Putucusi Mountain
Putucusi Mountain
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
259 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
47
Average
18
Poor
9
Terrible
5
Da F
Sofia, Bulgaria7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
Update mid June 2022: there's a section shortly after the start of the trail where once there was a ladder/ladders. It's not there anymore.
Now there are ropes, but there are a few metres where there's nothing to hold on to (ropes end) and you pretty much need to climb an almost vertical, possibly wet, rock wall. You need to be fit, although it's much more of a mental battle to win. Some understanding of how rock climbing works is in between highly recommended and a must.
Once you go past the hard part, the trail is overgrown and steep, but not challenging (except for maybe 2-3 sets of several more technical metres). The view from the top is indeed great, but it's not worth dying for, so if you don't know what you're doing - stay away. Don't become the reason for them to close/fix the trail.
Now there are ropes, but there are a few metres where there's nothing to hold on to (ropes end) and you pretty much need to climb an almost vertical, possibly wet, rock wall. You need to be fit, although it's much more of a mental battle to win. Some understanding of how rock climbing works is in between highly recommended and a must.
Once you go past the hard part, the trail is overgrown and steep, but not challenging (except for maybe 2-3 sets of several more technical metres). The view from the top is indeed great, but it's not worth dying for, so if you don't know what you're doing - stay away. Don't become the reason for them to close/fix the trail.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ Lacuata
Long Beach, CA9,706 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
Putucusi “Happy Mountain” is one of the hidden mountains that surrounds Machu Picchu because very few people have visited. The roads are steep, however once at the top you can appreciate all the beauty of the landscape and a viewmthat not many people have been able to photograph.
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy P
London, UK109 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
This is not easy since the ladders were removed. Well worth when at the peak, great views of Machu Pichu. Not the best idea with a hangover, fatigued legs and old trainers for shoes. All the way up was worried about going down on the steel rope. Got a bit hairy when a rung came away on the ladder. I know a great guide that can take you - not an advert. Local knowledge in this case is suggested.
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duepeace
Singapore, Singapore7 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
What it is now:
First off, this is not a typical tourist attraction, at least as of writing. It’s a mountain with a view there for you to climb. To assist you are some iffy handrails and stomach churning vertical ladders, neither which are meant to guarantee your safety at any level. This is a dangerous activity, I would imagine at least for most common folks.
Going up:
I believe it is in the process of being prepared to become a proper site for visitation, a la Huayna Picchu, which is much more established. Some reviewers here took about 3 hours to get to the top and back, and it’s about there for me and my wife (we’re in our late 20s, average built, desk dwellers who are not exactly active in our free time, either). Altitude is 2500m at the top, meaning you'll be going upwards about half a kilometre from Aguas Calientes. That's roughly 160 storeys in a typical building I think. But with a whole lot more twist and turns and vertical ascents.
At the top:
Is it worth it? It's free of charge. After you've gone up and down, it's easy to say yes, but you might not think the same during the journey. It offers a different view of Machu Picchu (than from Huayna Picchu), which can be really quite beautiful as well. It should be quiet throughout, so you can enjoy your time at the peak alone (unlike Huayna Picchu). Difficulty wise, it is a notch harder than Huayna Picchu, although not by much. Risk wise, it is not quite ready for prime time yet, so go at your own risk. Like Huayna Picchu, there are various places where one wrong step means… you’re at the bottom rather than the top.
Directions:
So you have decided to take the plunge? Not literally please. Finding the trail’s entrance might just be the hardest part of the trip. First locate Toto House in Aguas Calientes, which is a restaurant that’s hard to miss, and is where the train track runs over the water and near the Machu Picchu bus route. Standing in front of and while facing Toto House, turn right and follow the rail tracks (i.e. in the direction of the water). You will pass by other eateries, some gift shops and convenience stores. Go all the way until the end of the row of buildings on the left.
Continue on the beaten path, walk just a bit further down, probably about 30 metres or so, and you will see a yellow sign on the right which symbolizes “no crossing” (see attached photo). Disregard and cross over the tracks, and head into the opening in the bushes where the sign is. You’ll see another sign in Spanish which says something to the effect of “conservation in progress”. There is also a barrier after the sign which is meant to further deter you from entering. If you’re feeling lucky, enter – but remember it is completely at your own risk.
Preparing for it:
Wear something light, but with long pants so you avoid scratches from vegetation or rocks. Use trekking shoes with a good grip. You can bring a backpack with water, but make sure there are no valuables because you might decide to ditch the bag halfway. For wimpy me, it was left behind waaay early, but got it back intact on the way down. During the time we were there (Dec 2012), the weather is rainy and wet in the mornings but great in the afternoons. You might want to do this from about 2pm, so you will have enough time to go up, enjoy the view, and be down before it gets dark at about 6pm. No specified restrooms, natural ones are all around but you're not likely to need it because you'll likely break out more than a sweat. It's not that hard if you take your time, but the danger of falling will be there so take a break whenever you find yourself no longer mentally alert due to fatigue.
In brief:
If you have any physical difficulties, or are relatively young or elderly, stay away.
If you are a “typical” tourist ready for some rather risky physical workout, consider Huayna Picchu.
If you like a bit of adventure in your travels, go for Huayna Picchu but consider Putucusi as well, for a different view and crowd avoidance.
If you climb mountains for a living, both Huayna Picchu and Putucusi will be a breeze and offer lovely views at the top. Enjoy them.
First off, this is not a typical tourist attraction, at least as of writing. It’s a mountain with a view there for you to climb. To assist you are some iffy handrails and stomach churning vertical ladders, neither which are meant to guarantee your safety at any level. This is a dangerous activity, I would imagine at least for most common folks.
Going up:
I believe it is in the process of being prepared to become a proper site for visitation, a la Huayna Picchu, which is much more established. Some reviewers here took about 3 hours to get to the top and back, and it’s about there for me and my wife (we’re in our late 20s, average built, desk dwellers who are not exactly active in our free time, either). Altitude is 2500m at the top, meaning you'll be going upwards about half a kilometre from Aguas Calientes. That's roughly 160 storeys in a typical building I think. But with a whole lot more twist and turns and vertical ascents.
At the top:
Is it worth it? It's free of charge. After you've gone up and down, it's easy to say yes, but you might not think the same during the journey. It offers a different view of Machu Picchu (than from Huayna Picchu), which can be really quite beautiful as well. It should be quiet throughout, so you can enjoy your time at the peak alone (unlike Huayna Picchu). Difficulty wise, it is a notch harder than Huayna Picchu, although not by much. Risk wise, it is not quite ready for prime time yet, so go at your own risk. Like Huayna Picchu, there are various places where one wrong step means… you’re at the bottom rather than the top.
Directions:
So you have decided to take the plunge? Not literally please. Finding the trail’s entrance might just be the hardest part of the trip. First locate Toto House in Aguas Calientes, which is a restaurant that’s hard to miss, and is where the train track runs over the water and near the Machu Picchu bus route. Standing in front of and while facing Toto House, turn right and follow the rail tracks (i.e. in the direction of the water). You will pass by other eateries, some gift shops and convenience stores. Go all the way until the end of the row of buildings on the left.
Continue on the beaten path, walk just a bit further down, probably about 30 metres or so, and you will see a yellow sign on the right which symbolizes “no crossing” (see attached photo). Disregard and cross over the tracks, and head into the opening in the bushes where the sign is. You’ll see another sign in Spanish which says something to the effect of “conservation in progress”. There is also a barrier after the sign which is meant to further deter you from entering. If you’re feeling lucky, enter – but remember it is completely at your own risk.
Preparing for it:
Wear something light, but with long pants so you avoid scratches from vegetation or rocks. Use trekking shoes with a good grip. You can bring a backpack with water, but make sure there are no valuables because you might decide to ditch the bag halfway. For wimpy me, it was left behind waaay early, but got it back intact on the way down. During the time we were there (Dec 2012), the weather is rainy and wet in the mornings but great in the afternoons. You might want to do this from about 2pm, so you will have enough time to go up, enjoy the view, and be down before it gets dark at about 6pm. No specified restrooms, natural ones are all around but you're not likely to need it because you'll likely break out more than a sweat. It's not that hard if you take your time, but the danger of falling will be there so take a break whenever you find yourself no longer mentally alert due to fatigue.
In brief:
If you have any physical difficulties, or are relatively young or elderly, stay away.
If you are a “typical” tourist ready for some rather risky physical workout, consider Huayna Picchu.
If you like a bit of adventure in your travels, go for Huayna Picchu but consider Putucusi as well, for a different view and crowd avoidance.
If you climb mountains for a living, both Huayna Picchu and Putucusi will be a breeze and offer lovely views at the top. Enjoy them.
Written January 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peru Eco Expeditions
Cusco, Peru66 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This is one of my favorite hikes in the entire world! I went this past weekend to climb it again (February 4, 2017) - but unfortunately the ladders and the cable are no longer there. You will need good rock climbing equipment to ascend. There appears to have been an alternate trail up, however, after about 1/4 of a mile it appears to have been washed out by a landslide. It is really disappointing that the municipality won't upkeep this gem!
Written February 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
koka106
Columbus, OH37 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We were looking for things to do around aguas caliente, then we found this mountain on tripadvisor so we decided to climb. Me and my boyfriend went at the end of May, and first part (about 50 feet) had absolutely no ladder. Just wire rope was hanging. First 10 ft it was easy due to cracks where you can place hands and feet to climb,but after that it becomes very difficult. You must lift yourself up by your upper body strength by wire rope that's hooked. Physicsal strength is needed but most of all.., you must have courage to do this trail. im not fit AT ALL and athletic. At the end of the day I was more mentally tired then physically tired, because it was scary and sketchy trail (I'm scared of trail). After you pass that first 50ft, there are about 5 sets of ladder. Some ladder were missing in the middle. It took us about 2 hours to get to the top.and then from there on it's just trails with steps. Not difficult but it was tough. First half your in forest but last half you are hiking right under sun so it was pretty hot. Bring plenty of water.
Veiw at the top was beautiful and it felt so good !! not many people get to see the "other" side of machu pichu.
Coming back down was about 1 hour.. We took same route and it was not very easy coming down ..,. We didn't knjw how to get down 50 ft at the end and we got stuck.. But luckily, there were local Peruvian teenagers hanging out at the bottom, so they guided and helped us get down by pulling the rope so we can place the rope between the legs and sort of slide down. Next day we had terriable bruise and body ache... But over all it was great experience and was worth it. You won't to exierience this type of trail at other places.
Please go with someone.. When we went it was just us two till we saw the teenagers at the very end. Also I highly recommend bring pair of thick gripped gloved. We brought it with us and it was very hpful climbing Rock and ladder, since the rope that was there was wire. Try to go early because you don't want to come down in dark. It gets dark pretty early (around 5:30). Wear gripped hiking shoes and hat!!!!
Veiw at the top was beautiful and it felt so good !! not many people get to see the "other" side of machu pichu.
Coming back down was about 1 hour.. We took same route and it was not very easy coming down ..,. We didn't knjw how to get down 50 ft at the end and we got stuck.. But luckily, there were local Peruvian teenagers hanging out at the bottom, so they guided and helped us get down by pulling the rope so we can place the rope between the legs and sort of slide down. Next day we had terriable bruise and body ache... But over all it was great experience and was worth it. You won't to exierience this type of trail at other places.
Please go with someone.. When we went it was just us two till we saw the teenagers at the very end. Also I highly recommend bring pair of thick gripped gloved. We brought it with us and it was very hpful climbing Rock and ladder, since the rope that was there was wire. Try to go early because you don't want to come down in dark. It gets dark pretty early (around 5:30). Wear gripped hiking shoes and hat!!!!
Written June 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TripAdvis1349
Clemson5 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
As of June 2015 there are absolutely no ladder pieces for about 40 feet. The is just an unattached cable held at the top by something. You need rock climbing equipment at this point.
Written June 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sonja2183
Trinidad and Tobago233 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
My family and I tried to do the hike but at the mountain, the ladder was demolished. The only thing left was a long piece of cable. We tried to climb the mountain but abandoned the effort because it was very dangerous. Please don't attempt without climbing gear.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison S
5 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
My husband and I went to Peru for our 2 year anniversary. After months of research I decided that I wanted to try Putucusi. Now, I am not very athletic, but I was determined to get to the top! The hike starts with finding the entrance to the trail, which is down the railroad track and off to the right. Next you walk up multiple sets of stone steps for about twenty minutes. If you're like me then you're already sweating. Then you come to an abandoned wooden hut and a run down fence and, to your astonishment, you will find a vertical rock wall about 60 feet high. Previous reviews may describe a vertical wooden ladder but that no longer exists at this point. All that exists is a vertical rock wall and a rusty wire rope. Now, like I previously said, I'm not very athletic but when I set my mind to something I do it! Somehow, and Im still not sure how, I was able to plant my feet against that wall and pull myself up! Literally, you have to pull yourself up with nothing but your own strength and an wire rope. Well, when I made it to the top of that wall my adrenaline was rushing and I was so proud of myself!! Little did I know I was only about a quarter of the way to the top. What followed that was multiple steep ladders and so many stairs that i could barely walk for days after this hike! Would I do it again?? Hell no! Was it worth it?? Absolutely! You can't beat the view and that feeling of accomplishment is like No other!
Written June 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erik R
Toronto, Canada13 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
We climbed up this in mid-March 2016. The rope and ladder are gone, so you have to free climb the first 70-100 feet or so. About 70 feet up there is a pretty tough 5.7/5.8 move that you really shouldn't try unless you are comfortable with the consequence of a miss (which is likely death). Be careful folks.
Written March 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anybody know if Putucusi mountain trail was repaired? Is it climbable at all?
Written July 4, 2019
Did you get to the top? would it be doable on a rainy day?
Written December 21, 2018
Hola, en septiembre ire al Huayna Picchu y antes de eso m gustaria hacer esta, Putucusi,es posible hacerlo? todos hablan de ascenso, el descenso es por ahí mismo?
Written April 20, 2018
Si es por el mismo lugar. Pero ya no está la escalera q te hacía subir por la roca .
Written June 20, 2018
Hola; como estan las escaleras? faltan muchos tramos? se puede hacer igual?, alguna recomendacion?
Written January 1, 2018
Hola acabo de ir para allá y termine dándome media vuelta, no hay mas acceso ... intentaré otro camino en estos días y te mantendré al tanto , algo me dice q ir se ya mucho mas difícil de lo pensado
Written March 31, 2018
Cleber F
Sao Paulo, SP
Está aberta para visitação a Putucusi Mountain? qual melhor horario para ir? quanto tempo do vilarejo até o topo?
Written August 21, 2017
Buen día!! quería hacer una consulta sobre la Montaña Putucusi, es posible el acceso?, esta restringido ? me gustaría subir al esa montaña, voy a viajar en Junio del 2017, si alguien ha ido recientemente y me podría brindar algún tipo de información...
DESDE YA MUCHAS GRACIAS !!!!
Written March 30, 2017
Hola Pablo, el acceso es un tanto complicado, ya que antes había unas escaleras de madera, las que, por las lluvias, se deterioraron y fueron retiradas del lugar, existen unas cuerdas de metal de las que te puedes sujetar y subir al igual que algunos restos de escaleras que quedaron, pero no son lo mas seguro, te recomiendo subirla si tienes alguna noción de escalada o algo por el estilo, si eres de las personas que escalo algo antes.
Después de la escalada viene una caminata de casi 40 minutos hasta llegar a la sima.
Te recomiendo llevar ropa adecuada, guantes y que lo hagas por la mañana, ya que subirla, te tomaría de dos a tres horas y la bajada otro tanto.
Te aseguro que si te animas a hacerlo, no te arrepentirás.
un saludo.
Written April 4, 2017
Estuve leyendo opiniones de Noviembre 2016 y dice que es espectacular y otras de Septiembre 2016 dicen q ya no hay escaleras para subir, y que han retirado las cuerdas. Alguien que haya ido recientemente, me podría contestar si esta habilitado para subir? y en que estado esta el sendero? Muchas gracias!
Written December 27, 2016
ambos comentarios pueden ser válidos, ya que de ser espectacular lo es, aunque ahora mismo no este habilitado por el gobierno, le faltan escalones, es inseguro, muchos accidentes hasta muertos, y sobretodo en temporada de lluvias diciembre-marzo ni te acerques..
Written December 28, 2016
Osea podemos hacerlo x nuestra cuenta sin necesidad de un Guía? por otro lado es lamentable que hayan retirado dichas cuerdas.
Rspd.
Un abrazo,
Written November 22, 2016
Hola, me gustaría saber si durante todo el camino hay escaleras? o si hay pedazos donde se debe subir la roca solo con cuerdas? Lo pregunto por algunas fotos que vi.
Written June 27, 2016
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