Peru: Steeply spiralling stairway to the Andes (nzherald.con.nz): "Of the thousands of camera-wielding tourists who traipse over Machu Picchu each day, only a small number tackle the strenuous, one-hour climb up Wayna Picchu - the ominous, cloud-obscured mountain looming in the background of almost every Machu Picchu picture."

The author recounts the climb which isn't technically difficult and follows a marked path, but the misty conditions and altitude call for a certain endurance.

Photo of Machu Picchu in the mist is displayed with the kind permission of Clarence Fisk, author of Alturas de Machu Picchu. There is more to read and learn about Machu Picchu