The authorities of Machu Picchu ordered that the visit to the Inca city be done by strict routes. The objective? To reduce the impact of the large influx of visitors to the Inca city and thus protect and preserve the archaeological site for the future. Each visitor will follow a route according to the ticket chosen: the Machu Picchu Solo ticket, the ticket that includes the Huayna Picchu Mountain, the ticket that includes the Machupicchu Mountain, the ticket that includes the Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the ticket that includes the Intipunku, the ticket that includes the Great Cavern, the ticket that includes the Inca Bridge, etc.

• Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit)
  • Panoramic Circuit + Upper Terrace Route
  • Panoramic Circuit + Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Panoramic Circuit + Inti Punku
  • Panoramic Circuit + Inca Bridge
• Circuit 2 (Inca City Circuit)
  • Complete Classic Circuit
  • Short Classic Circuit
• Circuit 3 (Royalty Circuit)
  • Royalty Circuit or Lower Part
  • Royalty Circuit or Lower Part + Huayna Picchu
  • Royalty Circuit or Lower Part + Great Cavern
  • Royalty Circuit or Lower Part + Huchuy Picchu
• More information on the new circuits in Machu Picchu
• Distribution of capacity by circuits and schedules for 2024
  • Regular Season
  • High Season
• Questions and answers about the circuits in Machu Picchu
• Photo Gallery

Machu Picchu 2024

What is the most recommended circuit and ticket in Machu Picchu?
If you are visiting Machu Picchu for the first time, the best option is definitely to buy the ‘Complete Classic Circuit’ ticket or the ‘Short Classic Circuit’ ticket and do Circuit 2. This tour is considered the most complete because it includes a visit to the main Inca sites. If you have already visited Machu Picchu before, you can purchase the ticket ‘Machupicchu with Huayna Picchu’ or the optional routes to Intipunku, the Inca Bridge, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, or the Great Cavern.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit)

View of Machu Picchu from Intipunku

• Panoramic Circuit + Upper Terrace Route

  • The basic ticket to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the sector of the Guardian House.
  • This ticket allows you to appreciate the complex archaeological site from a great point of view: the viewpoint of the Guardian’s House. From there, in the distance, you can appreciate constructions such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow you to visit these Inca constructions.
  • This circuit is done in a maximum time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Visitors can get the photos they want from this spectacular viewpoint.
  • It does not include any additional hike.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

• Panoramic Circuit + Machu Picchu Mountain

  • This circuit also allows you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the sector of the Guardian’s House.
  • From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow you to visit these Inca constructions.
  • This circuit is done in a maximum time of 1 hour. The visitor can get the photos you want from this spectacular viewpoint.
  • In addition to this circuit by Machu Picchu, the visitor can access the circuit by the Machu Picchu mountain, which leads to the highest part of the Inca city (the mountain is at 3,083 meters above sea level).
  • The time to visit the Machu Picchu mountain, for the outward and return section, is approximately 4 hours.
  • This circuit through the Machu Picchu mountain is allowed only for visitors over 18 years old.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route

• Panoramic Circuit + Inti Punku

  • This circuit also allows you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint of the Guardian’s House. To get there you must walk up stone steps that take between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the physical condition of the visitor.
  • From the viewpoint of the Casa del Guardián, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow you to visit these Inca constructions.
  • This circuit is done in a maximum time of 1 hour. In this lapse of time, the visitor can get the photos you want from this spectacular viewpoint.
  • In addition to this circuit by Machu Picchu, the visitor can access the circuit by the Intipunku (Sun Gate), which leads to the original entrance gate to Machu Picchu in the Inca era (located at 3,745 meters above sea level).
  • This circuit is closed in low season (from October 16 to May 31).
  • The time of visit to the Intipunku, for the outward and return section, is approximately 3 hours.
  • This circuit to Intipunku is open to visitors of all ages.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-C: Portada Intipunku Route (available only in High Season)

• Panoramic Circuit + Inca Bridge

  • This circuit also allows you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the area of the Guardian’s House. This route through the archaeological site is called ‘Circuit 1’.
  • From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca buildings: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow access to the urban and religious sectors to appreciate these buildings closely.
  • This circuit is done in a maximum time of 2 hours. The visitor can get the pictures he wants from this spectacular viewpoint.
  • In addition to this circuit by Machu Picchu, the visitor can access the circuit by the Inca Bridge, which leads to the eastern boundary of the Inca city, which is the gateway to the Amazon sector.
  • The travel time to and from the Inca Bridge is only about 1 hour.
  • This circuit is closed in low season (from October 16 to May 31).
  • This circuit by the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is allowed only for visitors over 18 years old.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (only available in High Season)

Circuit 2 (Inca City Circuit)

Classic Photo of Machu Picchu

• Complete Classic Circuit

  • This circuit also allows you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu but from a platform below the Guardian House. This route through the archaeological site is called ‘Circuit 2’.
  • After getting the best photos, the route continues in the urban and religious sectors of Machu Picchu. The visitor will have the opportunity to visit: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor (or the Water Mirrors), the Water Fountains and the agricultural sector.
  • This circuit is done in a maximum time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is the most recommended and complete circuit inside Machu Picchu.
  • This ticket does not offer any additional trekking to the mountains of Machu Picchu.
  • The circuit is allowed for people of all ages.

Circuit 2 (Machupicchu Classic) – Route 2-A: Designed route

• Short Classic Circuit

  • This circuit is a slight variation of the ‘Complete Classic Circuit’. It is a somewhat reduced route but also offers the opportunity to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu (from a lower terrace).
  • After getting the best photos, the route continues in the urban and religious sectors of Machu Picchu. There the tourist will be able to visit the main Inca temples and enclosures made of stone: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor (or the Water Mirrors), the Water Fountains and the agricultural sector.
  • This circuit is done in a maximum time of 2 hours 30 minutes. It is the most recommended and complete circuit inside Machu Picchu (that is why the purchase of this ticket must be done online 3 or 4 months in advance).
  • This ticket does not offer any additional trekking to the mountains of Machu Picchu.
  • The circuit is allowed for people of all ages.

Circuit 2 (Classic Machupicchu) – Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

Circuit 3 (Royalty Circuit)

View of the Great Cavern

• Royalty Circuit or Lower Part

  • As its name indicates, this circuit goes through the royal buildings, located in the lower part of the Inca city. The circuit includes a nice picture of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector (lower part of the archaeological site).
  • After getting the best pictures, the route continues to the religious sector of Machu Picchu. There the tourist will be able to visit the main Inca temples and enclosures made for royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, the Condor Temple, and more.
  • This circuit is done in a maximum time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. It does not include the additional hike to any mountain. The purchase of the ticket must be done online one or two months in advance.
  • The circuit is allowed for people of all ages.

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-B: Designed route

• Royalty Circuit or Lower Part + Huayna Picchu

  • This circuit goes through the granite buildings made for the Inca royalty. These are located in the lower part of Machu Picchu. In the agricultural sector, the ticket allows a photo similar to the classic image obtained in the sector of the Guardian’s House (not included).
  • In addition to this photo in the agricultural sector, the circuit allows you to visit the lower part of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu with buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor and more.
  • This circuit 3 by Machu Picchu takes about 1 hour. Additionally, the visitor can hike to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain, which takes a maximum of 3 hours. The entrance to this mountain is allowed only for visitors over 18 years old.
  • The purchase of this ticket and circuit must be done online 3 or 3 months in advance.

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route

• Royalty Circuit or Lower Part + Great Cavern

  • This circuit goes through the Inca constructions located in the lower part of Machu Picchu (religious or royal area). During the tour, the visitor will be able to appreciate Inca buildings, such as the agricultural zone, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor (or the Water Mirrors) and the Water Fountains.
  • In the agricultural sector, the tourist will be able to get a very beautiful photograph, with a resemblance to the classic postcard photo (in the sector of the House of the Guardian) but from the lower part of the archaeological site.
  • Likewise, this circuit includes the tour of the Temple of the Moon, also called the Great Cavern. The trekking route to this mysterious building is inside Huayna Picchu mountain and takes a maximum time of 4 hours from the entrance to the exit of the route.
  • Circuit 3 through Machu Picchu takes 1 hour on average. Access to the Great Cavern is suitable for visitors over 18 years old. However, the route is only open during the high tourist season (from June 1 to October 15).
  • The purchase of this ticket and circuit must be done online 1 or 3 months in advance.

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-C: Gran Caverna Route (available only in High Season)

• Royalty Circuit or Lower Part + Huchuy Picchu

  • This circuit includes a visit to the buildings of the lower part of Machu Picchu, the so-called religious sector with buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
  • It does not include the visit to the sector of the House of the Guardian but it does include the agricultural sector where you can get photos very similar to the classic postcard photo (but from the lower part of the archaeological site).
  • The tour of Machu Picchu Circuit 3 takes 1 hour 30 minutes maximum.
  • This circuit 3 of Machu Picchu takes about 1 hour. Additionally, the visitor can hike to the top of the mountain Huchuy Picchu, which only takes 1 hour. The entrance to this mountain is allowed only for visitors over 18 years old. The top of the mountain is 2,497 meters above sea level.
  • The purchase of this ticket and circuit must be done online 1 or 2 months in advance.
  • As well as the route to the Inca Bridge, Intipunku, and Huayna Picchu; this trekking route is only open during the high tourist season (from June 1 to October 15).

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – 3-D Route: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in High Season)

More information on the new circuits in Machu Picchu

• The circuits are intended to better organize the traffic of visitors within Machu Picchu and thus properly distribute visitors and protect the constructions of the archaeological site for the future.
• All tickets have the same cost. Machu Picchu circuits must be respected from beginning to end. The entrances to Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, Inca Bridge, and Huchuy Picchu are suitable for people over 18 years old.
• The Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu ticket and the Machu Picchu with Mountain ticket have the same cost (higher than the other three tickets).
• The circuits are mandatory and must be walked in the company of a professional tour guide (optional). Backtracking is not allowed during the route.

Distribution of capacity by circuits and schedules for 2024

Regular Season

Total: 4500 visitors

High Season

Total: 5600 visitors

EQUIVALENCES OF SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Questions and answers about the circuits in Machu Picchu

• 1) How is circuit 1 in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 1 allows you to visit the upper part and the lower part of Machu Picchu. It includes part of the main Inca enclosures, as well as the area of the platforms and terraces in the highest part, where the entrance to Machu Picchu is obtained. It is a good option for older adults. It takes approximately 2 hours.

• 2) How is circuit 2 in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 2 allows the most complete tour of Machu Picchu. It includes the Inca sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock and more. It is the most used circuit. It takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

• 3) How is circuit 3 in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 3 allows you to visit the nuclear area of Machu Picchu (the lower part). Includes a visit to Inca constructions such as: the House of the Inka, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, as well as the agricultural area. It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. It is recommended for older adults.

• 4) How is circuit 4 in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 4 allows you to visit the nuclear area of Machu Picchu (lower part). Includes a visit to the Inka House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the agricultural zone and the Sacred Rock. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

• 5) What is the best circuit in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 2 is considered the best in Machupicchu since it allows a more complete tour of the constructions of the Inca citadel. Includes the classic photo!

• 6) What circuit allows you to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu?

  Circuits 1 and 2 allow the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the House of the Guardian. The entrances that these circuits allow are: Machupicchu Solo entrance and Machupicchu entrance with Inca Bridge.

• 7) What circuit allows you to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain?

  The ‘Machupicchu with Huaynapicchu’ entrance is the only one that allows you to climb the famous mountain. This ticket allows you to do circuit 4, which includes buildings in the lower part such as the Casa del Inka.

• 8) What circuit in Machu Picchu to choose for older adults?

  Seniors in good physical condition can complete Circuit 2 with no problem. If they don’t make it, circuit 1 will be the best option. In cases of older adults in poor physical condition, they can choose circuit 3 or 4 and sit on one of the benches that allow them to contemplate Machu Picchu from the lower part.

• 9) What circuit in Machu Picchu to choose for children?

  Children can complete any of the circuits. The most recommended is circuit 2.

• 10) How long does it take to complete all of Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 2 is the most complete that Machu Picchu offers. Completing it, slowly and enjoying the tour, takes 2 hours 30 minutes on average.

Photos Circuits Machu Picchu

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Lina F.

“Everything in Machu Picchu is beautiful“

“I am 21 years old, and I did not choose a better place to start crossing off my bucket list, it is incredible, wonderful and other adjectives that can describe a fantastic place wherever you see it; but it's not just the buildings, it's everything, the place they chose for it, the way to get there and the energy that can be felt. It is literal, you can feel energy in Machu Picchu. It is my dream come true; although I will return to enter the Inca trail.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 19, 2024