Are you planning to visit Machu Picchu? Know that the Wonder of the World offers a variety of experiences for tourists. Among the main attractions are the Inca Citadel, the Huayna Picchu, the Site Museum, and the lesser known Machu Picchu Mountain. This last tourist attraction is a new short trekking route that allows you to reach the highest point of the Inca site. From there, you can appreciate the most beautiful landscapes surrounding the Inca llaqta. Why choose this new adventure route in Machu Picchu? Learn the reasons to make this incredible hike to the top of one of the most incredible places in the world.

• The Wonder of the World and its attractions
• Machu Picchu Mountain: trekking to the clouds
• Why choose Machu Picchu Mountain?
• How to visit the mountain?
• Some recommendations

These are some of the reasons to choose the Machu Picchu Mountain hike

The Wonder of the World and its attractions

Many people have toured the Inca Citadel and its incredible stone constructions such as the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, and the Sun Gate. However, the Wonder of the World offers more attractions. The most popular is the hike to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain: a trekking route along ancient Inca trails considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world. In addition, for history lovers, there is the Machu Picchu Site Museum.

Like Waynapicchu, the hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain is an attraction that has been gaining popularity among visitors. It is a short trekking route to the top of the summit that gave its name to the Inca Citadel and the Historic Sanctuary: Machu Picchu. It is located 3,082 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), almost 600 meters above the Inca City. It runs along ancient Inca trails surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes. It is a great option for families because it is available for people of all ages.

Machu Picchu Mountain: trekking to the clouds

The Machu Picchu Mountain runs an average of 2 kilometers along steep Inca trails. Along the way, there is abundant vegetation with a great variety of orchids. At the top of the mountain, the tourist feels as if he is in the clouds because he is located at the highest point of the Inca enclosure. From there you can fully appreciate the Inca Citadel and the amazing geography that surrounds it. It is the right place to take the best pictures.

On average the ascent takes 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on the physical condition of the visitor. The trails are wide and well marked so there is no major danger. The stairs become more difficult as you go up. This is due to the altitude. However, it is not necessary to reach the top to enjoy the scenic beauty. Machu Picchu Mountain is a challenge for tourists. It is an attraction that is growing in popularity in the world.

Machu Picchu mountain top among the clouds

Why choose Machu Picchu Mountain?

Why do more and more people make the trek to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain? There are many reasons. Among them, this hike is very safe and can be done as a family. People of any age can do the trek. There are also other reasons to choose this adventurous experience in the Wonder of the World:

• Because you can take the best pictures – The views from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain are simply amazing. You can see the Inca Citadel, the Vilcanota River, Huayna Picchu Mountain, Putucusi Mountain, and more. You feel like you are in the clouds. It is the ideal place to take the best pictures.
• Because there is no danger – The roads are wide and well marked. There is a lot of security in the most difficult places of the route. Because of this, the entrance is allowed to tourists of all ages. Adventure and adrenaline are guaranteed without any risk. It is the best option to do it with the family.
• Because the ascent is an adventure – The adventure is not only reaching the top of Machu Picchu Mountain. The journey itself is an experience. It is considered of moderate-medium difficulty. It ascends approximately 300 meters. Although for some visitors it is complicated, the experience will remain engraved in the tourist forever.
• Because it allows you to have the classic postcard photo – Now Circuit 1 or Panoramic, will allow you to take the classic postcard photo. This ticket, belonging to this route, will allow you to have the postcard photo and also will have a good time to tour the site. However, it does not allow a tour of the Inca citadel. You can only see from the upper platform all of Machu Picchu.
• Because it is not difficult to get the ticket – Unlike the entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu, the ticket to access Machu Picchu Mountain is not difficult to get. It can usually be booked up to 3 days in advance. If you plan to visit during the high tourist season, up to 2 months in advance.

Tourists climbing Machu Picchu mountain

How to visit the mountain?

It is not complicated to visit this attraction. To do so, you must book the Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket in advance. This ticket also allows access to the Inca Citadel. The availability is 800 people per day. Below are the two schedules available to enter the mountain:

• Group 1: You can enter from 7:00 am.
• Group 2: You may enter from 9:00 a.m. onwards.

Both schedules have daily availability of 200 tickets for virtual reservations and 200 for face-to-face reservations.

Although there is an official high season (June 1 to October 15), the same availability can be found in regular and high season.

Another change that this ticket had, was that it can only be made by people over 18 years old.

All Machu Picchu tickets have special discounts for university students and citizens belonging to countries affiliated to the CAN.

Some recommendations

• During the dry season (March to October) the trails to the top of the mountain are not slippery. The weather is pleasant for hiking. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, plenty of water, and a hat or cap.
• During the rainy season (October to March) fewer tourists are making the trek to the top of the mountain. The visitor has more freedom to enjoy this attraction. It is recommended to bring a rain poncho.
• Only one backpack weighing no more than 5 kilos is allowed. It is advisable to carry only the necessary items such as water in a canteen, snacks, light clothing, and, of course, a camera.
• Book your Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket in advance and secure your visit to the top of the Wonder of the World. It is recommended to do it with a minimum of 2 months for the high season (from June 1st to October 15th) and 1 or 2 weeks for the regular season (rest of the year).

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu Mountain

By: Rowland H.

“It was worth it!“

“I am not in good physical shape, so this hike was a bit complicated for me. However, there were very good views. Also, everyone was very friendly, which helped with the morale aspect. Overall, moderately strenuous if you don't take breaks - it's higher than Huayna Picchu!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 6, 2024