Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike In every well-known photo of the Machu Picchu ruins is Huayna Picchu Mountain, standing majestically as if it were a watchful guardian protecting the sacred sanctuary below.  Its prominent peak rises from the depths of the valley and beckons for you to climb its winding, vertical path to the ruins that sit atop. For me it was through this trek and from this vantage point that I experienced Machu Picchu to the fullest. Each day, only 500 people are allowed to make the journey up, providing every boldly adventurous trekker with a less cumbersome trail and with more room to maneuver and explore around the summit. Perhaps the most incredible aspect of this trek is the 360-degree view from the top, which overlooks the ruins, the snaking Urubamba River, and the lush mountainous landscape. Tickets to Huayna Picchu Due to the restrictions on visitor numbers to hike up Huayna Picchu, tickets must be purchased well in advance as they always sell out. You cannot buy tickets on the day, and the ticket is an addition to your main Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Entrance times to start the hike are divided into two slots, allowing 250 visitors in each. The first entrance slot is from 7-8am and the second is from 10-11am. The average time for the round-trip ascent and descent is three hours; note that you must exit Huayna Picchu by 1pm in the afternoon. When Huayna Picchu sells out, there are still sometimes tickets available to the alternative hike Machu Picchu Mountain. Uphill Hiking One overcast and muggy day last January, Aracari team member James, his brother, his father, and I were among the intrigued and daring hikers to make the climb.  Entering through the main gate of Machu Picchu, we made our way across