Machu Picchu Circuit 1: best routes and panoramic tickets
If you’re traveling to the Inca citadel and want to discover the best options for relaxing and panoramic tours in Machu Picchu, tickets for Circuit 1, also known as the Panoramic Route, are your best option. There are four types of tickets, some available year-round and others only during peak season. Learn more about Circuit 1 and the routes you can take with each of these tickets.
- Machu Picchu Circuit 1
- Routes of Machu Picchu Circuit 1
- Tips for touring Circuit 1
- Frequently Asked Questions
Visitor enjoying his visit to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Circuit 1
The citadel of Machu Picchu has three circuits available, within each one there are routes and tickets along with which you can explore them and perhaps one day obtain the 10 types of experiences. In circuit 1 there are four tickets: Ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A), ticket to the Upper Terrace of Machu Picchu (Route 1B), ticket to Inti Punku (Route 1C) and the ticket to the Inca Bridge (Route 1D).
This tour allows you to get the best postcard-perfect photographs of Machu Picchu. While you won’t see the entire citadel in detail, you’ll enjoy a more relaxing and shorter journey, where the panoramic views of the citadel will amaze you. (Why travel to Machu Picchu for two days?)
Along with each Circuit 1 ticket, you’ll be able to visit the upper terrace and the famous guardian’s house, from where you can get the best possible photograph of Machu Picchu. This is also one of the few places where you can take a break and sit and appreciate the surrounding magic.
Group of tourists on a tour of the panoramic circuit of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Ticket Peak Season
When deciding to purchase tickets to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, we must take into consideration that there are two seasons, the regular season and the high season, where you will find different types of tickets in each one. During the regular season (November 3 to June 18) we can find six types of tickets: Ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A), ticket to the Upper Terrace of Machu Picchu (Route 1B), Classic Designed Machu Picchu ticket (Route 2A), ticket to the Lower Terrace of Machu Picchu (Route 2B), ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A) and the ticket to Machu Picchu Designed Royalty (Route 3B). While during the high season (June 19 to November 2) four additional tickets will be added: ticket to Inti Punku (Route 1C), ticket to the Inca Bridge (Route 1D), ticket to the Temple of the Moon or great Cave (Route 3C) and the ticket to the Huchuy Picchu mountain (Route 3D).
Routes of Machu Picchu Circuit 1
Machu Picchu Circuit 1, also known as the Panoramic Route, offers four types of tickets, depending on the season of your trip. Each ticket offers a wide variety of experiences, including hikes in Machu Picchu , mountain hikes to historic sites, and scenic tours where you can appreciate the citadel from its best angles. Learn more about these Circuit 1 Panoramic Route tickets.
Route to Machu Picchu Mountain
The mountain from which the citadel takes its name is Machu Picchu, which you can climb with the “Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)” ticket. The journey is a bit long, but not very demanding, as it covers four kilometers (round trip) without much climbing.
During this approximately four-hour tour, we’ll learn more about Machu Picchu’s biodiversity, as well as enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the entire site.
Along with the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain, we can also visit the citadel on the panoramic route, where we’ll see the upper terrace, the guardian’s house, mansions, warehouses, and the incredible agricultural terraces. The “Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)” ticket is available year-round, and we recommend booking it a month in advance to ensure your adventure.
Route to the Upper Terrace of Machu Picchu
The easiest and most relaxing tour of the Inca citadel is available with the “Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B)” ticket. This tour allows you to visit the upper terrace, from where you’ll see the most photogenic angles of Machu Picchu.
The journey can take more than two hours; there are no long walks, no overexertion, just sweeping panoramas of Machu Picchu, where you can take classic photographs of the citadel.
The “Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Superior Terrace (Route 1B)” ticket is available year-round and must be reserved at least two months in advance.
Route to Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
The hike to Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, takes us to one of the best panoramic views of all the Machu Picchu tickets. The route is 3 kilometers long (round trip) and can be completed in just over two hours. This structure can also be visited if you hike the Inca Trail, as it is the entrance through which travelers enter Machu Picchu at the end of their hike.
During the journey, we’ll visit several Inca buildings, as well as the Inti Punku, where we can stop to appreciate Machu Picchu and all the biodiversity that surrounds it.
The “Machu Picchu with Inti Punku (Route 1C)” ticket is only available during high season (June 19 to November 2) and must be reserved at least two months in advance.
Route to the Inca Bridge
One of the most amazing experiences of the first circuit is the adventure that takes us to the Inca Bridge. It’s a journey of approximately one and a half kilometers, which can be completed in just over an hour.
To reach the Inca bridge, we’ll have to overcome a slight ascent and then walk along ravines. The Inca bridge can only be seen from a distance; there’s a gate in front of it that prohibits approaching, given the very dangerous terrain. Even so, we can see how the bridge disappears into the forest undergrowth, leaving us with many questions.
The “Machu Picchu with Inca Bridge (Route 1D)” ticket is only available during high season (June 19 to November 2) and must be reserved at least two months in advance.
| Features of the tickets for Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route | Availability | Schedules and Groups | Distance | Maximum Duration | Difficulty | Entry Age | Minimum Reserve |
| 1A – Machu Picchu Mountain | All year | 2 groups: 06:00 and 08:00 | 4 kilometers | 6 hours | Average | All ages | Book 1 month in advance |
| 1B – Upper Terrace | All year | 10 groups: 06:00 – 15:00 | 0.5 kilometers | 2 hours and 30 minutes | Low | All ages | Book 2 months in advance |
| 1C – Inti Punku | High season (June 19 – November 2) | 4 groups: 08:00 – 11:00 | 3 kilometers | 4 hours | Low – Medium | All ages | Book 2 months in advance |
| 1D – Inca Bridge | High season (June 19 – November 2) | 4 groups: 08:00 – 11:00 | 1.5 kilometers | 3 hours | Low – Medium | Over 12 years old | Book 2 months in advance |
Tips for touring Circuit 1
To ensure you have a better travel experience in Machu Picchu, we’ll provide you with a series of tips and recommendations regarding Circuit 1 (Royal Route). This way, you’ll be much more informed and prepared for your visit.
- Book your tickets to Machu Picchu Circuit 1 at least two months in advance so you can decide on your preferred time without any problems.
- Machu Picchu peak season tickets are also available on December 30th and 31st each year.
- To experience the “Machu Picchu with Inca Bridge (Route 1D)” ticket, you must be at least 12 years old.
- During the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain, we will be at more than 3,083 meters above sea level, which will allow us to appreciate panoramic views of the citadel.
- Before visiting Machu Picchu on Circuit 1, remember to acclimatize during your first few days in Cusco. This way, you’ll avoid altitude sickness and enjoy the route without any problems.
- If you travel to Machu Picchu during the rainy season (November–March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as the weather can change at any time.
- Visiting Machu Picchu during the dry season (April to October) offers clearer weather, although there are also usually more visitors.
- Tickets to Inti Punku and the Inca Bridge are only available during high season.
- Tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain and the Upper Terrace are available year-round.
- During your tour of Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) of Machu Picchu you will find unforgettable landscapes, its geography allows you to have moments of peace and introspection.
- To give greater value to your travel experience, give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth), just as they do in the Andean culture.
- The regular ticket season for Machu Picchu runs from November 3rd to June 18th, during which time you’ll find six tour routes.
- The peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu is from June 19 to November 2, with a total of ten routes available.
- Remember that with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your trip to Machu Picchu through Circuit 1. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.
Tourist photographing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is Machu Picchu Circuit 1?
Circuit 1, also known as the Panoramic Route, is one of the three official routes to Machu Picchu. It offers sweeping, scenic views of the citadel, ideal for taking photos.
2) What tickets are available for Circuit 1?
The circuit has four tickets: Machu Picchu Mountain (1A), Upper Terrace (1B), Inti Punku or Sun Gate (1C) and Inca Bridge (1D).
3) Which of these tickets are available all year round?
Tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain (1A) and the Upper Terrace (1B) are available year-round. They’re ideal if you visit during the peak season or during the rainy months.
4) Which tickets are only available during peak season?
Tickets to Inti Punku (1C) and Puente Inca (1D) are only available from June 19 to November 2, as well as on December 30 and 31.
5) Is it necessary to be in good physical condition to do circuit 1?
It depends on the ticket; most tickets don’t require a good physical condition, and the tour of the citadel on the panoramic route is very easy.
6) At what altitude is Machu Picchu Mountain?
The summit of Machu Picchu Mountain reaches 3,082 meters above sea level. From there, you have one of the most expansive views of the entire citadel and its surroundings.
7) What is the minimum age to enter the Inca Bridge?
To walk the route to the Inca Bridge (1D) you must be at least 12 years old, as it includes sections next to ravines and can be a bit dangerous.
8) How long does each route of Circuit 1 last?
The longest route is 1A (up to 6 hours), while the shortest is 1B (2.5 hours). Routes 1C and 1D can take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the visitor’s pace.
9) Can the classic photo of Machu Picchu be taken on all routes?
Yes, all Circuit 1 routes include a visit to the Upper Terrace, from where you can take the famous panoramic photo of the citadel.
10) How far in advance should I book my Circuit 1 tickets?
It is recommended to book at least two months in advance, especially during peak season. For the Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A), a reservation of one month in advance is usually sufficient.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Phil F.“Machu Picchu Adventure“
“Walking the road to the Inca Bridge was incredible, there really is so much we don't know about this mystical culture, I already want to visit it again.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 23, 2025