The Machu Picchu Mountain has a height of 3,082 m.a.s.l. and is the mountain where the wonderful Inca City of Machu Picchu, Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity, is located. And every day there are more people who venture to it, perhaps because of the energy that emanates from this land, which was sacred to the Inca civilization.

• What does Machu Picchu mountain offer?
• Who can climb Machu Picchu Mountain?
• What ticket do I need to climb Machu Picchu mountain?
• What is the Machu Picchu Mountain tour like?
• The views from the Machu Picchu mountain
• How to get to the entrance of Machu Picchu Mountain?
• When to visit Machu Picchu Mountain?
• Recommendations for a good tour on Machu Picchu Mountain

Hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain

What does Machu Picchu mountain offer?

La gran montaña Machu Picchu se eleva 400 metros por encima de la ciudad de los Incas y ofrece una belleza paisajística, como pocas en el mundo, por una ruta que fue restaurada hace algunos años, abriendo senderos de la antigua red de caminos utilizados en el Imperio de los Incas.

Who can climb Machu Picchu Mountain?

Not long ago that the road was enabled, however it is already in high demand as an alternative route for tourists who could not get income availability of the ticket to Huayna Picchu. Also for those who are looking for a less intense experience than the one offered by the Huayna Picchu Mountain. This ticket is recommended for groups of friends and families without children. Now, only people over 18 years old can do the tour. In the case of older adults, it is recommended that they make the ascent with a doctor’s authorization or if they frequently do physical activity.

Enlarged view from Machupicchu mountain

What ticket do I need to climb Machu Picchu mountain?

The route to Machu Picchu Mountain can only be done with the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket. This ticket has a daily availability of 400 tickets. You can enter in two different schedules. The first one starts at 7:00 am and the second one at 9:00 am. It is important to reserve this ticket in advance, especially during the high season from June 1st to October 15th. Although there is more availability on other tickets, they end up being sold out.

Likewise, to make the trip it is important that tourists make their reservation in advance. This will help them to book other services such as train tickets and even buses to Machu Picchu. You may also need to book your hotels and even restaurants for a better experience.

What is the Machu Picchu Mountain tour like?

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, you climb 652m. The road is built in zigzag. It is full of large stones that have kept the trail in place for over 500 years. Some of the steeper sections were built with narrow rocks where you can only put about half of your foot, one step at a time. Every corner will offer you a new view. Machu Picchu City narrows as you ascend the mountain. During most of the trek, the temperature is around 27°C, although you will feel cold breezes (15°C) coming from the Andes Mountains.

It is a steep trail that ascends a huge vegetation-covered summit with a landscape of jungle brow, native fauna of the area and the presence of intrusive rocks (granite). The road 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 be tiring, depending on the physical condition of the hikers.

This is a much higher mountain than Huayna Picchu, but less steep, the ascent lasts from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the physical condition of the person. Reaching the top of this mountain is truly rewarding.

Map of the route from Aguas Calientes

The views from the Machu Picchu mountain

Halfway and as you ascend you will see the Inca City of Machu Picchu embedded in the middle of a jungle landscape, the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain, the amazing canyon that forms the Vilcanota slope, part of the town of Aguas Calientes, with a backdrop of mountains covered with vegetation. At the other end, you will see the Machu Picchu hydroelectric plant and the Vilcabamba range’s mountain chain. But the summit is an even more breathtaking and impressive spectacle; in addition to the snow-capped peak of Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.), the Urubamba River, meandering and bordering the “Putucusi” (joyful mountain).

Likewise, you can see much of the entire Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, mountains dressed with abundant flora and fauna typical of the area. From the top you can contemplate the habitat of the spectacled bear, the cock of the rock (both in danger of extinction) and other local fauna, orchids and other endemic species. In this mountain you could find vestiges of other Inca constructions, under the footprints of thousands of hikers.

Spectacular view from Machu Picchu Mountain

How to get to the entrance of Machu Picchu Mountain?

Entering Machu Picchu, follow the path towards the Guardian’s House along a well marked trail. It is the same path that leads to Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu; before reaching the guard house, follow the path to the right that is located between agricultural terraces. From there, walk for about 15 minutes and you will arrive at the Control Booth. When you enter you will sign the registration book. The name, age, country of origin and the time, which is when the ascent begins, are requested. For security reasons and to make sure that all the people who enter are exiting.

When to visit Machu Picchu Mountain?

It is advisable to visit the site during the dry season from May to October, when there are no heavy rains, the landscape is tropical, there is sunshine, it is clear and the trail is not slippery. For this hike requires a good pair of boots, rubber-tipped walking sticks, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and plenty of water.

Recommendations for a good tour on Machu Picchu Mountain

• Do not give in to the temptation to start exploring on your own, follow the directions. Looking for the path on your own could prove fatal, as most accidents in Machu Picchu occurred because these people crossed the security lines.
• Acclimatize to the altitude before attempting this trek, the amount of oxygen in the air is lower and you will surely notice the difference. It is recommended to acclimatize for 2 days in the city of Cusco or better yet, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Bring plenty of water (2 liters per person), also bring some snacks, as there are no facilities to purchase them after entering Machu Picchu. Be respectful with the environment, if you decide to stop for a snack, return the garbage you generate with you.
• Wear hiking boots, cool and comfortable clothing; use sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses; the sun gets intense at this altitude. Make sure your camera is sufficiently charged and carry extra memory cards.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu Mountain

By: Erick R.

“Unbelievable!“

“Incredible! I went two days, one only to Machu Picchu and another to climb the Machu Picchu mountain; this mountain is higher than the Huayna Picchu; besides, from here we could get the typical postcard view, it took us one hour and forty minutes to climb and one hour and ten to go down, I really recommend it. It is incredible!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024