Machu Picchu Mountain

When people think of Macchu Pichu Mountain, they normally imagine Huayna Pichu, the large granitic spire behind the main ruins. The actual Machu Picchu Mountain is located behind this very iconic photo, and it is one of the most popular hikes.

As there is limited time to do everything, and the park is very packed, it is recommended to plan in advance which trail you would like to do. Both trails are busy and require an additional fee. You must line up and wait to get on the trail itself. The recommended time for the route is 4 hours, but if you are in shape it should take half that.

Once on, it's a very long, steep series of granite stairways. The trails begins shallow and gets steeper as you get higher. There are occasional rest stops here and there, where you can stop to catch your breath. Toward the top, the trail gets a bit narrower and squeezes between narrow boulders before coming out along a cliff ledge. For those afraid of heights, this will prove somewhat daunting. Beyond this, you gain the ridge, and then it's a gentle walk to the summit plateau. This area is generally very crowded.