Many travelers to Machu Picchu love hiking but perhaps do not have the time, money or permit to do the Inca Trail while visiting Machu Picchu. Hiking lovers, fear not! Here are four hikes that you can do right from the Machu Picchu citadel:
1) Huayna Picchu Mountain: more strenuous and steep, affording excellent areal views of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
Huayna Picchu: 1.2 miles (elevation gain: 1,180 ft)
ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUIRED
2) Machu Picchu Mountain: less crowded but longer and more vertical gain with great views of surrounding valleys and Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Mountain: 1.5 miles (elevation gain: 2,139 ft)
ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUIRED
3) The Inka Bridge: A short and free to enter trek suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The trek follows an Inca Trail where you can observe an original Inca draw bridge used to protect the western entrance to Machu Picchu.
The Inka Bridge: roughly .7 miles and no elevation gain
NO additional permit required
4) Intipunku/Sungate: A moderately challenging trek to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) that was once the main entrance to Machu Picchu and now the finishing point of the traditional Inca Trail Hike. The hike to the Sun Gate follows an original Inca Trail that steadily climbs though Machu Picchu’s agricultural terraces high in to the mountains directly south of the citadel.
Intipunku/Sungate: roughly 1 mile from Machu Picchu and 951 feet of elevation gain
NO additional permit required
Want to book your permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain? Have additional questions about these hikes? Feel free to contact us.
Your friendly South America expert,
Gretchen
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Pingback: PART 2: Hiking The KM 104 Inca Trail Express Hike to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Peak | Adventures Within Reach Travel Blog
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