Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu mountain is another mountain that sits above the citadel of Machu Picchu that you can hike to. It offers the panoramic view of the citadel of Machu Picchu, the Huayna Picchu mountain, the Putucusi mountain, the beautiful Wilkamayu (Urubamba) river, the exuberant mountainous landscape and the last part of the Classic Inca Trail.

Machu Picchu recently made its way onto the list of best rated landmark in the world by Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards.

Where Is Machu Picchu Mountain in Peru?

Machu Picchu Mountain in Peru Specifically, Machu Picchu Mountain is located in the Urubamba Province, which is roughly 80 kilometres northwest of Cusco. In fact, Machu Picchu Mountain forms part of the stunning Andes mountain range and is positioned above Sacred Valley.

History of the Mountain

The Machu Picchu Mountain was a site just as important as the citadel it accompanies. According to the studies of numerous academics, it was a very demanded path for the Incas.

It is believed that it was used as a giant military checkpoint, where the citadel was protected against any threat from neighboring cultures. Although there is also some evidence of religious and spiritual ritual celebrations at the summit.

What is the elevation of the Machu Picchu mountain?

The height of the Machu Picchu peak is 3,082 meters above sea level. In comparison, the height of Machu Picchu is approx. 2,430 meters. Approximately, the elevation of the Machu Picchu mountain is 650 meters higher than the actual Inca citadel.
By simply observing the elevation gain of the Machu Picchu mountain.

Buying Tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain

Tickets to 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 7-8 am. If your entrance time to Machu Picchu is 7 am, your hike will have to start between 8-9 am.

Tickets can be bought online, or from an authorized dealer in Cusco like www.infomachupicchu.com. 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 Vilcabamba, Salkantay, Jungle Trek or Inca Trail) your tickets for Machu Picchu and additional hikes will be organized through them.

Prices:

For trekkers of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
Alternative treks to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person
Tours to Machu Picchu: $75 USD per person

What Is The Difference In Tickets For The Inca Trail and Alternative Treks?

Difference In Tickets For The Inca Trail and Alternative Treks

When we buy the permit for the Inca Trail trek, the Machu Picchu entrance is already included with it. The government only sells the Inca Trail permits as a combined ticket with Machu Picchu entrance. It does not allow us to add on Machu Picchu Mountain entrance with the combined permit.

In order for our Inca Trail trekkers to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, we have to buy another entrance ticket to Machu Picchu combined with the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. It is not possible to buy just a Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket by itself!

Salkantray/Lares Treks and other alternative treks do not need an Inca Trail permit, thus we can just buy a Machu Picchu entrance combined with the Machu Picchu Mountain entrance together.

Best time to visit Machu Picchu Mountain
Consider the season in which you travel to Machu Picchu. Because of its tropical location, pouring rain is common. The dry season is from April to October and the rainy season from November to March. The most stable weather is during the busiest times – July and August.

We would say the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the shoulder season in April to October.

What to pack for the hike

If you are someone with a fear of heights, the walk can be somewhat dizzying. Besides that, the trail can be very steep.
We recommend not forgetting to take these essentials for your trip:

Raincoat.
Hiking sticks or poles.
Camera (A good idea would be to bring an additional SD card) Sunscreen, Sun hat, and sunglasses.
1 liter or 1.5-liter reusable water bottle.
Light Snacks Backpack.
Hiking boots or shoes.
Toilet Paper.
Original Passport.
Mosquito repellent.
Small snacks (Protein bar or dry fruit work well).