Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu is the high peak behind Machu Picchu, seen on most photographs.
The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Wayna Picchu (meaning “young mountain” in Quechua) towers over the Incan city. To conquer its summit is truly an unforgettable experience. Along the route and at the top are sacred structures and eye-catching terraces, built right against the slope’s edge. It is possible to begin the ascent from Machu Picchu’s main square by way of a path the Incas themselves made. Today, it is well marked and in good condition. The view from Wayna Picchu is remarkable: Machu Picchu spread out in all its glory, the Vilcanota River Canyon, and the surrounding mountains. Be prepared for a tough two to three hour climb.
Side constructions. On the top of Huayna Picchu one can observe many structures such as terraces, small surrounding walls, finely worked rocks, paths and tunnels, all of these well made. On the way lie other archaeological sites located on the sides.
The surroundings. Other edifices and structures complete the Incan presence on the Huayna Picchu. A group of Andean terraces stand in front of the Temple of the Moon. They measure more than 164 feet long and 6.5 feet high, linked together with stone stairs. You will also find individual edifices on two floors, called canchas, and other groups of terraces and constructions. Altogether eight archaeological sites are found on the mountain.
Temple of the Moon. If you set off from the Machu Picchu main square and trek for three hours along this path, you will come to this fascinating temple, where the three planes of Incan religion are depicted: the Hanan Pacha (the heavens, or world of above), the Kay Pacha (the earth, or physical life), and the Ukju Pacha (the underworld, or world of below), represented respectively by the condor, the puma, and the snake. The site is made up of stonemasonry and a cave that has been architecturally enhanced. The temple gets its name from the way moonlight radiates inside the cave at night. In the center of the cave is a throne carved out of rock. Beside the throne are steps that lead deeper into the cave. It is thought that the caves were used to hold mummies. The trail that leads from the summit of Huayna Picchu to the Temple and the Great Cave is very exposed and can be quite slippery.