Climbing The Stairs of Death at Huayna Picchu (VERTIGO WARNING)

The mountain of Huayna Picchu overlooks the famous ancient city of Machu Picchu. Far more physically challenging and less popular than the main ruins of Machu Picchu, the hike up the side of the steep cliff face of Huayna Picchu is a "moderate to difficult climb" up the nearly vertical face of the mountain. It is one of the most remote and inaccesible ancient parts of the site to which tourists are regularly permitted. Despite being nicknamed "The Stairs of Death," the statistics do not bear it out as being particularly deadly in comparison to Machu Picchu or the grueling 4 day Inka Trail which some hikers take to Machu Picchu. However, if you're not used to it and have never done it before, and experience vertigo or a fear of heights, you might just feel like you are about to die at any moment the entire time.
Opening sequence of Aguirre, Wrath of God: • Aguirre, the Wrath of ...

[@Brooklynite50]

I'm glad you signed in and took us along with you during the trek, which was heart-stopping just watching! But even more, you signed out alive, so the video survived for our less than brave souls could see your adventure! THANK YOU!!

[@sholahola2kaiinaoii]

Climbing Huayna Picchu was just incredible, reaching the top was just soul enlightening, we also got down to the temple 🛕 of the moon, a time I'll never forget.... We were literally crawling back when we meet ( mountain guardian's that had come looking for us as we were the last 2 on there ( guess thats why you have to sign in andout again )..... Absolutely stunning. ...... Love peru 🇵🇪

[@jaydee8337]

I had a friend who all she talked about was going to this place.....after she returned, she refused to ever talk about it again. I wonder what happened when she went there? Guess I'll never know .

[@rachelleh3997]

I’m so afraid of heights. Just watching this makes me scared. Ty for sharing

[@GrahameMcLeod]

Great video! I remember climbing to the top of Huayna Picchu way back in 1977. At that time, we never saw anyone else during the ascent and descent. Views from the top are magical and puts Machu Picchu in a different light.

[@tarawaukeri8928]

😮❤

[@belligerent-irony]

Was the same for me, had to sign up to even climb only so many people per day. I also dont remember the safety lines. But maybe im just mis remembering.

[@jamesmd7581]

OMG never. I had vertigo and anxiety just watching. Excellent Blade Runner quote. 👊🏻

[@MarthaMcLeod-x9q]

Thank you for filming this. It’s clear I could NEVER do it as I could hardly even watch most of it. Brave soul!

[@mastrum19]

I did this in September, and had the same experience as you. I got to the ledge right before the stairs leading up to the house and about quit, but finished it up. That hole is so much tighter than in the video. I bonked me head twice! Great video

[@pyramidreview8664]

high five

[@kellysuggmcd]

I just climbed Ek Balam acropolis last week and thought I’d faint on the descent. Wish I didn’t have such a fear of heights. Well done, you!

[@pyramidreview8664]

I saw some people struggling on that one. That only happened to me once, at Mayapan, which is very steep and broken. I ended crawling down on all fours like I was climbing down a ladder, in total horror. And then of course when I was at the bottom patting myself on the back for surviving, I saw a guy zip up and down in flip-flops with no difficulty at all!

[@mossyhaych8227]

Brings it all back to me from 2006. Now im considering doing it all again!!!.. nice work

[@pyramidreview8664]

I am in no rush to return 😅

[@stephenworthington-white8294]

I got hit with giardia the day I got to Machu Pichu and spent a lot of time in the bathroom but still got up the next morning to climb those stairs as I only spent a few minutes seeing the area on day one. I had to stop to be sick three times but I made it up to the best views ever!!! The last 100 feet or so was complete cloud when I got up to the top then after 15 minutes or so the clouds lifted to reveal the amazing views. It was magical!! Happy Travels

[@pyramidreview8664]

The price one pays as a traveller sometimes but usually worth the trouble!

[@jannieklitsgaardtestrupgen8419]

I walked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu in 1994....but was too exhausted to do the Huayna Picchu too🙃My regrets ever since 🙃

[@badlandsexplorer3712]

Perfect quote for all of our experiences. Blade Runner “like tears in the rain.” Awesome video.

[@robertwimberly2372]

Did that same hike a couple of years ago. Amazing hike

[@FacesintheStone]

This is the most wild one yet. Oh my gosh! You’re brave dude!!

[@FacesintheStone]

I think perhaps we have that vertigo in that sense of danger, because of our ancestors who may have fallen, those memories* stick with us somehow. Unbelievable!

[@huitzilopochtliollin-tonat1492]

Amazing and very exciting climb over such dizzying, steep, high paths and stairs on Wayna Pikchu. The view is also breathtaking!⛰️🏞️👍🏻

[@TRUTHRULES777]

Wow. Love all of your videos. Not the usual places. Breathtakingly beautiful. I couldn’t do it. Stay safe.

[@huzcer]

Did this 20 years ago after I completed hiking the inca trail to get there. Nice view. Pretty easy "climb"

[@judithsuarez8674]

Estuve 2 veces en Machu Picchu y no me dio tiempo de subir al Huayna Picchu pero a la tercera subiré primero al Huayna 😊, gracias x visitar mi país 👍

[@scurasus]

LOVE the Blade Runner quote. Well done sir. Well done.

[@bartelgrant]

Beautiful tears in the rain reference there :D

[@jeannegeib1206]

Years ago I rode a mule down the side of the Grand Canyon, that is what this reminds me of!

[@aarongarcia-7861]

Guau is so beautiful, excellent report What a beautiful place, That does seem as if it is a very sacred place even

[@georgegonzalez-rivas3787]

Loved your channeling Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner!

[@JCardoso-j9l]

Fantastic breathtaking views thank you so much for sharing this with us 🙏🏻

[@pyramidreview8664]

My imagination and curiosity has taken me to some pretty wild places, but I realized at some point that it's only worth it if I can share it with others

[@iquitos46]

I climbed it twice in the late . 1990's/early 2000s. No one told me it was supposed to be scary and it wasn't. You need to be in good enough shape to climb it but not super athletic. Of course you could fall but you would need to exceptionally stupid to fall. Just don't stand on wet rocks near the edge. It is a transporting view without doubt . If you're in the neighborhood, climb it

[@bryanhawk6052]

Vertigo?? Dayumn! Way to kick ass

[@lollipoptrees9148]

I love that he gets vertigo and also seems scared for most of it. I get vertigo too and get scared just watching these videos! I guess it's good exposure therapy. But I totally want to climb up Huayna Picchu one day.

[@bdoubleu6]

My palms are sweating just watching 😂

[@kurtism9040]

Not only would I not walk that but too, I think of the daring of the people that built the stairs! Awesome.

[@pyramidreview8664]

Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking about the whole time. It's totally crazy, not just to climb up the side of that cliff before it had stairs, but imagine bringing tools and hauling rocks around. 🤯

[@tarawaukeri8928]

Just imagine...Sir I have a hole in my roof... Probably not a good place to be a roofer😂

[@andreyyeo2336]

Great job climbing, I would die on the first quater of this stair:) Good video. Thank you.

[@2listening1]

Good work, man.

[@Inkavillagetravel]

Incredible video amigo hood vibes from peru

[@pyramidreview8664]

Gracias!!

[@fayzet3396]

What an accomplishment! 👏

[@javaadventure9868]

like to explore in places with buildings relics of the past.... I imagine this remote place was always bustling with human activity

[@pyramidreview8664]

the ruins are only a small part of the story...

[@robertwimberly2372]

Did the climb about a month ago beautiful place Funniest thing that happened during the climb we had a dog follow us up. And for anyone doing it. Bring plenty of water

[@samiyaissopjee3789]

Trying to picture those people back then daily routine up there

[@pyramidreview8664]

I'm sure you get used to it. I asked the people working there if they had to do it every day and they said they rotate the workers around different parts of Machu Picchu and they only only have to climb this mountain once a week 😵‍💫

[@samiyaissopjee3789]

@@pyramidreview8664 thanks for relating that. And thank you for your awesome video. What i meant was, i was trying to picture about the ancient civilisation people. How their lives had been all those thousand years ago.

[@cheryl-bn4zh]

Actually, these steps look so uneven and horrible. They make my feet ache just looking at them. 😮

[@jordisalvadobuque1803]

There is to walk quietly in this place. 🌐👍🐱🎇🎇🎇

[@shailee9762]

I felt like I’m going to pee just by watching it!!

[@pyramidreview8664]

Thank you!

[@debrakiddoo318]

You’d have to fly me off…no way I could go back down.

[@pyramidreview8664]

hahaha not on this one, but elsewhere I had the same thought after I climbed to the top of a pyramid, and looked around and there was nobody else in the entire city... and I realized the only way down was by myself😭 it's ok, it builds character

[@debrakiddoo318]

@@pyramidreview8664 I went down Chichen Itza on my butt when people were just walking down…of course years ago before they closed it off.

[@pyramidreview8664]

classic

[@panzerswineflu]

I'm sad i didn't know more about the sacred valley when i went. I definitely need to be in better shape but even then i doubt I'd climb this just due to dizziness episodes

[@pyramidreview8664]

It's an amazing and fascinating place. Hopefully I will be able to upload some more about the Andes soon, I filmed many more.

[@panzerswineflu]

@@pyramidreview8664 I fell in love with Peru from Iquitos to Cusco to Chachapoyas, just didn't like Lima. Did you go to Choquequirao? That's the big target for my return. My narcolepsy and ankylosing spondylitis is progressing and as most of my bucket list is hiking I need to get on it. Randomly falling asleep though is not ideal for the solo travel

[@lmfaomad]

Amazing video! It’s a definite no for me though. Even watching this gives me the colliwobbles 🤮🤮 respect ✊

[@jaydee8337]

Crawling through that stone vageen reminds me of when I was born....glad to get outa dere.

[@pyramidreview8664]

Maybe that is why she never talked about it again. It is an intense experience through and through

[@maimorgan22]

I am going next June. I am debating if I should do that. I am afraid of height but don't want to miss out.

[@pyramidreview8664]

It's not as dangerous as it looks on film. But it is incredible. Probably one of the coolest things I've ever experienced tbh. It's definitely a test of your will and mettle but if you are lucky enough to have an opportunity to do it, you definitely should.

[@maimorgan22]

Thanks for your words of encouragement. Do you go down on the same route as going up? Do you get the classic MP view as circuit 2? I know some people do this hike and the circuit 2 one after.

[@pyramidreview8664]

@@maimorgan22 I went back the same way I came up. I wanted to go to the lunar temple in the back via the loop but A) I probably wasn't in good enough shape and B) it was closed

[@dutchreagan3676]

Hoogtevrees; ik weet nog steeds niet hoe ik boven op die pyramides terecht kom. Ogen dicht; op hoop van zegen.

[@bdoubleu6]

That’s why the people of Peru 🇵🇪 chew on coca leaves

[@Shamshiadadd]

Omg dizzying!

[@sobatchanel3106]

How they build and live there and where are they now?

[@pyramidreview8664]

The Inca were impressive builders and mountain climbers and they built many crazy places on tops of mountains. After the Spanish invaded, many died as slaves in the silver mines, but the population recovered and they are still there today.

[@sailingaeolus]

Friend, you and I have the same body shape: a little fat here and there but mostly muscle, LOL. That would make a most excellent place to stealth camp. Maybe see a demon at night? A ghost of the Anunnaki Stargod that built the place? In any event, thanks for sharing.

[@sandraperez1540]

😱😱😱😱😱😱🥸 beautiful but I could never climb up😇😇😱

[@davidlittle611]

9:28 are the stairs I wanted to see you climb

[@pyramidreview8664]

Maybe next time!

[@user-nf7eg5iz8e]

I have a herniated neck disc. I have decided to do it. What is the best way to control anxiety and vertigo while being here? Did you practice any special breathing exercises etc?

[@pyramidreview8664]

@@user-nf7eg5iz8e I have a herniated lumbar disc and was immobile for several years. That's one of the reasons I hike up these mountains now, because I was very close to losing that ability forever and now I want to make up for lost time. It was not very difficult in terms of climbing technical ability, but it was difficult psychologically because of the vertigo. As for vertigo, there's not much to do about it but be brave. As for everything else, I would advise to take your time and go slowly, and also chew coca leaves. They sell them in many places and they help with climbing in those altitudes in terms of blood flow and oxygen levels. All I can say is it's very difficult but not impossible, and you can do it if you try. I did it and so can you. Good luck!

[@user-nf7eg5iz8e]

@@pyramidreview8664 Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is inspiring . I was in Huaraz, Peru last year and went there to get a feel of the attitude without hiking a lot. When we went to laguna paron at about 4300 mts, I did experience shortness of breath due to anxiety but I calmed myself down. 6 months ago while getting out of a van at Chimborazo in Ecuador, I couldn't walk because of lack of anxiety plus altitude. The driver got me some alcohol, rubbed it on my palm and asked me to inhale it. It worked, opened my sinuses and calmed me down. As bad as these episodes were, I am still going to the next adventure. The lessons I learned is to firstly not to overeat at higher altitudes. Indigestion causes anxiety. As far as the neck is concerned, I wear a light neck brace. I also avoid carrying a heavy backpack. I travel as lightly as possible. 3 months ago, I was hiking at cajas national park at 4400 mts in Ecuador without a lot of problem. The core again is eat light, practice breathing ie yoga (pranayama + wim hof method), carry light backpack and do not worry about the end of the hike. Take it stone by stone and brick by brick. And most importantly, not everything has to go on Instagram. I see a lot of people do crazy things just to get a good shot.

[@pyramidreview8664]

And remember, if you ever get dizzy or overwhelmed, just put a hand on the ground or on the mountain.

[@pyramidreview8664]

Oh, very interesting. Iwant to go to Huaraz because there is an ancient site near there at Chavin de Huantar. Yes, the Andes are generally very rough if you don’t know what to do, and adjusting your eating patterns and breathing patterns will help for sure. Living at high altitude and spending time adjusting to high altitude (Cusco is 3300 meters) is one thing, but the vertigo is a different story. When you are climbing this hill there is a 500 meter difference between you and the lowest ground level you can see, and in this case you have to depend on bravery and breathing and coca leaves. Honestly, what was most disturbing to me was to see the distant river 500 meter lower, and what helped the most was to just sit still and put my hands on the ground and close my eyes and remember that I am just on a piece of the earth. If you ever feel bad and scared, touch the ground, touch the side of the mountain. It will make your body relax, you will remember that you are just on earth.

[@pyramidreview8664]

oh and if you do it please post here again and tell me about your experiences, I am curious to hear it

[@tarawaukeri8928]

I guess someone's got to go down...every morning...to fetch a pale of water...unless there was a way to contain water. I wonder if the priest's name was Jack😂

[@pyramidreview8664]

I know there was a spring at the top of Machu Picchu, not sure about Huayna Picchu

[@nathaliocaplan1493]

You’ve got a set of brass balls 😅

[@pyramidreview8664]

🙏

[@mkatnileb2439]

Watch with the sound down.

[@The1Helleri]

Them guard rails are actual twine in some places.

[@pyramidreview8664]

that's half the fun

[@papichulo9107]

@Pyramid Review @12:56 you mention it took you 2hrs, 40 minutes. Is that round trip OR just the coming down part?

[@pyramidreview8664]

The whole trip

[@OlgaFr.]

Отличный репортаж. Красота пейзажей впечатляет и восхищает. Вы заставили за себя попереживать, очень опасное и рисковое восхождение, особенно, в глазах такого дебютанта, как я. Успехов вам и интересных авантюрных приключений! Удачи!

[@pyramidreview8664]

Спасибo!

[@AndersonNascimentoRibeiro]

is it necessary a local guide to climb? or just buy the ticket?

[@pyramidreview8664]

No guide needed, it's a straight clearly indicated path

[@AndersonNascimentoRibeiro]

@@pyramidreview8664 thank you

[@johnirby493]

Everyone climbing there should be required to wear a wingsuit.

[@craigmiller4528]

Well, that answers the do you do South America question.😂

[@pyramidreview8664]

A lot more videos from Peru coming up!

[@craigmiller4528]

@@pyramidreview8664 just found the Twitter site.

[@2listening1]

5:02 Is that room for rent?

[@samiyaissopjee3789]

Yes😅 and along you'll surely need a helicopter service to bring up foodstuffs on a weekly restock😄

[@chrisfromsouthaus2735]

I'd be wearing my brown pants for that climb

[@maceymack8332]

Amazing but it’s a no for me

[@WARANDORDERBATMAN]

but, have you seen a doctor?

[@pyramidreview8664]

for what

[@ccco8639]

Maybe to have your head examined for doing something so terrifying?! I'm impressed. Beautiful, yet would be terrifying to myself, since I have a fear of heights.