Hike up to Putucusi Mountain at Machu Picchu

When heading to Machu Picchu, climbers often want a bird’s eye view of the ruins and most head up towards the summit of the famous Huayna Picchu. This mountain makes the backdrop for Machu Picchu. But wait! There’s another mountain just a little further away from the ruins. Visited less frequently, also giving the climber great views: Putukusi (also spelled Putucusi) lays directly across the Urubamba River from the ruins of Machu Picchu.

The summit has wide open views over Machu Picchu as well as the surroundng valleys and mountain peaks. It’s best to get there early (maybe 6:00 a.m.) to see the ruins before the crowds enter Machu Picchu and the light is best at that time of the day.

Aguas Calientes is a small village surrounded by rugged impenetrable mountains in the eastern part of Peru’s Oriental Cordillera . The town exists for one sole purpose: to serve the millions of yearly visitors to Machu Picchu but today the town has charm and character, so you should spend some time at Aguas Calientes.

Right next to Aquas Calientes, even closer than Machu Picchu, Putukusi is a shear cliffed, jungle coated mountain rising to about two thousand feet up from the valley. On a clear day, it’s possible to see Machu Picchu with snow-capped Salkantay behind it, which is an absolute spectacular sight. Putukusi is the best and almost the only thing to do in the Aguas Calientes area that doesn’t involve Machu Picchu and doesn’t require paying an entry fee.

The mountain, like all others in the area, is composed of near vertical, perfectly smooth stone walls with steep gullies intersecting them. The entirety of them are covered by the cloud forest.

The trail leading up the mountain is more vertical than horizontal, that seems to be the general patterning among the mountains here. When looking out at Machu Picchu from the summit of Putukusi, it is interesting to think why the Incas chose to build their empire in such a rugged place. Surely, the incredible beauty of the landscape inspired them and they thought of themselves as standing in the presence of their gods. The wilderness in this area is some of the most pristine left anywhere on earth and much of it has most likely never been seen by a human being. It is interesting to imagine that there might be another “Machu Picchu” hidden in these mountains that nobody knows even exists.

How to find the entry point of Putucusi Mt?

From Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) you must follow the train tracks in a northerly direction (towards the Hydroelectric Station) until you leave the outskirts of the town.
After walking approximately 1 kilometer you must enter a path that descends from the mountain.
After approximately 10 minutes of walking along the path, you will reach an uninhabited surveillance cabin. At that point the path that leads to the top of Putucusi Mountain begins.

How is the road for the hike up to the Putucusi mountain?

Once the road to Putucusi has begun, the first obstacle must be overcome: a huge vertical rock. A few years ago there was a ladder there but now, no.
To overcome this obstacle you need to hold a rope and ascend slowly and with great force. Most tourists give up continuing on this stretch.
After overcoming the first obstacle, you have to ascend six less vertical wooden stairs. This section requires a lot of security and courage.
After ascending all the stairs, you will pass a small ridge that connects to the base of the mountain.
From this point, the tour will reveal breathtaking views of the dense jungle of Machu Picchu. From another point you will get views of the town of Aguas Calientes.
The top of Putucusi is at the same height of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

What is the difficulty of the hike up to the Putucusi Mountain?

Challenging – It is without a doubt the most difficult hike in Machu Picchu. It is considered quite intense and involves overcoming high stairs and quite steep trails located on rocky slopes. It is recommended for hikers in good physical condition. Not suitable for people with fear of heights.

When is the best time to go?

This hike is possible throughout the year. However, the route is complicated in the rainy season from November to April). In those days, the trails become slippery and difficult to overcome.
It is advisable to do this walk in the dry season (from May to October). In those months it hardly rains and the weather is ideal for ascending the mountain.
Trekking is recommended in the early hours of the day as temperatures are cooler.
It is not advised to ascend the Putucusi at night (when there is low light).

Useful information about Putucusi

Time needed: Ascent between 3 hours and 3 hours 30 minutes.
Altitude at the summit: 2,500 meters above sea level (8,202 ft).
Height in relation to Machu Picchu: 460 meters (1,509 ft).
Terrain: Inca stone path, grass paths and vertical wooden stairs.
Recommended footwear: Hiking boots.
Entry schedule: You do not have a set schedule.
Type of ticket: You do not need any type of ticket.
Availability: No limit.

Is hike up to the Putucusi Mountain dangerous?

Climbing the Putucusi mountain can be a dangerous experience due to the difficult stretches that must be overcome to reach the top.
It is not recommended for people traveling alone.
Tourists who are afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo should not do the trek.
If the visitor does not feel that they can pass most difficult sections of the trek to Putucusi mountain, it is best not to start.