Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu mountain is located next to the Machu Picchu ruins on the southern side, its top is at 3,062m/ 10,046 ft. Hiking to Machu Picchu mountain became kind of popular once the permits number for Huaynapicchu mountain started to be limited and the ticket cost started to be charged. The popularity of Huaynapicchu mountain originated the new idea and alternative trails to open the hike to Machu Picchu mountain.
Machu Picchu mountain is a mountain located a bit further from the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. In comparison with Huaynapicchu, this mountain is taller, therefore the trail is longer. There is an original Inca Trail that’s getting its top, so the hikers just need to follow this trail, the hike is very strenuous since the trail is very steep at some sections, very narrow at some sections, and some small steps because of it, the trail is not recommended for people who have vertigo.
There is only one trail for both ways, that’s why the hikers are allowed to enter in 2 groups of 200 people at each schedule, our groups always access at the first group from 7:00 am to 8:00 am, this schedule is only to get into the mountain, once inside the approximate time to hike the mountain is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The average time to get the top is 1 hour and 30 minutes, this means with many short breaks, however, there are some hikers especially experienced ones who can do in 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes minutes. Views become just breathtaking as you are getting closer to the top, in comparison with Huaynapicchu this hike is more scenic.
Machu Picchu views, Huaynapicchu views, and other mountain views (like the one of the photo) are just stunning.
At the top of the mountain, the Incas had built a small platform, which was used to place the religious offerings for their gods by people who came from the highlands or other provinces before entering the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
Peru Summit Adventures strongly recommends book the permits with 6 months in advance at least, if before much better.