What Are the Machu Picchu Circuits?
To understand the Machu Picchu circuits, it is important to know that the Ministry of Culture of Peru implemented a new visitor system starting on June 1, 2024. Since then, Machu Picchu has been organized into 3 main circuits, and each circuit includes different routes.
These circuits were created to protect the archaeological site, control the flow of visitors, reduce the risk of damage, and improve the overall experience inside Machu Picchu.
Which Is the Best Machu Picchu Circuit?
If you are visiting Machu Picchu for the first time and want the most complete experience, the best option is usually Circuit 2 – Classic Route.
The most recommended ticket is:
Circuit 2 Machu Picchu Classic
This circuit allows you to visit the main areas of the citadel and enjoy the famous classic photo of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Circuit 1: Panoramic Circuit
Circuit 1 is focused on panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains. This circuit takes visitors to the upper areas of the archaeological site, where they can enjoy wide views of the Inca city, the Vilcanota River, and the surrounding Andean landscape.
This circuit is ideal for travelers who want beautiful photos, scenic views, and a more visual experience of Machu Picchu.
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route
This route allows visitors to climb Machu Picchu Mountain. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire archaeological site, as well as the surrounding mountains such as Salkantay and Pumasillo.
The round-trip distance is approximately 3.8 km.
Physical effort: High
Best for: Hiking, panoramic views, landscape photography
Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route
The Upper Terrace Route is one of the best options for travelers who want the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu without hiking a mountain.
From this route, visitors can admire the Inca city from above, see the Vilcanota River, and observe the geological formation known as the Vilcabamba Batholith.
The round-trip distance is approximately 1.6 km.
Physical effort: Medium
Best for: Classic photo, panoramic views, short visit
Route 1-C: Intipunku Route
The Intipunku Route leads to the famous Sun Gate, the original entrance to Machu Picchu used by travelers arriving from the Inca Trail.
From this point, visitors can enjoy a different panoramic view of Machu Picchu and appreciate part of the ancient Inca road system.
The round-trip distance is approximately 3.4 km.
Physical effort: Medium
Availability: High season only
Best for: Inca Trail history, panoramic views, hiking
Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route
This route leads to the Inca Bridge, a historic structure built with stone and wood on the side of the mountain.
From this route, visitors can enjoy views of the Vilcanota Valley and learn more about the strategic access routes used by the Incas.
The round-trip distance is approximately 2.6 km.
Physical effort: Medium
Availability: High season only
Best for: History, short hike, scenic views
Machu Picchu Circuit 2: Classic Circuit
Circuit 2 is the most recommended circuit for first-time visitors. It combines panoramic views with a visit to the main urban and agricultural sectors of Machu Picchu.
This circuit allows travelers to explore important areas of the Inca city, including temples, plazas, terraces, and ceremonial spaces.
Route 2-A: Classic Designed Route
Route 2-A is one of the most complete routes in Machu Picchu. It begins in the agricultural sector, where visitors can get one of the best panoramic views of the citadel.
The route continues through important areas such as Llaqta Punku, the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirrors.
The round-trip distance is approximately 2.5 km.
Physical effort: Medium to high
Best for: First-time visitors, complete visit, classic photo
Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
Route 2-B begins in the agricultural sector and leads visitors to the lower terrace, where they can enjoy a beautiful view of Machu Picchu and take the classic photo.
The route continues through Llaqta Punku, the stone quarry sector, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirrors.
The round-trip distance is approximately 2.7 km.
Physical effort: Medium to high
Best for: Classic photo, main sectors, first-time visitors
Machu Picchu Circuit 3: Royal Circuit
Circuit 3 is focused on the lower and sacred areas of Machu Picchu. This circuit includes important places linked to Inca royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the ceremonial fountains, and the Temple of the Condor.
This circuit usually requires less physical effort than the panoramic circuits, unless you choose routes that include mountains such as Waynapicchu, Huchuypicchu, or the Great Cavern.
Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route
This route starts in the agricultural sector, where visitors can take a photo close to the urban area of Machu Picchu.
The route includes important places such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the ceremonial fountains, and the Tres Portadas sector. From there, visitors continue toward Waynapicchu Mountain, one of the most famous hikes in Machu Picchu.
On the way back, the route includes the Temple of the Condor.
The round-trip distance is approximately 2.4 km.
Physical effort: High
Best for: Adventure, mountain views, experienced hikers
Route 3-B: Royal Designed Route
Route 3-B is one of the best options for visitors who want to explore the lower part of Machu Picchu with less physical effort.
This route includes the agricultural sector, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the ceremonial fountains, the Tres Portadas sector, and the Temple of the Condor.
A section of this circuit can be visited by people in wheelchairs or travelers who require assistance.
The round-trip distance is approximately 1.3 km.
Physical effort: Medium
Best for: Sacred temples, lower circuit, easier access
Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route
This route begins in the agricultural sector and continues through important areas such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the ceremonial fountains, and the Tres Portadas sector.
From there, the route leads to the Great Cavern. On the return, visitors can also visit the Temple of the Condor.
The round-trip distance is approximately 3 km.
Physical effort: High
Availability: High season only
Best for: Hiking, sacred sites, adventurous travelers
Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route
The Huchuypicchu Route begins in the agricultural sector, where visitors can admire the terraces and take a photo close to the urban area.
The route continues through the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the ceremonial fountains, and the Tres Portadas sector. From there, visitors hike up to Huchuypicchu Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
On the way back, the route includes the Temple of the Condor.
The round-trip distance is approximately 1.7 km.
Physical effort: Medium
Availability: High season only
Best for: Short mountain hike, panoramic views, moderate adventure
Summary of Machu Picchu Circuits
Best Circuit for First-Time Visitors
The best circuit for first-time visitors is usually Circuit 2, especially Route 2-A or Route 2-B. These routes offer the most complete experience of Machu Picchu and allow you to see the main areas of the citadel.
Best Circuit for Panoramic Photos
The best circuit for panoramic photos is Circuit 1, especially Route 1-B, because it offers one of the best views of Machu Picchu from the upper terraces.
Best Circuit for Adventure
The best options for adventure are:
- Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
- Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain
- Route 3-C: Great Cavern
- Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Mountain
Best Circuit with Less Physical Effort
The best option with less physical effort is usually Circuit 3-B: Royal Designed Route, because it focuses on the lower part of Machu Picchu and includes important sacred areas.