Machu Picchu mountain is one of the best travel options for all those who love adventure and hiking. Despite being more extensive in terms of distance and higher at its summit, it is much easier to do than the other mountain “Huayna Picchu”.
The landscape that this route presents according to what one goes up the stone steps, is the best that a visitor can appreciate. It is estimated that there are 1,600 steps, you can see the fine work that was achieved with the restoration by Fernando Astete, of the Inca trails.
Useful information
- Ascent time: Ascent between 1h 30m and 2h.
- Summit altitude: 3,082 m.a.s.l.
- Height in relation to Machu Picchu: 652 meters.
- Terrain: Inca stone trail, with places of grass and earth.
- Recommended footwear: lightweight hiking boots (never new)
Location:
«Machu Picchu mountain» is located in front of the Huayna Picchu mountain at 3061 meters above sea level. To climb the «Machu Picchu Mountain», you must arrive at the Machu Picchu citadel, go to the entrance control post through Circuit No. 1 (the most complete circuit) that leads directly to the entrance control to the «Mountain Macchu Picchu». The path is ascending but not very steep or narrow, which makes «Machu Picchu Montaña» more accessible to the general public. To reach the top it is necessary to walk approximately 2 kilometers, which will take 3 and a half to 4 hours depending on your physical condition and your walking experience
Description
Machu Picchu mountain is located at 3061 meters above sea level. This mountain offers its visitors one of the best panoramic views of the Machu Picchu citadel and the Vilcanota river or «Wilcamayu» that despite the distance, you can hear how its waters break on the rocks. The path to Machu Picchu mountain is ascending through steps made of stone and well-established paths, the walk is not very dangerous or difficult to do, but it will require all your strength. During the walk, you can already see how the citadel of Machu Picchu and the «Huayna Picchu» is getting lower and lower, you can also contemplate the exuberant vegetation, where the famous Orchids stand out (there are more than 425 species of orchids in Machu Picchu). The amazing view from the top of this mountain and its colorful path, make it the perfect option for those adventurers and nature lovers, it is also the best alternative if you cannot climb the other mountain «Huayna Picchu» already either due to lack of availability of spaces or physical difficulties.
Altitude of Machu Picchu Mountain
The altitude of Machu Picchu Mountain is 10,111 feet (3,082 m.a.s.l.).
At this altitude of Machu Picchu Mountain, most tourists suffer from some symptoms of altitude sickness such as difficulty breathing.
Importance
The Machu Picchu mountain must have been a path widely used by the Incas, especially for military purposes since there is a 360-degree view of the entire valley, which allows an early warning to be issued against any threat of invasion from another neighboring culture. Due to its location it could also be used for astronomical purposes, for the study of the cosmos. It is currently an important travel alternative within the archaeological park of Machu Picchu and receives hundreds of visitors a day. The Machu Picchu mountain is easier to access than the “Huayna Picchu” mountain, the path is wider and 400 spaces are offered per day in 2 available shifts. From 7 am to 8 am (200 spaces) and from 9 am to 10 am (200 spaces).
Visiting this wonderful city is a real adventure whose protagonist will be yourself, instead of a memorable experience, that is why Cusco is definitely one of the most incredible cities with a great variety of archaeological centers and tours such as Sacred Valley, Camino Inca or Machu Picchu. To enjoy an unforgettable experience, contact Inka Trail Backpacker, a company that will better assist you during your visit, of course it is always with the necessary advice for you and yours as well as the guarantee, responsibility and security that characterizes us. If you visit the city of Cusco another impressive destinations that you can visit are the tour to rainbow mountain peru or the humantay lake tour from cusco, which only takes one day. But if you are gonna to stay more days in Cusco, other archaeological places you can know will be the choquequirao trek peru, the salkantay trek to machu picchu, and the classic inca trail 4 days 3 nights.
Is it worth climbing Machu Picchu Mountain?
The great mountain Machu Picchu rises 400 meters above the city of the Incas and offers a scenic beauty, like few in the world, along a route that was restored a few years ago, opening trails of the old network of roads used in the Empire of the Incas.
So, the answer to the question Is it worth climbing Machu Picchu Mountain? is absolutely YES!
How is the tour of the Machu Picchu Mountain?
The trails of this mountain are wide and well marked, there are many places where you can rest while ascending the Machu Picchu mountain. From Machu Picchu, 652 m are climbed. The road is built in a zigzag. It is full of large stones that have kept the trail in place for more than 500 years. Some of the steepest sections were built with narrow stones where you can only put about half your foot, one step at a time. Every corner will offer you a new view. The City of Machu Picchu shrinks as the mountain is climbed. The temperature for most of the tour is around 27 ° C, although you will feel cold breezes (15 ° C), coming from the Andes Mountains.
It is a steep path that ascends a huge summit covered with vegetation with a landscape of jungle brow, native fauna of the area and presence of intrusive rocks (granite). The path has irregular stone steps, it is estimated that there are just over 1,600 steps and a dirt road, stone, conditioned and restored for visitors. The climb is long and can become tiring, depending on the physical condition of the walkers.
The views from Machu Picchu mountain
Halfway along the way and as you ascend you will be able to appreciate the Inca City of Machu Picchu embedded in the middle of a jungle landscape, the summit of the Huayna Picchu mountain, the amazing canyon that forms the Vilcanota slope, part of the town of Aguas Calientes, with a background frame of mountains covered with vegetation. At the other end you will see the hydroelectric power station of Machu Picchu and the mountain range of the Vilcabamba range. But the summit is an even more breathtaking and impressive sight; To all of the above is added the snowy summit of Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.), the Urubamba river, meandering and bordering the “Putucusi” (joyful mountain).
Likewise, you can see a large part of the entire Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, mountains dressed in abundant flora and fauna typical of the area. From the top you will be able to contemplate the habitat of the spectacled bear, the cock of the rocks (both in danger of extinction) and other fauna of the place, orchids among other endemic species. Vestiges of other Inca constructions could be found on this mountain, under the footsteps of thousands of walkers.
How to get to the entrance of the Machu Picchu mountain?
From the main entrance of Machu Picchu follow the upper trail in the direction of the Security Checkpoint. The small and recently built wooden signs indicate the way to start the walk, which is also the same path that leads to Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku). A couple of minutes at the security checkpoint, they have to turn right and follow the path that goes up through the construction of agricultural terraces. Following the path for another 15 minutes you reach the guards’ hut, where they have to sign showing their passport and entrance ticket. From the entrance of Machu Picchu to the guardhouse it takes approximately 30 minutes.
Who can ascend the Machu Picchu mountain?
We recommend Machu Picchu mountain especially to people who come with young children and families with elderly people
Is it difficult to climb the Machu Picchu mountain?
The ascent to the top of Machupicchu mountain is not easy. It is estimated to be of a medium – moderate difficulty. You don’t need to be in optimal physical condition to do it. On the way, one meets children, young people and even older adults.
Machupicchu Mountain is 600 meters higher than the archaeological site, so the ascent is difficult. Also, if we take into account the altitude of this summit, the fatigue is even more intense.
However, if the visitor climbs the mountain at a suitable pace, they will have no problem reaching the top. The most important thing is the desire to want to reach the top.
Is Machupicchu mountain dangerous?
This route is definitely not dangerous. There are no nearby ravines or narrow steps that can cause harm to the visitor. Entrance to this summit is allowed to people of all ages, including children and seniors.
At the top of the mountain there are security personnel who can help the tourist in case of an emergency. It is also recommended to take the necessary precautions during the walk. The entire route is very well signposted. The only danger is stepping off the trail or looking for trails on your own.
What to bring:
- Passport
- Camera (Remember that there is no better thing than too many images of Machu Picchu so make sure to bring an extra memory)
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- 1 to 1.5 liters of water
- Folding cane with a rubber tip (Some people feel that it makes the climb easier, but keep it in your backpack until at least they reach the guardhouse, because at the entrance they consider it inappropriate for the place)
- A light jacket for the rain
- Small snacks (protein bars or dried fruit work well)
- Light sneakers or trekking shoes are recommended
Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets
With the Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets, you can enter the Inca City and also ascend to the Machu Picchu mountain. This summit is at 3,082 m.a.s.l. This hiking route is less steep but longer than the Huayna Picchu route.
What are the entry shifts?
- 1st. Group: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. Entrance to the Mountain between 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
- 2nd. Group: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 a.m. Entrance to the Mountain between 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
- 3rd. Group: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. Entrance to the Mountain between 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
The tourist can stay in the place up to 8 hours after the moment of entry.
Prices of Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets:
- Foreign Adult: $ 80
- Foreign Student (18 – 25 years old): $ 54
- Foreign Child (8 – 17 years old): $ 54
Andean Community (Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador)
- Adult: $ 50
- Student (18 – 25 years old): $ 36
- Child (8 – 17 years old): $ 36
What includes the Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets?
- Includes the entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
- Includes the entrance to the Machu Picchu mountain.
How long before booking the Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets?
It is advisable to book the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket at least 1 week before. During the high tourist season (April to October), the reservation must be made up to 3 weeks in advance.
