Machu Picchu Mountain Travel Guide, Also called Montaña.
Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the World’s New Seven Wonders. A visit to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The best way to reach Machu Picchu is by hiking the Inca Trail, a 4-day trek that takes you through stunning scenery and culminates with a sunrise view of the ancient ruins. The hike is challenging but rewards hikers with incredible views and a sense of achievement.
Machu Picchu Mountain view from Huayna Picchu
If you’re not up for the Inca Trail hike, there are other options for reaching Machu Picchu. You can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, and then take a bus or hike up to the ruins. Or, you can take a helicopter tour from Cusco for a bird’s eye view of this fantastic place.
No matter how you choose to get there, a visit to Machu Picchu will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Machu Picchu Mountain.
Machu Picchu Mountain is the tallest of the 3 mountains in Machu Picchu. It is also the highest, reaching a height of 3082 meters (10111 feet). The other two mountains are Huayna Picchu and Putukusi.
The hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 3 hours round trip. It is a strenuous hike, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort. When you arrive from the Classic Inca Trail, the trailhead is located near Intipunku, the gate of Machu Picchu.
From the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have stunning views of not only Machu Picchu itself but also Huayna Picchu and Mount Putukusi. You may even be able to spot some llamas grazing in the distance!
History.
The Inca Empire was established in the early 15th century in Cusco city, and soon after, they began to expand to other regions. The Inca ruler Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui ordered the construction of a new city on Machu Picchu Mountain, which became known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” Constructions on the city began around 1450 AD and continued for several decades.
The city was abandoned by the Incas around 1572 AD for unknown reasons. It remained uninhabited until 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it. Since then, Machu Picchu has become one of Peru’s top tourist attractions. Every year, thousands of people come to hike up Machu Picchu Mountain and explore the Lost City of the Incas.
Machu Pichu Mountain was mainly a strategic point to control all access trails to Machu Picchu. You will have a 360° view of Machu Picchu from the top. It was easy for the Incas when an enemy was attacking.
Location.
Machu Picchu mountain is located in the Cusco Region of Peru. The mountain is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest Cusco and about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Aguas Calientes.
Weather.
The weather in Machu Picchu Mountain can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all conditions when hiking. The Citadel is located in the cloud forest where the weather is warm and humid.
Entry tickets to Montaña.
You can 2 different times to hike to Machu Picchu Montaña. The time will depend on the activities you have planned for the day. If you are traveling with a tour operator, contact them to ask which shift is better for your itinerary.
The first shift to Montaña is from 7:00 am – 8:00 am.
The second Shift to Montaña is from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.
Hiking top Montaña.
To hike to Machu Picchu Montaña, you must take the Aguas Calientes bus up to Machu Picchu. Once at the main gate of the Citadel, you will need to hike for 20 minutes up to the control point of Machu Picchu Montaña. Once you pass the control point, you ascend through a stone-paved trail and mostly stairs.
As you approach the top of the mountain, the trail gets steeper and narrower. You will have time to rest to enjoy the views of Machu Picchu as you get higher and higher.
The hike takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. There are plenty of places to rest and take in the views along the way. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain.
The View from the Top
The View from the Top of Machu Picchu Mountain is one of Peru’s most breathtaking views. From up here, you can see for miles in every direction. The ruins of Machu Picchu are spread out before you, and the Andes Mountains rise in the distance. It’s an unforgettable experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.
What to bring on the hike?.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch when packing for the hike. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that can get wet. Finally, don’t forget to pack a camera to capture all the fantastic views!
Tips for Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain.
When visiting Machu Picchu, preparing for the mountain hike is essential. Here are some tips to make the most of your hike:
Arrive on time at the gate of Montaña; if you are 1 minute late, you will not be allowed
Note that the top of Montaña will close at noon; you need to arrive before that
Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
Take your time and take breaks often to enjoy the views.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you can move around easily in.
Stick to the marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
Machu Picchu Mountain FAQs.
How long does the hike take?.
The average time it takes to hike Machu Picchu Mountain is about 3 hours.
How challenging is the hike?.
The difficulty of the Machu Picchu Mountain hike depends on your fitness level. If you are reasonably fit, the hike should be manageable.
What should I bring with me?.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no food or drink vendors along the way. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended, as there is little shade on the trail.
Can I take a camera?.
Yes, you can take a camera with you on the hike. However, remember that taking photos while hiking may be difficult, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get many good shots.