Thanks for sharing your experience!

Nice! Yes, it’s such a memorable hike.

I hiked Huyana Picchu in 1993 (as a 27 year old) and you would go through the tunnel on your way up and the stairs of death on the way down. I discovered I had a fear of heights when I came out of that tunnel and made my way to the summit. I was ok for the first minute or so and then panic set in as I was looking around and down. I had a lot of trouble getting onto the stairs when it was time to leave, it was similar to getting on a ladder going down. We were stuck up there for a couple of hours until I was coaxed and convinced that I had to get on those stairs. Going the opposite way, taking the stairs of death up and the tunnel down seems so much easier. I had no idea they were referred to as the stairs of death until recently. Also, there were no crowds, very few people even hiked the trail the day we went up. Even though I got scared at the top, I’m so glad I made the hike – it was memorable!

Sneakers should be okay to wear as long as they have some grip.

It’s not too bad. There is plenty of room to stay away from the drop offs if you’re careful. It’s a wonderful hike!

Hi Chloe! Yes, in the past, the loop section near the summit was hiked in the opposite direction, meaning you’d walk down the steep stairs when you descend. But nowadays, you hike up the steep stairs. It’s a bit easier and less scary than it was before. Some of the videos and pictures on the internet also exaggerate the steepness, so it looks worse than it actually is. It’s really not too bad. I’m sure you’ll have a great hike. Good luck!