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Main Attractions
There is a wealth of cultural, social, historical and natural attractions to see in Machu Picchu besides the Citadel itself:
Level of Difficulty | Easy * | Moderate * * | Difficult * * * | Tough * * * * |
Machu Picchu - Old Mountain * * *
This mountain is located towards the south of the Citadel, at the left hand side of the Inca Trail, coming from the Intipuncun to the Machu Picchu Citadel. Walking down the Inca Trail, just before you get into the ruins, you will see a sign directing you to turn left towards the path that leads to the Machu Picchu Mountain. A slow climb takes approximately three hours and once you reach the top, you will enjoy spectacular views. Not many visitors climb this peak (3,000 meters above sea level).
Huanya Picchu - Young Mountain * * *
This mountain is located towards the north of the Citadel and appears in the background of Machu Picchu’s classic pictures. At the summit you will find terraces that were made for avoiding erosion, as well as for gardens.
Visitors can get to the summit using a path on the left flank of the mountain. The way up is a long stairway of which some of the steps are simply carved in the mountain rock. A slow climb will take approximately one hour.
Open from 7.00am to 13.00pm
Temple of the Moon * * *
You will find this Temple on the lower part of Waynapicchu, following the same trail that takes you to the summit. Halfway up the trail you will find a detour to the left that takes you to the Temple. The hike from this point takes about 40 mins. We strongly suggest that you go with a tour guide, or in a group. It is advisable to leave early in the morning.
Intipuncu – Sun Gate * *
Located at 2,600m above sea level, on the flank of Machu Picchu mountain. The climb from the Citadel to Intipunco takes approximately two hours for the round-trip. The path is not difficult, with only a slight incline and there are great views and photo opportunities.
From the Sun Gate, visitors can continue up to Winay Wayna paying at Machu Picchu check point S/. 19.50 nuevos soles, on top of your entrance ticket. Round trip is four hours.
Puente Inca – Inca Bridge * *
A 35-minute hike from the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge will take you to the opposite side of the Machu Picchu Mountain. From there you will be able to observe the San Miguel Bridge over the Urubamba River and part of the hydroelectric plant – now a lake bed, due to the effects of the 'El Niño' climate phenomenon. This bridge is a masterpiece of engineering, as it is carved out of the protruding rocks embedded in the mountainside, which served as a protection of the sacred citadel.
Putucusi * * * *
This is the mountain directly facing the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, and its Quechua name means 'Happy Mountain'. It has an altitude of 2,400 metres above sea level, and is sometimes also known as the 'Orange Half' mountain.
This hike takes about two and a half hours from the base of the mountain, and a good level of physical fitness is necessary as the trail has some steep sections which can be very difficult. Once at the peak, you will be rewarded with a special view of Machu Picchu.
Thermal Baths
The town of Aguas Calientes, as the Spanish name already suggests, has hot springs and is just a 15 minute walk up the Pachacutec Avenue from the town's main square. These are natural, underground, hot sulphur springs, which bubble up from the rocky ground at varying temperatures and are well known for their medicinal properties.
The specially built stone pools make bathing comfortable. Water has an average temperature of 38ºc (100ºF). The baths are open between 5am and 9pm, and the facilities include dressing rooms, toilets and a small snack bar. |
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