How Hard Is Machu Picchu Mountain Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Difficulty. The Machu Picchu Mountain trek is considered to be a

moderate to challenging

trek. Following an original stone Inca Trail and continuously ascending to the summit, a good level of fitness is required. During the wet season, the trail can become more slippery making it more challenging to traverse.

Is Machu Picchu an easy hike?

Note:

although this hike is considered “easy” when compared to the 4 day Inca Trail hike

, hikers have a 5:30 pm deadline to reach Machu Picchu before closing if you want to take the shuttle bus down to the village. Once you get off the train to begin the hike at KM 104, there is no other option but to hike.

How long does it take to climb Machu Picchu mountain?

How long does it take to hike to Machu Picchu? There are a number of trekking routes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, the Classic Inca Trail route is a 3 to 5 day hike, and on average, it takes

4 days and 3 nights

to reach Machu Picchu.

Can you climb Machu Picchu in a day?


The 1-day Inca Trail, also called the Inca Trail Express, is a single day trek along the final stretch of the traditional Royal Inca Trail

. It showcases beautiful mountain scenery, orchid flora, and bird wildlife before arriving to the Intipunku Sun Gate for an unforgettable first overlook of Machu Picchu.

Is it hard to breathe in Machu Picchu?

and Machu Picchu Mountain, 3,082 meters from the sea (10,111 ft). When ascending the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains; the tourist will feel

difficulty breathing

and greater agitation.

Do you have to be fit to climb Machu Picchu?

Treks to Machu Picchu vary in difficulty and length, but

all require a basic level of fitness

. In general you will be trekking anywhere between 10-15km a day, for up to six days on the longer routes (i.e. Choquequirao or Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo).

Is hiking Machu Picchu worth it?

The Classic Inca Trail Route to Machu Picchu is

definitely worth it

, it is considered one of the greatest adventure experiences on the planet. There are very few trails where you pass 500 year old archeological treasures while also hiking among some of the most beautiful mountains on earth.

Can I go to Machu Picchu without hiking?

Can you go to Machu Picchu without a tour?

Indeed you can, but you will not be hiking the Inca Trail to get there

. You can see Machu Picchu via a rushed day trip from Cusco, or stay in the town of Aguas Calientes and walk or bus up to the ruins.

How much does it cost to trek Machu Picchu?

Average budget for a foreign adult Price in dollars Total cost:

$ 202

How many stairs are in Machu Picchu Mountain?

Recently, experts from the National Archeological Park of Machu Picchu helped restore the path to its original glory. It is made up of

around 1,600 steps

. Making your way up these stone steps will bring you to jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped peaks of Apu Salkantay, Tucarhuay, Huacay Huillca, and Pumasillo.

How much does it cost to hike Inca Trail?

The 4 day/3 night Inca Trail trek typically costs anywhere from

$500 to $1,000

. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want a luxury trek with all the trimmings, consider $500 to $600 as a good price to aim for.

What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu?

Contrary to popular belief, the best time to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail is before and after the rainy season, that is

late March, April, May, and September, October, and early November

, the dry season months, that is June July and August, are great too but beware of the crowds.

How long is the shortest hike to Machu Picchu?

Difficulty First section is a steady ascent on a good path; after Wiñaywayna the trail undulates, sometimes steeply. Acclimatization 1 – 2 Days en Cusco Total Distance

13 km / 8,08 miles
Aproximate Walking Time Day 02: 6 – 7 hours Maximum Altitude 2,650 m / 8,69 ft

Which is harder Inca Trail or Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro The Inca Trail Difficulty Hard Moderate Elevation 5,985m 4,200m

Why do people get sick at Machu Picchu?


High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is a condition associated with severe altitude sickness, and occurs when pressure build-up results in fluid breaching the capillary walls in the cranium

. It is a very rare condition on Machu Picchu treks.

Do you need Diamox for Machu Picchu?


You do not need a prescription to buy Diamox in Peru

; you will be able to find it at every drugstore in Cusco; you must ask for ACETAZOLAMIDA -Acetazolamide (Brand Name: Diamox), of course, is expected to feel some common side effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling feeling.

Is Machu Picchu strenuous?


As long as you are taking the bus up to Machu Picchu, the tour of the actual site is as strenuous as you choose to make it

. If you climb all the way up the uneven stone steps to overlook the ruins, it is quite a bit more strenuous than walking among the ruins.

How high is Machu Picchu in feet?

7,972′

How do you physically prepare for Machu Picchu?

  1. Aerobic Training : Can include running, cycling, swimming, cross-country running, speed walking etc.
  2. Strength Training : Should include exercises working mostly on upper body strength.
  3. Recreational Exercise : Any form of fun exercise that you enjoy.

How do I prepare for Machu Picchu?

  1. Buy Your Tickets in Advance. …
  2. You Can Pay Extra to Hike the Famous Mountains. …
  3. The Altitude Isn’t Actually That Bad. …
  4. Visit Machu Picchu in the Morning. …
  5. There Are No Bathrooms Beyond the Main Entrance. …
  6. Bring Your Passport With You — and Get It Stamped.

What is the hardest hike in the world?

  • Kalalau Valley, Kauai, Hawaii. …
  • The Dientes Circuit, Isla Navarino, Patagonia, Chile. …
  • The Snowman Trek, Bhutan. …
  • Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa. …
  • Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea.

How far do you have to walk to Machu Picchu?

The distances involved in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu are not that great. The entire 4-day trail hike is only

25 miles (40 km)

. However, the altitude, which at it’s highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, can cause problems even for the strongest hikers.

Can you get to Machu Picchu by car?


you can’t drive to Machu Picchu – no one can

. You can hike on the Inca Trail or take the train to Aguas Calientes. The closest you can get by car is the village of Ollantaytambo where you board the train to continue to the Inca Trail to hike.

How long is the journey to Machu Picchu?

With the train, the journey to Machu Picchu will take you

approximately two and a half hours

. Regardless of how you choose to journey to Machu Picchu, you will have different and unique experience for each trip.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.