INKA CITY OF MACHU PICCHU: CIRCUIT 1 or PANORAMIC
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route
Circuit 1 stands out by offering a unique experience for visitors, thanks to the impressive panoramic views of the cultural landscape that makes up the Inca city of Machu Picchu. This circuit allows visitors to admire not only the majesty of the Inca citadel but also the natural surroundings that encircle it. Machu Picchu is surrounded by towering mountains or tutelary apus, which were of great spiritual significance to the ancient Incas. These apus, with their telluric and cosmological nature, were worshipped as sacred entities that protected both the people and the land.
The route also provides views of the magnificent agricultural terraces, which were one of the most important innovations of the Incas, enabling them to cultivate on the steep slopes of the mountains. The agricultural terraces not only served a practical purpose but also offer a clear vision of the advanced engineering the Incas employed in managing natural resources.
Additionally, this circuit includes views of the majestic Machu Picchu Mountain, which rises towering in the horizon, and, together with the surrounding landscape, forms one of the most spectacular vistas in the region. This route is ideal for those wishing to enjoy a complete experience, combining both the cultural and natural aspects of this marvelous archaeological site.
Route 1-B: Upper terrace route
Upper Terrace Route offers some of the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its surrounding natural landscape. From this route, visitors can see the entire ancient Inca city, highlighting the precision of its architecture and its integration with the surrounding mountains. The route also provides stunning views of the Vilcanota River, which winds through the landscape, and the Vilcabamba Batholith, a granite geological formation that plays a key role in shaping the terrain, formed by tectonic processes millions of years ago.
Intipunku Gateway Route offers a unique opportunity to follow a portion of the traditional Inca Trail, stretching approximately 1.7 km. This path takes you through a scenic and historical journey, providing striking views of the surrounding landscape. As you make your way to the top, you will be able to see rectangular enclosures and a platform that once served as a strategic reference point for the Inca guards, used for control before entering the city of Machu Picchu.
Upon reaching the summit, you will have the chance to take in breathtaking photographs of the Inca city and its natural surroundings, framed by the towering mountains and lush green valleys. This vantage point provides a spectacular view of the entire archaeological site, offering a perfect opportunity to capture the cultural and natural beauty of Machu Picchu. The surrounding landscape enhances the grandeur of the ancient city, giving you a sense of how the Incas might have experienced this sacred space.
Along the route, you will also visit several sacred enclosures and spaces that hold cultural significance. Among these are Tambo and Pachamama, which were important ceremonial and ritual areas for the Incas. Tambo served as a rest stop for travelers, while Pachamama is dedicated to the worship of the Earth goddess, showcasing the Incas’ deep spiritual connection to nature. This route provides a profound insight into the Inca civilization’s rituals and their reverence for both the natural world and their constructed environments.
Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route
Inka Bridge Route is a relatively easy walk, covering just 1.3 km. Despite its short distance, this route offers stunning views and a chance to explore one of the most important features of Machu Picchu’s surroundings. The main goal of the route is to reach the Inca Bridge, a remarkable structure built into the cliffside, which once served as a strategic entry point to the city, providing security to the Inca site.
At the end of the path, visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Vilcanota Valley and the surrounding jungle landscape that is characteristic of the region’s altitudinal floors. This view provides a unique perspective on the transition between the high mountain landscapes and the lush, green vegetation of the lower valleys. The route also offers a glimpse into the geological formations that make up the sacred mountains (Apus), which hold spiritual significance for the Inca people.
While the walk itself does not require strenuous effort, the route provides valuable insight into the relationship between the Incas and their environment. The Inka Bridge itself, built with sophisticated engineering techniques, stands as a testament to the advanced skills of the Inca civilization. Visitors can take in the natural beauty and the historical importance of this route, offering a deeper appreciation of both the cultural and geographical context of Machu Picchu.
INKA CITY OF MACHU PICCHU: CIRCUIT 2 or INKA CITY CIRCUIT
Route 2-A: Designed route
Designed Route offers a comprehensive exploration of the Inka City of Machu Picchu, highlighting both its architectural and ceremonial features. The tour takes you through a variety of key elements, such as the Qolqas, which are agricultural storage structures used by the Incas to preserve food, as well as the system of platforms that once supported crops and other activities. Visitors will also see enclosures with ceremonial elements, reflecting the spiritual significance of the site, and housing structures that provide insight into daily life during the Inca era.
In this designed route, you will explore the agricultural sector of the city, which is essential for understanding how the Incas adapted their farming methods to the challenging Andean terrain. You’ll also visit Llaqta Punku, the main entrance to the city, and the Granite Chaos, a fascinating geological area formed by large boulders and irregular rock formations. The route will lead you to the Sacred Plaza, a central area that includes the Main Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows, both significant in Inca religious practices.
The tour will also take you to the Sacred Rock and the Hall of Mirrors, which are integral to the spiritual and ritual activities of the Incas. These sacred spaces reflect the Incas’ deep connection to the natural world and the cosmos, as well as their sophisticated architectural and engineering achievements. Overall, Route 2-A provides a detailed look at both the functional and ceremonial aspects of Machu Picchu, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization’s complexity and ingenuity.
Route 2-B: Lower terrace route
Lower Terrace Route offers an in-depth exploration of both the agricultural and urban areas of Machu Picchu, giving visitors a broader view of the site’s complex structure. The route begins with a visit to part of the agricultural area, where you can see the extensive terracing that the Incas used for farming, demonstrating their advanced agricultural techniques. The terraces are not only functional but also strategically designed to manage water and prevent soil erosion in the steep mountain environment.
As you continue along the route, you’ll enter the urban area of Machu Picchu, which showcases the ingenuity of Inca architecture and city planning. Key highlights include the quarries, where construction materials like stone were extracted to build the structures within the city. You’ll also visit several important ceremonial areas, such as the main square and the Sacred Rock, both of which hold spiritual significance. The water mirrors, unique features used for both ceremonial purposes and astronomical observation, are another fascinating part of this route, offering insight into the Incas’ deep understanding of water and its symbolic role in their rituals.
Route 2-B gives a comprehensive look at the daily life, religious practices, and architectural achievements of the Inca civilization. It provides an opportunity to appreciate the harmony between urban life, agriculture, and spirituality in Machu Picchu. This route is perfect for those interested in seeing a variety of the site’s elements, from the practical to the sacred, and understanding how these different areas worked together to create a thriving Inca city in the heart of the Andes.
INKA CITY OF MACHU PICCHU: CIRCUIT 3 or CIRCUIT OF THE KINGDOM
Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route
Waynapicchu Mountain Route is one of the most thrilling and challenging hikes at Machu Picchu, covering a distance of 2.4 kilometers. The trail is steep and rugged, requiring a moderate level of fitness, but the climb offers a truly rewarding experience. As you ascend, the dense jungle gives way to panoramic views, and you will feel the exhilarating sense of reaching one of the most iconic peaks in the region.
Waynapicchu is not only a challenging hike but also a sacred and astronomical site for the Incas. The summit holds cultural significance, as it was used for ceremonial and astronomical purposes. From the top, you can witness breathtaking views of the main snow-capped peaks (Apus) of the Cusco region, which were revered by the Incas as sacred mountains. These mountains were integral to Inca spirituality, symbolizing powerful deities and playing a key role in their cosmology.
The view from the summit of Waynapicchu offers a unique perspective of Machu Picchu and its surrounding landscape, revealing the full scope of the ancient city and the natural beauty that envelops it. The hike provides a memorable experience that combines physical challenge, spiritual significance, and awe-inspiring views. Reaching the top of Waynapicchu is truly one of the highlights of visiting Machu Picchu.
Route 3-B: Designed route
Designed Route takes you through the most sacred areas of Machu Picchu, particularly those associated with Inca royalty. This route highlights the high-status architecture of the site, providing insight into the grandeur and spiritual significance of the areas that were reserved for the elite. Visitors will explore the Qolqas, which are agricultural storage structures used by the Incas to preserve food, reflecting the advanced agricultural techniques that were essential for sustaining the Inca empire.
Another key feature of this route is the agricultural terraces system, which was crucial for food production in the Inca civilization. The terraces not only supported farming but also played a role in preventing soil erosion and managing water flow, showcasing the Incas’ ingenuity in working with the challenging Andean environment. This part of the route offers a deeper understanding of how the Incas managed their resources and their sophisticated agricultural practices.
A major highlight of Route 3-B is the Temple of the Condor, a ceremonial space dedicated to the condor, a bird that symbolizes spiritual power and is deeply connected to Inca cosmology. The temple features an impressive stone carving shaped like the wings of a condor, adding to the site’s religious and cultural significance. This circuit is ideal for those who are keen to explore the religious and architectural aspects of Machu Picchu, providing a richer understanding of the Inca’s spiritual beliefs and their remarkable architectural achievements.
Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route
The road to the Great Cavern (Ruta 3-C) is closely linked to the Waynapicchu mountain, adding an element of adventure and intrigue to the journey. This route is considered one of the most exciting experiences in Machu Picchu, with a certain degree of difficulty due to its steep terrain and the distance that needs to be covered—approximately 3 kilometers. While it is a challenging path, the reward lies in the fascinating discoveries along the way and the incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most remarkable features of the Great Cavern is the lithic element carved into the rock, which resembles a “throne.” This throne-like structure is located in the central part of the cavern and is believed to have had ceremonial significance. It is thought to have been used by Inca priests or leaders for important rituals, possibly related to the worship of deities associated with the mountains and the sky. The cavern itself is an extraordinary example of Incan engineering, as it was integrated into the natural rock formations, showcasing the Inca’s deep connection with the landscape and their spiritual beliefs. The experience of exploring this route offers both physical challenges and historical insights, making it a memorable part of the Machu Picchu visit for those who are physically prepared and interested in the site’s deeper mysteries.
Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route
Huchuypicchu Route offers a shorter yet rewarding hike that leads directly to Huchuypicchu Mountain, which is part of the Waynapicchu massif. This new route provides an alternative for those looking to experience a brief but exhilarating climb, reaching an elevated viewpoint nearly 100 meters higher than the main Machu Picchu site. The trail is less challenging than the full Waynapicchu hike, making it a great option for visitors with limited time or those seeking a more moderate ascent.
From the summit of Huchuypicchu, visitors are treated to an impressive view of Machu Picchu and its surrounding landscape. The vantage point offers a fresh perspective of the iconic Inca city, allowing visitors to appreciate the layout and structures from a different angle. The view encompasses the expansive mountain ranges and lush valleys that form the dramatic backdrop of Machu Picchu, providing a perfect opportunity for photography and reflection.
This route is ideal for those who want to take in the beauty of Machu Picchu from an elevated position without committing to the more demanding Waynapicchu climb. The unique perspective of Huchuypicchu allows visitors to appreciate the ancient city and its surroundings in a new light, adding a memorable element to their experience at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
