Machu Picchu Mountain: Route and Guided Tour to the Highest Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the short hiking trails that can be done in combination with the entrance to Machu Picchu. This mountain is the highest in the entire geographical space. It is also the mountain that covers the entire Inca site and the one that connects with the Inca Trail that can be done from Piscacucho. This natural attraction allows tourists to see beautiful landscapes, have a tour of beautiful and an extraordinary walk. During the first few minutes of walking you can already see Machu Picchu from fascinating angles, making it one of the ideal tickets for photographers and also for lovers of hiking trails. In this article we will learn more about the geography of the place, the route that is followed with the Machu Picchu + Mountain entrance and all the details to have a successful visit.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the most important panoramic destinations that can be done when visiting the wonder of the world. It also allows you to have a trekking route to the very top of the mountain. During this walk you can already appreciate several views of Machu Picchu. This makes it one of the ideal entrances for photographers and lovers of hiking trails. During the walk, you can also find the presence of some birds, flowers and a 2-hour route with the best views of the high jungle.

The climb to Machu Picchu also allows for an intimate moment with your companions. Only a few tourists and groups of friends dare to book this ticket. So, during the route, there are usually few people. However, during high season, this varies and there are more people. The hike will begin after reaching the upper platform from where you can have the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.

Geography of Machu Picchu Mountain

• Location: Machu Picchu District, La Convención Village – Cusco
• Altitude: It has an altitude of 3082 meters above sea level.
• Altitude in feet: 10,111 feet above sea level.
• Mountain range: Follows and forms the mountain range of the Nevado de Salkantay.
• Belongs to: The Central Mountain Range of the Peruvian Andes
• View : The change in geography can be seen.
• On the route: You can also appreciate the change in geography on the route, in the vegetation.
• Altitude sickness problems: Some acclimatization required
• Climate: It has a semi-tropical climate with a high probability of rain.

This is Machu Picchu Mountain

• The walk to Machu Picchu Mountain will begin after passing through the upper platform.
• The first section is by means of steps and surrounded by abundant vegetation.
• Further on, you leave the abundant vegetation behind to enter more open paths.
• From these sections you can already get good photographs and views of Machu Picchu.
• Likewise, during the route it is possible to find some birds, insects and a great variety of plants.
• During the ascent you can find several rest points, as well as some viewpoints to appreciate all the wonder of Machu Picchu.
• Upon reaching the top, you can find a small space to rest and enough time to take the appropriate photos.
• Of course, it is important to take the route with due care.

What is the experience like when climbing Machu Picchu Mountain?

• It is important to reserve your ticket in advance.
• It is recommended that the first ascent be by means of the ecological buses that connect Machu Picchu Pueblo with the archaeological site.
• The walking time can take up to 3 hours. which means you will cross different geographies.
• Reason to mention the importance of footwear, it must be comfortable and durable.
• The first few minutes of the walk are followed by regular steps, amidst abundant vegetation.
• During the rainy season it is important to bring a raincoat
• Halfway through the journey you will leave the high jungle behind, to appreciate the mountain with less vegetation, but with incredible views.
• The walk does not require great effort, the terrain is even and you can rest at certain moments.
• If you feel that you have some problems, such as a headache, it is important to share it with the group or tour guide.
• During the walk, you can feel the contact with nature and find the perfect moment to connect with family and friends.
• For a better experience, bring some water and snacks. Do not leave any waste on the route.

Why is this the ideal route for photographers?

• It is one of the best alternatives that Machu Picchu has for photographers, because the Machu Picchu Mountain belongs to the Panoramic Circuit, so beautiful views are guaranteed.
• That’s not all, you can also find some birds, insects and a great variety of flora native to the area. Also, the path that is followed has a connection with the Inca Trails or Qhapac Ñam, so you can keep track of its traces.
• You can appreciate Machu Picchu from different angles and also have a beautiful view of the entire geography that surrounds it. In any of the scenarios you can guarantee incredible photographs.
• The Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket allows you to have the postcard photo and a tour of the upper platform. That is, you will be able to see Machu Picchu from different angles and capture the postcard photo that you like the most.

The entrance or ticket to Machu Picchu + Mountain

The Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket is part of Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route. It allows you to appreciate beautiful views of the Inca site during your tour. Although it is not in high demand in the low season, during the high season, it is one of the best alternatives for those who were unable to obtain the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket. In both cases, it is important to make the reservation with the required advance notice, that is, buy the ticket 2 or 3 months before the planned travel date.

This ticket does not allow a tour of the Inca citadel, so many tourists choose to buy two tickets. This is the best option and ideal for people to learn more about the Inca constructions. To do this, you must take into account the entry times available to visit Machu Picchu Mountain. There are two times, the first one starts at 7:00 a.m. and the second at 9:00 a.m. Therefore, it is recommended to reserve a second ticket for after 1:00 p.m. or the first hours of the day.

As for availability, there are only 200 tickets that can be purchased online and another 200 in person. In total, Machu Picchu Mountain only has 400 tickets per day. This is one of the reasons why you should make a reservation in advance to at least choose the time and date that best suits you. It is also important to mention that this ticket does not change during the high season.

• How to purchase the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket?
  • To purchase the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket, there are two ways to do it.
  • The first and easiest way is to purchase it online, which also allows you to do so with the necessary advance notice.
  • The second is in person, which can be complicated for foreign tourists or those with limited time for their visit.
  • In person you can visit the offices in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • The office in Cusco is located on Calle Garcilaso SN – Near the Casa Garcilaso Museum.
  • Office hours in Cusco are Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The office in Machu Picchu Pueblo is located in the Cultural Center (very close to the Plaza de Armas).
  • The Cultural Center is open from Monday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  
  
• What circuit does it follow?
  • The Machu Picchu + Mountain entrance belongs to Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route.
  • Allows access through the main entrance. Continue along the detour to the Upper Platform.
  • Continue the ascent towards Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • At the top you can see a viewpoint.
  • Upon descending, you can take a tour and rest on the Upper Platform.
  • You can have the postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
  • Finally, the exit begins along the same path where the route began.
  
  
• Is the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain difficult?
  • The hike itself is easy to do, but it will take at least 2 hours of walking.
  • The entire route is perfectly signposted.
  • The degree of difficulty awarded is moderate – high.
  • It is necessary to make the ascent with comfortable and resistant footwear to avoid discomfort or accidents.
  • It is important to climb carefully and respect the order of the place.
  • Also, you should avoid leaning over cliffs or road edges.
  • On the other hand, it is advisable to bring water and some snacks, but you should not throw away waste anywhere.
  
  
• The entrance hours
  • The Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket has two entry times.
  • The first group to enter Machu Picchu is from 7:00 a.m. In this sense, the entrance to the mountain is at approximately 8:00 a.m.
  • The second entry group starts at 9:00 in the morning and the ascent should begin at 10:00
  • The permitted entry period is between 30 and 45 minutes. So you can enter, for example, from 7:00 to 7:45 in the morning.
  • This time frame is strict, so be sure to keep track of your travel time.
  • The entire tour of Machu Picchu and the Mountain lasts approximately 7 hours.

The guided tour

In this section of the article we want to talk about whether it is necessary to take the tour of Machu Picchu Mountain with a guide The answer to this question will depend a lot on the group or tourist traveling. Sometimes the company of a guide is extremely enriching because he or she is the person with extensive knowledge of the place, not only of the Inca sites, but also of the geography and the presence of the great biodiversity that can be found. Many of our tour guides are qualified to detail the different attractions that are found along the route.

However, there is also the only option, and for some tourists the most important, of restricting or taking the tour with guides only through the Inca citadel. This service will focus on touring Machu Picchu, for which it is recommended to also purchase any of the tickets for Circuit 2 or Classic Route. When touring these sites, a tour guide will answer any questions about the buildings, construction methods, inhabitants, mysteries and important information about this wonder of the world.