Machu Picchu Mountain

MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

Machu Picchu Mountain, also known as Machu Picchu Mountain, represents the highest peak in the region with an altitude of 3,082 meters (10,111 feet). This mountain is located in the Machu Picchu District, Urubamba Province, Cusco Region. It stands out in the southern part of the Machu Picchu Citadel. The term “Machu Picchu” comes from the Quechua language, where “Machu” means ancient or great, and “Picchu” denotes mountain. Therefore, “Machu Picchu” translates as “big mountain”. It is common to generate confusion between Machu Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Citadel, but it is important to clarify that they are not the same.

When you book a tour or purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, you are ensuring entrance to the Machu Picchu Citadel, but not necessarily to the mountain. Machu Picchu Mountain, or simply Mountain, is the highest point in the region and requires a separate entrance that must be booked in advance. Visiting Machu Picchu does not automatically imply ascending this mountain, as it is an additional option. You will only be able to do this hike if you have a specific permit other than the one that grants access to the Machu Picchu Citadel.

How to get there:

From Machu Picchu’s main entrance, follow the upper trail in the direction of the Guardhouse. Newly erected wooden signs mark the trailhead, which coincides with the path leading to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). A short distance from the Guardhouse, you’ll turn right and follow the trail that ascends through agricultural terraces. After roughly 15 minutes, you’ll reach the warden’s hut, where you must register by presenting your passport and entrance ticket. The journey from Machu Picchu’s entrance to the warden’s hut typically takes around 30 minutes.

Unlike the treks to Huayna Picchu or Putucusi Mountain, the Machu Picchu Mountain trail is wide and well-marked. After leaving the warden’s hut, the trail features a relatively consistent ascent, with an angle of approximately 30 – 35 degrees, for about an hour. As you steadily gain altitude, the vistas of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains become increasingly breathtaking. Along the way, there are several viewpoints and rest stops. Closer to the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, the steps become steeper, narrower, and more challenging. Continuing for another 30 minutes or so, the trail passes through a stone gateway before following a narrow mountain ridge to reach the summit. A small circular hut offers shelter and seating, while the viewpoint just a short distance away provides awe-inspiring panoramas of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Putucusi Mountains. The descent follows the same route but typically takes about 20 – 30 minutes less.

When the skies clear, it reveals some of the most captivating photographic opportunities within the site. You can observe the entire site, including sections not visible from Huayna Picchu, and gaze into the valleys on both sides of the site.

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Important Details:

• Time needed: Ascent – approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes; Descent – about 1 hour
• Summit Altitude: 3,082 meters (10,111 feet) above sea level
• Elevation gain from Machu Picchu: 652 meters (2,139 feet)
• Terrain: Inca Trail stone path steps with occasional grass and dirt sections
• Entrance Times: First entrance: 7 am – 8 am; Second entrance: 9 am – 10 am
• All visitors must complete the trek by 3 pm.
• Visitors must be accompanied by an official guide.
• Tickets: Limited to 400 per day and must be purchased as part of a combined ticket with general entrance to Machu Picchu from the official government website.

What are the entrance hours to Machu Picchu Mountain?

To access Machu Picchu Mountain, it is essential to purchase your entrance ticket in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, depending on the season. You will have the option of selecting between two different schedules to explore this mountain. However, before booking your entrance ticket to the mountain, it is crucial to consider the type of tour you will be participating in.

Machu Picchu Mountain tickets will give you the opportunity to enter Machu Picchu on two occasions. First, you will access the summit of Machu Picchu, where you will enjoy the most impressive views. After finishing your hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have the chance to enter Machu Picchu again, this time to explore Circuit 3.

First Mountain Time (7:00 am – 8:00 am)

The first time slot is perfect for those who spent the night in Aguas Calientes. You will take the first buses to Machu Picchu in the morning and ascend the mountain before sunrise. From the top of the mountain, you will be able to watch Machu Picchu gradually fill up with visitors. Opting for this option carries a total cost of USD 75 to access both Machu Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Citadel, but only 50 people are allowed to enter at this time. However, there is a downside: after a 3-hour round-trip hike to the top, you may feel too fatigued to continue your 2-3 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.

If you choose this alternative, you will need to enter the Machu Picchu Citadel between 6:00 am and 7:00 am. It takes about 25 minutes to walk from the main gate to the access control point to this mountain. After completing the hike, you will be able to re-enter Machu Picchu through the lower entrance (Circuit 3).

Second Schedule for the Mountain (8:00 am to 9:00 am)

The second schedule, from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, allows access to 50 people and is ideal for those who arrive at Machu Picchu after having done the Short Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Inca Jungle or Train Tours. It would be best to first explore the Machu Picchu Citadel before starting the ascent to the mountain. The estimated time to reach the top of the mountain is approximately 1.5 hours, with a similar time for the descent.

Unless you are taking a private trip, we do not recommend this mountain if you are doing the 4-day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In that case, you climb this mountain first and then visit Machu Picchu. If you have an extra day in Aguas Calientes after completing the Inca Trail, you can choose to ascend this mountain and return to Cusco the next day. Machu Picchu Mountain tickets allow you to re-enter Machu Picchu, but only through the shorter circuit known as “CIRCUIT 3 OR LOWER ENTRANCE”.

How difficult is mountain climbing?

The trek to Machu Picchu Mountain is more challenging, as it is longer and higher compared to the trail to Huayna Picchu Mountain. Many consider Huayna Picchu to be the preferred option, which explains its early exhaustion. Because of its location, I personally find Machu Picchu Mountain to be one of the most impressive mountain peaks. From its summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Machu Picchu environment.

The start of the hike is steep, with a moderate slope. As you advance, the ascent becomes more demanding. The reward for reaching the top is a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the impressive fortress of Machu Picchu, which lies far below. However, it is essential to take extra precautions to avoid possible accidents.

Anyone in average physical condition can undertake the climb of this mountain. The 1.5 hours required to reach the summit can be done at your own pace, with the option of taking as many breaks as you deem necessary.

How high is the mountain?

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