Machu Picchu has 4 types of tickets to enter it and enjoy all its natural and architectural beauty. Of these tickets, the most required is the one that allows you to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain. But there is also the other adventure, the novel Machu Picchu mountain.
This high summit is currently known as Machu Picchu Mountain and is one of the new tourist attractions of Cusco, Peru.
The journey to its top is an alternative hike to the Huayna Picchu mountain.
It is a hike that can be done by all kinds of people since its trails are wide and not very steep.
The top of this mountain is 3,082 meters above sea level.
Reaching the top can be exhausting. However, this hike is less intense and vertiginous than the Huayna Picchu mountain.
In addition, there are several places to rest and throughout the journey you can see incredible landscapes.
What is the Machu Picchu mountain?
Machupicchu is not the same as Machu Picchu mountain. The first refers to the Inca citadel, which was made known to the world by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. The second is the upper mountain elevation.
Therefore, this mountain is the summit located on top of the archaeological site and whose name: Machu ‘mountain’ and Picchu ‘old’ adopted the archaeological site to be known worldwide.
Currently, the ancient Inca roads were conditioned to be traveled by tourists. From the top of the summit you can see all the amazing geography of the place: the archaeological site, the Huaynapicchu, the Putucusi, the Vilcanota river and more.
The tour of the Machupicchu mountain has become one of the main tourist attractions. To enter you need to buy the ticket «Machu Picchu + Montaña».
Where is?
This mountain is part of the so-called ‘Salkantay massif’. It is located south of the Inca city of Machupicchu, just in front of the Huaynapicchu. The top of the mountain is 3,082 meters above sea level (10,111 ft).
The entrance to this mountain is in a detour that follows the route of the ‘Casa del vigilante’. Then begins the hike up stairs and stone and dirt paths with maximum inclines of up to 30 degrees.
How to ascend the Machu Picchu mountain?
The path to the top of the Machupicchu mountain is made mainly of stone steps built by the Incas many years ago. These steps extend for approximately 2 kilometers.
It is not necessary to reach the top of the mountain to appreciate the geographical beauty of the place. Along the way there are some rest points with viewpoints from where you can already see the beautiful landscape of Machupicchu.
To get to the top, you must ascend the stairs at an appropriate pace for the visitor’s physical condition. Depending on the rate at which you ascend, you can reach the top in 1 or 2 hours.
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.
Is the ascent difficult?
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.
Recommendations
Although the dry season (from March to October) presents less probability of rains, in these months the visitor can enjoy the mountain for himself, since fewer people travel its paths.
- Carry your belongings in a backpack weighing no more than 5 kilos.
- Don’t risk your life on the edge of the roads. Follow the security measures.
- If you do the ascent with children, make sure that they respect the mountain and obey the safety measures so that they do not expose themselves to any danger.
- It is recommended to bring only what is necessary: ??rain poncho, hat, sunscreen, water, camera, snacks and your necessary documents.
- To enjoy this incredible adventure, you need the «Machupicchu with Mountain» ticket. Book your ticket in advance, especially if you want to visit in the high tourist season (April to August).
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.
Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets
Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain – Group 1
- Quotas: 200 per day approximately.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 6 a.m.
- Entrance to the Mountain: from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Walking time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Stay time: 8 hours from your arrival (ascent and return).
Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain – Group 2
- Quotas: 200 per day approximately.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 7 a.m.
- Entrance to the Mountain: from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Walking time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Stay time: 8 hours from your arrival (ascent and return).
Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain – Group 3
- Quotas: 400 per day approximately.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu: from 8 a.m.
- Entrance to the Mountain: from 9 a.m. at 10 a.m.
- Walking time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Stay time: 8 hours from your arrival (ascent and return).
Prices
Foreign:
- Adult: $ 80
- Student: $ 54
- Child (8 – 17 years old): $ 54
Andean Community (Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador):
- Adult: $ 50
- Student: $ 36
- Child (8 – 17 years old): $ 36
When to buy the Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets?
The Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets can be purchased online at least 3 days in advance.
To ensure entry, during the high tourist season, the purchase must be made 3 weeks before.
How to manage the schedules in the Machu Picchu mountain?
If they enter from 6 am.
- 6 am. to 7 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and appreciate the sunrise.
- 7 am. to 11 a.m. – Walk the mountain.
- 11am. at 1 p.m. – Tour the Inca City accompanied by a guide.
If they enter from 8 a.m.
- 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu and go to the mountain.
- 9 a.m. at 12 p.m. – Tour the Machu Picchu Mountain.
- 12 p.m. at 2 p.m. – Visit Machu Picchu in the company of a tour guide.