Do you dream to meet Machu Picchu one day? Know that in addition to the classic tour of the Inca citadel, there are incredible walks full of adventure. The best known is the ascent up the Huayna Picchu mountain. However, lately more and more people decide to climb the Machu Picchu mountain. Learn more about this latest hiking route.

• 1. What is the difference between Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain?
• 2. How do I access the Machu Picchu mountain?
• 3. Who can ascend Machu Picchu mountain?
• 4. How is the tour of the Machu Picchu mountain?
• 5. What to take to climb Machu Picchu mountain?
• Recommendations during the visit to Machu Picchu mountain

The Machu Picchu mountain offers a hiking trail full of history and beautiful landscapes. The entrance ticket to this mountain includes a visit to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. This ticket can be purchased online.

1. What is the difference between Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain?

• Many people confuse Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu mountain. The first refers to the Inca citadel, the archaeological site that Hiram Bingham discovered in 1911. The second refers to the summit raised 3,082 meters from the sea (10,111 ft.), On which the aforementioned site sits.
• The coincidence of name is due to the fact that the ‘Inca Llaqta’ took the name of the mountain known by the settlers as Machu Picchu (mountain trip).
• Currently, the mountain was conditioned to be a tourist attraction. Its roads, ancient Inca trails, were enabled to be traveled daily by up to 800 people.
• The Inca city, the Huayna Picchu and the entire mountainous landscape of the place can be seen from the top and along the route.
• This mountain has no Inca temple or architectural site on its roads. However, it is the ideal place if you look for the perfect photo of the Wonder of the World.

The Inca city of Machu Picchu observed from the top of Machu Picchu mountain

2. How do I access the Machu Picchu mountain?

• The only way to access the steep roads of the Machu Picchu mountain is to acquire the ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain.
• This ticket also allows entry to the Inca citadel. It must be booked in advance, especially in high tourist season (from April to October), where it is advisable to be separated up to 2 months in advance.

There are 3 schedules available for 400 people in each:

• 1st. Hours: entrance to Machu Picchu from 6 am. / entrance to the mountain from 7 am. at 8 am / Residence time until 2 pm.

• 2nd. Hours: entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 am. / entrance to the mountain from 7 am. at 8 am / Residence time until 2 pm.

• 3rd. Hours: entrance to Machu Picchu from 8 am. / entrance to the mountain from 9 am. at 10 am / Residence time until 3 pm.

People of all ages can ascend to the top of Machu Picchu mountain

3. Who can ascend Machu Picchu mountain?

• People of any age can ascend to Machu Picchu mountain. This makes this attraction a great opportunity to enjoy it as a family.
• Newborns should be carried in baby carriers. Children must be supervised by their parents. There are cases of older adults who are encouraged to travel their paths.
• The other mountain of the place is the Huayna Picchu. The entrance to this summit is only allowed for tourists over 12 years.

4. How is the tour of the Machu Picchu mountain?

• The ascent up the Machu Picchu mountain consists of more than 1,600 steps with inclinations of up to 60º in the most difficult moments.
• It is estimated that the route is 2 kilometers by sections of stone and earth. On average, reaching the top takes 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the physical condition of the person.
• However, along the way you can enjoy the majestic landscape. The difficulty is considered moderate – high.
• During the tour you can see the flora and fauna characteristic of the eastern part of the Peruvian Andes. Orchids and butterflies stand out.
• The trails are on the edge of cliffs. However, these are protected by safety cords.
• The route is easy to follow due to the scattered signaling along the route. Visitors must not follow a path that is not allowed. Security depends on the person himself.

Tour of the Machu Picchu mountain

5. What to take to climb Machu Picchu mountain?

• The Machu Picchu mountain requires some implements for an optimal and smooth journey. This especially during the rainy season (from October to March) where rainfall dampens the steps.

• Hiking shoes.

• Medium backpack (weight greater than 5 kilos is not allowed).

• Cap or hat

• Poncho for the rain.

• Sunscreen.

• Insect repellent.

• Water in canteen.

• Light clothing.

Recommendations during the visit to Machu Picchu mountain

As you can see, Machu Picchu mountain is a great option to add adventure to the journey to the Wonder of the World. If you are planning to ascend to the top and see the Inca city as few, we recommend you take into account the following tips:

• The ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain, in addition to allowing the ascent to the mountain Machu Picchu, makes it possible to enter the Inca citadel.
• This ticket must be booked normally 4 weeks in advance. During the high tourist season, up to 2 months in advance.
• The ascent requires a physical effort. It is advisable to do some previous exercise. In the case of older adults, a medical consultation should be carried out if there is any cardiac or physical difficulty.
• Visiting the mountain is ideal during the dry season in Machu Picchu (from April to October). However, in the rainy season you can enjoy the Inca city without so many people.
• The mountain is not dangerous if the signs are followed on the road.

Advice from people who have been there

Montaña Machu Picchu

By: Diane A.

“One more day of hiking!“

“We walked this path the day after finishing the Inca Trail, so we were used to the inclinations. However, this path seemed even more steep. There are several observation platforms along the way, so you can stop to rest or not complete the climb if you wish. You must buy the tickets in advance“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 5, 2019