When you think about Peru you likely immediately also think of Machu Picchu, and how couldn’t you? It is one of the seven wonders after all, and there are so many iconic photographs of the ancient Incan ruins and the surrounding mountains, its almost impossible to consider Peru without also considering Machu Picchu. However, there is actually a second, lesser known mountain that stands even taller than Machu Picchu, one that is commonly seen sitting proud in the background of so many of those Machu Picchu photos. This mountain is named Huayna Picchu and believe it or not, you can climb it.

According to our wonderful tour guide, Mario, on average Machu Picchu receives five thousand visitors a day. Then, of these five thousand, only about five hundred are permitted to climb Huayna Picchu, making this hike one that is quite difficult to book. Our study abroad program was lucky enough to allow us access to this hike, and it is one that I will definitely not soon forget. The hike itself takes around two hours to compete, and it is no walk in the park. The steps are incredibly steep and can be uneven, and the high atmospheric levels makes breathing incredibly difficult at times. Despite the difficulty of the hike itself, the final view at the very top of the mountain makes the experience more than worth it.

The ability to climb the real Incan steps makes it incredibly easy to stop and imagine what life was like all those years ago, allowing yourself to really connect with the history and the culture that is truly all around you. It’s something that so few are able to do, if you are ever given the opportunity I cannot recommend it enough. Just make sure you’re prepared to face some challenging terrain as you brave the Huayna Picchu mountain.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Global Service and Health Science Internship in Peru