Hiking Options in and Around Machu Picchu

It is often the case that travelers finish a tour of Machu Picchu and are eager to do more exploring. Below are some options for additional hikes. Please note that hiking to the Sun Gate or to the Inca Bridge requires no prior planning. On the other hand, you must pay an additional fee (in addition to your Machu Picchu entry ticket) in order to hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains. For any of these hikes, grab a map, definitely take water and keep hydrated.

Sun Gate
Anyone who does the Inca Trail arrives into Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku. From the main part of the park, it is a uphill hike 40 minutes to an hour in duration. The climb is moderate in difficulty and there is one small stretch near the top where the stairs get steep and narrow. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Machu Picchu sanctuary in the distance. If you have a train to catch in Aguas Calientes, give yourself enough time to trek back down (about an hour to get down and reach the park exit).

Inca Bridge
30 minutes to the west in the opposite direction from the Sun Gate. This was another path into Machu Picchu, a portion of which, was cut into the cliff face. There is a gap in this structure, which could be bridged by 2 massive tree trunks. Removing them exposed a 1,900 ft drop that made it impossible to access Machu Picchu via this route. Allow about 1 hour to walk to and from the Inca Bridge.

Planning Ahead: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains
These 2 hike require advance purchase of the Huayna Picchu or Macchu Picchu mountain entry. The extra cost is added to the regular Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Huayna Picchu is the most popular and there are 2 time slots (7am or 10 am) for 200 hikers each. If you do not buy the Huayna Picchu entrance or the slots are sold out, you will not be able to do this hike. The duration of the climb depends on your fitness level, but most people average 45 minutes. Both the ascent and descent are quite steep, difficult on the knees, and should be approached with extra caution if it is raining. The views from the top of the citadel and the river valley below are definitely worth it.
Machu Picchu Mountain is the mountain that rises above the citadel. An special entry is required and must be purchased along with your regular entry ticket. The path to the top is longer, more difficult, and more exciting than Huayna Picchu simply because you’ll be one of the few people on the path. From the top, you are guaranteed one-of-a-kind views of the citadel, Hauyna Picchu mountain across from you, and the surrounding valley. This is a 3 hour hike, round-trip.

Putucusi Mountain
If you’re in Aguas Calientes and have an extra day a lots of energy to spare, you can hike Putucus, the mountain in between Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village) and Machu Picchu. This is 1.5 hours up rock stairs and in some parts wooden ladders. This climb in not for the faint of heart! The trailhead is about 10 minutes west of Aguas Calientes if you follow the train tracks out of town. In April 2011, rains washed out a section of ladder so ask around before beginning this trek.

This article about Machu Picchu packages was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value options for deciding how to get to Machu Picchu.
http://www.peruforless.com/destinations/destinations-peru-machu-picchu.php
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