Machu Picchu Mountain Hike: The Ultimate Guide to Conquer the Andes
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Visiting Machu Picchu is already a dream for many travelers, but for adventure lovers, hiking Machu Picchu Mountain (also called Montaña Machu Picchu) is an unforgettable experience. This trek offers breathtaking panoramic views, fewer crowds, and a challenging yet rewarding adventure above the world-famous Inca citadel.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Machu Picchu Mountain hike, including difficulty level, permits, schedules, preparation tips, and a complete comparison with Huayna Picchu.
What Is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain, located at 3,082 meters (10,111 ft) above sea level, towers above the Inca citadel and provides one of the best viewpoints in the entire Sacred Valley. Unlike the ruins of Machu Picchu itself, this hike is purely about nature and scenery, offering stunning vistas of the Urubamba River, Huayna Picchu, Putucusi Mountain, and the surrounding Andean peaks.
Distance: ~3.2 km (2 miles) round trip
Elevation gain: ~600 m (1,970 ft)
Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours total
Trail type: Stone steps and dirt paths
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Machu Picchu Mountain vs. Huayna Picchu
Many travelers confuse these two hikes, but they’re very different experiences.
| Feature | Machu Picchu Mountain | Huayna Picchu |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 3,082 m / 10,111 ft | 2,720 m / 8,923 ft |
| Hike duration | 2.5 – 4 hours | 1.5 – 2.5 hours |
| Distance | ~3.2 km | ~2.1 km |
| Difficulty | Moderate / Hard | Hard / Very Hard |
| Views | Panoramic Sacred Valley | Over Machu Picchu ruins |
| Crowds | Less crowded | More popular |
| Minimum age | 10+ recommended | 12+ recommended |
If you prefer wide panoramic views and a less crowded trail, Machu Picchu Mountain is ideal. But if you want to see Machu Picchu from above and explore the famous “Stairs of Death,” Huayna Picchu is the way to go.
How to Get Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain
To hike Machu Picchu Mountain, you need to purchase a special ticket called:
Tickets are limited to 400 per day, divided into two time slots:
First shift: 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Second shift: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Tips for Booking Tickets
Reserve at least 2-3 months in advance during the high season (May to September).
Tickets are available on the official Machu Picchu government website or via certified travel agencies.
Bring your passport — you’ll need it to enter the mountain.
Best Time to Hike Machu Picchu Mountain
The dry season (May to September) is the best time for this trek because you’ll get clear skies and stunning views.
Dry season: May – September ✅ (Best)
Rainy season: November – March 🌧️ (Slippery trails, cloudier views)
Shoulder months: April & October 🌤️ (Fewer crowds, good weather)
If you want fewer tourists and good visibility, April, May, September, and October are perfect.
How to Prepare for the Hike
This is not an easy hike, so preparation is essential.
Physical Preparation
Spend at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco or Aguas Calientes before the hike.
Do light walks or practice hiking before your trip.
What to Bring
🎒 Small backpack
🥾 Comfortable hiking shoes
🧥 Light jacket (weather can change quickly)
🧴 Sunscreen & insect repellent
💧 Reusable water bottle
🍫 Snacks or energy bars
📸 Camera or smartphone (you’ll want the photos!)
Step-by-Step Hiking Experience
1. Starting Point
The trail begins near the Guardhouse at the entrance of Machu Picchu.
2. First Section: Gradual Ascent
A stone path with gentle slopes warms you up before the steep climb.
3. Middle Section: Stairs of the Andes
This is the toughest part — narrow stone steps, switchbacks, and constant elevation gain.
4. Final Stretch: The Summit
At the top, you’ll find a 360° panoramic view of:
Machu Picchu ruins below
Huayna Picchu peak
Urubamba River curving around the valley
Snow-capped Andean mountains
Tips for a Perfect Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
Start early: Beat the heat and crowds by choosing the 7 am slot.
Hydrate constantly: Altitude + stairs = dehydration risk.
Don’t rush: Take breaks, breathe deeply, and enjoy the views.
Combine with Machu Picchu ruins: Visit the citadel before or after the hike for the full experience.
Where to Stay: Aguas Calientes
Since Machu Picchu Mountain is accessed through Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), staying there the night before is highly recommended.
Best Hotels
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel 🌿 (luxury eco-lodge)
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel 🍃 (5-star comfort)
El MaPi by Inkaterra 🏡 (mid-range modern stay)
Supertramp Hostel 🛌 (budget-friendly, great vibes)
Where to Eat
Indio Feliz Bistro 🥘 (French-Peruvian fusion)
Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant 🍺 (local beer & hearty dishes)
Toto’s House 🥩 (buffet-style, perfect for hikers)
Finally
The Machu Picchu Mountain hike is a bucket-list experience for adventurous travelers seeking stunning panoramic views and a less crowded alternative to Huayna Picchu. While it requires effort and endurance, the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of the Inca citadel and the Andean landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone chasing an epic view, this trail is worth every step.
Duration: Full Day
Location: Peru, Cusco, Machu Picchu
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Duration: 2 Days
Location: Peru, Cusco, Machu Picchu
Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu with a 2-day tour that includes guided exploration, breathtaking views
Duration: 3 Days
Location: Peru, Cusco, Machu Picchu
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