Unless one visits at off-peak hours, it's a fairly huge (two-hour tour) and impressive old Inca site that's usually packed with visitors. The amazing view and the engrossing guide stories combine to make this a very memorable experience. Access to Machu Picchu is restricted to guided tours only, which are often purchased via train from Cusco and bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (and return to Cusco). Only drawback: be ready to get duped.

Huayna Picchu, on Circuit 3 of the new Machupicchu trail routes, is spectacular. A spot at the top overlooking Machupicchu is arguably the best breakfast view I have ever had. At a very leisurely pace, the climb up will take an hour. If you are fit you can do it in 25 minutes, but you will likely be held up by much slower climbers. Huaynu Picchu is a perfect compliment as a second circuit after completing Circuit 2. It was a highlight of my day, and I definitely recommend it. BUT... for the love of everyone's sanity, DO NOT GO IF YOU HAVE A FEAR OF HEIGHTS. At least 20% of the route up (and down) is steep enough to be classified as a ladder instead of stairs. On the very top I watched in awe as men and women slithered their way across perfectly stable boulders and inched their way down the trails on their buttocks because they were too afraid to stand up. In all this they placed themselves in far more dangerous situations than a walk would have done. Yes, itbis beautiful. Yes, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But it is also a bloody high peak of a very steep-sloped mountain. Make wise choices.

Well worth the climb. I was anxious having read some of the reviews but it's quite manageable. Take your time. Have some breaks and water stops. It took us around 2 hours total. 57 years old. Pretty inactive. Overweight but good health. Note that there is also a fairly narrow 'cave' that you need to go through on the way down.

A great but steep hike. If you are in good shape and not afraid of heights, this hike will be one to remember. The footing is uneven and so many steps of different heights. If you are afraid of heights, or think you might be, don't go. We saw 2 people that morning absolutely break down on the trail.

It is not an easy hike. Roughly 1000 feet vertical. Lots of stairs. Some pretty sketchy areas. But oh my gosh it is so worth it! When you get to the top and are looking down on Machu Picchu, it is just breathtaking.

Hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu was not just a physical challenge, but it also offered a connection with the ancient site's cultural and historic significance. Huayna Picchu is incredible

I was far more terrified reading the reviews of this climb than I was actually doing it. The path to the top is definitely steep however it is very doable. I am a moderately fit 65 year old with a fear of heights and I was able to make it to the top without too much difficulty. We entered Machu Picchu at 6:30am so we could start the optional (and ticketed) climb at 7:00am. The added benefit of this was to be inside Machu Picchu without the normal crowds.

You have come a long way, and it has taken you a long time to get here. This view is as good as it gets!!!! Yes, you are going to have to CLIMB some stairs to get here, but what a reward! This was a bucket list target for us, and it merits that title--it is as special as it gets.

If heading to Machu Picchu and in decent shape, I’d highly recommend this hike. It’s strenuous to get up to the top but totally worth the views of Machu Picchu from a different vantage point. I had a panic attack on the “Stairs of Death”…lol. The irony is that it isn’t steep but its a bit jarring. Overall, great hike and worth the effort.

We bought tickets to hike Huayna Picchu because so many of the reviews I read online said that this ticket was super popular and was highly recommended. My mom was a bit concerned about the "stairs of death" but didn't find them that bad in the end. The stairs aren't dangerous -- the "death" just refers to the quantity of steps and the tiredness you may experience from hiking them all. We didn't find it too hard to do in the end. This hike offers a nice view of MP, but it's quite far away. If you only have one day to see MP, I would definitely recommend going to see circuit 2 instead, to get the typical picture of MP. This view isn't as iconic and you don't get to see the ruins as up close in all their glory. We hiked with a guide, but you definitely don't need a guide for the actual hike. Having a guide for the ruins is nice so you can understand the history and significance.

I had a headache as it was so high but going to machu picchu was a great experience. It was pretty expensive and hard to go

I loved the Macchu Picchu excursion. It was one of the best trips in my life. It takes a lot of time to get to the top. And of course you have to be young. If I had another chance, I would go again. But it was my first and last time because it was so expensive.

I had a headache because it was too high, but going to machu picchu was a great experience.it was quite expensive and difficult to go

We did the hike with our two kids ages 13 and 17 after a 3 day Lares trek. They did well and we summited in 1:20 and it took about half an hour to come down. The views were incredible and well worth it. The steps are are narrow, vertical and hand holds are not always available in some tricky areas but everyone managed without issue. We highly recommend this for families.

If you can get a booking with Wayna Picchu, it is well worth the trip. I suggest not to get a guide, so you can visit on your own pace, plan up to 3 hours so you can enjoy the magnificent views