the faint of heart as there are some extreme exposures! There is also a narrow cave to slip through and two wooden ladders to climb.  Plus some boulder hopping and of course, thousands of rock stairs. 

Denny and I enjoyed the accolades of the youth with whom we climbed…"at our age” and “my mother NEVER would do this!”  Sitting on the rocks at the top resting and enjoying the views we met and chatted with many great people! We do hope that some of them will turn up at the Tree House one day!  We, of course, invited them! 

The hike down was particularly precarious at the top but then became quite easy. It reminds me of climbing pyramids in the Yucatan – scarier when coming down the steep, narrow steps than when climbing up. It took us just short of three hours for the whole trip including rests and site exploring. If you are going to do this, we suggest getting in shape by walking steps. Many people seemed affected by altitude as well. Luckily Denny and I only felt a little lightheaded, or dizzy, a few times. The panoramic views make the hike well worth the effort!