Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain
Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain that sits above Machu Picchu Citadel. It provides a panoramic view of Machu Picchu Citadel, Huayna Picchu Mountain, Putucusi Mountain, the winding Wilkamayu (Urubamba) River, lush mountainous terrain, and the final section of the Classic Inca Trail.
Information that is useful
IMPORTANT.– If you purchase Machu Picchu Mountain tickets, you will not be able to take a “postcard photo” of Machu Picchu since after finishing the walk, you will return Machu Picchu via the lower portion and must complete Circuit 03 (long bass – yellow color). To obtain the poscard image of Machu Picchu, you must also purchase ordinary Machu Picchu tickets.
- You must arrive between the hours of 7 and 8 a.m. or 8 and 9 a.m. You will not be permitted to enter if you come a few minutes late!
- Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and wear sunglasses. At this elevation, the sun is really bright.
- There are 1,600 stairs on the Machu Picchu Mountain path.
- To escape the crowds at the peak, hikers who arrive at this iconic photo location can only stay for a maximum of 15 minutes, so make the most of each one.
- The route to the peak might get muddy during the rainy season (December to March). It is advised that you use hiking shoes or footwear.
Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Even though the Inca Trail secures your Machu Picchu Citadel permit, you will still need to acquire another Machu Picchu Citadel and Machu Picchu Mountain permit if you book the Inca Trail.
- The journey is not suitable for individuals who are afraid of heights because there are portions when the trail is just 4-5 feet wide and has a precipice on one side.
- Many websites promote it as a peaceful trek suitable for both youngsters and the elderly. That is not the case. Although it is not dangerous, it is a strenuous and lengthy trek.
- If you have a Machu Picchu Mountain ticket, you should climb the mountain before visiting the Citadel. Otherwise, your time in the fortress will be limited.
- We do not recommend climbing Mapi Mountain if you are trekking the Inca Trail for four days since you will not have time to see the Machu Picchu Citadel with your guide, unless you want to miss the guided tour at the Citadel. However, if you remain an additional night in Aguas Calientes following the Inca Trail 4 day trip, you may hike this peak by yourself on day 05.
Toilet
Use the bathrooms outside the Ruins, which cost 2 soles each. Just keep in mind that your permission only permits you to re-enter once, so you can’t leave and come back several times.
Food and water
Bring plenty of water – at least 2 liters per person – as well as some snacks, as there is no place to buy refreshments after you’ve entered the site. Please be considerate and discrete about where you choose to stop and snack, and never leave any rubbish.
Acclimating to the altitude
You must be well accustomed to altitude before attempting this walk; the air becomes thinner and you will sense the difference.
Schedules for the Machu Picchu Mountain in 2022
The alternate path Machu Picchu Mountain will have 400 places available every day, spread across two hours, the first from 07:00 to 08:00 and the second from 08:00 to 09:00. Visitors must enter the Machu Picchu Mountain route straight and exit the monument by the same way. This type of ticket includes the option of returning to Machu Picchu to visit the little circuit 3.
The first shift is ideal for persons who wish to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes and then go to Machu Picchu Mountain on their own the next day, or for those who want to complete the guided tour at the Citadel after ascending Machu Picchu Mountain. However, there is a disadvantage: you will be exhausted after the 3-hour round-trip climb and then continue your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel with your guide (2 to 3 hours roughly).
Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain
The second shift is ideal for those that arrive to Machu Picchu through various treks such as the Inca Path 2 days, Salkantay Walk, Huchuy Qosqo, Quarry trail, Lares Trek, Inca Jungle trek, or Train Tour. This is due to the fact that the guided tour begins at 6 a.m. in the Citadel of Machu Picchu and ends at 8 a.m., after which you ascend the Mountain. It only works during the dry season, which is from April to October, since during the rainy season, Machu Picchu remains hazy until 10 a.m. most of the time, and we recommend starting the guided tour at 9:00 a.m.
Path
The approach to Machu Picchu Mountain climbs through stone stairs and well-established walkways. Trekking is not very hazardous, but it will demand all of your strength. The stairs get steeper, narrower, and more difficult as the route approaches the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain, and there is no level section.
How do you go to the mountain from the Machu Picchu Ruins?
You walk 2 minutes straight after entering the main Machu Picchu guarded entry, then turn left in the direction of the guardhouse. A sign will lead you in the appropriate path. This is also the trail that goes to the Sun Gate, which is the same entry to Machu Picchu as the Inca Trail.
Turn right about 3 minutes after the guardhouse and continue the trail past agricultural terraces. You will next proceed to the warden’s hut to sign in, present your ticket, and check-in with your passport. The distance between the Machu Picchu entrance and the Machu Picchu Mountain trailhead is around 30 minutes.
Discover in depth what the Machu Picchu mountain walk has to offer:
- 3,080 m/10,104 ft in height
- Gain in altitude: 650 meters/ 2,132 feet.
- There are no age limitations for ascending Machu Picchu Mountain, however some of the stairs are too high for children.
- 3.9 kilometers / 2.42 miles walking distance
- Machu Picchu Mountain may be found on the other side of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- The number of visits every day is 400.
- Walking Time: 3 and a half hours (round trip). The time required to trek up to Machu Picchu mountain is determined on the individual’s physical condition.
Difficulty level: Difficult.
- There are no archaeological attractions.
- Flora and fauna: There are several orchids, butterflies, and birds to be found.
- Benefits: Less steep slopes, panoramic views of Inca City, Huayna Picchu Mountain, and Salkantay Glacier.
- It does not have any archaeological remnants. It is tough to reach the peak.
- Machu Picchu Mountain Hike Cost
- A Machu Picchu mountain permit costs 200PEN (soles) or US$65 (£40) and includes the 152PEN admission charge to the Machu Picchu Citadel. A Machu Picchu Mountain permit is 48PEN (about US$15). Students with a valid foreign student card receive a 50% discount.
Climbing Times (7 or 8 a.m.?)
Both times have advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of the 7:00 a.m. trip, like with Huayna Picchu, is that it will be cooler and more comfortable to hike the path. The trekkers at 8 a.m. will face even greater temperatures. To reach the peak of Machu Picchu, they will need to take longer rests and drink more water.
The downside of visiting in the earlier group during the rainy season (December to March) is that mist in the early mornings might completely hide the view from the peak of Machu Picchu Mountain.
