From very early in the morning, you will notice how visitors line up to enter Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel. Many who are early in line do so to enjoy one of the hiking trails. In general, everyone seeks to enjoy the view of Machu Picchu.
But there is a route that is less busy and much less difficult, with equally impressive views. We refer to Machu Picchu Mountain, one of the two mountains available to climb. If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, we can show you some complimentary routes within your tour.
Machu Travel Peru has prepared this article to help you learn everything you need to know about the surroundings and mountains of Machu Picchu.
Everything you need to know about hiking Machu Picchu mountain
- What is Machu Picchu mountain?
- A brief history of the mountain
- The Hiking: Step by Step
- The best time to hike it
- How to get your tickets
- What to pack for the hike
- Other alternatives and tips
- Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu differences
What is Machu Picchu mountain?
The postcard shows Huayna Picchu mountain behind the famous Inca site, but you can’t see Machu Picchu mountain. Why? Because the person who took the photo was standing right on this mountain.
This mountain sits opposite Huayna Picchu, with a fantastic citadel in the middle. Of course, if we had a Machu Picchu virtual tour, it would be most straightforward way to exploring the entrance of Machu Picchu an the citadel. Therefore, we made this complete article about the topic.
The citadel’s name, Machu Picchu, translates from the Quechua language to “Old Mountain” or “Old Peak”. But be careful; despite having the same name, do not confuse the mountain with the citadel.
The Machu Picchu mountain is 3,082 meters above sea level, 400 meters above the citadel’s altitude. It is in the southwest part of Machu Picchu archaeological site, which is located in the Cusco Region, within the Urubamba province and the Machu Picchu district. Hiking the mountain offers fantastic alternative views of the Incas place.
It is not usually as demanded by tourists as its adversary, the Huayna Picchu mountain route (located in front of it). But being less crowded, you could spend one of the best moments at the summit. You can enjoy the incredible view of the citadel and its surrounding mountains.
Hikers consider the Machu Picchu Mountain trek moderately challenging. But most say that the effort is fully rewarded with a panoramic view that is even better than Huayna Picchu. It is the highest mountain in the entire Machu Picchu area.
To be able to enjoy this hiking route and reach the summit you will have to buy an extra ticket next to the one with your entrance. This can increase your budget for the Machu Picchu trip cost, but believe us, in the end, it will all be worth it. In the same way as the Citadel tickets, reserving them in advance is advisable. The hike is optional but offers some beautiful views of the Inca citadel. You can enjoy panoramic views of the sanctuary and the surrounding landscape. In Inca times, priests were believed to perform rituals on the top of the mountain.
A brief history of the mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain was a site just as important as the citadel it accompanies. According to numerous academic studies, it was a very demanded path for the Incas.
It is believed to be used as a giant military checkpoint, where the citadel was protected against any threat from neighboring cultures. However, there is also some evidence of religious and spiritual ritual celebrations at the summit. Of course, all these are due to the Inca buildings found in the place.
Other theories investigate the mountain’s astronomical function. According to these, scholars and high priests could study the cosmos, constellations, and the different solstices that occurred here. It could also have been the climate study zone or future dates.
Although the original purpose of the road built on this mountain will always be one of the mysteries.
The Hiking: Step by Step
First, you have to follow the upper trail toward the Caretaker Hut. The path is well-signposted so that you can follow the minor wooden signs. It is the same path that leads to the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu (Inti Punku).
You may even see those who chose to enjoy the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu entering from there. The journey from the entrance to the Inca citadel to the Caretakers Hut checkpoint takes about 30 minutes.
The path to the Mountain
Unlike the route leading to Wayna Picchu mountain, this hike is much simpler but more extensive. It is also well-signposted and does not present significant difficulties.
After the guardhouse or checkpoint, the trail climbs evenly for an hour. As you gain altitude, the path gradually gets steeper. As you go, you can begin to enjoy the beautiful views. Note that the closer to the base, the steeper the trail becomes.
Also, the steps get narrower and more challenging. If you continue for another 30 minutes, you will see a stone entrance. Later, you will find a small cabin where you can take refuge and breathe. Finally, there is a beautiful viewpoint with views of the incredible Machu Picchu map and its surroundings. Walking this trail lasts approximately 4 hours and involves climbing more than 1600 steps to the top of the mountain.
Is it difficult?
The difficulty will be moderate to challenging, depending on your fitness level and desire to hike. The summit of Machu Picchu is 10,111 feet or 3,082 meters above sea level. Walking this trail lasts approximately 3 hours and involves more than 1600 steps to the top of the mountain.
We do not recommend this route if you are afraid of heights, have never hiked before, have had heart disease, or are overweight. Very steep sections can make it difficult for those with vertigo. Machu Picchu mountain is less steep than the Huayna Picchu trail. Its path is broader and better marked than Huayna Picchu’s trail.
The best time to hike it
Hiking Machu Picchu mountain in the dry season is recommended because of its steep paths, stone steps, and humidity. At this time of year, you can also contemplate the Urubamba river, the flora and fauna, and the beautiful mountain scenery.
Remember that the inca citadel of Machu Picchu zone has two well-defined weather during the year. During the rainy season (December to March), expect hard rains, high humidity, and cloud forest. The Dry Season (April – November) features clear skies, warm weather, and intense sunshine rays. Therefore, if you want to avoid slips, bumps, and some falls, the dry season is for you!
How to get your tickets
Generally, those planning to enter the citadel of Machu Picchu should book their entrance tickets a few months in advance.
The same applies to those who intend to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. A high demand exists both in the dry season and during the high tourist season from March to November. You can buy your tickets directly on the official website of the Ministry of Culture: https://tuboleto.cultura.pe and also at the ticket offices of the Ministry of Culture in Cusco (Calle Maruri 340) and (Calle Garcilaso S/N).
To hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have to opt for Circuit 1 + Machu Picchu Mountain Route, which has two access shifts. The hike is about 3 hours, and if you plan to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu, it will take approximately 5 hours in total.
Price of ticket
The admission fee for adults (18+) is 200 soles or USD 55. For children (3-17 years old), it is 118 soles or USD 31. Children under three years old get free admission.
Schedules of visit
To enjoy Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have to choose one of the two available shifts. First, you must think about your list of the best things to do in Machu Picchu besides visiting the mountain to order your personal schedule, once get there.
You have to bear in mind that with the new regulations, foreigners looking to visit Machu Picchu only have 3 hours available. But if you chose to complement your tour with some mountain hikes, you will have 8 hours to enjoy the complex. Since about 5 hours are allowed for the walk and about 3 hours to tour the citadel.
Saying that there are 2 schedules access to Machu Picchu mountain. One from 07:00 am – 08:00 am. And the other one is from 08:00 am – 09:00 am. Both are the ranges of time in which you can enter the mountain. Each schedule offers only 200 tickets available per day, making a total of 400 entrances per day, not more. Therefore, buying your entrances in advance will be our best recommendation.
07:00 am – 08:00 am
About 200 people a day are allowed to enter during this shift. This shift is perfect for those who decided to stay in Aguas Calientes the night before. It is advisable to be at the citadel’s entrance first thing in the morning to avoid long lines.
The advantage of this turn is that once at the top, you can see how Machu Picchu fills up slowly with tourists. If you have this schedule for the visit, you can hike to Machu Picchu first and then visit the citadel after. If we forgot, this schedule is perfect for a honeymoon in Machu Picchu, too!
09:00 am – 08:00 am
As, in the first shift, only 200 people are allowed to enter. If you have just come on the train to Machu Picchu, it may be the best turn available. It is also usually the best turn for those who opted for the Inca Trail or some of the other alternatives to get to Machu Picchu. In this sense, you can visit the citadel first and after do the hiking to the mountain. It is important to note that the mountain is available until noon only. After noon, the others are forced to start going down. There is a ranger here who will not allow you to continue if it is afternoon.
What to pack for the hike
Visiting Machu Picchu Mountain is a fantastic experience, but the walk might make you feel dizzy if you are afraid of heights. Besides that, the trail can be very steep. If you plan to enjoy this walk, the morning may be ideal. You will find cooler temperatures and sectors with more shade. Remember that the average altitude at Machu Picchu is approximately 2,430 meters above sea level.
As for tips, we recommend not forgetting to take these essentials for your trip:
- Raincoat
- Hiking sticks or poles
- Camera (A good idea would be to bring an additional SD card)
- Sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses
- 1 liter or 1.5-liter reusable water bottle
- Light Snacks
- Backpack
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Toilet Paper
- Passport
Other alternatives and tips
Another popular alternative to Machu Picchu vacations is the well-known Huayna Picchu mountain. This alternative is actually much more popular with tourists. This is the famous peak found in all the well-known photos behind the citadel. It is a very popular option due to its additional Inca ruins, such as the Temple of the Moon.
The Huayna Picchu hike is a much steeper one than the Machu Picchu mountain hike. It may even have some sections that are of heart. As an advantage, the mountain of Machu Picchu can be a much more familiar option. You can enjoy it with the children or the little ones.
Being chosen by the majority of tourists, it is more likely that the Machu Picchu tickets will sell out much faster. In the same way, Machu Picchu mountain ticket is ideal for you if you do not tolerate crowded places. The walk is calmer since there are not too many people on it.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu differences
| Huayna Picchu mountain | Machu Picchu mountain | |
| Location | Machu Picchu North | Machu Picchu South |
| Elevation | 8750 feet | 10112 feet |
| Slope | 60º | 30º |
| Difficulty | High | Moderate to high |
| Climb time | 01 hour approx. (one way) | 02 hours approx. (one way) |
| Tickets available | 400 | 400 |
| Schedules of visit | 4-time intervals | 2-time intervals |
| Allowed ages | 12 years or more | Everybody |
| It is best for… | Young people and some with a good physical condition | Everyone including children, and old people with a good physical condition |
“MY FAVORITE THING TO DO IS GO WHERE I’VE NEVER BEEN”
Together with Machu Travel Peru, we hope this article has been useful to you. As you can see, being able to hike the Machu Picchu mountain is a unique experience. And it is usually a great alternative in case you cannot enjoy other treks to Machu Picchu. Both the Huayna Picchu mountain and the Machu Picchu are wonderful hiking trails. No matter which one you choose, you will be able to witness wonderful views of the citadel and the surrounding landscapes. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Our team of qualified consultants will be happy to help you organize the trip of your dreams. What are you waiting to organize your trip with us? Have fun in this wonderful country with your friends or family!
