Putucusi
Putucusi, Santuario Historico Machu Picchu, Peru
About
Putucusi (Putukusi), (13º 09' 26 S 72º 32' 10 W). Quechua for “Happy Mountain”. Putucusi is on the same side of the river as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Follow the train tracks a very short distance away from town in the direction of Santa Teresa and Machu Picchu (downhill from town) you will shortly come across a trail on your right heading uphill. (If you come to a train tunnel, you've gone too far.) This trail leads to the summit, approximately 2370 meters above sea level. It is the mountain adjacent to Machu Picchu. The trail is steep with quite a few near-vertical wooden ladders. The elevation gain is about 300 meters from Machu Picchu Pueblo. The summit offers amazing views of Machu Picchu if it's a clear day. As of July 2010 portions of the vertical wooden ladders have been obscured by a mudslide and you are only able to reach the top of Putucusi by firmly hauling yourself up a steel cable (not recommended, unless you are an experienced rock climber). Allow about one hour each way and make sure you'll be out before it gets dark. Wear long pants to avoid insect bites and take some water. (-13.1572,-72.5353)
