The most famous and well known way to see Machu Picchu from above is from Huayna Picchu mountain, but due to recently introduced regulations, it is necessary to reserve a ticket for Huayna Picchu well in advance. However, what else you can do if you don't have the chance to get these tickets at the time you book your tour to Machu Picchu and you still interesting in get bird’s eye view of the city?
Here are some interesting alternative climbs that you can do in order to get a great view of Machu Picchu
1.-Machu Picchu Mountain; Machu Picchu means Old Mountain and this mountain reaches even higher than Huayna Picchu itself. The city has been named after this mountain and together with Huayna Picchu make up the “saddle” the city is located in. Machu Picchu Mountain can be climbed for 150 Peruvian Soles (US$ 60) extra for the Inca Trail trekkers. Alternative route trekkers just need to add $10 extra to their trek price to get these tickets. The climb time is from 7:00am to 11:00am
What can I see from Machu Picchu Mountain?
From there you can see the entire site (even parts of the slopes that cannot be seen from Huayna Picchu) and gaze down into the valleys on both sides of the city. The walk is almost twice as long as the climb to Huayna Picchu but less steep and rocky than the Huayna Picchu climb. The best time of day to visit this part of the site would be around noon. In order to get here, after entering the site of Machu Picchu, take a left and head towards the Sun Gate. Halfway you will see a sign directing you to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain. A round trip will take you about 2.5-3 hours but is definitely worth the effort as you will see the lesser visited sites of Machu Picchu.
2.-The Sun Gate was the official entrance to Machu Picchu for the Inca Trail coming from the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Here you can find the caretakers hut and see some of the most famous views of Machu Picchu. Most famous pictures are taken from the Caretakers hut half way to the Sun Gate. From the Sun gate you can continue for a bit over the original Inca Trail in order to get an idea of what it is to walk the Inca Trail. Between the Sun Gate and the actual site you can see some large plains which may have been used for agricultural or ceremonial purposes.
3.-Putucusi Mountain; If you wanted to see Machu Picchu from a whole new angle, seen by very few people you should climb Putucusi Mountain which is located on the other side of the Vilcanote Valley. This is a very steep mountain and climbing it is not for the fainthearted. You can get there by leaving from Aguas Calientes via the road to Machu Picchu but not crossing the river. Continue for a bit besides the river until you reach a small dirt road leading off the main road. Continue here for a while until you reach the first stairways. It may be that at times you will find a check post here as this mountain is being visited more and more and the authorities are starting to charge for this mountain as well. As the mountain is being taken more into use, it is also possible that parts of the ladders will be under maintenance. Nevertheless after climbing the first part over rocky staircases, you will reach the first ladders. The ladders are not for the fainthearted as they are not all in the best shape and come with ropes to hold you on to. It is a quite tiring climb but the views once up there are more than rewarding. You will be able to see Machu Picchu from a whole new angle, seen by very few people. If you have the time in Aguas Calientes it is however definitely worth checking out.looks great!
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