Circuits and Routes to Visit Machu Picchu 2024

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route

This route to Machupicchu traverses the upper terrace of Machu Picchu, where you will visit the Guardian’s House and capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow access to these Inca constructions.

Additionally, it includes the trek to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, with an approximate 4-hour hike (round trip). The entire trail is surrounded by lush vegetation, making it perfect for trekking enthusiasts.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Restrictions: No restrictions
• Availability: Year-round

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

With this ticket, you can explore the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and visit the Guardian’s House to capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow access to these Inca constructions.

Additionally, you can tour the Guardian’s House sector and remain on the upper terrace esplanade to get the best panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Restrictions: No restrictions
• Availability: Year-round
• Timings: 10 different times, from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway Route (available only in High Season)

With this ticket, you can explore the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and visit the Guardian’s House to capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow access to these Inca constructions.

In addition, you can take a 2-hour hike (round-trip) to the Sun Gate or Intipunku, which leads to the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu (located at 3,745 meters above sea level). This site was used by the Incas to observe the winter solstice. This circuit is closed in the low season (from October 16 to May 31).

• Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Restrictions: No restrictions
• Availability: Only in high season (June 1 to October 15)
• Timings: 4 different times, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route (available only in High Season)

With this ticket, you can explore the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and visit the Guardian’s House to capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow access to these Inca constructions.

You can also take a 1-hour hike (round-trip) to the Inca Bridge, which leads to the eastern limit of the Inca city, where the entrance gate to the Amazon sector is located. This circuit is closed in the low season (from October 16 to May 31).

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Restrictions: Ages 12 and above only
• Availability: Only in high season (June 1 to October 15)
• Timings: 4 different times, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am

Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) – Route 2-A: Designed Route

This circuit is the most comprehensive and is considered the best and recommended within Machu Picchu. This route also allows you to capture the iconic photo of Machu Picchu from a platform below the House of the Guardian, known as ‘Circuit 2’. After capturing the best photos, the route continues through the urban and religious sector of Machu Picchu, offering the opportunity to explore sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Condor Temple (or the Water Mirrors), the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector. This ticket does not include any additional hikes to the Machu Picchu mountains.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Restrictions: None
• Availability: Year-round
• Hours: 7 different time slots, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) – Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

This entrance ticket to Machu Picchu offers a slightly shorter route but still allows you to capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu from a lower terrace. After taking the best photos, the tour continues through the urban and religious sector, where visitors can explore the main Inca temples and precincts such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Condor Temple (or the Water Mirrors), the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector. This ticket does not include any additional hikes to the Machu Picchu mountains.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Restrictions: None
• Availability: Year-round
• Hours: 7 different time slots, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Circuit 3 (Royalty Machu Picchu) – Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route

This 2024 Machu Picchu circuit allows you to visit the royal Inca constructions in the lower part of Machu Picchu, excluding the classic photo of Machu Picchu, but offering a view from the agricultural sector similar to the classic postcard from the Guardian’s House sector. It starts with an impressive view of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector. After taking the best photos, the tour continues to the religious sector, where visitors can explore important Inca temples and precincts such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.

This circuit allows you to visit the lower part of the Inca citadel, as well as embark on a 3-hour hike (round trip) to the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain, where you’ll have a privileged view of Machu Picchu and can enjoy the archaeological remains at the top.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Restrictions: Ages 12 and up only (Huayna Picchu)
• Availability: Year-round

Circuit 3 (Royalty Machu Picchu) – Route 3-B: Designed Route

With this ticket to Machu Picchu, you will visit precincts built exclusively for Inca royalty, but it does not include the classic photo of Machu Picchu, yet it offers a view from the agricultural sector similar to the classic postcard from the Guardian’s House sector. This tour focuses on the royal buildings located in the lower part of the Inca city. It starts with an impressive view of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector. After taking the best photos, the tour continues to the religious sector, where visitors can explore important Inca temples and precincts such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.

The maximum time for this circuit is 2 hours and 30 minutes and does not include additional hikes to the mountains of Machu Picchu. It is suitable for visitors of all ages.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Restrictions: None
• Availability: Year-round
• Opening Hours: 7 different schedules, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Circuit 3 (Royalty Machu Picchu) – Route 3-C: Grand Cave Route (available only in High Season)

With this ticket to Machu Picchu, you will visit precincts built exclusively for Inca royalty, but it does not include the classic photo of Machu Picchu, yet it offers a view from the agricultural sector similar to the classic postcard from the Guardian’s House sector. This tour focuses on the royal buildings located in the lower part of the Inca city. It starts with an impressive view of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector. After taking the best photos, the tour continues to the religious sector, where visitors can explore important Inca temples and precincts such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.

Additionally, this circuit includes a hike to the Temple of the Moon, also known as the Grand Cave. The hiking route to this mysterious structure is within Huayna Picchu Mountain and takes a maximum of 4 hours from entry to exit of the route.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Restrictions: Only for ages 12 and up
• Availability: Only in high season (June 1 to October 15)
• Opening Hours: 2 different schedules, from 7:00 am to 9:00 am

Circuit 3 (Royalty Machu Picchu) – Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in High Season)

With this ticket to Machu Picchu, you will visit precincts built exclusively for Inca royalty, but it does not include the classic photo of Machu Picchu, yet it offers a view from the agricultural sector similar to the classic postcard from the Guardian’s House sector. This tour focuses on the royal buildings located in the lower part of the Inca city. It starts with an impressive view of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector. After taking the best photos, the tour continues to the religious sector, where visitors can explore important Inca temples and precincts such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.

With this entry to Machu Picchu 2024, in addition to the tour of the Inca royalty sector, you can hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the smaller mountain beside Huayna Picchu Mountain. However, it does not include the classic photo of Machu Picchu.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Restrictions: None
• Availability: Only in high season (June 1 to October 15)
• Opening Hours: 2 different schedules, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm