Machu Picchu and the Peruvian government since June 1, 2024 have announced the new circuits for the Machu Picchu Archaeological citadel. These have been divided into three main circuits, each with its own sub-circuits. This means that you now have a total of 10 different routes to explore Machu Picchu. Here, you can learn about which places are involved in each route.
This circuit is divided into 4 different routes, also known as the panoramic circuit. With this circuit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Some routes in this circuit allow you to enjoy optional hikes. However, it is important to note that this circuit generally does not include a visit to the interior of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
This circuit offers you the chance to capture the famous Machu Picchu photo from the area near the Guardian House, This ticket includes a panoramic view of its main Inca constructions such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, the ticket does not include access to these temples. Usually time in this area lasts a maximum of 1 hour and allows you to take photos from the viewpoint. Additionally, visitors can go to Machu Picchu Mountain, which is the highest part of the Inca city, with a visiting time of approximately 4 hours.
Approximate visit time: 5 Hours
Difficulty: Difficult
With this ticket, you can visit the upper part of the terraces in Machu Picchu, and from this area, you can take a classic photo of Machu Picchu. To reach this place, you need to walk from the entrance for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, This means in terms of walk, it will be one of the shortest circuits in Machu Picchu. However, you can take classic photos and enjoy about 1 hour in this area. Also, note that with this ticket, it is not possible to enter into the city or temples.
Approximate visit time: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy
With this ticket, after passing through the Machu Picchu checkpoint, there is a short walk of approximately 10 minutes to reach the upper terraces. This is the place where access to the platform begins, from where you can capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu and also pass very close to the Guardian’s House. Next, this ticket allows you to ascend to Inti Punku (the last part of the Inca Trail), which takes around 2 hours in total for the round trip. Throughout this journey, Machu Picchu can be observed from different distances and lookouts.
Approximate visit time: 3 Hours
Difficulty: Medium
This ticket, like the previous ones of circuit 1, you can reach the upper terraces of Machu Picchu and take the classic photo. It also allows you to hike to the Inca Bridge, a unique place in the entire park that is said to have been used to connect Machu Picchu with the villages located in the high jungle of Cusco. This hike generally takes about 1 hour between going to and returning from this location.
Approximate visit time: 3 Hours
Difficulty: Medium
This circuit has two routes, which are 99% similar, the only difference being in the access to the terraces for the classic photo. Since it is the most complete circuit, these routes are the ones sold out faster. Therefore, it is recommended to book between 3 to 6 months in advance, depending on the season.
With this circuit number 2 and with all their variations, you will be able to enjoy the temples and important construction of Machu Picchu.
This is the most complete circuit to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It begins with a short 10-minute walk to the terraces, from where you can capture the iconic photo of Machu Picchu. It also includes a visit to the most important temples in a tour of approximately 2.5 hours, all within the archaeological site. However, this ticket is one of the most easily sold out, therefore, it is recommended to book between 3 to 6 months before your visit.
For this ticket, it is highly recommended to rent a guide, as there are important places to visit and learn about. Additionally, it helps to properly follow the route and avoid missing what is included in it.
Approximate visit time: 2.5 Hours
Difficulty: Medium
With this ticket, you can access the platform where you can take the classic photo of Machu Picchu. Therefore, the routes in this circuit are identical to the other one and the only difference is the access. With this ticket, the access is in less than 10 minutes to observe Machu Picchu. Then, you can enter the citadel of Machu Picchu and visit important temples such as the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and others.
Also for this ticket, it is recommended to hire a tour guide, as there are important places to visit and learn about. Additionally, it helps to properly follow the route and avoid missing what is included in it.
Approximate visit time: 2.5 Hours
Difficulty: Medium
In general, this circuit allows you to enter less crowded areas, In addition, some variations allow you to access Wayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and the Great Cavern. The route that usually sells out very quickly and requires at least 3 months in advance is Wayna Picchu, from where you can see Machu Picchu from a privileged view. However, with Circuit Number 3, you will not be able to take the typical Machu Picchu photo.
This special ticket allows you to enter the center of the citadel of Machu Picchu and visit important temples such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca house, and the urban area. Finally, you will be able to access the Wayna Picchu Mountain. This ticket also allows you to ascend to the top of Wayna Picchu, where you will enjoy a privileged view. The ascent and descent of this mountain takes approximately 2 hours, so it is recommended for people with good physical condition and vertigo problems.
If your objective is to focus more on Wayna Picchu Mountain, hiring a guide is not mandatory. However, if this is your only option to visit Machu Picchu, it is recommended to hire a guide to ensure you don’t miss out on the history and important details of Machu Picchu.
Duración aproximadamente: 4 Horas
Dificultad: Intermedia
With this ticket, you’ll primarily be able to visit archaeological sites that were used by the Inca royalty, as well as important temples full of history. This tour takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
However, this circuit doesn’t allow you to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu, but rather a similar one.
It is highly recommended to hire a guide for this ticket, so as not to miss out on important history and places to visit.
Approximate visit time: 2.5 Hours
Difficulty: Medium
With this ticket, you can experience an attraction that is exclusive to this ticket type: A visit to the Temple of the Moon, an enigmatic cave hidden behind a rock. Additionally, you will get to see famous locations like the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Twelve Vanos, and the Temple of the Condor, However, These ticks do not include the chance to take the typical picture of Machu Picchu.
Approximate visit time: 2.5 Hours
Difficulty: Low
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This ticket allows you to enter the Huchuy Picchu Mountain (The smaller mountain next to Huayna Picchu), from this location, you can get a view of almost the entire Inca citadel. In addition, before reaching the mountain, you will be able to visit archaeological sites of the royalty Inca area. However, this circuit does not include the possibility make the classic photo of Machu Picchu.
Approximate visit time: 2.5 Hours
Difficulty: Low
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