Starting in 2024, there are ten entrances to Machu Picchu. Each one offers a different experience through the archaeological site, as well as a complementary mountain or hiking trail. Tickets allow you to take one of three circuits through the Inca citadel. Each circuit includes certain Inca buildings and offers a photo from a different perspective. What are the advantages and disadvantages of all the entrances to the Wonder of the World? Learn more!

• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu with Mountain ticket (Route 1A)
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Superior Terrace ticket (Route 1B)
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu with Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C)
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu ticket with Inka Bridge (Route 1D)
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed Tour (Route 2A) ticket
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace ticket (Route 2B)
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu ticket with Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A)
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty ticket (Route 3B)
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu ticket with Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C)
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu ticket with Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist descending to the citadel from the upper terrace

Why are there new tickets and tours at Machu Picchu?
Previously, any visitor could freely wander around any part of Machu Picchu. This provided a great experience in the Inca city, although, unfortunately, it harmed the protection and conservation of the archaeological site. According to studies, it was deteriorating year after year. It could even collapse in the future. In response, and due to its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in Danger, new visitor tours were created, the daily visitor limit was reduced, and new entrance tickets were implemented. Today, since 2024, there are ten access tickets, which allow you to take one of the three tours available in the Inca citadel. Each ticket offers a different experience. In addition, some of them complement the visit with a hiking route to one of the mountains or mysterious Inca constructions of Machu Picchu. The goal is to protect the Inca city from the risk of collapse by better distributing the number of people. This way, the Inca llaqta can survive in the future.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu with Mountain ticket (Route 1A)

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 1 and the 4-kilometer hiking trail to Machu Picchu Mountain. The circuit includes a sightseeing tour of the Guardian’s House, where you can take the best postcard photo of the Inca city. It also includes a challenging hiking trail to the top of Machu Picchu, 3,082 meters above sea level.

This ticket offers only two entry times: 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Each time allows for a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time is 5 hours, including the visit to Machu Picchu Mountain. The ticket is available for an average of 300 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 1 or 2 months in advance. Machu Picchu Mountain is open year-round and is suitable for people of all ages.

• Advantages: Circuit 1 allows you to get the best postcard photo of Machu Picchu, from the Guardian’s House. Machu Picchu Mountain is the most challenging route to the top of the Inca city. It is suitable for everyone.
• Disadvantages: The ticket does not allow you to visit Inca temples.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Superior Terrace ticket (Route 1B)

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 1 (Classic Photo at the Guardian’s House). This route does not include Inca temples such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Advantages, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, etc.

The ticket offers ten entry times: 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Each time slot allows a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ticket is available for an average of 350 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 1 or 2 months in advance. The ticket is available year-round and is suitable for visitors of all ages.

• Advantages: Allows you to get the best postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
• Disadvantages: No additional hiking trails. Circuit 1 is a short hike that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes at most. You then have to leave Machu Picchu.

Tourist couple – Classic photo of Machu Picchu

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu with Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C)

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 1. It also includes a hiking trail of approximately 3 kilometers to the little-known Inca Bridge. Circuit 1 is short, allowing only a tourist visit to the Guardian’s House, where you can take the classic photo of Machu Picchu. It also includes a hiking trail along the historic qhapac ñan (Inca trails) to reach the Intipunku (the control and entry gate to Machu Picchu during the Inca Empire).

This ticket offers four entry times: 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Each time slot allows a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time is 4 hours, including the visit to Intipunku and Circuit 1. The ticket is available for an average of 180 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 2 to 3 months in advance. Access to Intipunku Inca is available from June 19 to November 2. Admission is open to people of all ages.

• Advantages: Circuit 1 allows you to get the best postcard photo of Machu Picchu, from the Guardian’s House. The Intipunku is a beautiful and historic Inca structure. It offers beautiful panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. Admission is open to all ages.
• Disadvantages: The ticket does not allow you to visit Inca temples in the religious zone, such as: Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Sacred Rock, etc. Access is from June 19 to November 2.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu ticket with Inka Bridge (Route 1D)

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 1 and a hiking trail of approximately 1 kilometer to the little-known Inca Bridge. Circuit 1 is short, allowing only a tourist visit to the Guardian’s House (a classic photo of Machu Picchu) . It also includes an easy hiking trail, with beautiful scenery, to a structure little known to tourists: the Inca Bridge.

This ticket offers four entry times: 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. Each time slot allows a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time is four hours, including the visit to the Inca Bridge. The ticket is available for an average of 80 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket one to two months in advance. The Inca Bridge is available from June 19 to November 2. Admission is open to those 12 years and older.

• Advantages: Circuit 1 allows you to get the best postcard photo of Machu Picchu, from the Guardian’s House. The Inca Bridge is an easy route surrounded by beautiful views.
• Disadvantages: The ticket does not allow visits to Inca temples (Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Sacred Rock, etc.). Only open to children 12 and older and from June 19 to November 2.

Map of Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit) of Machu Picchu

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed Tour (Route 2A) ticket

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 2 (classic photo in the Guardian’s House area) . This circuit includes sightseeing tours of Inca temples, including the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Advantages, the Sacred Rock, the Hall of Mirrors, the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector.

The ticket offers ten entry times: 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Each time slot allows for a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time averages 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ticket is available for an average of 950 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 2 to 3 months in advance. The ticket is available year-round and is suitable for visitors of all ages.

• Advantages: It allows you to get the best postcard photo of Machu Picchu, as well as visit the main Inca temples. Tourists will enjoy the most comprehensive tour.
• Disadvantages: It does not offer any additional hikes in Machu Picchu.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace ticket (Route 2B)

This ticket offers exactly the same services as the Machu Picchu Classic ticket. The only difference is that the classic photo is taken a few meters below, on a lower terrace. This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 2 (classic photo in the Guardian’s House area). It includes sightseeing tours of Inca temples, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Advantages, the Sacred Rock, the Hall of Mirrors, the Water Fountains, and the agricultural area.

The ticket offers ten entry times: 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Each time slot allows for a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time averages 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ticket is available for an average of 950 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 2 to 3 months in advance. The ticket is available year-round and is suitable for visitors of all ages.

• Advantages: It allows you to get the best postcard photo of Machu Picchu, as well as visit the main Inca temples. Tourists will enjoy the most comprehensive tour.
• Disadvantages: It does not offer any additional hikes in Machu Picchu.

Map of circuit 2 (classic circuit) of Machu Picchu

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu ticket with Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A)

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 3 and the 2-kilometer hiking trail to Huayna Picchu Mountain. The circuit includes sightseeing tours of the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Agricultural Sector. At this point, you can take a panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.

This ticket offers only two entry times: 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Each time allows for a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time is 5 hours, including the visit to Huayna Picchu. The ticket is available for an average of 350 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 2 to 3 months in advance. Huayna Picchu is open year-round, but only to guests over 12 years of age.

• Advantages: Circuit 3 allows you to explore little-explored Inca buildings that once belonged to royalty. Huayna Picchu Mountain is considered the best short hike in Machu Picchu.
• Disadvantages: It doesn’t include the classic photo from the Guardian’s House, but it does include two beautiful photos from the agricultural sector and from the summit of Huayna Picchu. Only suitable for ages 12 and up.

View of the Inca citadel from Huayna Picchu

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty ticket (Route 3B)

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 3, also known as the Royal Circuit . This circuit includes sightseeing tours of Inca temples, such as the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Agricultural Sector. At this point, you can take a panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.

This ticket offers ten entry times: 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Each time slot allows for a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time averages 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ticket is available for an average of 600 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 1 or 2 months in advance. The ticket is available year-round and is suitable for visitors of all ages.

• Advantages: Circuit 3 allows you to discover little-explored Inca buildings that belonged to royalty.
• Disadvantages: It doesn’t include the classic photo from the Guardian’s House, but it does include a similar photo from the agricultural sector. The ticket doesn’t include any hiking.

Guided tour of Machu Picchu’s Royalty-designed route

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu ticket with Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C)

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 3 (called the Royal Route) and the approximately 5-kilometer hiking trail to the mysterious Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cave. Circuit 3 includes visits to structures such as the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Agricultural Sector, where you can take a panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.

This ticket offers only two entry times: 7 am and 8 am. Each time allows for a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visit duration is 6 hours, including the visit to the Great Cave and Machu Picchu via circuit 3. The ticket is available for an average of 200 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 1 or 2 months in advance. The Great Cave is available from June 19 to November 2 and is only open to visitors over 12 years of age.

• Advantages: Circuit 3 allows you to explore little-explored Inca structures that belonged to Inca royalty, such as the House of the Inca and the Temple of the Sun (from the lower part). The route to the Temple of the Moon is one of the most challenging. However, at the Temple of the Moon, visitors will be up close and almost alone with a mysterious Inca structure.
• Disadvantages: The classic photo opportunity from the Guardian’s House is not included. The visit to the Temple of the Moon is only available from June 19 to November 2. It’s a somewhat arduous route and is only open to visitors over 12 years old.

Map of circuit 3 (royalty circuit) of Machu Picchu

Advantages and disadvantages of the Machu Picchu ticket with Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)

This ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu via Circuit 3 and a 1-kilometer hiking trail to the small Huchuy Picchu mountain. The circuit includes sightseeing tours of the royal sector, including the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Agricultural Sector (here you can take a panoramic photo of Machu Picchu).

This ticket offers only two entry times: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Each time allows for a maximum delay of 45 minutes. Visiting time is 4 hours, including the visit to Huchuy Picchu. The ticket is available for an average of 50 people per day. It is recommended to purchase this ticket 1 to 2 months in advance. Huchuy Picchu Mountain is open from June 19 to November 2 and is open to visitors over 12 years of age.

• Advantages: Circuit 3 allows you to explore little-explored Inca buildings that once belonged to royalty. The route to Machu Picchu Mountain is easy and recommended for everyone. From there, you have a panoramic view of the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
• Disadvantages: Does not include the classic photo from the Guardian’s House. The visit to Huchuy Picchu is only available from June 19 to November 2 and is only open to those 12 years and older.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What does the “Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A)” ticket offer?

  It offers the classic photo opportunity from the Guardian’s House along Circuit 1 and a 4-kilometer hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, more than 3,000 meters above sea level.

• 2) What does the “Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Superior Terrace (Route 1B)” ticket include?

  This ticket allows access to the Guardian’s House section via Circuit 1, from which you can enjoy the famous panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The visit lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• 3) What does the “Machu Picchu with Inti Punku (Route 1C)” ticket include?

  This ticket offers the classic photo from the Guardian’s House along Circuit 1 and a steadily ascending hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the original entrance to Machu Picchu.

• 4) What does the “Machu Picchu with Inka Bridge (Route 1D)” ticket offer?

  The ticket includes the classic view from the Guardian’s House on Circuit 1 and a short hike to the mystical Inca Bridge. Here, we’ll get a unique view of Machu Picchu.

• 5) What does the “Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed (Route 2A)” ticket include?

  It includes a more comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu via Circuit 2. It allows for the iconic view from the Guardian’s House, as well as visits to temples such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, and agricultural areas.

• 6) How is the Upper Terrace ticket (Route 2B) different from the Designed Classic ticket (Route 2A)?

  Both offer the same tour of the Inca temples, the difference being that the classic photo is taken from a slightly lower terrace, which barely changes the panoramic angle.

• 7) What does the “Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A)” ticket include?

  The ticket includes access to Circuit 3 and a hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain, one of the most popular and challenging routes.

• 8) What does the “Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B)” ticket include?

  This ticket includes access to the lower part of the citadel via circuit 3, where we’ll see the Temple of the Condor and the Royal Tomb. It also offers panoramic views from the agricultural sector.

• 9) What does the “Machu Picchu with Temple of the Moon (Route 3C)” ticket include?

  It includes access to circuit 3 and a long walk to the Temple of the Moon, one of the most enigmatic and remote buildings in the citadel.

• 10) What does the “Machu Picchu with Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)” ticket include?

  The ticket includes access to circuit 3 and a short hike to one of the most impressive mountains, Huchuy Picchu.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Julián P.

“A true experience“

“Every step was a challenge for me, as I am not physically well, but once up there you connect with the mountains and feel Machu Picchu inside you. A real experience. Thanks to Machupicchu Terra.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 22, 2025