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Here’s everything you NEED to know about Machu Picchu Mountain. This blog should answer all of your questions about this Machu Picchu add-on as well as help you decide if you should do it, or not!
When we booked our Salkantay Trek tour to Machu Picchu, the tour agency convinced us to purchase tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain too. We had no idea what Machu Picchu Mountain was, but we thought for the small extra fee we might as well!
What we discovered was an incredible (but challenging) hike to a viewpoint overlooking Machu Picchu! Not to mention, the path on the hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain was made of original Inca stonework – amazing!
With limited visitors, this hike is one way to escape the crowds of Machu Picchu and enjoy a unique view.
Here’s some important information about Machu Picchu Mountain so you can tackle this hike for yourself!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Machu Picchu mountain is definitely worth doing if you ask me! Although, you must book it in advance. You can purchase your ticket for both Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain online here.
Machu Picchu Mountain Overview
Why Hike Machu Picchu Mountain?
If you take the bus up to Machu Picchu (like almost everybody does), then your actual day visiting Machu Picchu doesn’t involve hiking at all. That is unless you also visit Machu Picchu Mountain.
This hike is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature!
From the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, you also get some of the most incredible views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (the famous peak in the background.) From up above, you can really see it all!
Machu Picchu Mountain also limits the number of people who can visit daily and has different time slots for entering. This ensures the trail is never too busy and always much less busy than Machi Picchu itself.
Because of this, you will need to buy a combo ticket for both Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain online in advance to guarantee your spot. This specific ticket ONLY includes your admission to both sites so if you’re interested in joining a tour that also includes transport and a guide I have more information on this later in this blog.
When I visited, it was a peaceful escape for a couple of hours.
If you like hiking, photography, or just want the best view then hiking Machu Picchu Mountain is something you should consider.
Related Read: Check out our trekking in Peru guide so you know what to expect before you go on any adventures.
Machu Picchu Mountain vs. Huayna Picchu
There are two add-on hikes you can do at Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu. Here’s a quick table comparing the two hikes:
Machu Picchu Mountain
- Length of Hike: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult. Longer trail but less steep.
- Elevation at the summit: 3,080 m or 10,100 ft
- Cost: $18 USD
- Buying Tickets: Can be bought a few days prior (a couple of weeks in peak season is recommended.)
- Children Allowed: Yes. All ages are allowed.
Huayna Picchu
- Length of Hike: 1.5-2 hours return
- Difficulty: Difficult. Shorter trail with a steeper incline.
- Elevation at the summit: 2,700 m or 8,850 ft
- Cost: $18 USD
- Buying Tickets: Usually books up months in advance. Should be purchased six months prior.
- Children Allowed: Under the age of 12 is not allowed
Of the two, Huayna Picchu is the most famous. It is the large pointed peak that is photographed thousands of times daily as the backdrop of the Machu Picchu Inca city.
For this reason, tickets to climb Huayna Picchu are almost always sold out months in advance. You should purchase tickets well in advance as only 400 people are permitted to climb per day.
Note: If you’ve booked a guided tour to Machu Picchu, they may already include your ticket to Huayna Picchu. This is something to ask about as if it isn’t included, your tour operator may be able to purchase the ticket for you!
Machu Picchu Mountain also allows 400 people to visit per day, however, because it is less famous the tickets do not sell out as fast (or sometimes at all.) If you are late to the game to get a ticket to Huayna Picchu, booking Machu Picchu Mountain may be your only option.
Machu Picchu Mountain is also less busy. Although the same number of people are allowed to enter each day as Huayna Picchu, tickets often do not sell out. Additionally, the trail is longer so the people are more spread out making it less crowded.
Machu Picchu Mountain is also a longer trail that takes most people 3-4 hours to complete. Many visitors do not actually summit Machu Picchu Mountain and turn back after a gorgeous viewpoint about 30 minutes in. Therefore, the last half of the trail is much quieter.
Huayna Picchu is a shorter trail that takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to climb to the top and then another 30 to 45 minutes to the bottom. Although shorter, it is very steep requiring the use of ropes and handrails at times.
The steepness and dangers of Huayna Picchu prohibit children under the age of 12 from doing this hike. People of all ages are allowed to hike Machu Picchu Mountain as the trails are wider and less steep.
At the top of Huayna Picchu there are ruins to explore. Whereas there are none at the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain.
The view from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain is arguably better than from Huayna Picchu. From the top of Machu Picchi Mountain, you will get views of the amazing peak Huayna Picchu, which is an amazing sight from across the valley!
If you decide to hike Huayna Picchu, you can buy your tickets online in advance. Wheras if Machu Picchu Mountain sounds more interesting you can book it here.
If you want to take an organized tour from Cusco, I recommend this particular tour which includes hiking Huayna Picchu and this exact tour includes hiking Machu Picchu Mountain!
Things to Know About the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
Here are some important tips and points to consider about the Machu Picchu Mountain hike:
- It is a challenging hike. Most people who start the trail aren’t able to finish it.
- There is an amazing viewpoint after about 30 minutes of hiking. So, if you don’t want to continue from here you’ll likely be satisfied and can turn back.
- There are two different time slots. Your ticket will have a time slot on it. During this one-hour period is the ONLY time you can begin the hike. Times are (7 am to 8 am or 8 am to 9 am
- You will have to register when you start the hike and sign out when you finish.
- There is very little shade along the trail. Bring a hat and sunscreen!
Buying Tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain and Logistics
Tickets to hike Machu Picchu Mountain are bought with the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. This is because the tickets have coordinating time slots. For example, if your entrance time to Machu Picchu is 6 am, your Machu Picchu Mountain time slot will be 7 am to 8 am. If your entrance time to Machu Picchu is 7 am, your hike will have to start between 8 am to 9 am.
Tickets can be bought online, or from an authorized dealer in Cusco. Because tickets sell out in advance, it is best to buy tickets online well before your intended arrival in Cusco.
If you are booking an organized tour to Machu Picchu (including hikes like the Salkantay, Jungle Trek, or Inca Trail) with transport, your tickets for Machu Picchu and additional hikes will be organized through them.
In this case, you do not need to worry about buying your ticket and if you aren’t sure simply ask your tour operator if the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain is included or not. If not, they may be able to add it on for you!
If not there is also this Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain in 1 Day Tour from Cusco that includes everything you need – all you have to do is show up with yourself and hiking gear! It’s one of the best Cusco day trips on offer.
If you don’t want to go on a tour, you can also purchase your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Mountain online!
Preparing for Machu Picchu Mountain
Like I said before, hiking Machu Picchu Mountain is not the easiest hike. As such, you need to prepare for it and bring with you more things than the average visitor to Machu Picchu.
I suggest pacing the following items to prepare for the Machu Picchu Mountain hike:
- Food – You’ll be hungry after being there for so long and hiking so much!
- At least 1.5 liters of water per person
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Good walking shoes and comfortable clothing
- Hiking poles (if you struggle with steps)
Related Read: Have you heard that the Colca Canyon in Peru deeper than the Grand Canyon? It’s definitely worth visiting!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
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Thanks for reading!
I hope this blog has helped you prepare for Machu Picchu Mountain! To me, it really was a great hike with some of the best views of Machu Picchu. A hike that is definitely worth the effort to see one of the best places in Peru!
If you liked this blog, be sure to check out all of our blogs about travel in Peru. Or, check out some of our most popular articles below:
Pamela Schabes
Saturday 5th of November 2022
Hi there! We are in the process of booking a trip that will include Machu Pichuu Mountain. How do you suggest I train for this hike? Any specific exercises? How does this hike compare to the hike up the Gros Piton on St. Lucia? Did that in 2018. Beautiful views at the top!! A bit older now. Thanks for your assistance. Have a grand day!! Pam
destinationlesstravel
Saturday 5th of November 2022
Hey Pam!
Those hikes are similar. If you train the same, you should be fine!
Thanks Daniel