Machu Picchu Circuit 3: The best route for your visit?
When purchasing our ticket to Machu Picchu, we’ll notice there are 10 types of routes to choose from. These are divided into three circuits: Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route), Circuit 2 (Classic Route), and Circuit 3 (Royal Route). Through each of these, you’ll enjoy diverse experiences, such as exploring the mountains, hiking, or taking simple tours that take in the main temples and scenic areas. Today, we’ll focus on Circuit 3 and all the diverse options available across its four routes. Is it the best option for your visit? Find out for a better experience during your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu
- What to see on Machu Picchu Circuit 3?
- Routes of Machu Picchu Circuit 3
- Tips for visiting Machu Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tourist observing the cultivation terraces of Machu Picchu
Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu
The Royal Route, or Circuit 3, takes us to the lower part of the Machu Picchu citadel. This is where the main Inca temples are located, as well as their most memorable buildings. We will also gain a closer look at their history.
Within circuit 3 we will have four routes available: Route to Huayna Picchu Mountain (3A), Route of the Designed Royalty (3B), Route to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (3C) and the route to Huchuy Picchu Mountain (3D). Each of these tickets will immerse us, not only to know the lower part of Machu Picchu, but they can also take us to tour the most popular mountains and take walks full of landscapes accompanied by its vast biodiversity, showing us privileged angles of the wonder of the world. Discover all the routes of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 3 is the best option for your visit to Machu Picchu if you want to have an extra adventure apart from visiting the citadel. For example, Huayna Picchu mountain is considered one of the best short hikes in the world, since you ascend to the top of a mountain and get to see one of the most incredible landscapes you will ever see in your life.
Lonely tree of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Visit Seasons
Machu Picchu has two distinct seasons to visit, within each of them we will find different ticket options, since some are only enabled on indicated dates. First, we have the regular season, which runs from November 3 to June 18, during these days we will find only six routes available, route to Machu Picchu mountain (1A), route to the upper terrace (2B), classic designed route (2A), route to the lower terrace (2B), route to Huayna Picchu mountain (3A) and the designed royal route. On the other hand, we have the high season, which occurs between June 19 and November 2. On these dates, in addition to the previously mentioned routes, 4 routes are added, which are the route to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate (1C), the route to the Inca Bridge (1D), the route to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (3C) and the route to the Huchuy Picchu mountain.
What to see on Machu Picchu Circuit 3?
Through Circuit 3, or the Royal Route, we’ll be able to see the main buildings and temples of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, and the Sacred Springs. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is .
Along the way, we’ll also be able to explore the main esplanade, agricultural terraces, mansions, and warehouses. Another of the great attractions of Machu Picchu, and especially Circuit 3, is that we’ll be able to see firsthand how it coexists in perfect harmony with nature. Proof of this is the famous Pisonay tree (the solitary tree of Machu Picchu), as well as the agricultural areas and the wildlife we encounter, such as llamas, lizards, chinchillas, small birds, and some insects.
On the other hand, along with its routes, such as the one that takes us to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave, we will appreciate the great diversity of flora it has. Being a walk of more than a kilometer we will be immersed in a more direct experience, knowing the surrounding environment of Machu Picchu and how big it is, in addition we will also discover how they took advantage of the natural environment to be able to carry out their constructions.
| What do you visit on the 3 Royal Route circuit in Machu Picchu? | |
|---|---|
| Construction | Details |
| Temple of the Sun | It is believed that solar rituals and offerings to the god Inti were performed here. Entrance is not permitted; it can only be viewed from the lower level, for the sake of the site’s preservation. |
| Royal Tomb | This finely crafted natural cave would have been the burial place of important figures. It’s located beneath the Temple of the Sun, but it’s not accessible; we can only see it from the outside. |
| House of the Inca | It’s a complex of rooms and courtyards where the Inca is believed to have rested while visiting Machu Picchu. It’s one of the main stops on the lower trail. |
| Temple of the Condor | It uses natural formations and carved stones to represent the figure of a condor. It’s one of the most striking moments of the tour. |
| Sacred Springs | Also called ceremonial fountains, they are a series of canals and fountains that supplied water to Machu Picchu. |
| Agricultural Terraces | These terraces were used for agriculture and demonstrate how the Incas integrated their architecture and nature in perfect harmony. |
Routes of Machu Picchu Circuit 3
Machu Picchu Circuit 3 offers you the best ticket options for your purchase, among the available routes we will find: Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A), Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B), Machu Picchu with Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C), Machu Picchu with Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D). Each of these tickets will allow us to see different angles of the wonder of the world , so know them in detail to make the best route decision in Machu Picchu.
Route to Huayna Picchu Mountain (3A)
Huayna Picchu Mountain offers one of the best adventures we’ll find in Machu Picchu and around the world. A hike of approximately 2 kilometers, which can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes, will take us to the summit of the popular mountain featured in all the classic photographs of Machu Picchu.
The route is constantly ascending through steep steps that may make us feel a bit dizzy, but the path is very safe. We just need to be careful and follow the instructions. As it’s a narrow path, we’ll have to walk slowly, but this will allow us to stop long enough to appreciate each of the landscapes we encounter.
The Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket is available year-round and is only suitable for visitors over 12 years of age.
Route to Huayna Picchu Mountain (3A)
Designed Royalty Route (3B)
The Designed Royalty route is the most peaceful and historic option found on Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu. Along the way, we’ll explore the main temples and buildings, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Springs, and the agricultural terraces.
This tour can be done with any of the other Machu Picchu Circuit 3 tickets, but here you’ll have much more time to stop at each of the structures. It also doesn’t require much physical effort, making it recommended for the whole family or simply if you’re looking for a peaceful, panoramic, and historical visit.
The Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) ticket is available year-round and is suitable for visitors of all ages.
Designed Royalty Route (3B)
Route to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (3C)
The longest route in Machu Picchu is the one that takes us to the Great Cavern, also known as the Temple of the Moon. It’s a temple built inside a cave, which brings a mystical touch to the visit. To reach it, we’ll have to walk just over 2 kilometers along trails with abundant biodiversity.
The journey can take an hour and 30 minutes, but it connects us with more authentic views of the jungle and all the surrounding flora and fauna. It’s a must-see adventure if you’re looking for fewer visitors and green trails filled with incredible views.
The Machu Picchu ticket with Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C) is only available during the high tourist season in Machu Picchu (June 19 to November 2) and is only suitable for visitors over 12 years old.
Route to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (3C)
Route to Huchuy Picchu Mountain (3D)
Another very popular mountain is Huayna Picchu, which is lower than Huayna Picchu and is located right next to it. It’s also featured in all the classic photographs of Machu Picchu. Through this tour, we’ll discover different aspects of the citadel and have the opportunity to view it from a summit, where climbing it doesn’t require much physical effort.
The route is 1 kilometer long and can be completed in just one hour. It’s a more leisurely climb, which can be done at leisure, appreciating the landscapes this Wonder of the World affords us.
The Machu Picchu with Huchuy Picchu (3D Route) ticket is only available during the peak tourist season in Machu Picchu (June 19 to November 2) and is only suitable for visitors over 12 years old.
Route to Huchuy Picchu Mountain (3D)
Tips for visiting Machu Picchu
If you think the best Machu Picchu circuit is circuit 3, we’ll give you a series of recommendations to help you get the most out of it and have a better travel experience. Learn about them and discover how to marvel at the best tips.
- Reserve your ticket to Huayna Picchu at least three months in advance so you can decide on your preferred time slot without any problems.
- Machu Picchu peak season tickets are also available on December 30th and 31st each year.
- To climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, and the Temple of the Moon, you must be at least 12 years old.
- Before visiting Machu Picchu, remember to acclimatize during your first few days in Cusco. This way, you’ll avoid altitude sickness and enjoy your trip without any problems.
- Visiting Machu Picchu with a tour will enrich your experience, providing you with adequate planning, historical information, and safety at every step of the way.
- 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.
- When visiting Machu Picchu during the dry season (April to October), we will find better, much clearer weather, although there are usually also more visitors.
- Tickets to the Temple of the Moon and Huchuy Picchu Mountain are only available during high season.
- Tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain and the Designed Royalty Route are available year-round.
- Take advantage of your trip to Machu Picchu and calmly enjoy each of the landscapes you will find, its geography will allow you to have moments of calm and introspection .
- To enhance your experience, give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for every surprising moment of your trip, just as they do in Andean culture.
- The regular ticket season for Machu Picchu runs from November 3rd to June 18th. During these months, you’ll find six types of routes for your visit.
- The peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu runs from June 19 to November 2, when more routes are available, 10 in total.
- Remember that along with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your trip or tour to Machu Picchu through Circuit 3. Ask our advisors about all the available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is Machu Picchu Circuit 3?
Circuit 3, known as the “Royal Route,” is one of three routes available within the Machu Picchu archaeological site. It allows you to explore the lower part of the citadel, where the main temples, ceremonial fountains, and important structures are located.
2) What places are included in the visit to Circuit 3?
During Circuit 3, you’ll visit sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, and the Sacred Springs. You’ll also see agricultural terraces and other structures that demonstrate the harmony between Inca architecture and nature.
3) What routes are available within Circuit 3?
Circuit 3 offers four routes:
- Route 3A: Includes circuit 3 and the ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain.
- Route 3B: Includes circuit 3 through the Designed Royalty route.
- Route 3C: Includes circuit 3 and the walk to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave.
- Route 3D: Includes circuit 3 and the ascent to Huchuy Picchu mountain.
4) Who can do the Circuit 3 tour?
Circuit 3 is open to the general public, although some routes, such as Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and the Temple of the Moon, are only open to visitors over 12 years of age.
5) What is the most challenging route in Circuit 3?
The most challenging route is the one that leads to the Temple of the Moon (Route 3C), due to its distance of more than 2 kilometers and the trails that cross areas of abundant vegetation.
6) What is the most popular route on Circuit 3?
The route to Huayna Picchu mountain (Route 3A) is one of the most popular for its impressive view from the top; the ascent is short but intense.
7) What is the best option for a family or quiet visit?
The Designed Royalty route (Route 3B) is ideal for families, seniors, or those who prefer a quieter experience.
8) What is the difference between Circuit 3 and the other two Machu Picchu circuits?
Circuit 3 focuses on the lower part of the citadel and offers route options that include hikes to mountains and temples. The others offer more scenic or classic routes.
9) When is the best time to visit Circuit 3?
The dry season, from April to October, is ideal for hiking Circuit 3, thanks to the more stable and clear weather, which also makes hiking easier.
10) What are the advantages of booking tickets in advance?
Booking in advance guarantees availability on the day and time of your choice, especially for the most popular routes like Huayna Picchu.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Martin Z.“Huchuy Picchu Mountain“
“I wanted a short hike and I dared to visit the Huchuy Picchu mountain, the views are breathtaking, plus the journey is not so strenuous. A great experience.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 10, 2025