Putucusi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Putucusi |
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Putucusi (center-left) behind the ruins of Machu Picchu
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,560 m (8,400 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Putucusi
Location in Peru
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| Location | Peru, Cusco Region |
| Parent range | Andes |
Putucusi is a round-shaped mountain in Peru. It sits across the Urubamba River from the famous Machu Picchu. This mountain reaches about 2,560 meters (8,399 feet) above sea level. From its peak, you can see amazing views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River valley.
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What's in a Name?
The name "Putucusi" might come from the Quechua language. "Phutu" means "bud," and "k'usi" is a type of small squash. So, it could mean "budding squash." Some local guides who speak Quechua call it "Happy Mountain." This is because "Kusi" means "happy" in Quechua. Another idea is that "Putuq" means "trapezoid," which describes the mountain's shape.
A Sacred Mountain
Putucusi, along with Machu Picchu ("old peak") and Huayna Picchu ("young peak"), are very important. Local Quechua people consider them "apus." An apu is a holy mountain or mountain spirit.
Climbing Putucusi
To see Machu Picchu from the top of Putucusi, you would usually hike for about 1.5 hours. The path has around 1,700 steps made of wood and rock. This trail is part of a recently found Inca Trail. It starts just 10 minutes west of Aguas Calientes. You follow the train tracks along the Urubamba River to find the entrance. There is no fee to enter.
The Trail and Nature
The first part of the climb goes through a jungle. You will find several tall wooden ladders there. One of these ladders is over 100 feet (30 meters) high! The second part of the journey offers views of Aguas Calientes and the Urubamba River valley. The trail goes up the eastern side of Putucusi in a zig-zag pattern. Along the way, you can see many native plants. These include pisonayes, q'eofias, alisos, puya palm trees, ferns, and over 90 types of orchids.
Important Safety Notice
In 2011, floods damaged the ladder section of the climb. The ladders were replaced by 2012. However, since June 2016, access to the trail has been closed. This is because the path is not kept up. All the ladders are now broken. It is very dangerous and impossible to climb without special climbing gear. Local rangers watch the area. They stop people from entering to prevent accidents.
Images for kids
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Sketch map of the site Machu Picchu showing the location of Putucusi
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View of the summit of Putucusi from Machu Picchu
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The largest of the steep wooden ladders on the trek to the summit of Putucusi, shown in 2007.
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View of Machu Picchu from the summit of Putucusi
See also
In Spanish: Putucusi para niños
- Iperu, tourist information and assistance
- Tourism in Peru
