Really early before dawn, travellers from all over queue up outside the bus station in Aguas Calientes, hoping to be one of the first persons to enter Machu Picchu because only the first 400 people who sign in are capable to climb Huayna Picchu (the green peak that appears in the background of almost all the Machu Picchu photos). Almost no one bothers to ascend the mountain located on the opposite end of the site, which is called Machu Picchu Mountain.
For trips to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend booking with Yapa Explorers, the top-rated operator with a variety of tours and treks to one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
The entire site has been named after this mountain (Machu Picchu means Old Mountain) and together with Huayna Picchu creates a place where the site is located in. Machu Picchu Mountain used to not have a surcharge but now its additional cost to the Machu Picchu ticket.
The Machu Picchu Mountain trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek. Following an original stone Inca Trail and continuously acceding to the summit, a good level of fitness is required. During the wet season, the trail can become more slippery making it more challenging to traverse.
From the main entrance of Machu Picchu follow the upper-trail heading in the direction of the Guardhouse. Small and newly erected wooden signs signal the way the start of the trail head, which is also the same path which leads to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). A couple of minutes from the Guardhouse, you need to turn right and follow the path, which climbs up through the agricultural terracing. Following the trail for another 15 minutes you will arrive at the wardens hut, where you need to sign in showing your passport and entrance ticket. From the entrance of Machu Picchu to the wardens hut takes approximately 30 minutes.
Unlike Huayna Picchu or Putucusi Mountain treks, the Machu Picchu Mountain trek is wide and well marked. After the wardens hut the trail follows a fairly even ascent of about 30 – 35 degrees in angle for about 1 hour. Gradually and steadily gaining altitude, the views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains become ever-more impressive. There are several view and rest points along the way. As the trail gets closer to the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, the steps become steeper, narrower and more challenging. Winding on for another 30 minutes or so, the trail passes through a stone gateway, before following a narrow mountain ridge to the summit. A small round hut provides shelter and seating, whilst the view point (a few more yards on) offers inspiring views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains. The decent follows the same route, but takes about 20 – 30 minutes less.
When skies are opening up will give way for some of the best photo moments you will encounter on the site. You can see the entire site (even parts of the slopes that cannot be seen from Huayna Picchu) and gasp down into the valleys on both sides of the site.
All Yapa Explorers trips to Machu Picchu offer the option to include Machu Picchu Mountain.
Machu Picchu Mountain is accessible all year round. During the wet season (November – April) there is a higher chance of heavy rainfall and the trail can become slippery and more challenging to traverse. The region has a sub-tropical feel throughout the year, with average daily temperatures of 18 °C (64 °F). During the dry season the humidity is around 40 – 45%, rising to 60 – 65% during the wet season.
The Machu Picchu Mountain trek is not for people with a fear of heights. In places the trail is very steep and often follows the mountain edge with thin drop offs.
Early morning trekking offers cooler temperatures and better shade from the sun but best time of day to visit this part of the site would be around noon.
Overall, it’s the perfect addition to a Machu Picchu journey, making it a much more unforgettable one. Make sure to check out Yapa Explorers to find all the best options to Machu Picchu with the option to add Machu Picchu Mountain.
Lima and Cusco might be the most visited but Arequipa has style. Whether it is its amazing cuisine or its majestic architecture and fine people, Arequipa is to be discovered, tasted and enjoyed like a fine piece of art. Don’t miss out on the hidden gem of the South when you visit Peru!
