Huayna Picchu
One of the world's most familiar mountain images, Huayna Picchu is less formidable than it looks. The Incas constructed an incredible trail up the mountain and built terraces and temples on the top.
If you visit Machu Picchu only for one day then it is unlikely that you will have time or inclination to climb the mountain. The amazing and evocative city will detain you.
We walked in on the Inca Trail (really just one of hundreds of Inca-made tracks which crisscross the area). This is undoubtedly the most rewarding way to arrive.
On our second day at the site we climbed the mountain. An early start is advisable, since hundreds of people make the ascent each day, as proved by the book in which climbers must register. The route is not really pleasant when crowded since there are several narrow sections and a 'one person at a time' crawl through a cave.
The summit gives an unusual 'in reverse' view of the main city. This is seen even better by scrambling up the tiny summit, seen at the left of my picture, which lies between Huayna Picchu and the main Machu Picchu site.
More Peruvian pictures at Imágenes del Perú
a walk on the Inca Trail by Vince Stevenson
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