What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

This mountain, the highest of the three that rise around the citadel, allows you to contemplate landscapes that will impress you when you venture to climb it. From there, you can see the Urubamba River winding in the distance, a cloud forest, deep valleys, and high peaks.

Below we give you some information if you want to climb it:

• Its height is approximately 3,080 meters.
• The path to its summit has very steep sections, making it a very demanding route.
• The path is almost 4 kilometers long.
• Although it is demanding to walk it, it is considered to be of moderate difficulty.
• Depending on your physical condition, the round trip can be done in three to three and a half hours.

Why climb Machu Picchu Mountain?

If you have an adventurous spirit and are curious about our world every day, climbing Machu Picchu Mountain will be one of the best and most unforgettable experiences of your life. Along the path, you will be able to reach the top and, from there, contemplate the imposing and unique landscapes in all their splendor.

Benefits of choosing this hike

The benefits, physical, emotional, and spiritual, will be obvious when you start climbing this mountain. In addition, in recent years, a lot of importance has been given to and is recommended for this type of tourism that consists of direct contact with nature, especially in places like this one, which usually inspires in people a sense of tranquility and a very broad sense of beauty.

How to prepare for the hike

To undertake this climb, which is not usually recommended for beginners, although it is of moderate difficulty, you must be well prepared physically and mentally because of how magnificent this experience will be for you.

Here are some tips to help you do it in the best possible way:

• Have enough water and something light to eat to keep you hydrated with the energy needed for the hike.
• Wear shoes with good grip that are resistant to the conditions of the terrain.
• Wear breathable and comfortable clothing, especially when hiking in the dry season. 
• Don't forget anything to keep you warm in case of cloudiness or light rain.
• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Apart from these tips, don't forget to book your ticket well in advance and maintain an essential respect for the environment by avoiding littering.

Physical Conditioning

There is no official age restriction for the hike. However, visitors must be prepared or aware that their physical condition allows them to hike without any health problems.
For the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing medical conditions, it is vital to take the strictest precautions to avoid unnecessary risks.
 

Logistical aspects: tickets and schedules

These aspects are part of planning your trip, always thinking about the time, costs, and available budget for your experience on this tour:

• Entry times: there is a first one from 7 to 8 in the morning and a second one from 9 to 10 in the morning. The first one is the most recommended for those who stay overnight in Aguas Calientes the night before. The second one is ideal for those who have completed the train tours, the Santakay trail, the Lares hike, or the short Inca trail.
• The price of the ticket: for children under 3 years old it is free, for children between 3 and 17 years old it is 118 soles and for adults it is 200 soles. To do this, just keep in mind the conversion of US dollars to soles, the official currency of Peru.

What is the best time to climb Machu Picchu?

To be well informed about the best time to climb Machu Picchu, we offer you some tips on the advantages of the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is from April to October and the rainy season from November to March.

Advantages of the dry season:

• Less humidity because there is no intense rain.
• Less cloudiness in the early morning hours.
  Few insects.
• Little humidity and less slippery stones.

Advantages of the rainy season:

• Cheaper plane ticket prices.
• Fewer visitors.
• Ease of getting tickets with less advance notice.
• A cooler climate.

Machu Picchu Mountain versus Huayna Picchu Mountain, Which One to Choose?

If you have to choose between the two, it is only a matter of personal preference. Both offer spectacular views and unforgettable experiences due to the hike and the surroundings. Both are the most visited by foreign tourists, but each provides a unique perspective and similar conditions for the climb.

A comparison to choose

For some, Machu Picchu Mountain offers more spectacular views. Its trails are less frightening because they are broader and less steep, but reaching its summit takes longer.

On the climb to Huayna Picchu, the mountain located behind the citadel, you will find much steeper trails, which are even riskier for those who are afraid of heights a short distance from the gorges. In fact, in some sections of the trail, you will have to use safety cables to avoid risks.

In any case, your choice will depend on how you feel about taking on the challenges involved in reaching the top of one of those two mountains that surround the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.