The summit
Machu Picchu from above.
Mblument at en.wikipedia — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Draceane — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Draceane — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Draceane — CC BY-SA 4.0
The pointed mountain seen behind Machu Picchu in its famous photographs, its summit about 2,693 metres up, some 260 metres above the ancient city, with the Urubamba River bending around it. The Incas built a stone trail up its side, and terraces and small buildings on its top. The climb follows an old, very steep stone stairway, narrow in places, with ropes to hold, and takes about an hour to an hour and a half up. From the summit you see the whole of Machu Picchu from above, its full shape on the ridge, with the deep gorge and the mountains around it. The climb needs a special ticket that includes Machu Picchu entry, capped at about 350 people a day, so tickets sell out fast. The trail was closed in June 2026 for maintenance, so check its status when booking. The trail is not for anyone afraid of heights or with heart or knee problems, and the altitude adds to the effort. Start early, bring water, and wear shoes that grip rock.
Machu Picchu from above.
Steep stone steps.
Ruins at the top.
Directly north of the Machu Picchu citadel, entered from inside the site
Yes: it is a steep, narrow stone stairway at altitude. It suits fit visitors without a fear of heights, and takes about an hour to an hour and a half up.
