Machu Picchu Elevation: A Complete Guide to Heights & Attractions (2024)

Machu Picchu Elevation

Machu Picchu – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is located in the Andes mountains of Peru. Accommodated with beautifully carved stones, trees, and marvellous-looking mountains, this old Inca city is a favourite destination by thousands of travellers every year. However, the site’s high altitude should be seen before the visitors embark on the activities. Using the data from this article, we will try to explain the altitude of sites such as Huayna Picchu Machu Picchu Mountain and even compare the altitude of some other cities in Peru.

Machu Picchu and All Its Tourist Attractions

There are many historical and natural sights in and around the site, and importantly, it offers magnificent places for hiking. Of course, the main iconic focus is the aforementioned archaeological area, with spacious terraces, temples, and squares remaining well-grossed. The Intihuatana Stone, a well-known Inca spiritual sundial, is important in Inca mythology and worship. Moreover, visitors have the privilege of walking through the Sun Gate – the original entrance to the city of the Incas – and the Inca’s Bridge, a structure carved into the mountainside. For the adventurous, there are two peaks, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, where people get amazing views of the ruins and the valley.

Where Is Machu Picchu Located?

Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco Region of Peru in the country’s coastal mountain region known as Andes. It is approximately 50.73 miles or 80 km northwest of the Cusco, a city of the former Inca Empire. Machu Picchu is located at the height of a mountain cliff in the province of Cusco or the valley of the Incas – Queruza, also known as the Sacred Valley, which possesses rather fertile ground and is filled with history. The site is located in a very remote area, and it is set at a relatively high altitude, which probably saved the site from being captured by the Spanish colonisers. Thus, it only came to light after their rediscovery when Hiram Bingham “discovered” the polis in 1911.

How High Is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is estimated to be at a height of around 2,430 meters above sea level. Although it is much lower than other Andean mountains, guests may feel short of breath or slightly dizzy, especially if they have not been to the mountains. They are found at this height; as one may observe, there is relatively little oxygen in the air up here. The impacts are mild to most visitors, and as with all historical sightseeing, drinking water and taking time to breathe and rest is always crucial.

How High Is Huayna Picchu?

In thousands of pictures and videos, the steep Huayna Picchu, far more than the ruins of the city, vies up for the sky is higher than the city of the Incas. Its summit rises to a height of 2,693 meters (8,835 feet). Even though it is not as popular as the nearby complex, climbing up to Huayna Picchu is one of the most popular. Reading gazettes is insufficient; some key aspects of understanding before getting on the trail are steep, narrow at many places, and rough. Sometimes, a hiker might have to grab hand support. For those who can get to this point, the tips of their heads are blessed with some breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the valley of Urubamba River.

How High Is the Machu Picchu Mountain?

On the other side of the ruins from Huayna Picchu is Machu Picchu Mountain, which this writer found to be the highest point at 3,082 meters or 10,111 feet above sea level. While the Huayna Picchu trek is shorter and much more commonly chosen, a trek to Machu Picchu Mountain is longer and more challenging. But it provides nearly as thrilling a sensation with spectacular views of the ramparts and the far-off snow-clad mountains. This short hike is slightly less busy, giving it a reputation of being one of the best hiking options for those who want a quiet time while hiking.

How High Are Other Cities in Peru?

Some of the high-altitude cities of Peru are more tourism-attractive tourist destinations. Below is a table that compares the elevations of some well-known locations in Peru:

Cusco, the starting point for Machu Picchu, is much higher than the country’s famous treasures. Most visitors take their time to tour Cusco in the initial stages before proceeding to Machu Picchu’s area. These places include cities like Puno and Huaraz, which are even higher, so travellers might get altitude sickness in these places even more often.

The impact that Altitude has on Visitors

The body fails to adapt to the compromised oxygen supply that comes with altitude, as is characteristic of Machu Picchu. This may cause altitude or acute mountain sickness (AMS) when you experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. One thing still shocking to visitors is the altitude of the site. Although not exceedingly high, it might not sit well with some due to altitude sickness. These are normally slight signs, but they can be eased when one takes a lot of water and does not participate in vigorous activity on the first day of exercise. Tea and coca leaves also help decrease the impact of altitude, an herbal remedy naturally provided in the region.

How to Prepare for Machu Picchu’s Altitude

This enables a worthwhile experience at Machu Picchu if you prepare well for the altitude. Here are a few tips to help you acclimate and avoid altitude sickness:

• Hydration: Avoid dehydration, as it can worsen the symptoms. Ensure that you drink plenty of water.
• Take it slow: Those travelling by plane or any mode from sea level or comparatively low altitude should spend time in Cusco just to acclimate to the high altitude before continuing to MP.
• Medication: If you are sensitive to heights, it would be wise to pack acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness.
• Physical fitness: No, you are not expected to be fit and toned like an athlete, but if one is physically fit, hiking either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu becomes much more enjoyable and far easier to accomplish.

Conclusion

Although it is slightly lower than other Andean destinations, there are some difficulties at this height for some people in Machu Picchu. Situated in the region of 2,430 meters above sea level, tourists can also admire Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, which is considered even higher than the main ruins; the place offers magnificent outlooks and amazing feelings. Some suggestions to follow to maximise the experience you are going to live in this UNESCO World Heritage site are:

FAQs

What is Machu Picchu’s altitude?

Machu Picchu lies in the Andes Mountains at 2,430 meters above sea level.

How difficult is it to climb Huayna Picchu?

Huayna Picchu is also located on a steep trail, which is a shorter hike than the Machu Picchu. 

Mountain trekking lasts about 45 minutes- 1 hour on a round trip.

What impact does altitude have on visitors when they get to Machu Picchu?

Some tourists experience typical signs of altitude sickness, such as dizziness, breathing problems, or headaches. However, by drinking plenty of water and avoiding unnecessary rushing, one can avoid making the condition worse.

Is Machu Picchu the highest-altitude archaeological site in South America?

There are actually higher mountains in Peru; the Huascarán stands at 6,768 meters (22,205 feet).

Is it possible to suffer from altitude sickness at Machu Picchu?

Some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness at Machu Picchu if they haven’t undergone the necessary acclimatization.

How far above sea level is Cusco and Machu Picchu?

Cusco is higher than Machu Picchu; it stands at 3,399 metres/ 11,152 feet above sea level.

How should one be able to handle situations concerning altitude at the Machu Picchu?

Take a rest, drink water, and stay in Cusco or similar places to get accustomed to the altitude before visiting Machu Picchu.