Machu Picchu | Part II

Monday, March 30, 2015

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.

27 comments :

  1. What amazing, amazing views! I also love how many moods and emotions your photographs portray - they always leave me very inspired! :)

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  2. I already fell in love with Part 1.. WOW! What should I say more? This is definetly one of my travel destinatios for the next years. Thank you for your great posts - everytime. I enjoy reading (and watching) your blog so much!

    Love from Germany! xo

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    1. Thanks so much, Meribel! It was such a beautiful place... easy to photograph. I hope you make it over there soon.

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  3. That trek does look really tricky but the view is stunning! I went to Macchu Picchu almost 10 years ago and really want to go back and do a bit more hiking. Your photos are amazing.

    <3 Daisy
    Simplicity Relished

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  4. these photos are brilliantly beautiful!!! so worth the tough hike!

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  5. These pictures are breathtaking! I especially love the greenery and the lamas of course! I have to ask, did either of you feel altitude sickness up there? That seems to be a common problem and I wonder if I ever make it to Peru, if I'd feel that way!

    But so happy to have found your blog via blog lovin, I am loving your explorations!

    Elise, www.madeforelise.com

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    1. Hi Elise, we had spent a few nights in Cusco, then spent 4 days hiking before making it to the top of Machu Picchu, so we had a chance to adjust to the altitude. The first couple days we all had headaches, dry/bloody noses, and difficulty breathing when walking uphill, but nothing really terrible. Drinking water, coca tea, sleep, and headache medicine helped us feel better. Just give yourself a couple of days at high altitude to take it easy before you do any serious hiking.

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  6. I've always wanted to go here, your photos are amazing - I love the views and the llamas!

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  7. These photos are a total dream, you guys inspire so much wanderlust! I am really hoping to make it out there within the next 2 years, sadly South America is a place I don't no know well at all. Gotta change that :)

    ExploresMore.com

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    1. Hi Julia. This was our first time in South America. I felt the same way—I didn't know much about it and didn't have a strong desire to go. Now I can't wait to go back and check out more countries!

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  8. Wow, when we see your pics we really want to go back!

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  9. thanks you to visit my country, Cusco is amazing, I have good memories with university friends <3 <3

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  10. Love the photos (as always)! So inspiring; it just makes me want to visit this new world wonder for myself. Also, was hiking in a dress comfortable/practical?

    https://itsjpei.wordpress.com/

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    1. Jessica - Hiking in a dress was the best idea! Less friction, more air flow. :) It was pretty hot and sticky.

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  11. Great photos, great views, and I love that dres!

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  12. I love the warmth of the pictures and this place is wonderful! Can't wait to go there myself :)

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  13. Machu Picchu!! I wanted to go there so badly but now it seems like it's a really popular place! I never thought about doing the hike but the views are amazing.

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  14. Omg what amazing views. I can only imagine how tired you guys were !. At least you had a little nap when you got to the bottom again ahaha !.Defiantly putting Machu Picchu on my travel bucket list, it is insanely beautiful :)

    Caitriona | Blog

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  15. I just found out your blog and I love it, following your beautiful journey now. :)
    Best, Albert | Palming Pebbles

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  16. So much fun looking through your Machu Picchu pictures.

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  17. OMG so nice! I wanna go there.

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  18. Gorgeous! Thank you for the suggestion about taking the guided hike or not. I don't think I could deal with being with a big group like that for several days!

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