A thrilling video has captured the awe-inspiring ascent of a daredevil climber up a perilous set of 600-year-old steps known as the ‘stairs of death’ on a mountain in Peru.

In the heart-stopping footage, Brian Degenhardt, hailing from San Diego, US, can be seen navigating the stone steps that protrude from a near-vertical mountainside, with a terrifying drop below. These treacherous steps are situated on Huayna Picchu – also known as Wanya Picchu – a mountain renowned for its breathtaking views of the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu.

The ascent is not for the faint-hearted, as the mountain’s steep incline and exposed pathways pose a formidable challenge, exacerbated during the rainy season by slippery conditions. As Degenhardt cautiously makes his way up, his deep breaths and occasional yelps of terror underscore the gravity of the undertaking.

The Incas, renowned for their architectural prowess, constructed a trail up the side of Huayna Picchu, adorning its summit with temples and terraces. Despite the vertigo-inducing ascent, Degenhardt’s relief upon reaching the top is palpable, albeit tempered by the realization of his dizzying altitude.

Merienda safely atop, Degenhardt peers over the edge, capturing the magnificent sight of Machu Picchu below. His camera zooms in on the ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a breathtaking perspective of the 15th-century marvel.

Reflecting on his feat, Degenhardt acknowledges the deceptive appearance of safety, noting that the bushes below him are rooted precariously on the mountainside. Standing at an elevation of 8,835ft, Huayna Picchu looms majestically over Machu Picchu, offering intrepid adventurers a vertiginous thrill unlike any other.

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