Around Machu Picchu the Inca included many other attractions for your viewing pleasure. Many thanks must be given as today we can enjoy their handywork not only in Machu Picchu but also in the surrounding areas.
Please have a look at the optional hikes and things to do at Machu Picchu provided below.
Huayna Picchu
The peak of Huayna Picchu rises over Machu Picchu, where the Urubamba River gently coils around it. It is at an elevation of 2 693m/8 835ft. The mountain is home to the breathtaking Temple of the Moon and adjacent to it is the Great Cavern made of fine masonry. The high priest and local virgins resided here. Its visitors are limited to 400 a day, during the only 2 time slots available each day. The hike is steep, with exposed sections on the pathway leading to the summit. It can get slippery, however certain section do offer steel cable for support. The view at the top gives you the most panoramic and spectacular views of Machu Picchu. Majority of the stunning pictures you find on postcards and social media are taken at the top of Huayna Picchu.
Sun Gate
The Sun Gate (2,720m/8,924ft), also known as Intu Punku, is perched on the hilltop overlooking the Great Citadel of Machu Picchu, located on one side of Machu Picchu Mountain. It is the first viewpoint of Machu Picchu. The Incas used it as a kind of control gate for the people entering and leaving the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Because of its remote and strategic location, it is believed that Machu Picchu only welcomed elite guests from the empire. It is a large place, with windows and doors supported by terraces. From the Sun Gate you can see the entire City of Incas and the size and majesty of it simply takes your breath away.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Located near the Sun Gate, this hike is less strenuous than the Huayna Picchu hike. Round trip take around 3 hours, this hike is recommended for the whole family. Once at the top take in the spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape.
Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is the town below Machu Picchu. Not just a pass through, the town has its own attractions and is worth spending some time. Soak away your aches and pain at the hot springs, located just outside of town. Spend some time at the local market and buy some souvenirs to take home. There are many fine hotels to spend a night. Dine in one of the many restaurants, a feast to delight the taste buds.
Huayna Picchu Mountain Information
The famous Huayna Picchu Mountain which translated from Quechua means Young Mountain, is located at 2,667m/8,750ft above sea level and is part of the Andean foothills bordering the Amazon. Huayna Picchu is a very popular hike from the Machu Picchu Citadel. If you wish to add this hike on your tour or trek, its imperative to book early. There are a number […]
More information
Hike up to Machu Picchu Mountain
The great Machu Picchu Mountain rises more than 652m/2,139ft above the Inca city of Machu Picchu and is located 3,082 meters above sea level. It offers some breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, a unique perspective like no other place in the world. The trailhead is located at the base of the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Thousands are drawn everyday by the energy coming from the earth […]
More information
Llactapata Ruins (View point to Machu Picchu)
LLACTAPATA RUINS In the Quechua language, Llaqta means place (village, town, city, country, nation). Pata means elevated placed above a bank (of a river), shore, pronounced ‘yakta-pahta’. It is an archaeological site about 5km (3.1 mi) west of Machu Picchu. The complex is located in the Cusco Region Santa Teresa District. High on a ridge […]
More information
Information about the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu
The Sun Gate or Intipunku is made of steps that makes believe that these were some kind of control gate for the people who enter and go out of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Is one of the most important archeological constructions that connects with Machu Picchu, is dedicated to INTI, the Sun god. Getting to […]
More information
Information about the Inka Bridge at Machu Picchu
INCA BRIDGE The trail to the Inca Bridge wraps around the backside of a mountain in the opposite direction of the Machu Picchu ruin. It’s about a 25 minute hike along a fairly narrow path towards the bridge. While the climb isn’t steep, some of the drop-offs along the edges may make some people uneasy. The Inca Bridge is made of a […]
More information
Hike up to the Putucusi Mountain
When heading to Machu Picchu, climbers often want the best views of the ruins and most head up to the summit of the famous Huayna Picchu. This mountain makes the backdrop for Machu Picchu. But the new way to see Machu Picchu is a hike up to Putucusi Mountain. Find our the best information about the Putucusi Mountain below. […]
More information
