The ascent to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain is one of the most incredible adventures inside the Wonder of the World. In addition to the challenge of climbing its steep 600-year-old steps, there you can appreciate the splendor of the flora and fauna that surrounds the Inca site. You can also appreciate the Inca Citadel from the highest point. It is the perfect place to take the best pictures of the entire Historic Sanctuary. Live the adventure of photographing the Machu Picchu mountain, at the highest point of the Inca site.

• The challenging hike to Machu Picchu mountain
• The flora and fauna surrounding Machu Picchu mountain
• At the top of Machu Picchu
• The best pictures of Machu Picchu mountain
• The Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket: schedules and prices
• Photographic differences between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu
• More information to take into account about Machu Picchu mountain
• Questions and answers about the Machu Picchu mountain

Enjoy a photographic adventure on Machu Picchu Mountain

The hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain
The most intense trekking route inside Machu Picchu is the hike to the top of Machu Picchu mountain. The archaeological site is located at 2,430 meters above sea level while the top of the mountain is at 3,082 meters above sea level. The trekking route is approximately 2.5 kilometers long. The route is through trails and stone stairways built by the Incas. The route takes 2 hours or a little more, depending on the physical capacity of each visitor. The route is suitable for all people, whether they are children or older adults. Along the way there are viewpoints with beautiful views of Machu Picchu, so it is not necessary to reach the top to have spectacular views. The entrance is with the ticket ‘Machupicchu + Mountain’.

The challenging hike to Machu Picchu mountain

• The Machu Picchu mountain is the summit that gave its name to the Inca Citadel. It is 3,082 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), almost 600 meters above the archaeological site, which is located on its slopes. There are ancient Inca trails more than 600 years old that lead to the summit, a place of worship to the ‘Apus’ or spirits of the mountains. According to Andean cosmology, the summits were gods that protected men. The Machu Picchu mountain was one of the protective entities of the Incas.
• The ascent to the top of this mountain is a challenge for the visitor. It is estimated that the journey is approximately 2 kilometers on trails with slopes of up to 30°. The roads are made of stone and dirt with few flat stretches. It is estimated that the climb takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the physical condition of the tourist. The route is considered of medium to moderate difficulty. The danger is almost nonexistent. Although the trails are on the edge of cliffs, they are wide and well marked.

The flora and fauna surrounding Machu Picchu mountain

• Along the way to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain, you can appreciate a great variety of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. In 2012, the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary was chosen as the world’s top Green Tourism Destination.
• It is estimated that in the area there are more than 200 species of orchids, beautifully pigmented flowering plants. In addition, there are estimated to be more than 700 types of butterflies and 400 kinds of birds. Much of this varied nature is found in the mountains.
• The vizcacha is one of the animals that inhabit the Machu Picchu mountain. These rodents of the Andes hide in the rocks appearing in the early hours to warm up with the first rays of the sun.
• It is also possible to see several species of lizards, including a recently discovered one called “the Andean lizard of Machu Picchu”. If you are luckier, it is possible to see a spectacled bear, an endangered species that roams the summits of the Wonder of the World.

Dreamlike scenery on Machu Picchu mountain

At the top of Machu Picchu

• Once at the top, the visitor will be at the highest point of the Wonder of the World. From there you have a privileged view of the Inca citadel, the Vilcanota River, the Huayna Picchu, the Putucusi mountain, the town of Aguas Calientes, the flora and fauna of the area and all under a splendid sky.
• However, it is not necessary to reach the top to appreciate all the scenic beauty of the place. Along the way up, you can already enjoy the panorama from a privileged point of view.
• At the top of the mountain, the visitor will find himself at 3,082 meters above sea level. From this point you can get the best pictures of Machu Picchu. Either with the Inca citadel in the background or with the greenery of the other mountain peaks behind.
• The most beautiful photos are taken at the top of this summit. It is important not to get too close to the cliffs or look for unmarked trails in an effort to find an unusual photo. It is advisable to respect the mountain and nature from this point.

Map of the route to Machu Picchu Mountain

The best pictures of Machu Picchu mountain

• The incredible views from the top, the rich diversity of flora and fauna and the challenging ascent to the top make Machu Picchu mountain one of the most propitious places to take the best pictures of the Wonder of the World.
• The tour begins at the so-called ‘Cada del Guardián’ from where the classic postcard photo of the Inca citadel is taken.
• Already at the top, the archaeological site looks small. This is the moment for a photo for posterity.
• Along the way, if you are lucky, you can photograph viscachas, butterflies, birds, lizards or even a spectacled bear.
• The classic shot at the top of the mountain is next to the sign indicating the 3,082 meter height at the summit.
• The great diversity of orchids is also a great option to achieve the best image. In Inca times, this mountain had a religious importance, just as it is now for visitors looking to get the best image of their dream trip.

Top of Machu Picchu Mountain

The Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket: schedules and prices

The Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket allows the entrance to Machu Picchu in circuit 3, as well as the entrance route to the mountain. Circuit 3 includes the visit to Inca constructions of the lower sector, such as: the agricultural sector, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca and the Temple of the Condor. The route lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is suitable for people of all ages, including children and the elderly.

These are the available schedules:

• Group 1: admission from 07:00 a.m. to 08:00 a.m. (spaces for approximately 200 people per day).
• Group 2: admission from 08:00 a.m. to 09:00 a.m. (spaces for approximately 200 people per day).

These are the ticket prices:

Photographic differences between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu

More information to take into account about Machu Picchu mountain

• The Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket must be booked weeks in advance, especially during the months of high tourist season (April to October).
• Many visitors, in search of getting the most unusual photos at the top of the Machu Picchu mountain, challenge the ravines or look for paths beyond the marked ones. This is not recommended due to the danger they expose themselves to.
• Sometimes, Machu Picchu dawns covered with fog. However, as the hours go by, the mist generally dissipates until the weather is suitable for taking the best photos. This happens more frequently during the rainy season (from November to March).
• As its name suggests, during the rainy season, rainfall occurs more frequently. To hike Machu Picchu mountain, it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear for hiking during those months.

Tourist photographing Machu Picchu from the Mountain

Questions and answers about the Machu Picchu mountain

• 1) What photos can I get with the Machupicchu + Mountain ticket?

  This type of ticket allows you to take pictures in Machu Picchu from the lower part. Optionally, by requesting permission from a guard, you can get the most famous photos from the sector of the Guardian’s House. It also allows you to get panoramic photos from the top of the Machu Picchu mountain.

• 2) How is circuit 3 in Machu Picchu? What photos can I get?

  The circuit includes the visit to the lower part of Machu Picchu, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the agricultural sector, the water fountains and more. This circuit allows a beautiful picture of Machu Picchu from the lower sector (agricultural area).

• 3) How are the photographs from the top of Machu Picchu mountain?

  From the top of the Machu Picchu mountain you can get the most panoramic pictures of all Machupicchu: the mountain range, the valley, the river and all the great Andean geography.

• 4) Can I get the classic photo of Machu Picchu with the route to the mountain?

  In theory, no. However, in practice, visitors can request permission from a guard to get, for a moment, the classic photograph of Machu Picchu in the sector of the Guardian’s House.

• 5) Do I need to get to the top of Machu Picchu mountain to get good photographs?

  No, along the hike to the mountain there are viewpoints where you can get panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.

• 6) Can I take pictures of animals on the route to Machu Picchu mountain?

  On the route to Machu Picchu mountain you can get pictures of the flora and birds characteristic of the Inca city. The animals, such as the spectacled bear, the Andean deer or the viscacha, are visible with a little luck.

• 7) With which ticket can I get the best photos in Machu Picchu?

  The Machupicchu Solo and Machupicchu + Inca Bridge tickets; allow you to get excellent photos of Machu Picchu. Another good option is the Machupicchu + Mountain ticket.

• 8) How to get panoramic photos of Machu Picchu on Machu Picchu mountain?

  From the top of the Machu Picchu mountain or at its viewpoints along the trekking route, excellent photographs of the trip can be obtained.

• 9) Is there fog that spoils the photographs from the top of Machu Picchu mountain?

  The fog makes it impossible to get good photographs of Machu Picchu from the top of the mountain. They can occur at any time of the year, especially in the mornings. However, it depends on the weather of the day, which is unpredictable.

• 10) How high is Machu Picchu mountain? Are these the most panoramic photos of Machu Picchu?

  The top of Machu Picchu mountain is located at 3,082 meters above sea level. From there you get the highest photo in Machu Picchu, the most panoramic of all.

Advice from people who have been there

Montaña Machu Picchu

By: Joaquín A.

“Difficult, but with beautiful views“

“Long route, everything is uphill, but at every moment you get beautiful views. It is not necessary to get to the top. I recommend it to everyone who likes hiking. A great experience.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 7, 2024