Tips and hiking guide for Machu Picchu Mountain
The Machu Picchu Mountain is a short walk to the highest point of the Inca Citadel. Tour ancient Inca trails surrounded by abundant vegetation and fabulous landscapes. The biggest prize is to reach the top and appreciate the scenic splendor of the Historic Sanctuary.
- What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
- How to get to the Machu Picchu Mountain?
- How is the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain?
- How is the descent to Machu Picchu Mountain?
- When is the best time to visit the Machu Picchu Mountain?
- More information about Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tips during the visit to Machu Picchu
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
The Machu Picchu Mountain (Old Mountain) is the summit that rises on the highest point of the Wonder of the World. On its slopes, the Incas built the Inca City hundreds of years ago.
- Location – This summit rises at the top and opposite the Waynapicchu.
- Height – This impressive hill is located at 3,082 meters above sea level, almost 300 meters above the Huayna Picchu and 600 meters, more than the Inca City.
- Why is it so famous? – On its slopes old Inca roads were built, so its route to the top is currently a tourist attraction. It is not necessary to reach the highest point to enjoy the beauty of the landscape. From there you can see the Vilcanota River, the town of Aguas Calientes, the Inca City, the Huayna Picchu, the Putucusi and all the geography of the area.
As well as the Machu Picchu Mountain, there are other hiking options in the Wonder of the World such as the Huayna Picchu or the Intipunku.
How to get to the Machu Picchu Mountain?
From the main entrance gate to the Inca Citadel, follow the signs until you ascend to the so-called ‘Casa del Guardián’.
From this point, you follow the main path that leads to the Puerta del Sol or Intipunku (that’s where the walkers enter the Inca Trail enter).
In a part of the route it turns to the right course to the control booth and entrance door to the Machu Picchu Mountain.
All the way is well marked and takes an average of 30 minutes. For security reasons, the tourist must show his ticket and register before ascending to the summit.
How is the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain?
Once at the control gate, the ascent begins. In the first 30 minutes this is wide with generally stone stairs.
How is the rise? – The climb is steady with few flat sections. There are some points where you can rest in the shade. Around it abounds the vegetation and the insects of all type. From any point of the route, you can appreciate the majesty of the Andean landscape of that part of Peru.
After a constant ascent, the last sections of the road are steeper and narrower. It is estimated that the stairs have a slope of up to 30 °. In a part of the way it is passed through a stone door. From there, we walk a straight path to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Difficulty of the climb – The difficulty is considered moderate-medium. It is longer but less intense than Huayna Picchu.
- How long does the rise? – The total journey takes an average of 3 hours depending on the physical state of the person. The ascent can be achieved in 1 or 2 hours.
How is the descent to Machu Picchu Mountain?
After enjoying the highest of the Wonder of the World, it’s time to return. The descent is by the same path of ascent.
- How is the descent? – While this is less arduous and takes less time, the visitor should take their precautions and do it with care. During the rainy season (from November to April), the stairs can be somewhat slippery due to rainfall. However, there is no real danger if the tourist obeys the signs and takes precautions.
- How long does the descent take? – When you return to the control booth you must indicate your departure in the logbook. The descent takes an average of 1 hour, depending on the physical state of the person.
- Is Machu Picchu Mountain dangerous? – The roads are safe and well marked. The visitor should not risk his life unnecessarily looking for routes on his own. Parents must take special care with minors.
When is the best time to visit the Machu Picchu Mountain?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu Mountain is during the dry season (April to October). In those months, there is little chance of rain so the roads are not slippery. The sun shines and the weather is ideal for walks.
More information about Machu Picchu Mountain
Here are some other facts about this tourist attraction.
- Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain: The Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain is the only means that allows the entry. Only 800 people a day can make the tour so it is recommended to make the respective reservation with time in advance.
- Schedule: The income is divided into two groups of 400 people each. Group 1 makes its entrance from 07:00 a.m. at 08:00 a.m. Group 2, from 09:00 a.m. at 10:00 a.m.
- Discounts: Admission is allowed to people of all ages. There are discounts for university students, under 18 and citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN).
Tips during the visit to Machu Picchu
If you are thinking of traveling to Cusco and taking the amazing tour of Machu Picchu Mountain, you should take some considerations:
- The Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket must be reserved days in advance. If you want to make your visit during high tourist season (March to October) with up to 4 weeks in advance.
- The dry season (from April to October) of Machu Picchu is a good time to make the ascent to the Mountain. There is less chance of rain and fog so the landscapes are more radiant.
- The rainy season (from November to March) is ideal for climbing the mountain for people who want to make the trek with fewer tourists around.
- Carry only what is necessary for the ascent: water in canteen, cap or hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks, camera. Only backpacks with a maximum weight of 5 kilos are allowed.
