Hike the Magical Saywa Mountain in Urubamba
The Sacred Valley in Peru is incredible One of the best hikes in the Sacred Valley is little known. It is to the top of Saywa Mountain which sits in the backdrop of Urubamba village. The best part is that the hike is only a 10-minute walk from the heart of Urubamba’s Plaza de Armas.
On top of Saywa Mountain, is the Saywa Archaeological Park. Find two mysterious pillars, ruins left behind from the sprawling Inca empire, or maybe, from even before their rise to power. It’s not so much the ruins of Saywa, but the energy and views that make this space such a sacred place.
There are ancient Quechua legends that are passed on from generation to generation that states this mountain is actually an otherworldly energy source. Some claim that they have witnessed the mountain produces its own lighting bolts.
Saywa Mountain is pure magic, and most visitors don’t know of this hidden gem in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
Due to low foot traffic, the trail can be a little overgrown. The biggest challenge of the Saywa hike is the ascent of over 3,000 feet since the altitude of the Sacred Valley is high to start with.
Here’s the complete guide on how to hike the magical Saywa Mountain in Urubamba.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Saywa Mountain Hike Map
- Starting Point to the Trailhead
- Trailhead to Saywa Mountain & Archaeological Park
- Views from the Top
- The Hike Down from Saywa Mountain
- Detour at the Urubamba Cemetery
- Independently Hike the Magical Saywa Mountain
Saywa Mountain Hike Map
⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail.
Saywa Mountain Hike Logistics
- Out & Back Trail
- The Saywa Hike starts from Urubamba’s Plaza de Armas and stops at the top of Saywa Mountain. Follow the same trail up and down.
- Total Distance: 6.30 miles (One-Way 3.15 miles)
- Ascent: 3,000 ft
- The views from Saywa Mountain are from almost 12,600 feet!
- Moving Time: +/- 4 -7 hours total (depending on hiking abilities)
- When to Hike: Year-Round
- Rainy Season: The path is more likely to be muddy and overgrown by prickly brush. The wildflowers are incredible, the valley lush in hues of green, but the mountain peaks are usually hidden behind the cloud. Mudslides are possible so always proceed with caution.
- Dry Season: The path is dry and not as overgrown. The sun is intense, but the mountain views are on-point and the sky is clear. The valley changes from bright green to vivid yellow.
- Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
- ascent and altitude are the main challenges
Saywa Mountain is one of the best hikes in the Sacred Valley
Tips For Hiking Saywa Mountain
- Wear a sturdy pair of hiking shoes with ankle support.
- Do wear long sleeves and pants to help protect against the sun and prickly overgrowth on the trail.
- Hike in the early morning because there is no shade on the path. This also ensures enough time to reach the top.
- This hike is a half of a day trip if starting from Urubamba.
- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top!
- The Saywa ruins are free to enjoy
- Never Hike Alone in the Andes Mountains
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
How to Get to the Saywa Trailhead
The easiest point of reference to start from is the Plaza de Armas in Urubamba. The hike to Saywa Mountain is literally in the backyard of this traditional little village!
Directions to the Saywa Mountain Trailhead
- First, start in Urubamba’s Plaza de Armas.
- Next, exit the Plaza via the street Jirón Comercio.
- Continue down this street until you arrive at the busy street of Av. Mariscal Castilla.
- Next, take a left and continue down this street.
- After that, cross the street and keep on Av, Mariscal Castilla until you reach the Urubamba Cemetery.
- Pass the Urubamba Cemetery, but take the first right once you pass it.
- Continue on this street/path *Avenida Huayna Capac on Maps.me.
- Next, take a left at the water channel path. It looks like a private alley, but it is in fact the path to the Saywa trailhead. Refer to the picture below for a visual of the turning point.
- Follow this path. Eventually, you will see the signage and turning point for the trailhead for Saywa.
- Finally, the trail is on the right-hand side!
Saywa Mountain Trailhead & Archaeological Park
Congratulations! You’ve reached the Saywa trailhead. There are lots of huge beautiful trees, and on a clear day, it’s possible to see the speckle of the white church not too far up on the hillside while walking to the starting point.
The Saywa Archaeological Park is on the top of this mountain.
The church is a small detour off the path, but it offers nice viewpoints of the neighboring small mountain with the cross on top.
The trail is fairly well marked, but especially during the rainy season, the trail can be quite overgrown with prickly plants and bushes. It’s a good idea to continue to look for the two towering pillars at the top of the mountain while hiking. If you can’t spot the pillars, look for the cross surrounded by a metal frame. They both work as excellent visual guides.
Quick Hike Info: The Hike up Saywa Mountain
- Distance: 2 miles from the trailhead
- Time: 3 – 4.5 hours
- Ascent of 3,000 feet
Views from the Top
The biggest reward of the hike to Saywa Mountain is the incredible 360° views from the top. The village of Urubamba follows the mighty Urubamba River and the houses appear as tiny little speckles of orange and white. During the rainy season, the hillside is dressed in wildflowers of purple and yellow, and the valley sports multiple shades of grassy hues of greens.
In the opposite direction of Urubamba, see the beautiful mountains. The most noteable is Chicon Mountain with its famous glacial peak. No matter which direction you look there are incredible mountain views.
Appreciate the deep and luscious Sacred Valley. Of course, admire the village of Urubamba below, which appears as tiny little speckles of orange and white dots.
A bonus is to enjoy a picnic at the top. Relish in the energy of this place, or even meditate next to the mighty pillars.
These ruins were thought to be used with something with the sun, but of course, no one knows for sure. Some people refer to these ruins as the “pillars of the sun,” but it’s all speculation. Contemplate these structures, which are said to possibly even predate the Inca Empire.
Soak in the views from Saywa Mountain all while feeling the buzzing energy at the top of this mountain.
The Hike Down from Saywa Mountain
After enjoying the views, head down Saywa mountain the same way you came. Follow the ridge-line down to reach the path that slithers down the mountain. Walk pass lackadaisical cows snacking on giant mouthfuls of grass.
Quick Hike Info: The Hike down Saywa Mountain
- Distance: 2 miles to the trailhead
- Time: 1.25 – 2.5 hours
- Descent 3,000 feet
Detour at the Urubamba Cemetery
After the hike down from the Saywa Mountain, take a detour and visit the Urubamba Cemetery. It’s literally on the way back into town.
The Urubamba Cemetery is gorgeous and is decorated with beautiful fresh cut bouquets of flowers. With the dusk lighting, the surrounding lush mountains make the perfect backdrop. In the center of the cemetery is a small pop-up flower shop. Find locals buying huge floral arrangements to place on headstones. Sometimes, you can catch them sharing a meal or beverage around a tombstone as a family.
There is a small, yet beautiful church, with a serene path in the back of the graveyard. The few times I visited I never saw it open, but it gives the cemetery a peaceful feeling.The cemetery in Urubamba may just be the most hauntingly beautiful cemetery in all of Peru.
Psst… The Urubamba cemetery actually sits on top of an Old Inca ruin, the Palace of Inca Huayna Capac. This is a free Inca ruins in Peru to visit.
Independently Hike the Magical Saywa Mountain
In conclusion, if looking for one of the best hikes in the Sacred Valley, look no further than the hike to the top of Saywa Mountain.
This day hike is beautiful, has a diverse range of landscapes, and has ancient Inca pillars at the top. This hike is best to access from the authentic village of Urubamba, which is nestled into the must-visit Sacred Valley.
This mysterious place emits a certain type of energy, and is included in many ancient Quechua myths and legends.
Have you heard of the Saywa Mountain in the Sacred Valley? Will you add it to your Sacred Valley bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
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Interesting and well written. I’ll definitely do this hike on my next trip to Cusco once the pandemic allows it.
Thanks Hughes! It’s one of my favorites in the Valley! I did it multiple times while living in Urubamba! Enjoy!