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13Jul

Machu Picchu Circuit

Everything You Need to Know About Machu Picchu Circuits Before You Go

Choosing the right Machu Picchu circuit is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your visit. Each circuit follows a different route through the archaeological sanctuary, offering unique viewpoints, access to specific sectors, and, in some cases, additional hikes to iconic mountains such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Understanding how the Machu Picchu circuit system works will help you select the experience that best matches your interests and avoid surprises on the day of your visit.

In recent years, Peru’s Ministry of Culture has updated the visitor system to better protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, every entrance ticket is assigned to a specific Machu Picchu circuit, with fixed routes, scheduled entry times, and a limited number of daily visitors. Once inside the sanctuary, visitors must follow the designated route, making it essential to choose the correct circuit before purchasing a ticket.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the different Machu Picchu circuit options, the official ticket booking process, current entry regulations, and practical tips for securing your preferred date. We’ll compare each route, explain which circuits include the famous postcard viewpoints, and help you decide which one is best for photographers, history enthusiasts, hikers, or first-time visitors.

Whether you’re planning your first adventure to Peru or returning to discover more of the Inca world, understanding the Machu Picchu circuit system is the key to organizing a smooth and unforgettable visit. With the right circuit and proper planning, you’ll be ready to experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World from the perspective that suits you best.

Machu Picchu Circuit 01
Machu Picchu Circuit 02
Machu Picchu Circuit 03
Best time to visit the Machu Picchu circuit
Distribution of Machu Picchu circuits
How do I book a ticket for Machu Picchu?
Contact us so we can help you!

CIRCUIT 01 – PANORAMIC:

It offers panoramic views of the Inca City of Machu Picchu and its sacred mountains through four routes that lead to the highest areas of the citadel. Each route varies in physical difficulty and rewards visitors with breathtaking scenery, remarkable architecture, and a deep connection with nature and Andean spirituality.

Special Tickets

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain

This route includes the climb to Montaña Machu Picchu, offering panoramic views of the Inca city and the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Pumasillo. The round trip is about 3.8 km and requires high physical effort.

Alternative

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

This route offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Vilcabamba batholith, and the Vilcanota River. Ideal for classic photos, the 1.6 km (round trip) hike requires moderate physical effort. Perfect for capturing spectacular landscapes.

High season only

Route 1-C: Sun Gate Route

Route to the famous Intipunku Gate, entrance to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail. Enjoy panoramic views of the Inca city from a unique angle. Round trip: 3.4 km with moderate effort. Available in peak season.

High season only

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route

This route leads to the Inca Bridge, built of stone and wood. From here, you can admire the beautiful Vilcanota Valley. The round trip is approximately 2.6 km and requires moderate physical effort. This route is available during peak season.

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CIRCUIT 02 – CLASSIC CIRCUIT

This tour combines a visit to the terraces in the middle section with the entire urban area of the Inca City of Machu Picchu. You will explore buildings used as dwellings and ritual spaces for observing the stars. It has two routes that require moderate physical exertion.

Highly Recommended

Route 2-A: Classic Designed Route

This route allows you to appreciate and explore the main areas of the city’s urban zone. It begins in the agricultural sector, from where you can fully appreciate Machu Picchu. It continues to the Llaqta Punku sector (main entrance), the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the main plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the reflecting pools. The round trip is approximately 2.5 km. It requires moderate to high physical effort. Ideal for taking the classic Machu Picchu photo.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, which you must ascend to reach the lower terrace. From here, you can admire Machu Picchu and take that much-desired photo of the city. It continues to the Llaqta Punku (Main Entrance), the area of the stone quarries where the stones used to build the structures were quarried, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the reflecting pools. The round trip is approximately 2.7 km. It requires a moderate to high level of physical exertion.

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CIRCUIT 03 – MACHU PICCHU ROYALTY:

It consists of four routes and is characterized by its exploration of the most sacred and important sites occupied by the Inca royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca's House, and the Temple of the Condor, among others. This circuit requires little physical effort. If you choose to hike Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu mountains, or head towards the Great Cave, more physical effort and time are required.

Special Tickets

Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route

The tour starts in the agricultural sector and includes the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Three Portals. The trail continues to Waynapicchu Mountain with stunning views, ending with the Temple of the Condor. The 2.4 km route requires high physical effort.

Route 3-B: Designed Royal Route

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, offering terrace views and a classic photo spot near the urban area. It includes the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Three Portals, and the Temple of the Condor. The 1.3 km route requires moderate effort and is partly wheelchair accessible.

High season only

Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route

The tour starts in the agricultural sector with terrace views and a classic photo spot near the town. It includes the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Three Portals, the Great Cavern, and the Temple of the Condor. The 3 km route requires high physical effort.

High season only

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route

The tour starts in the agricultural sector with terrace views and a classic photo spot near the urban area. It includes the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Three Portals, and Huaylupacchu Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Inca city. The 1.7 km route requires moderate effort.

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Summary table: Best time to visit the Machu Picchu circuit

	High or Dry Season (May–October)	Low or Rainy Season (Nov–Apr)
Climate	Sunny days with 18 °C (64 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F).	Warm days, cool nights 7 °C (44.6 °F) to 12 °C (54 °F).
No. of Tourists	High influx, more than 5,000 visitors per day.	Lower influx, max 4,500 visitors per day.
Recommended Time	Early slot (6:00 – 8:00 a.m.).	Mid-morning (9:00 – 11:00 a.m.).
Landscapes	Clear panoramic views, perfect for photos.	Misty landscapes and lush greenery.
Tourist Service Prices*	Higher prices in hotels, restaurants, and tours.	Better deals on tours.
Ticket Availability	Tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets sell out quickly.	Easier to find tickets for Machu Picchu.

Distribution of Machu Picchu circuits

Circuit	Name	Best Places	Estimated Time
1-A	Machu Picchu Mountain Route	Classic Machu Picchu Viewpoint + Machu Picchu Mountain hike	4-5 hours
1-B	Upper Platform Route	Classic Machu Picchu Viewpoint only	1 hour
1-C	Sun Gate Route	Classic Machu Picchu Viewpoint + Sun Gate hike (High Season)	2.5 hours
1-D	Inka Bridge Route	Classic Machu Picchu Viewpoint + Inca Bridge hike	2-3 hours
2-A	Design Route	Machu Picchu viewpoint + Most of the Site	2.5-3 hours
2-B	Low Platform Route	Machu Picchu viewpoint (from slightly higher) + Most of the Site	2.5-3 hours
3-A	Wayna Picchu Route	Lower Ruins + Wayna Picchu hike	3-4 hours
3-B	Design Route	Lower Ruins only	1.5-2 hours
3-C	Great Cavern Route	Lower Ruins + Temple of the Moon hike (High Season)	4-5 hours
3-D	Huchuy Picchu Route	Lower Ruins + Huchuy Picchu hike (High Season)	3-3.5 hours

How do I book a ticket for Machu Picchu?

1. Book online in advance (the most recommended option)

The most reliable and fastest way to get your ticket is to do so on the official platform. This system allows you to book from anywhere, securing your entry several months in advance, which is crucial during high season (May to October).

How to book?
Go to the official Machu Picchu website or tuboleto.cultura.pe.

Fill in your details, choose the date, time, and type of ticket (Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, Mountain, etc.).

You will receive a booking code and an email with a link to make the payment.

Payment methods

Online card: The fastest and most convenient method. The Ministry of Culture website only accepts cards with Visa verification.
Banco de la Nación: You can pay in cash at any branch in Peru.
Offices in Cusco: It is also possible to pay in person, with cash or card, at the Ministry of Culture headquarters (Calle Garcilaso s/n).

Advantages

Save time and skip the lines.
Plan your visit.
Receive your e-ticket immediately.

2. Direct purchase in Cusco (less recommended)

Another alternative is to go in person to the offices of the Ministry of Culture in Cusco. However, due to high demand, there is a high risk that tickets will not be available for your dates.

Location: Museo Casa Garcilaso, Calle Garcilaso s/n, near Plaza Regocijo.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Disadvantages

Probability of not getting tickets.
Loss of time in transfers
Not very convenient for travelers with a tight schedule.

3. Through a tour operator (highly recommended)

If you are looking for security and comfort, it is best to book with an authorized operator. Companies such as Peru Trek manage not only your tickets, but also transportation, accommodation, and guides.

Benefits

Total comfort: The operator takes care of everything.
Customized options: From the classic tour to hikes along the Inca Trail or alternative treks to Machu Picchu, such as the Peru Trek.
Greater security: You avoid common mistakes made when purchasing directly.

Tips

Book in advance, especially during high season.
Be sure to hire authorized agencies with good reviews and comprehensive support.

4. Purchase in Aguas Calientes

You can also purchase tickets at the Ministry of Culture office in Aguas Calientes, located on Av—Pachacútec s/n, near the Plaza Mayor.

Important: Although approximately 100 tickets are available for purchase in person during high season, it is usually difficult to obtain them. Therefore, we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance online or through a reliable agency.

We recommend purchasing your tickets only on the official website (tuboleto.cultura.pe). Resales are unsafe, and the ticket includes your ID number, which prevents counterfeiting.