All the mountains around Machu Picchu Citadel

The mountains of Machu Picchu are among Peru's most beautiful mountains, home to one of the World's New Seven Wonders; Machu Picchu. Built by the Incas in the 1400s on top of a mountain ridge with incredible views that span far and wide and offer incredible panoramic vistas.

The Andes Mountains surround Machu Picchu on all sides, providing natural protection from weather and potential invaders. The Incas believed that these sacred mountains could shield their city against threats; even today they still play an integral role in safeguarding it - helping regulate temperature and humidity levels that help preserve the citadel.

Mountains in Machu Picchu

These mountains are located around Machu Picchu citadel, and you can take extra hikes: 

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu is a mountain located in Machu Picchu's northern region, rising an approximately 2693 meters (8835 ft) and is the second-tallest peak in the area after Machu Picchu Mountain.

Mountains of Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu, which means "young mountain" in the Inca language Quechua, was built by the Inca in the 15th century. There are many terraces and buildings on top of the mountain, and the view from there is just amazing. Huayna Picchu is a favorite place for many tourists as an extra hikes when they visit Machu Picchu. 

  • Machu Picchu Mountain

Located in the southern area of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain (or Montaña Machu Picchu) is the tallest mountain in the area with an elevation of 3082 meters (10111 feet).

Mountains of Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu Mountain

To hike to Montaña Machu Picchu, you need to book a special ticket to Machu Picchu that includes the Mountain + Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu. There are 100 tickets available every day and the cost is 75.USD. 

  • Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Huchuy Picchu Mountain (little mountain) is located near the famous Huayna Picchu Mountain. It's 8192 feet (2497 meters) above sea level, which is about 50 meters higher than the Machu Picchu Archaeological sites.

Huchuy Pïcchu Mountain

Huchuy Picchu is one of the newest hiking routes established in Machu Picchu after the pandemic, the new circuit is called Machu Picchu Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu. The hike is not very difficult, about 1 kilometer long, 30-minute hike to the top of the mountain from where you can have fantastic views of the whole citadel of Machu Picchu form a diferent angle. 

  • Putucusi Mountain

PPutucusi stands on the opposite side of Machu Picchu, and is situated directly in front of it near Urubamba River. It stands approximately 2560 m (8398 feet).

Putucusi Mountain

Putucusi is located outside the Machu Picchu citadel, and you don't need a ticket to access it. You can hike this mountain from Aguas Calientes Town (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The hike takes around 1.5 hours, and due to the difficulty and technical wooden stairs, we don't recommend going alone. 

Mountains around Machu Picchu

  • Salkantay Mountain

Salkantay Mountain is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, with Ausangate Mountain being the highest one. This mountain is located on the east side of the Andes Mountain, which is part of the Cordillera of Vilcabamba. With 6,271 meters high (20574 feet), you can see the peak of Salkantay from the top of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

  • Pumasillo Mountain

Pumasillo comes from the Quechua word (Puma - cougar, puma, Sillu claw, "puma claw") and is located on the eastern side of the Andes, in the Vilcabamba mountain range, La Convención Province, Cusco Region. Also known as Sacsarayoc, with an elevation of 5991 m (19655 ft), Pumasillo can be seen from Machu Picchu and was an important deity in Inca times. 

  • Yanantin Mountain

Located northeast of Machu Picchu, Yanantin Mountain has an altitude of 3,878 meters and is covered in dense forest. Some recent expeditions to this mountain have found an Inca Trails and ruled out the possibility of discovering new platforms, canals, and jungle-covered Inca walls on the same hill.

  • Veronica Mountain

Located northwest of the town of Ollantaytambo, Veronica Mountain has an elevation of 5,893 m (19,334 ft) and is one of the most important mountain is Ollantaytambo district. 


Unmissable Tours in Cusco

 


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