Cusco Machu Picchu Tour: Is The Mountain Climb Worth It?

Visiting Machu Picchu is on a lot of peoples’ bucket lists, is that right? So, it’s almost no shock that tours to this pretty special spot in Peru come in heaps of different forms. One of the usual add-ons is a mountain climb, generally either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, yet it raises a natural question. Is it truly worth it, when you could explore other parts of the area?

First Impressions: Arrival in Cusco and Acclimatization

My adventure started in Cusco, that is like the gateway city to Machu Picchu. It hits you instantly that Cusco sits at a very high altitude; more or less, that air feels seriously thin. The very first day was truly more about taking it super slow, drinking heaps of coca tea (apparently that’s a must-do for altitude sickness), and allowing my body to adjust to the height. Loads of tours factor in this acclimatization phase, very much so it’s always better to be on the safe side. Taking things slow and steady early on meant I could almost get the most out of the days to come without feeling super drained, like your stamina matters!

The Classic Tour: Machu Picchu Explored

The core Machu Picchu tour is clearly pretty awesome. Taking a train via the Sacred Valley is, well, comfy, and there is actually views of the rolling countryside. Once you reach Aguas Calientes, very much so the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, you then hop on a bus that zigzags up to the entrance. Walking through Machu Picchu for the first time is clearly pretty impressive. That sheer scale and history of the place hits you instantly. Our tour guide walked us through all the key spots, is that right, sharing tons of stories about the Incas and giving us some interesting information regarding the place. The Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, and the Intihuatana stone were all especially awesome spots.

Choosing Your Climb: Huayna Picchu vs. Machu Picchu Mountain

So, it’s almost time to address the big question: that climb. There are usually two mountain options, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, or, Montana Machu Picchu as some actually call it. Huayna Picchu is actually the more well-known peak, seemingly the one that often pops up in postcard pictures. That is super steep and generally the trek can be intense. In contrast, Machu Picchu Mountain is usually a little higher and the trail gets to be somewhat longer, yet arguably less scary. Book tickets way in advance, particularly for Huayna Picchu, because they release very few and the permits run out super fast.

My Choice: Conquering Machu Picchu Mountain

I personally went for Machu Picchu Mountain because I liked the sound of wider views and it’s almost supposed to be the slightly more peaceful option. Plus, my knees were giving me some light signs. The trailhead begins inside the Machu Picchu site, so, too it’s an extra walk from the famous viewpoint. The start was a bit challenging with many stairs, very much so they steadily got steeper. Anyway, taking regular breaks is truly vital, clearly more to catch your breath and to soak up what’s all around you. I needed some stops!

The Ascent: What to Expect

That initial stretch really challenged me, but surprisingly, the path starts to mellow out the more you climb. Sections that were actually flatter gave a totally welcome change. The pathway itself can get narrow, still, it’s nothing too extreme. What truly stands out, is that views grow more and more impressive the further you go, which is definitely motivating. Getting to the top was pretty awesome. I was totally shattered, of course, so, too that panoramic sight truly blew me away. You look down at Machu Picchu down below, plus you get a fantastic perspective of the encompassing mountains. I probably spent a good hour simply relaxing at the summit, very much so relishing in how far I had gotten!

Considerations for the Climb

That climb clearly isn’t for all people. Altitude is arguably the real deal, clearly more so if you’re not used to high elevations. If you struggle with heights, so, too Huayna Picchu could be difficult due to its steepness. Think realistically about your fitness and get some input before deciding. Irrespective of which mountain you take on, is that good hiking shoes, tons of water, snacks, plus sun protection are things you shouldn’t forget. Layers might also be super useful because the weather in the mountains can swing pretty quick.

Beyond Machu Picchu: Exploring the Sacred Valley

Whilst Machu Picchu is seemingly the main attraction, that area around Cusco is still brimming with awesome things to discover. Loads of tours throw in visits to the Sacred Valley, is that right, taking in sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Pisac has a bright market and imposing Inca ruins perched way up on a hillside. Ollantaytambo boasts another big Inca site with impressive terracing. These extra spots offer a peek into Inca history, still, it adds extra context to your Machu Picchu visit. They made some clever stonework for sure!

Food and Culture: Immersing Yourself in Peru

Peruvian food should also grab some of your attention. That country features one exciting cooking culture and there is many ways you get to try it. From tasting ceviche to trying lomo saltado, is that you’ll surely get the flavors here. Food tours in Cusco are almost popular, offering the option to sample tons of foods in a short amount of time. Cultural immersion should, too, not stop at simply exploring archaeological ruins. Getting close with local communities can deliver deep, really profound, insights. We actually took part in a weaving demonstration with a group from the Sacred Valley. Very interesting, in my opinion.

So, Was the Mountain Climb Worth It?

Alright, wrapping it up: was scaling Machu Picchu Mountain deserving of my time and sweat? Very much so, in my opinion, it really was. That more satisfying sense of fulfillment upon reaching the summit, with those views stretching seemingly forever, is possibly one of those moments that you might recall for ages. That being said, I would agree it’s really more of a personal preference type of call. If you find that you’re up for a physical challenge and you do want a different vantage point, in my view, absolutely make it happen. However, in case you’d be okay to relax or you possess some doubts regarding your health, still, dedicating additional time simply to wander and admire the place would perhaps be just as pleasing. It depends on you!

Quick Recommendations:

• Acclimatize in Cusco: Give yourself at minimum one or two days before performing any intense activity.
• Book in Advance: Safeguard your tickets for both Machu Picchu and the mountain climb well in advance.
• Be Prepared: Be certain you take heaps of water, snacks, sunscreen, plus acceptable clothes for shifts in weather.
• Assess Your Fitness: Become candid concerning your physical form, specifically as it relates to the altitude.
• Savor The Experience: Consider getting the view and give yourself spare time at the top!