Did you know you can visit the mountains surr
Yasser Silva
In the course of the years, as a tourist operator in Peru and a lover of nature has always caught my attention, in addition to knowing is indescribable jewel known as the Citadel of Machu Picchu, to travel and discover closely some of the mountains that surround them and that are presented to us as wise and mute ancestral witnesses of the greatness of the Inca culture and that in this almost magical corner achieved their maximum expression.
It is appropriate to mention briefly what is known about the Inca Culture. This was a civilization that existed around 1200 AD and covered part of the territories of present-day Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia and of course Peru. Its capital was the city of Cusco whose main square was the umbligo from where the four cardinal points of its vast territory flowed. The Inca was the highest authority and was considered the son of the sun god, therefore had a divine origin.
Representation of the Inca at the Inti Raymi Festival - Cusco
Cusco has an infinity of places to know both nature, culture and adventure yet always Machu Picchu is the cherry of the cake. The conventional way to get to Machu Picchu is by taking a train that leaves from the city of Cusco (3399 m.s.n.m.) and takes an average of 03 to 04 hours. It crosses the village of Ollantaytambo (2792 m.s.n.m.) known as the last living Inca village and continues its serpentine path along the Urubamba River, until it reaches the town of Aguas Calientes also called Machu Picchu Pueblo (2040 m.s.n.m.). Here you will find all the hotel and catering for visitors, and it is the pre-stop before you get to know the Wonder of the World. A bus that takes approximately 20 minutes takes you along a zigzag road to the long-awaited entrance.
Train trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo
The most adventurous and interesting way and why not say the most demanding is ultimately to get to Machu Picchu after a walk by the original route known as the Inca Trail, it has a duration of 04 days and every night you make a stop where you camp in the middle of nature and the archaeological areas that precede Machu picchu. You can also make the shortest route of 02 days, this only requires you 01 day walk, and the next day, you can make the visit to Machu Picchu.
Within the historical complex and after a short walk between bushes and staircases stand out two imposing presences, two powerful deities, two special mountains that mark the landscape and surround all its surroundings with mysticism.
The mountain of Machu Picchu is the largest (3080 m.s.n.m.) bears the same name of the whole Shrine and its meaning in Quechua is Old Mountain, located to the south of the entire enclosure, to access it it is necessary an ascension of 800 meters approximately through stone staircases, wide and of moderate inclination. Visiting this mountain can take an average of two and a half hours depending on your physical condition, the ascent route is surrounded by vegetation, orchids and birds of the place are your best companions, besides you will always cross with going and going back travellers who encourage you the trip and will always say “it’s not much left”.
Panoramic view from the Machu Picchu Mountain "Old Mountain"
From its top you have the view of Machu Picchu city, you can see how the Urubamba river surrounds the entire village of Aguas Calientes and follows its way to the horizon, you have a view of the Huayna Picchu and more behind you can view the snowfall of Salkantay in perfect alignment (see the map below); not in vain were considered important deities worthy of worship and worshipping by the Incas and up to our time.
Alignment of the 03 Apus or Sacred Mountains Salcantay, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu is the name of the other mountain that means “Young Mountain”, has a height of 2670 m.s.n.m. and is located north of the complex. It is very well known and enjoys more fame, as it is the mountain that you will always see in all the photos of Machu Picchu, it is smaller than Machu picchu Mountain yet it is more inclined.
To reach its summit it is necessary to climb about 300 meters by a staircase made of stone, however they are narrow and the last section must be climbed more carefully. Since you have a safety rope at all times, the vertigo is much greater, however it is worth the effort because on the top you will have a privileged view, a different angle of Machu Picchu Citadel and the mountain Machu picchu in front of you. On this summit there is a rock carved in the form of a throne that has been called the Inca's chair; after a while of contemplation you can begin the descent which will surely seem very fast because it is a small mountain or also because you will be happy to have conquered its summit.
Panoramic view of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu.
In short, in addition to visiting the Citadel of Machu Picchu and its corners you can also visit one of these mountains: Machu picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain, and not only have the delight of its ascension, vast in vegetation and endemic fauna but also walk the same path that once ancient Inca priests traveled to its summit, step by step, carrying with them offerings of coca leaves and corn chicha to ask the Apus, abundance for their crops and well-being for their people.
No matter which mountain you are on, once you reach the summit and sitting on a granite rock you will be able to contemplate with astonishment, the beauty of the Andes, the indomable river Urubamba and within you find the answer of why one of the greatest civilizations in the world, felt the incredible need to build a sanctuary city, hidden and eternal..........Machu Picchu.
Route to Machu Picchu
Important Data:
To visit both mountains you need to make a visit of 02 days in a row as these can only be visited in the morning. If you do not have enough time my recommendation is that you first climb any of those Mountains and then you can visit the Inca city on a guided tour, for this we advise you with the best time of visit, entries, guides, etc. (click here if want to quote a complete program)
- For the visit to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain it is necessary to arrive the day before the village of Machu picchu.
- I recommend Mount Machu Picchu if you have a family trip with your younger children. And if you're on a more adventurous plan you can climb the Huayna Picchu.
- The reservation and purchase of these income must be done at least two months in advance in order to be able to secure a quota.
- Machu Picchu can be visited all year round with total safety, however the best time to visit the mountains is from April to December when the rainy season is not yet beginning.
