Official Machu Picchu Visiting Routes

To promote the conservation of the Machu Picchu archaeological park, visits are organized through specific circuits that pass through different areas and offer unique experiences. Each visitor commits to following the circuit chosen at the time of ticket purchase. The visit can be enhanced by purchasing one or two additional circuits for a single day or for use on consecutive days, thus providing a more complete experience at Machu Picchu. Some of these circuits sell out faster than others, such as Circuit 2 on routes A and B. Below, we detail everything about these visit options:

INFORMATIVE VIDEO: THE CIRCUITS IN MACHU PICCHU

🎬 Watch our Updated 2026 Machu Picchu Circuits Video: All your questions answered below.✅

CIRCUIT 1: PANORAMIC – Get the Iconic & Classic Postcard View of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 1-A: Upper Terrace + Machu Picchu Mountain

  • The View: Access the "Upper Terrace," the premier viewpoint also known as the Guardian’s House or the Agricultural Sector. This route guarantees the iconic postcard and classic panoramic photos of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.
  • What you'll see: From this vantage point, observe key landmarks like the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Main/Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana pyramid.
  • Duration (Terrace): Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • The Hike: This ticket includes access to Machu Picchu Mountain, standing at $3080$ meters above sea level ($10,105$ ft).
  • Difficulty: As the highest peak surrounding the citadel, it offers a demanding hike (moderate to medium difficulty) along well-preserved original Inca stairs.
  • Requirements: Recommended for travelers aged 12+. The total mountain trek takes about 4 hours.

Circuit 1-B: Upper Terrace Only (Main Viewpoint)

  • The Experience: Explore the "Upper Terrace," the premier sector where the famous Guardian's House is located.
  • The View: This route is specifically designed for capturing the iconic postcard and classic panoramic photos of Machu Picchu and its breathtaking surroundings.
  • Landmarks: From this vantage point, you will enjoy bird's-eye views of the most emblematic Inca constructions, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana pyramid, and the majestic Wayna Picchu mountain.
  • Duration: The visit takes approximately 2 hours on average.
  • Important: This ticket covers the Upper Terrace area only. It does not provide access to the lower citadel ruins or additional sectors of the park.

Circuit 1-C: Upper Terrace + Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

  • The View: Access the Upper Terrace for the iconic postcard and classic panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.
  • Landmarks: From this prime viewpoint, enjoy stunning views of the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, and the majestic Wayna Picchu mountain.
  • Duration (Terrace): Spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes enjoying the main viewpoint and capturing spectacular scenery.
  • The Hike: This ticket includes the trek to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), the original main entrance to the city during the Inca Empire.
  • Trek Duration: The round trip to the Sun Gate takes approximately 3 hours.
  • ⚠️ Seasonal Availability: This circuit is strictly available during High Season (June to October) and on December 30th and 31st. Book in advance!

Circuit 1-D: Upper Terrace + Inca Bridge

  • The View: Access the Upper Terrace for the iconic postcard and classic panoramic photos of the citadel.
  • Landmarks: Observe the most emblematic structures from above, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, and Wayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Duration (Terrace): Enjoy the main viewpoint for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of spectacular sightseeing.
  • The Hike: This ticket includes a 30-minute walk to the Inca Bridge, the eastern limit of the citadel. Designed as a secret emergency route, it provided a strategic escape path toward the Amazon rainforest.
  • Bridge Area Duration: Exploring the bridge sector takes about 1 hour.
  • ⚠️ Seasonal Availability: This circuit is strictly available during High Season (June to October) and on December 30th and 31st.

CIRCUITO 2: O CIRCUITO CLÁSICO, CIRCUITO DE LA CIUDADELA INCA

Circuit 2-A: Classic Inca Citadel

  • The Iconic Photo: This circuit includes the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu, taken from a privileged vantage point just below the main upper terrace.
  • The Experience: Walk through the heart of the "Inca Citadel" (the urban sector). You will explore legendary sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Mirrors, and the Eastern Agricultural Sector.
  • Duration & Difficulty: The tour takes approximately 2 hours. It is an easy, family-friendly route suitable for all ages.
  • Access: This ticket focuses strictly on the citadel's urban ruins; it does not include additional hiking trails or mountains.
  • 📅 Booking Policy: Available year-round. However, due to high demand, booking at least 3 months in advance is highly recommended.

Circuit 2-B: Inca Citadel + Lower Terrace

  • The Iconic Photo: This circuit guarantees the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the secondary viewpoint, also known as the "Lower Terrace."
  • The Experience: Explore the heart of the "Inca Citadel" (the urban sector). This route takes you through legendary sites such as the Main Plaza, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Mirrors, and the Eastern Agricultural Sector.
  • Duration & Difficulty: The tour takes approximately 2 hours. It is an easy, family-friendly walk suitable for visitors of all ages.
  • Access: This ticket is dedicated to the urban ruins only; it does not include additional hiking trails or mountain climbs.
  • 📅 Booking Policy: Available year-round. Due to high demand, we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance to secure your entry.

CIRCUIT 3: THE ROYALTY PATH OR LOWER CITADEL

Circuit 3-A: Lower Citadel + Wayna Picchu Mountain

  • The Royalty Route: Explore the exclusive sector where the Inca nobility and royalty lived. This route focuses on the lower part of the city.
  • The Photo: You can capture a beautiful view of the citadel from a lower perspective (similar to the classic one). Please note: This ticket does not provide access to the Upper Terrace or the main postcard viewpoint.
  • Landmarks: Visit some of the most sacred structures, including the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.
  • Duration (Citadel): The walk through the royalty sector takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • The Highlight (Wayna Picchu): This ticket includes the ascent to the world-famous Wayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu).
  • The Hike: Reaching the summit takes about 1 hour. It is widely considered the ultimate Machu Picchu experience. Due to its steepness and difficulty, it is recommended for travelers aged 12+.
  • 📅 Booking Warning: This is the first ticket to sell out. You must book at least 2 to 3 months in advance.

Circuit 3-B: Royal Path or Lower Citadel

  • The Royalty Route: Walk through the exclusive residential areas of the Inca nobility. This circuit focuses on the lower sector of the citadel, where the empire’s elite once lived.
  • The Photo: Capture a stunning panoramic view of the ruins from a lower vantage point. Please note: This circuit does not include access to the Upper Terrace or the main postcard viewpoint.
  • Archaeological Highlights: This route features some of the city's most significant structures, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor, among others.
  • Duration & Profile: The tour takes approximately 2 hours and is an easy walk, making it suitable for the whole family.

Circuit 3-C: Royal Path + The Great Cavern & Temple of the Moon

  • The Royalty Route: Explore the exclusive lower sector where the Inca nobility lived.
  • The Photo: Capture a stunning view of the citadel from a lower perspective. Note: This ticket does not include access to the Upper Terrace or the main postcard viewpoint.
  • Archaeological Highlights: Visit sacred sites like the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.
  • The Hidden Gem: This circuit offers exclusive access to the "Great Cavern" and the mysterious Temple of the Moon, hidden behind Wayna Picchu mountain.
  • The Hike: Reaching these sites requires a moderate effort with steep inclines and descents along original Inca stairs.
  • Duration: The trek to the Great Cavern takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes (3 hours total for this sector). Recommended for travelers aged 12+.
  • ⚠️ Seasonal Availability: Only available during High Season (June to October) and on December 30th and 31st.

Route 3-D: Royal Path + Huchuy Picchu Mountain

  • The Royalty Route: Explore the "Lower Citadel," the exclusive sector where the Inca nobility lived. This ticket allows for a beautiful panoramic photo from a lower vantage point (Note: Does not include access to the Upper Terrace or main postcard viewpoint).
  • Historical Highlights: Walk through the most significant structures, including the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.
  • Citadel Duration: The tour through the royalty sector takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • The Hidden Peak: This circuit includes access to Huchuy Picchu Mountain ("Small Mountain" in Quechua), the scenic peak located right next to the famous Wayna Picchu.
  • The Hike: Reaching the summit takes only about 20 minutes on average, offering unique and lesser-known perspectives of the archaeological park.
  • Profile & Availability: This route is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. However, it is strictly seasonal, available only during High Season (June to October) and on December 30th and 31st.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ABOUT MACHU PICCHU CIRCUITS

Circuit 2 (Options A or B) is widely considered the "Best Circuit" because it offers the perfect balance: it guarantees the iconic postcard photos and covers the most famous landmarks within the urban sector, also known as the citadel. Due to its popularity, this is the most requested ticket and must be purchased well in advance.

Circuits 1 and 2 (in all their variations) allow you to capture the classic postcard photo during your visit.

As one of the most in-demand routes, the ticket you need is Circuit 3-A. Available year-round, this is the only option that grants access to this world-famous mountain. It is widely regarded as one of the best experiences in Machu Picchu and must be booked well in advance.

For those traveling with young children, the most recommended options are Circuits 1-B, 2-A, 2-B, 3-B, and 3-D, as they are less physically demanding. For children over 12 years old, all circuits are accessible; however, they must always be under the direct supervision of their parents or legal guardians.

Seniors can comfortably enjoy Circuits 1-B, 1-D, 2-A, 2-B, 3-B, and 3-D, depending on each individual’s mobility and fitness level. It is not mandatory to complete the entire route; seniors are welcome to stay and enjoy the scenery from the viewpoint areas at their own pace.

No single circuit covers the entire site. However, for a more comprehensive experience, you can combine two or more circuits on the same day or over consecutive days. This will depend on the length of your stay and your personal interests.

Yes. If you have enough time and are in good physical condition, you can purchase multiple circuits for the same day or for consecutive days. This is the best way to enjoy a more comprehensive and in-depth experience of the sanctuary.

Circuit 2 should be booked at least 4 months in advance. If it is sold out for your travel dates, your first alternative is to purchase Circuit 3-B or 3-C.

Another expert option is to buy two separate tickets for the same day: Circuit 1-B + Circuit 3-B. By dedicating 2 hours to each, you will enjoy an experience that is similar—and in some ways even superior—to Circuit 2, as it combines the iconic panoramic views with a detailed tour of the royal sector.

Access to the various circuits is organized by seasons, based on tourist flow throughout the year.

  • High Season (Peak): Runs from June to October, plus an exceptional opening on December 30th and 31st. During this time, all circuits are fully operational to meet the high demand.
  • Low Season (Off-Peak): Runs from November to May (excluding the specific year-end dates). During this period, some specialized circuits are closed to the public.

We strongly recommend checking circuit availability based on your specific travel dates.

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