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 stunning 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.
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Mountains in Machu Picchu
These mountains surround the citadel of Machu Picchu, offering opportunities for additional treks. Here’s more about the mountains in Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu is a mountain in the Cusco Region of Peru, in the Urubamba Province above the Sacred Valley. In the northern part of Machu Picchu stands about 2,693 meters (8,835 feet) tall, making it the second-highest mountain in the area.
Huayna Picchu means "young mountain" in Quechua, the language of the Incas. Built by the Incas in the 15th century, the mountain features many terraces and temples, with its summit offering stunning views of the surroundings. Today, Huayna Picchu is a popular destination for tourists visiting Machu Picchu. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain or take a cable car. Several restaurants and cafés are also located at the base of the mountain.
| To climb Huayna Picchu, you need to purchase the Circuit 3 - Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route ticket.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Located in the district of Machu Picchu, Urubamba Province, in the Cusco region, Machu Picchu Mountain (or Machu Picchu Montaña) is the highest mountain in the area with an elevation of 3,082 meters (10,111 feet).
This peak can be seen to the south of the Machu Picchu Citadel. "Machu" means "ancient" or "great" in Quechua, while "Picchu" means "high" (mountain). "Great Mountain" is the literal translation of the name Machu Picchu.
| To climb Machu Picchu Mountain, you need to book a special ticket to Machu Picchu that includes Circuit 1 - Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route.
Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu (small mountain) is located next to the famous Huayna Picchu. It is 2,497 meters (8,192 feet) high, about 50 meters higher than the archaeological sites of Machu Picchu.
Huchuy Picchu is one of the newest hiking routes in Machu Picchu. The hike is not very difficult—it is about 1 kilometer long and takes around 30 minutes to reach the top, from which you can enjoy fantastic views of the entire citadel.
| To climb Huchuy Picchu Mountain, you need to purchase the Circuit 3 - Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route ticket. Keep in mind that this route is only available during the high season in Cusco (May to October).
Putucusi Mountain
Putucusi is located opposite Machu Picchu. The summit of this mountain stands at approximately 2,560 meters (8,398 feet) and is directly across from Machu Picchu, northeast of the Urubamba River.
Putucusi is outside the Machu Picchu citadel, so you don't need a ticket to access it. You can hike this mountain from the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The hike takes about 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 is 3,878 meters high and covered in dense forest. Some recent expeditions to this mountain have found the Inca Trail 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 mountains in the Ollantaytambo district.
Unmissable Tours in Cusco
- Classic Inca Trail 4 days
- Short Inca Trail 2 days
- Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour
- 2-day Machu Picchu tour by train
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