Should You Hike Machu Picchu Mountain? Everything You Need To Know
Machu Picchu is an ancient site located in present-day Peru. The iconic landmark we know and love was built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century and served as a royal estate and a sacred religious site. It was lost to the outside world for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Tourists often get confused between Machu Picchu itself and the mountain of the same name. The Machu Picchu Mountain looms over the UNESCO World Heritage site at over 3,000 meters. From the summit, you can gain a bird's-eye view of the ancient city as well as the nearby mountain ranges.
In this post, we'll be filling you in on the relatively unknown gem that is Machu Picchu Mountain, so that you can decide whether to add it to your Peruvian trekking itinerary.
How To Get To Machu Picchu Mountain
The easiest way to travel to the citadel is by train. You can travel from the main city of Cusco to Aguas Calientes, which is the closest town to Machu Picchu via train. There are three different types of trains to suit all budgets — Expedition, Vistadom, and Belmond Hiram Bingham. You can pre-book tickets and view schedules here.
The journey takes around 3.5 hours and you won't be bored with the Peruvian countryside to gaze out upon.
The mountain is easy to reach from Machu Picchu itself. In order to start the ascent, you'll need to take the detour at Guardian's House and follow the signs to the trail.
When Is The Best Time To Hike Machu Picchu Mountain?
The weather in Peru is split into two seasons — the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season lasts from late April until late October and the region experiences a rainy season for the rest of the year.
While you should be prepared for any weather on the mountain, it's advisable to complete your hike during the dry season. In saying that, there are some months that are better than others for visiting the Inca ruins and Machu Picchu Mountain. July and August are the peak months for tourists, which means that securing one of the limited permits to hike the mountain will be more difficult. Accommodation may also be trickier to come by.
Alternatively, late April, May, September, and early October are all pleasantly warm and dry and have fewer tourists on the trails.
While hiking in the wet season may seem like a great way to have the mountain to yourself, it's not advisable to do so. Visibility can be poor and landslides are a real possibility, so keep safe and visit in the dry months.
Note: The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.
Why Hike Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu doesn't tend to be somewhere you hop off to on a whim for a week's break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Instead, the World Heritage site is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that sits on bucket lists for years. So, one of the main reasons to hike the mountain while you're at Machu Picchu is simply…why not?
The chances of visiting Machu Picchu for a second time are fairly small for most people, and the aches and pains in your legs will leave after a few hours, while the memories won't.
The summit of the mountain towers 600 meters over the Machu Picchu archaeological site, but it's easier to ascend than its more popular neighbor, Huayna Picchu. While it can be challenging at times, the hike is categorized as moderate and is suitable for all age ranges. If you want to gain an unforgettable view of the Inca ruins and the surrounding Andes mountains, hiking up Machu Picchu Mountain is a must.
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Facts About Machu Picchu Mountain
The entire hike of Machu Picchu Mountain takes around 3.5 hours.
There is a limited amount of permits available to ascend the mountain per day, which are split into two groups. Your hike will begin either between 7 AM and 8 AM or 10 AM and 11 AM.
Its name means "old mountain".
The peak of Machu Picchu Mountain is a staggering 3,082 meters, but this does not even come close to the highest mountain in Peru. Huascarán Mountain stands at an eye-watering altitude of 6,768 meters.
The mountain is often referred to simply as "Montaña" in the area surrounding Machu Picchu.
Should You Climb Huayna Picchu Or Machu Picchu Mountain?
The mountain you choose to climb depends on many factors including your overall fitness. Those who choose to visit Machu Picchu Mountain will benefit from an easier and wider path and a less challenging hike.
Once you reach the top of the mountain and pause to catch your breath, you'll be blessed with breathtaking views of the peaks and valleys of the Andes Mountains, as well as the iconic lost city of Machu Picchu.
On the other hand, Huayna Picchu is a popular hiking trail in Machu Picchu for good reason. While the trail itself can be dangerous in places with narrow paths and steep drops, all is forgotten when you reach the Inca ruin of the Temple of the Moon, which is a ceremonial cave that dates back over 1,500 years.
There are just 400 tickets available to hike Huayna Picchu per day — two groups of 200 visitors each. If you choose to purchase a ticket, your hike will begin between 7 AM and 8 AM or 10 AM and 11 AM.
Bear in mind that those with vertigo or fear of heights will not enjoy the scramble up to the peak, and the trek is only suitable for children over 12. These people will be more suited to hiking Machu Picchu Mountain. The ascent takes around an hour and you should set aside three hours for the entire trip.
Visitors often choose to visit Huayna Picchu over Machu Picchu Mountain due to its addition of extra Inca ruins. Because of this, tickets sell out quickly.
Tips For Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain
Be prepared for all weather on the mountain. As the peak is over 3,000 meters high, you should expect wind, rain, and strong sun to be a possibility. Ensure you have a high factor SPF with you, as well as a rain jacket and an extra layer.
While the mountain can easily be ascended in just an hour or two, that doesn't mean it's an easy hike. Pack plenty of water for your trip as well as energy-laden snacks to keep you going.
Secure a permit as far in advance as possible as there is a limited number and they often sell out.
Pack light. Whether you choose to hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, the hike is challenging and you won't want to be weighed down by unnecessary items.
While it may be tempting to pack your old sneakers on your travels to Peru, invest in a pair of good-quality hiking boots instead.
Visit early or late in the dry season for the best hiking conditions and the least number of tourists.
Acclimatize properly for your hike. The summit of the mountain is extremely high and you won't want your view from the top to be spoiled by headaches and dizziness. The best way to prepare yourself is by staying in Cusco for a few days before your hike. This way your body will be used to the abnormal altitude.
A Machu Picchu permit does not allow you to climb the mountain. You'll need to get a combined permit to hike both the ancient Inca city and the mountain itself.
Final Thoughts On Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain
While it may be shrugged off for the more popular Huayna Picchu, we think that tourists are missing a trick by not including Machu Picchu Mountain on their itinerary. The peak provides surreal views that are some of the best in South America and gives a great overview of the lost city from above.