To visit Machu Picchu it is necessary to know the circuits that facilitate the tours due to the abundant demand of travelers who visit the Wonder of the World.
Since June 1st, 2024 there are 10 new circuits or routes in Machu Picchu and below we explain some of the benefits of these new routes. We will also show you the main Inca constructions that you will be able to appreciate in each of these circuits.
These ticket options provide visitors with diverse experiences and combinations to explore different parts of Machu Picchu and its surrounding attractions.
The Machu Picchu authorities ordered that the visit to the Inca citadel be done by strict routes and the reason for doing so is to protect and preserve the archaeological site for the future. Each visitor will follow a route according to the chosen ticket.
To access the tour of these circuits is recommended to book your admission ticket to this Wonder of the World at least three months in advance due to the high demand they have and because these are limited and subject to availability.
Below is a description of all these circuits:
Circuit 1 is characterized by the impressive panoramic views of the cultural landscape that represents the Inca city of Machu Picchu, surrounded by the main mountains or tutelary apus to which they worshiped for their telluric and cosmological nature. The best agricultural terraces and the Machu Picchu Mountain also stand out.
On this route you will get the best panoramic and wide views of the Inka city of Machu Picchu and the sacred mountains that surround it, highlighting the geological formations such as the Vilcabamba batholith, the meandering form of the Vilcanota River. The terraces or system of platforms were built as containment and for agriculture.
From this sector you will be able to observe the projection of the traditional Inka Trail, the same that you will walk in a length of approximately 1.7 km. When you reach the top, you will see rectangular enclosures and a platform that served as a reference point for control, prior to entering the Inka City of Machu Picchu. You will be able to take pictures of all the cultural and natural context that surrounds the Inka city, additionally in the tour you will visit enclosures and sacred spaces such as those called: Tambo and Pachamama.
This route does not demand much physical effort, since it only covers approximately 1.3 km. The objective is to reach the end of the road and see the entire Vilcanota valley, the jungle landscape characteristic of the altitudinal floor and part of the geological formation that make up the sacred mountains or Apus.
The tour includes the visit to the Qolqas, system of platforms, enclosures with ceremonial elements, housing, platform platforms, water channel, squares, Phaqcha (water fountains) and Waka, among others. In the designed route you will access the agricultural sector, Llaqta Punku, Granite Chaos, the Sacred Plaza (formed by the Main Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows); as well as the Sacred Rock and the Hall of Mirrors.
Circuit 2 shows the tour of part of the agricultural area, as well as most of the urban area of Machu Picchu, which includes the quarries (the place where construction material was extracted), ceremonial and living areas, the main square, the Sacred Rock, the water mirrors, among others.
The trail to the top of the Waynapicchu mountain is one of the most exciting experiences and with a certain degree of difficulty, since it is a 2.4 km trek. This mountain represents another important sacred and astronomical site since from its summit it is possible to observe the main snow-capped peaks or Apus of the Cusco region.
Circuit 3 includes the most sacred places occupied by the Inca royalty. It shows the best architecture of high hierarchy. In its tour you will visit the Qolqas, agricultural terraces system, ceremonial enclosures, Temple of the Condor, among others.
The road to the Great Cavern is articulated to the Waynapicchu mountain, and it is considered one of the most exciting experiences and with a certain degree of difficulty, since it is to cover 3 km of distance approximately. Another detail to highlight is the presence of a lithic element carved as a “throne” located in the central part of the great cavern, probably intended for ceremonial purposes.
This circuit leads directly to the Huchuypicchu mountain, which is part of the Waynapicchu mountain. It is a new option for those who wish to experience a short hike, but reaching an elevated viewpoint almost 100 meters high. The view from this point is impressive as it shows you another angle and perspective of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
For the 2025 season the Machu Picchu Circuits were divided into routes which we will explain here.
The entrance ticket is valid only for the date and time it was purchased and for one route, it is not allowed to change the date or name of the ticket holder. Exceptionally, only the change of passport number and national identity card of the same person is allowed. The Ministry of Culture will not give refunds or reimbursements except in cases of acts of God or force majeure that prevent the arrival and entry of visitors to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. In these cases, rescheduling of the date and time of the visit may also be permitted.
Circuit 1 or Panoramic allows you to tour the upper part of Machu Picchu and get the classic photo from the sector of the Guardian’s House. Then, if it does not include a mountain or trekking route, you must take the descending way out.
This circuit offers the following route or options of the visitor’s choice:
– Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route.
– Route 1-B: Upper terrace route.
– Route 1-C: Route to Inti Punku or Sungate (High season).
– Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (High season).
Circuit 2 or Classic Circuit allows the most complete tour of Machu Picchu. It includes the Inca sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Sacred Rock and more. It is the most used circuit. It takes 2 hours 30 minutes approximately.
This circuit offers the following route or options of the visitor’s choice:
– Route 2-A: Designed route.
– Route 2-B: Lower terrace route.
Circuit 3 or Royalty Circuit allows you to tour the nuclear area in the lower part of Machu Picchu. It includes the visit to Inca constructions such as: the House of the Inka, the Temple of the Sun, the building of the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor.
This circuit offers the following routes or options for the visitor to choose from:
– Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route.
– Route 3-B: Designed route
– Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (High season).
– Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (High season).
Circuit 2 is considered the best of Machu Picchu because it allows a more complete tour of the constructions of the Inca citadel. In case you choose the Route 2-A: Designed Route, it includes the classic photo!
Circuits 1 and 2 allow the classic and panoramic photo of Machu Picchu. Specifically these routes within these circuits are the ones that include the classic photo of Machu Picchu:
– Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route.
– Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route.
– Route 1-C: Route to Portada Inti Punku (High season).
– Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (High season).
– Route 2-A: Route designed.
Circuits 2 and 3 allow you to visit part of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Specifically these routes within these circuits are the ones that include the classic photo of Machu Picchu:
– Route 2-A: Designed route.
– Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
– Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route.
– Route 3-B: Designed route
– Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (High season).
– Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (High season).
The Circuit 3 ticket with its Route 3-A is the only one that allows you to climb the famous mountain. This ticket allows you to visit part of the citadel and climb to the top of this mountain.
Seniors in good physical condition can complete all the routes of circuit 1, 2 and 3 without any problems. However, due to the difficulty required, we recommend these routes, which have a moderate and easy difficulty:
– Route 1-B: Upper terrace route. Easy.
– Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (High season). Moderate.
– Route 2-A: Designed route. Easy.
– Route 2-B: Lower terrace route. Easy.
– Route 3-B: Designed route. Easy.
– Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (High season). Moderate.
– Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (High season). Moderate.
For older adults in poor physical condition, they can choose Route 3-B and sit on one of the benches that allow them to contemplate Machu Picchu from the lower part.
Children can complete any of the circuits. The most recommended is circuit 2 with its routes. If you have babies, we do not recommend climbing Waynapicchu (Route 3-A), because of the steepness of the trail.
According to the circuit and route you choose, the time of visit in Machu Picchu will vary, here are some approximate time of visit and the maximum time of stay mentioned by the Ministry of Culture of Peru per circuit, these are referential and may vary.
Circuit 1 or Panoramic:
– Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route. Its visit usually takes 5 hours and its maximum time of permanence is 7 hours.
– Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route. Its visit usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and its maximum time of permanence is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
– Route 1-C: Route Inti Punku or Sun Gate (High season). Its visit usually takes 3 hours and 30 minutes and its maximum time of permanence is 4 hours.
– Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (High season). Its visit usually takes 2 hours and its maximum time of permanence is 3 hours.
Circuit 2 or Classic Circuit:
– Route 2-A: Designed route. Its visit usually takes 2 hours and its maximum time of permanence is 3 hours.
– Route 2-B: Lower terrace route. Its visit usually takes 2 hours and its maximum time of permanence is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Circuit 3 or Royalty Circuit:
– Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route. Its visit usually takes 3 hours and 30 minutes and its maximum time of permanence is 6 hours.
– Route 3-B: Designed route. Its visit usually takes 2 hours and its maximum time of permanence is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
– Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (High season). Its visit usually takes 3 hours and 30 minutes and its maximum time of permanence is 7 hours.
– Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (High season). Its visit usually takes 2 hours and 30 minutes and its maximum time of permanence is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
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