So, Peru. It’s like, the place to go in South America, right? So much to see, so much to do. And everyone, I mean everyone, who goes to Peru has Machu Picchu on their brain. It’s the dream. The big check mark on the old bucket list. But here’s a thought – Machu Picchu itself is amazing, no doubt, but there’s a bunch of other cool stuff right around it. One of the big ones? Machu Picchu Mountain. It’s a hike, a bit of a challenge for sure, but man, when you get to the top… the views of the Inca Citadel are just something else. Unforgettable.
So, What’s the Story with Machu Picchu Mountain Anyway?
Good question. Most people figure it was like a giant military lookout. Makes sense, right? Protecting the main city down below from any troublemakers or rival groups. There’s also some stuff they found that makes it seem like they held religious ceremonies, spiritual stuff, up on the summit. And then there are the brainy theories – that the mountain was an astronomical observatory. Imagine, scholars and high priests up there, studying the stars, the constellations, figuring out the solstices. Pretty wild.
Where Exactly Is This Mountain (Montaña, They Call It)?
Okay, get this: Machu Picchu Mountain is way up there at 3082 meters (that’s about 10,111 feet) above sea level. That’s a good 600 meters higher than Machu Picchu citadel itself, which sits around 2430 meters. You’ll find it towering over the southwest corner of the whole Machu Picchu park area. Technically, it’s in the Cusco Region, province of Urubamba, Machu Picchu district. And yeah, the hike gives you these awesome, different views of Machu Picchu city that not everyone gets to see.
How Do You Actually Get Up There?
Alright, here’s the plan if you’re gonna hike it. First, you walk to the Guard House. Even from there, the views of Machu Picchu are pretty magnificent, a good warm-up. After you pass the Guard House, or the checkpoint, the trail kinda climbs steadily for about an hour. Now, listen up – the closer you get to the base of the mountain proper, the steeper it gets. The steps get narrower too, more of a challenge. Keep going for another half hour or so, and you’ll spot this stone entrance. A bit later, there’s a small cabin – a good spot to catch your breath and maybe take shelter if the weather turns. All in all, the round trip for this trek? Expect it to take you about 3 hours.
Tickets: The Lowdown on Getting In
Yep, you need a ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain. Can’t just wander up. And here’s a new thing: from June 1st, 2024, you’ll specifically need a Circuit 1 entrance ticket that includes the Mountain. This ticket gets you to that Guard House viewing point I mentioned, which is perfect for those classic, wonderful photos of Machu Picchu. The price for this? Looking at US$75 per person.
Super important note here: If you get the ticket to hike Machu Picchu Mountain, that doesn’t mean you can then tour the main ruins of Machu Picchu citadel. Nope. For that, you’d need an additional entrance ticket and a guide. Don’t get caught out!
Getting Your Timed Slot:
There are a couple of groups for entry:
- Group 1: You can enter Machu Picchu citadel from 7 am. Your window to start the Mountain hike is between 7 am and 8 am.
- Group 2: You can enter Machu Picchu citadel from 9 am. Your window to start the Mountain hike is between 9 am and 10 am.
Little More on Tickets:
- They only sell 200 tickets for the mountain each day. That’s it. Not a lot.
- Good news is you can go with family, with friends. There’s no age limit, so if you’re fit enough, you’re good.
- Seriously though, book your tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain way ahead of time. It’s a popular hike and those tickets? They disappear fast.
Getting to Machu Picchu in the First Place
Cusco. That’s your home base for anything Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Most people hang out in Cusco for a day or two, exploring that old Inca city. It’s pretty cool. From Cusco, you’ve got options to reach Machu Picchu:
- Train: Lots of trains leave from Cusco and also from the Sacred Valley. Different types too, from regular tourist ones to super fancy luxury ones. The train ride itself is amazing, cutting through the Sacred Valley of the Incas – the scenery is just beautiful, seriously world-class. You’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, which is the little town right below Machu Picchu. From there, you hop on a bus that goes up this crazy zigzag road to the main gate of Machu Picchu. That’s where you’ll either start your tour or head off to the Mountain trail.
- Hike It: This is a big one for lots of people. There are a few different treks you can do, from a quick 2-day thing to a tougher 4 or 5-day slog through the high Andes. These hikes usually pass through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and finish right at Machu Picchu. What an entrance!
You can do the Machu Picchu Mountain hike either before or after your guided tour of the main Machu Picchu site. But, and I can’t say this enough, book those Mountain tickets well in advance because, you guessed it, they sell out quick.
When Should You Go? Best Time for the Hike
Okay, timing your visit. The Dry season (April to September) is definitely the most popular time. Why? Well, you generally get clear skies, sunshine, it’s humid and hot, and all the plants are super green and colorful. Most important, though, the paths are usually solid and dry, so walking feels more secure.
Then there’s the Rainy season (December to March). This brings its own set of, uh, challenges. Think muddy paths, slippery spots. And yeah, hard rain, cloudy skies, and sometimes a thick fog can just roll in. That fog can totally block your views of Machu Picchu, which would be a bummer. The upside? The sites are usually way less crowded. More peaceful, if you don’t mind the wet.
Other Hikes if You’re Keen
Machu Picchu Mountain is pretty fabulous, no doubt. But there are other trails around the Inca site too.
- Huayna Picchu: This is probably the most famous one. It’s that pointy mountain you always see right behind Machu Picchu in the photos. It’s also a challenge, but there are temples and stuff to see on top, plus, again, great views of Machu Picchu.
- Huchuy Picchu: This is a newer option. It’s an easier hike, good for folks who want to try something a bit different without a massive climb.
Altitude Sickness – Ugh, Let’s Talk About It
“How will the altitude affect me?” That’s the million-dollar question, and it’s hard to say. Some people? Nothing. They’re fine. Others? Yeah, it hits them. Best to be prepared. Here are some things that can help:
- Don’t push yourself too hard: When you first get to a high altitude place like Cusco, try to take it easy. Give your body time to just rest and focus on adjusting. Seriously, chill for a bit.
- Drink tons of water: Altitude makes you dehydrate faster. So, drink as much water as you possibly can during your trip. They say to drink an extra liter or even more a day.
- Think about altitude medication: Some pills can help your body adjust easier and might cut down on symptoms like headaches, feeling super tired, nausea, or just generally feeling rubbish. Might be worth getting some before you go, just in case.
- Try coca tea or coca leaves: This is the old-school Inca remedy. Coca leaves (not to be confused with cocoa for chocolate!) are from Peru and they act as a kind of stimulant that can calm down altitude symptoms and help you adapt more naturally. Most hotels in Cusco will have coca tea for free in the lobby. You can also buy coca leaves (to chew on) from vendors, markets, and shops all over Cusco. Worth a shot!
What to Shove in Your Backpack
Okay, for the Machu Picchu Mountain hike specifically, here’s what you’ll want to have to make it unforgettable (in a good way):
- Water: At least 1 liter. You’ll need it.
- Snacks: You can’t really bring meals into Machu Picchu, but snacks are okay. Energy bars, nuts, that kind of thing.
- Sunscreen / Hat / Sunglasses: The sun up there is no joke. It’s strong. Protect your skin and your eyes.
- Hiking boots or good walking shoes: Something with good grip. You’ll be climbing a LOT of stone steps.
- Rain Jacket: Even if it looks sunny, have waterproof gear. Those downpours can sneak up on you. Probably a good idea to have a raincoat with you any time of year, just to be safe.
- Layers: Long pants are a good idea. And layers of clothes. The temperature can change fast, and there are these annoying biting flies sometimes.
- Insect Repellent: Speaking of those biting flies… yeah, bring repellent. You’ll thank me later.
- Backpack: Not a giant one. They say nothing larger than about 25cm x 22cm x 50cm (around 9.8in x 8.6in x 19.7in).
- Passport: Crucial. You literally can’t get into Machu Picchu without it. They check.
- Your Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket: This one’s a bit obvious, but don’t lose it!
- (Optional) Camera: Photos and videos are fine. Just leave your drones and tripods at home; they’re not allowed.
So, there you have it. Machu Picchu Mountain is genuinely one of the best hikes you can do if you’re at Machu Picchu. The views from the top are just spectacular. Seriously worth the huffing and puffing it takes to get up there. If you’re a nature lover, or if you love taking photos, the Machu Picchu Mountain trek is definitely for you. It gives you such a different way of seeing Machu Picchu. Don’t miss out on this – it really could be an experience of a lifetime.