Machu Picchu Mountain Tour: One-Day Review & Guide

Okay, so you are thinking about doing the Machu Picchu Mountain hike, huh? Very cool. Getting up to Machu Picchu is very awesome, but what about going even higher? That mountain that looms over the whole place? Many people will just see it, yet it is something you can experience. You might want to know what the one day trip to Machu Picchu Mountain is all about. Let’s get into it.

What is Machu Picchu Mountain Anyway?

First, lets be sure to set the stage. What this climb all about? Machu Picchu Mountain, also sometimes called Montaña Machu Picchu, is one of the peaks that towers above the famous Inca citadel. Reaching its summit provides a wildly different viewpoint than you get from the main ruins, so many people appreciate the experience. You’re like, way up high! very cool, right? It’s pretty special, you see. This trek offers what is really an incredible panoramic vista, letting you gaze upon the entire Machu Picchu complex, the snaking Urubamba River below, plus this range of mountains that just goes on into the distance.

What you have to keep in your thoughts is that hiking Machu Picchu Mountain is really not the same thing as hiking Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu is that iconic peak you almost certainly see in all the postcards – very pointy, kind of, right next to the ruins. The Mountain is taller and often less crowded, so that is a perk.

Something to think about, too, is this hike, it’s pretty strenuous. Even though the altitude is, very rough on the lungs for people who are visiting from closer to sea level. The trail has a bunch of uneven stone steps. Think of it as nature’s stairmaster from, like, a very long time ago.

Planning Your Day

Okay, let’s discuss the planning side. One day is what you get when you are seeing this mountain, and it’s fairly straightforward to schedule it.

Something very important is buying your tickets way in advance. Tickets to Machu Picchu, more or less the entry that includes access to Machu Picchu Mountain, are limited, you see, and they often sell out, especially during the peak travel months (June through August). You’ll purchase tickets through the Ministerio de Cultura website, so keep that open as an option..

Also to consider, when you book, you’ll get a specific entry time slot for the mountain, as well as your entrance to the Machu Picchu site. You’ll be best served if you work your schedule so that you arrive at the Machu Picchu entrance a bit prior to your entry to give yourself enough time to get to the mountain trailhead. Machu Picchu is, of course, an attraction by itself, too.

From what I can remember, this is, very rough time estimates that can help when you’re setting up this part of your schedule.

1. Getting to Machu Picchu entrance from Aguas Calientes: 30 minutes to one hour (bus ride)
2. Getting to the trailhead from the entry: another 30 minutes walk.

The Ascent: What to Expect on the Trail

Alright, very specifically on what happens when you start climbing. First things that will greet you as you pass through is that the trail begins very gradually, giving you time to, like, acclimate yourself as you move forward. Yet, quickly enough, the path goes from smooth and kind, turns and becomes a steep climb. In that case you’ll likely be doing plenty of switchbacks, all stairs, basically made of stones.

As you get going upward, make sure to take breaks as often as is necessary to catch your breath and take a sip of your water. The elevation has quite a lot of effect, and there’s very little shade on the trail. Pace yourself!

You will know you are close when that stone staircase that feels like it goes on forever! But keep at it, is all I can say. And think that what is ahead is quite a cool view, so there is a solid way to incentivize!

At the Summit: Breathtaking Views Await

Good on you, in that case, if you make it. This is the real kicker for all this. Reaching the top is extremely worth every ounce of effort. The viewpoint is truly breathtaking. You can be someone who’s spent all of your time inside the archaeological site down below, so you’ve seen this for yourself.

At the summit, just spend some time soaking it all in. Get something to drink, for goodness sake! You will surely want to capture these views. Of course, take pictures, but be mindful that there are likely plenty of other visitors trying to do that very same thing, that thing of taking in the sights, and getting great pictures.

The summit area offers just a few spots to sit. Maybe there will be one open! Most people move around after a few minutes so there are other people who get some prime view seats.

The Descent: Heading Back Down

Remember, whatever goes up needs must come down. Once you feel like you have adequately appreciated your time, it is time to go down, basically. I would mention something very key, which is to watch your steps as you make your way back. Loose stones can be very, very tricky. The steps can be rough, in any event, they are a lot to handle coming down.

Allow something to the tune of an equivalent time for going downhill as uphill – but really this depends on how you go and move forward, and on current conditions of this trail, right. Your knees and legs may feel very sore the day that follows!

The final portion of the climb goes through thick vegetation, so you might just catch a glimpse of a condor, or another sort of mountain bird, just gliding through the area! Very rare, though!

Basically, getting back down you can proceed into the ruins or just go, that is up to you.

Some Essentials for a Safe Trip

Doing a little review before going onward! Pack all of this with you, it is only good sense!

• Tickets and passport: If you are someone who needs this, it is a must! So make that double checked before you do all this!
• Water: Bring more of it than you think you will ever need, it turns out this part of the Andes is actually hot, and you also will dehydrate with a quicker pace up here!
• Snacks: Keep them very, very small. This is just about warding off hunger, if it shows its ugly head. Energy bars, fruit or just nuts can save the day for someone.
• Good Hiking Boots: Ankle support really helps! This hike will also give you some practice doing very tiny-stone steps.
• Rain Gear: What’s the weather going to be like? Be cautious, is my recommendation, I see all the weather experts are cautious about it too! A rain poncho can be what can do that part.
• Sunscreen and a Hat: Is is something to think of and plan for: high elevation means a greater chance of sunburn.
• Bug Spray: I am one that often attracts a lot of bugs in situations that don’t even have them so plan for the fact that you need that!

After the Hike: Exploring Machu Picchu

I should reiterate that a Machu Picchu Mountain trip is actually one you put on top of any other thing you do there! Is is something a person would build time in for. Okay so very roughly what you have left can depend on how fast you did climb that Machu Picchu Mountain and when your departure might be. Getting some exploration happening at Machu Picchu itself is only something someone can figure out if they also manage time on that mountain. Consider as you look onward, some popular spots to go! The Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone, right? Great place.

Is the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike Worth It?

Now the final assessment needs doing, in a way. Doing this hike is for sure a tough, challenging effort. It goes very upward, and there aren’t many smooth spots. On that other hand the sweeping views can be just incredible. If you have the time and are fit, this really makes sense. You also can like bragging rights on your Instagram or any blog.

FAQs About the Machu Picchu Mountain Tour

Important Highlights

• Getting your mountain tickets? Plan in the near future, the amount lessens as closer.
• It’s a lot for that cardiovascular structure! If you breathe really less well you have less room.
• Enjoy a panoramic view when all of your climb ends up going as well.