Machu Picchu is one of the most photographed places in the world. Every day many people share their dream photo in the Inca citadel. However, few people know that there are 10 different types of entrances, which offer 10 different types of experiences. And, what’s more, they offer a variety of photo options. The classic photo is taken from the sector of the Guardian’s House, with scenic views of the entire archaeological site. Which of the entrances to choose to get that photo? Learn about the ten types of entrances and the photographic options for each of them.

• Machu Picchu, a photography destination
• The ten types of tickets to Machu Picchu
• The classic photo of Machu Picchu
• The ten entrances and the ten photographic options at Machu Picchu
• More information about Machu Picchu photos
• Questions and answers

Classic photo of Machu Picchu

Prohibitions in Machu Picchu on filming and photography
Machu Picchu is a very photographed tourist destination. Every day thousands of people share their postcards on various social networks. However, few know that there are some rules when getting the best shot at the Inca archaeological site. First, it is forbidden to use selfie sticks, as this impedes the passage of people during the circuit through the Inca constructions. Second, the use of drones is not allowed, as it disturbs the sacredness of the Inca city and may cause disorder in the airspace. Third, professional or advertising recordings with highly technical equipment are not allowed without the respective permit. This permit is obtained through the corresponding authorities of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. In addition to this, all visitors can get beautiful pictures of Machu Picchu, a photography destination.

Machu Picchu, a photography destination

Machu Picchu is one of the most photographed tourist destinations in the world. This is proven in social networks, with the number of people who share and comment on the extraordinary photos of the Inca citadel.

Machu Picchu offers a special landscape of the jungle of Cusco in Peru. It is at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Andes Mountains. This mountainous and green landscape was chosen by the Incas to build a magnificent stone citadel in 1450 A.D. approximately (by orders of Emperor Pachacutec).

In addition, Machu Picchu offers a special image due to the stone enclosures that characterize it. In total there are about 170 stone buildings, some of them very famous, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.

Machu Picchu can be photographed from different points of view without losing its charm. The sector of the Guardian’s House is the most popular from where the most popular photos are taken and shared on social networks (with the Huayna Picchu mountain in the background). In addition, you can get very beautiful panoramic photos from the tops of the mountains Huchuy Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu.

During the tour of the archaeological site you can also get very popular photos as in the Intihuatana or the Sacred Rock. It is believed that by bringing his hands close to its stone structures, the visitor is filled with the energy of the sun.

With the company of a tour guide, the visitor can get experienced help in photography. The guides know where to take the best pictures of the Inca citadel. In addition, the guide offers a more thorough knowledge of each Inca construction. During the visit, it is recommended to hire a guide and try to get the best pictures possible.

Complete photo of Machu Picchu + the guardian’s house

The ten types of tickets to Machu Picchu

Before visiting Machu Picchu and looking for the best pictures of the trip, you must choose one of the five available entrances:

• Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Route 1, as well as the hiking route to Machu Picchu Mountain (suitable for visitors of all ages). Route 1 includes visits to Inca structures, such as the agricultural sector, the guardian’s house, and a general view of the citadel.
• Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace Ticket (Route 1B) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Circuit 1, along with the classic postcard photo. It also includes a visit to Inca structures, such as the agricultural sector, the guardian’s house, and a general view of the citadel.
• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Route 1C) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Route 1, as well as the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) via a 1-hour and 30-minute hike. It also includes a visit to Inca structures, such as the agricultural sector, the guardian’s house, and a general view of the citadel. Only available during high season in Machu Picchu (June 19 – November 2).
• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket (Route 1D) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Circuit 1, as well as the short 1-hour hiking route to the Inca Bridge (suitable for ages 12 and up). It also includes a visit to Inca structures, such as the agricultural sector, the guardian’s house, and a general view of the citadel. Only available during high season in Machu Picchu (June 19 – November 2).
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed Ticket (Route 2A) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Route 2, along with a classic postcard photo op on a higher platform. It also includes visits to famous stone structures, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sacred Rock.
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Circuit 2, along with the classic postcard photo of the lower terrace. It also includes visits to famous stone structures, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sacred Rock.
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket (Route 3A) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Route 3, as well as the hiking route to Huayna Picchu Mountain (suitable for ages 12 and up). Route 3 includes visits to Inca structures, such as the Temple of the Sun (from below), the Inca’s House, the lower part of the citadel, the lower terraces, a partial view of the Sacred Rock, and the main square.
• Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty Ticket (Route 3B) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site via route 3, along the lower part, considered the royal route. Route 3 includes visits to Inca structures, such as: the Temple of the Sun (from below), the Inca House, the lower part of the citadel, the lower terraces, a partial view of the Sacred Rock, and the main plaza.
• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave Ticket (Route 3C) – This ticket allows you to visit the archaeological site of Machu Picchu through route 3, along with a hike to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (suitable for people over 12 years old). Route 3 includes a visit to Inca structures, such as: the Temple of the Sun (from below), the Inca’s house, the lower part of the citadel, the lower terraces, a partial view of the Sacred Rock and the main square. Only available during high season in Machu Picchu (June 19 – November 2).
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket (Route 3D) – This ticket allows you to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site through circuit 3, as well as the hiking route to Huchuy Picchu Mountain (suitable for people over 12 years old). Circuit 3 includes a visit to Inca structures, such as: the Temple of the Sun (from below), the Inca’s House, the lower part of the citadel, the lower terraces, a partial view of the Sacred Rock and the main square. Only available during high season in Machu Picchu (June 19 – November 2).

Map of all available Machu Picchu tours

The classic photo of Machu Picchu

The classic photo of Machu Picchu, the most famous and shared on social networks, is taken from the sector of the Guardian’s House, in the upper part of the archaeological site.

To get there, from the entrance gate of Machupicchu, you must climb a set of stone steps made by the Incas. This ascending walk is arduous, especially for older adults. A young person can complete it in 15 minutes, while an older adult can complete it in 30 minutes or more.

In the sector of the Guardian’s House, the visitor will be able to get a complete view of the archaeological site. It is there where hundreds of people stop for 10, 20 or 30 minutes to get the best angle and the dreamed picture of Machu Picchu.

Unfortunately, if it rains or it gets cloudy, this famous photo is in danger. Machu Picchu is known as the ‘city among the clouds’. If the humidity and fog do not allow it, you will not be able to see anything from the Guardian Sector. The rainiest months are January, February and March. A possible solution is to simply wait until the clouds disappear for at least a few minutes. Then the visitor will be able to get the dream photo on his trip.

The best time to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu is in the afternoon. The chance of clouds covering the archaeological site decreases. In addition, fewer people tour the Inca city in the afternoon, making it easier to capture better photographs. The setting sun, around 4:00 p.m., allows for adequate lighting of the Inca citadel.

To visit the Guardian’s House, you must purchase any ticket that includes Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route).

The most taken photo by visitors – Classic Photo

The ten entrances and the ten photographic options at Machu Picchu

These are the ten types of entrances to Machu Picchu and the possible photographs you can take during your visit:

• Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) – With this ticket, you can get a beautiful photo of Machu Picchu from the Guard House. You can also get a panoramic photo from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace Ticket (Route 1B) – With this ticket you can get the classic photo from the Guardian’s House area on the upper terrace.
• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Route 1C) – With this ticket, you can get the classic photo from the Guardian’s House area. You can also get a panoramic photo from the top of Inti Punku.
• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket (Route 1D) – With this ticket, you can get the classic photo from the Guardian’s House area. You can also get a panoramic photo from near the Inca Bridge.
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed Ticket (Route 2A) – With this ticket you can get the classic photo from the agricultural sector.
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B) – With this ticket you can get the classic photo from the agricultural sector on the lower terrace.
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket (Route 3A) – With this ticket, you can get a beautiful photo of Machu Picchu from the lower part of the citadel. You can also get a panoramic photo from the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty Ticket (Route 3B) – With this ticket you can get a nice photo of Machu Picchu from the lower part of the citadel along the royal route.
• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave Ticket (Route 3C) – With this ticket, you can get a beautiful photo of Machu Picchu from the lower part of the citadel. You can also get a special photo from the Temple of the Moon.
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket (Route 3D) – With this ticket, you can get a beautiful photo of Machu Picchu from the lower part of the citadel. You can also get a panoramic photo from the top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

More information about Machu Picchu photos

• To get a classic photo of the Inca city, choose the tickets for Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route). Additionally, purchase the “Machu Picchu with Mountains (Route 1A)” ticket and you’ll get one of the most impressive postcard photos available.
• Para obtener la clásica foto de la ciudad inca debe elegir los boletos a) Solo Machupicchu o b) Solo Machupicchu con Puente Inca. Además, si solicita permiso a uno de los guardias, podrá visitar el sector de la Casa del Guardián y tomarse la foto adquiriendo el boleto ‘Machupicchu con Montaña’.
• Selfie sticks are not allowed in Machu Picchu. Neither the use of tripods or drones. For professional filming or photo shoots, a special permit must be requested through the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
• Remember that the routes to Inti Punku, the Inka Bridge, the Temple of the Moon, and Huchuy Picchu Mountain are only available during Machu Picchu’s peak season (June 19 to November 2). All other tickets are available year-round.

Questions and answers

• 1) How to get the best photo of Machu Picchu?

  The best photo of Machu Picchu is from the Guardian’s House area. This Inca-built viewpoint is accessible through tickets available on Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route).

• 2) Which ticket allows me to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu?

  There are three types of tickets that allow you to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu: a) Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace ticket (Route 1B), b) Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed ticket (Route 2A) and c) Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B).

• 3) Which circuit in Machu Picchu allows me to get the classic photo?

  Circuits 1 and 2 offer the best views of Machu Picchu. They offer classic photographs of the Inca citadel.

• 4) Can I hire a photographer in Machu Picchu?

  No. However, all tour guides are highly knowledgeable about Machu Picchu and the best spots for taking excellent photographs. Guide service is optional but highly recommended for visiting the archaeological site.

• 5) What photo can I get on Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu?

  Machu Picchu Circuit 3 allows you to get a beautiful photo through the lower part of the citadel. Your tickets also allow you to take a panoramic photo from the summit of Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu.

• 6) What photo can I take on Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu?

  Machu Picchu Circuit 2 allows you to get a beautiful photo through the agricultural sector, as well as on the lower terrace.

• 7) What photo can I get on Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu allows you to get the classic photo in the Guardian’s House area.

• 8) When is the high season in Machu Picchu?

  The high season at Machu Picchu begins on June 10 and ends on November 2. During this period, the routes to Inca Bridge, Inti Punku, the Temple of the Moon, and Huchuy Picchu Mountain are open.

• 9) What photo can I get on Machu Picchu mountain?

  At Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters above sea level), you can take a panoramic photo of the entire archaeological site and the beautiful Andean landscape surrounding it. It’s not a classic photo.

• 10) What photo can I get on Huayna Picchu mountain?

  On Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,693 meters above sea level), you can take a panoramic photo of the entire archaeological site and the beautiful Andean landscape that surrounds it. It’s not a classic photo.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Camilo B.

“Amazing“

“Machu Picchu is a place difficult to describe in words, you have to be there and be impressed. I recommend hiking to Huayna Picchu, a difficult but worthwhile trek.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 16, 2025