Machu Picchu Circuits

What are the Machu Picchu circuits?

To understand what are the circuits of Machu Picchu we will tell you a little about how it was formed:

The Ministry of Culture of Peru implemented from the first of June 2024, three new circuits and within each of these there are different routes.

With what purpose were these circuits created?

The main reason why these circuits were created in Machu Picchu was to conserve the archaeological park and manage a better flow of visitors avoiding the risk of damage and improving the experience of your visit.

Which is the most recommended circuit and ticket to visit Machu Picchu?

If you are traveling to Machu Picchu for the first time and do not want to miss almost anything the best option is to buy the ticket “Circuit 2 Machu Picchu Classic” this is the most complete tour throughout the citadel.

Get to know the new Machu Picchu circuits

Circuit 1 - Panoramic

It is characterized by offering options of wide or panoramic views of the Inka City of Machupicchu and its sacred mountains, as a space of connection with the Andean deities. It has four (4) routes, which take you to the highest part of Machupicchu and lead you through narrow paths, enjoying an extraordinary scenic scenery, where you can enjoy the most impressive views of the Inka City and its surroundings, which goes beyond the classic photo. Each route demands a different physical effort, compensable with the captivating beauty of its architecture, the spatial organization of its buildings built in the mountain and the harmony they keep with nature.

Circuit routes

Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route

This route allows you to climb the Machupicchu mountain. From its summit, you will be able to appreciate the Salkantay and Pumasillo snow-capped mountains, from where you can get panoramic photos of the entire cultural landscape surrounding the Inca city. The round trip is approximately 3.8 km long. It requires high physical effort.

Route 1-B: Upper terrace route

The main attraction on this route is the viewpoint and have a panoramic view of Machupicchu. You can also observe the geological formation called “Batolito de Vilcabamba” and the meandering Vilcanota River. Ideal if you want to get panoramic photos and take the classic photo of the city. The round trip is approximately 1.6 km long. It requires medium physical effort.

Route 1-C: Portada Intipunku Route (available only in high season)

Route to the famous Portada Intipunku, gateway to the city by the Inka Trail. From here you will be able to appreciate this important road. In addition, you can have a panoramic view of the Inca city from another angle. The round trip is approximately 3.4 km long. It requires medium physical effort. This route is available in high season.

Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in high season)

This route leads to the Inka Bridge, built with stone and wood. From here you can see the beautiful Vilcanota valley. The round trip is approximately 2.6 km long. It requires medium physical effort. This route is available in high season.

Circuit 2 - Classic circuit

It is characterized by combining the visit to the platforms of the middle part and the entire urban area of the Inka City of Machupicchu. You will visit buildings used as dwellings and ritual spaces for the observation of the stars. It has two routes that require regular physical effort.

Circuit routes

Route 2-A: Classic route designed

This route allows you to appreciate and tour the main sectors of the urban area of the city. It starts in the agricultural sector from where Machupicchu can be fully appreciated. It continues to the sector of Llaqta Punku or main entrance, the Mirador of the Temple of the Sun, the main square, the Sacred Rock and the water mirrors. The round trip is approximately 2.5 km long. It requires medium to high physical effort. Ideal for taking the classic photo of Machupicchu.

Route 2-B: Lower terrace route

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, which must be climbed to reach the lower terrace. At this point you will be able to appreciate Machupicchu and also take the long-awaited photo of the city. Continue to the sector of Llaqta Punku or Main Entrance, the sector of the Quarries of stones used to construct the buildings, the Main Square, the Sacred Rock and the Water Mirrors. The round trip is approximately 2.7 km long. It requires medium to high physical effort.

Circuit 3 - Machupicchu Royalty

It consists of four routes and is characterized by knowing the most sacred and important spaces occupied by the Inka royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Temple of the Condor, among others. This circuit requires little physical effort. In case you choose to walk through the Huaynapicchu and Huchuypicchu mountains or head towards the Great Cavern, it requires more physical effort and more time.

Circuit routes

Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route

The tour starts in the agricultural sector. Here you can take the classic photo very close to the urban area. It allows you to visit the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Ceremonial Fountains, the sector of Tres Portadas. From this point, the road leads to the Waynapicchu mountain, where you will have impressive views of the city. On the way back, you will visit the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is approximately 2.4 km long. It requires high physical effort.

Route 3-B: Designed royal route

The tour starts in the agricultural sector where you can admire the Andenes. It allows you to take the classic photo quite close to the urban area. It continues by the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Ceremonial Fountains, the sector of Tres Portadas and the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is approximately 1.3 km long. It requires medium effort. A section of the circuit can be visited by people in wheelchairs or people who require assistance in moving around the site.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (only available in high season)

The tour starts in the agricultural sector, where you can admire the Andenes. It allows you to take the classic photo quite close to the urban area. Continue through the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Ceremonial Fountains, the sector of Tres Portadas. From here, the tour leads to the Great Cavern. On the way back you can visit the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is approximately 3 km round trip. It requires high physical effort. This route is available in high season.

3-D Route: Huchuypicchu Route (only available in high season)

The tour begins in the agricultural sector, from where you can admire the terraces and take the classic photo very close to the urban area. It continues through the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Ceremonial Fountains and the Tres Portadas sector. From here, the road leads to the entrance to the Huchuypicchu mountain and up to its summit, from where you get panoramic views of the Inca city and the landscape. On the way back, you will visit the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is approximately 1.7 km long. It requires medium physical effort.