Machu Picchu Mountain
The highest mountain surrounding the Inca citadel is the Machu Picchu mountain. From its summit, located at 3,082 meters above sea level, you have panoramic views of the Wonder of the World. However, first, you have to complete the challenging 2.5-kilometer uphill hike. To make the visit you must choose the ‘Machupicchu + Mountain’ tour. Access to this summit is suitable for visitors of all ages.
Content
- The Machu Picchu Mountain
- The hike to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain
- The summit of Machu Picchu mountain
- The flora and fauna on Machu Picchu Mountain
- Which to choose? Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu mountain
- How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu mountain?
- Questions and answers about the visit to Machu Picchu mountain
The Machu Picchu Mountain
Machupicchu Mountain is the highest peak surrounding the Inca citadel. The other three are Huchuy Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain, and Putucusi Mountain.
The mountain is famous for being the summit that gave its name to the Inca archaeological site. In reality, Machu Picchu was called ‘Patallaqta’, but, after its discovery, it was named as the highest mountain on the site.
The Incas also built stone stairways to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain. On the route they also built retaining terraces, platforms, and, at the top, viewpoints. There, the Incas would have performed ceremonies to worship the gods (the mountains, the stars, the sun, etc.).
Because it is located at the top of Machu Picchu, the hike to the top of the mountain is the most challenging in the Inca citadel. It lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the physical condition of the tourist.
To enter this mountain you must choose the tour ‘Machupicchu + Mountain 2 days’. Access to the mountain is suitable for visitors of all ages. It is recommended to be in good physical condition.
The hike to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain
The hike to Machu Picchu mountain is a challenge for all visitors because it is the route to the highest part of the Inca citadel.
The starting point to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain is located at the top of the sector of the Guardian’s House (where the classic photos of Machu Picchu are taken). Once there, to access the mountain you must show the ticket ‘Machupicchu + Mountain’.
The first part of the hike consists of dozens of stone steps surrounded by bushes and birdsong. At the moment of entering the mountain, for security reasons, visitors must register in an entry book. Likewise, when leaving, the visitor must register his exit.
Then continues a chain of stone stairways made by the Incas and stretches of trails, all with an inclination of approximately 20 degrees. Along the route, there are viewpoints with panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Therefore, it is not necessary to reach the top to appreciate the landscapes of the Inca citadel. In total, the hike lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the physical condition of each tourist.
Throughout the hike, you will appreciate the beautiful panoramic landscapes of Machu Picchu. However, what stands out the most are the beautiful flowers (such as orchids) and the singing of the birds that inhabit the mountain. With luck, the visitor can see mammals such as the Andean deer or even the spectacled bear.
Machu Picchu mountain has no Inca temples, except for some agricultural terraces. It is believed that the Incas built more terraces and temples until the Spanish invasion in the 16th century.
Unlike Huayna Picchu mountain, Machu Picchu mountain has very safe sections. No safety ropes are required. There are no ravines or rock falls. It is a safe route, suitable for people of all ages and for the whole family.
The summit of Machu Picchu mountain
The summit of Machu Picchu mountain is located at 3,082 meters above sea level. It is estimated to be about 600 meters above the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (the archaeological site is located at 2,430 meters above sea level).
From the top of the mountain, you can appreciate the highest and, therefore, the most panoramic landscape of the Inca citadel. From there you can take pictures of the archaeological site, its Inca constructions, its agricultural terraces, the town of Aguas Calientes, the Vilcanota River, the Andes mountain range, and more.
From the top of the mountain, the cloud that ascends from the Vilcanota valley usually accumulates. The summit has a large viewpoint where you can get beautiful pictures. However, along the stretch to the top, there are up to five viewpoints with beautiful views of Machu Picchu. That is, it is not necessary to reach the top of the mountain to get the perfect picture.
The return stretch is by the same path of ascent. The walk, being descending, is lighter and takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the physical condition of the visitor. It is recommended to descend carefully, paying attention to each stone staircase.
The flora and fauna on Machu Picchu Mountain
The mountain is one of the areas of Machu Picchu that offers the greatest variety of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species.
Among the plant species that can be found along the hike are: q’euña, intimpa, cedar, alder, and pisonay. In addition, there is a diversity of orchid flowers such as the waqanki, the wiñayhuayna, the pointed tongue orchid, and more.
Birds are also very assiduous to visit the Machu Picchu mountain perhaps due to the low traffic of tourists in the place. The most famous birds are the hummingbird, the sword-billed hummingbird, the black-backed grosbeak, the hooded siskin, and, with a little luck, the cock-of-the-rock.
Mammals are rarely seen, but, with a little good fortune, they can be seen: the Andean deer, the Andean fox, the anteater, and even the famous spectacled bear.
For lovers of butterflies, reptiles, and insects, along the route, these are very visible, especially the lizard, the milfoil, cicadas, and more. Throughout the hike, you can hear the echo of birds, and insects and the deep smell of the vegetation.
Which to choose? Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu mountain
Learn about the different and similar aspects of the two most visited mountains in Machu Picchu:
| Differences and similarities | Machu Picchu Mountain | Huayna Picchu Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Where is it? | In the southern sector of Machu Picchu (near the Guardian’s House) | In the northern sector of Machu Picchu |
| At what altitude? | 3,082 masl | 2,693 masl |
| What does your name mean? | Old Mountain | Young mountain |
| Where is the entrance door? | A few steps from the sector of the Guardian’s House (inside Machu Picchu) | A few steps from the Sacred Rock (inside Machu Picchu) |
| How many kilometers is the walk? | 2.2 kilometers approx. | 1.8 kilometers approx. |
| How many staircases do you walk? | Nearly 1,500 stone staircases | Nearly two thousand stone stairs |
| What are your Inca constructions? | Agricultural terraces | Agricultural terraces and religious temples |
| What are the roads like? | Route with trails and stone stairs of 20 degrees | Route with stairs with slopes ranging from 30 to 60 degrees |
| What is the entry? | Entrance ticket ‘Machupicchu + Mountain’ | Entrance ticket ‘Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu’ |
| What is its flora and fauna like? | Abundant vegetation with a variety of flowers, birds and butterflies | Less vegetation, but with presence of birds and butterflies |
| What are your restrictions? | Suitable for visitors of all ages | Suitable for visitors over 12 years old |
How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu mountain?
The Machu Picchu mountain can be visited through an all-inclusive tour or on your own. In the first case, you must hire a 2-day tour with a tourist agency. The second option is to purchase the ‘Machupicchu + Mountain’ ticket.
The 2-day Machu Picchu mountain tour offers different discounts for tourists from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia, citizens under 18 years of age, and university students under 25 years of age. Check the prices!
Questions and answers about the visit to Machu Picchu mountain
Where is the Machu Picchu mountain located? How to visit it from Cusco?
The Machu Picchu mountain is located inside the archaeological site of the Inca city of Machu Picchu (in the upper sector of the Guardian’s House). To enter from Cusco you must travel by train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Then, a bus ride to the gate of Machu Picchu. Upon entering the Inca citadel, you must go to the sector of the Guardian’s House. Finally, the entrance to Machu Picchu is made.
What are the visiting hours for Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, the Machu Picchu mountain is open to visitors every day of the year, from 6 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. The visiting time is approximately 5 hours.
Is the visit to Machu Picchu mountain suitable for people of all ages?
Yes, the Machu Picchu mountain has wide paths that are safe, so the entrance is allowed for visitors of all ages. On the other hand, the entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain is allowed for tourists over 12 years old.
How long is the hike to the top of Machu Picchu mountain?
The hike to the top of Machu Picchu mountain lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes approximately. It is approximately a 2.2-kilometer route. The paths are ascending with slopes of 20 degrees on average.
Is it dangerous to visit Machu Picchu mountain?
The Machu Picchu mountain is the highest peak surrounding the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is a safe hiking route as it runs along wide paths with sections of stone steps that are safe for all visitors. Moreover, the route is allowed for visitors of all ages.
When is a good month to visit Machu Picchu Mountain?
The Machu Picchu mountain is open every day of the year. The visit can be made for people of all ages. The best time to visit is from April to October as these are the dry season months (little chance of rain). This favors outdoor hiking in the mountains. The best months are June, July and August.
How high is Machu Picchu mountain and how high is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu mountain is at 3,082 meters above sea level while the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is at 2,430 meters above sea level. That is, the mountain is almost 600 meters higher.
Can older adults hike Machu Picchu mountain?
Older adults can hike Machu Picchu Mountain. It is not necessary to reach the top of the mountain to get beautiful views. Many seniors reach the first or second viewpoint and then return. However, it is recommended to be in good physical condition and not to have a heart disease.