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Photograph of Huayna Picchu
which means "The Young Mountain" or "The Young Peak" in Quechua, the native
language of the Incas. The majestic peak of Huayna Picchu rises over Machu
Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas" and is often erroneously called
Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu refers to the smaller mountain on which the
famous ruins are located. One can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu on a
trail that was built by the Incas. Near the top of Huayna Picchu there are
Inca temples and terraces. The elevation of the peak of Huayna Picchu is
approximately 2,700 meters (8,900 feet) above sea level, and approximately 360
meters (1,200 ft) higher than Machu Picchu itself. The area in the center
of the image is referred to as the "Quarry" due to the fact that various pieces
of granite rock from this area were in the process of being carved for use in
the various buildings in this Inca citadel. When arriving at Machu Picchu
via the Inca Trail, this is the view that hikers first see.
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