Machu Picchu | Part II

From Machu Picchu, you can continue to hike up to two different peaks. We hiked up to Machu Picchu Mountain, the taller, less popular of the two (the other peak is Wayna Picchu).

This hike was more difficult than the one we did to get to Machu Picchu from the city. Again, there were uneven stone stairs carved into the side of the mountain, that got steeper and narrower toward the top. The views were amazing the whole way up, and it was kind of mind blowing that it kept getting better and better.

From the top was an incredible view of the Machu Picchu ruins below and surrounding mountain vistas in every direction. The scenery was so green and lush, and I could have stayed there for hours. Unfortunately the peak closes at a certain hour and we had to hurry down.

The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 3 hours round trip, with 2,139 feet (652 meters) vertical gain from Machu Picchu. The elevation at the top is 10,111 feet (3,082 m) above sea level (source).

After coming down from Machu Picchu Mountain, we were pooped. Four days of hiking, and this day had the earliest start. We found a field of grass and took a nap in the sun before exploring more of the Machu Picchu ruins. We slept like babies that night.

- Julia

P.S.
Would we recommend the Inca Jungle Trek? If you like traveling in groups and having a guide, yes. If you are a more serious hiker and want more independence and less crowds of tourists, no. If we were to do it again, we'd go straight to Aguas Calientes, and do a one day hike from there to Machu Picchu and up to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Then do a multi-day camping hike somewhere more remote and less touristy in a much smaller group, or without a guide at all.

Back at the bottom and time for a nap in the sun.