Machu Picchu Mountain Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Historical Significance · Views

Permit required, obtain at ticketmachupicchu.com. The distance is misleading, it usually takes 3 to 4 hours roundtrip.

This trail leads you all the way to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain with spectacular views of the Machu Picchu site and the Urubamba Valley. Leaving the Inca Trail: Sun Gate to Machu Picchu, check in with your permit at the little hut 100 yards ahead. From here on, a sheer endless sequence of steps lies ahead of you. The ascent is relentless and does not slow until you actually reach the top of Machu Picchu Mountain.

The views are sparse initially, but as you make your way up, you get the occasional glimpse of Machu Picchu. After a third of a mile, you can also look down the Rio Urubamba Valley on your right. The views get increasingly better as you continue. At 0.8 miles, the trail bends back west for the final the stretch. Reach the top of the mountain and soak in the panoramic views of Machu Picchu.