Circuits and Routes in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most visited attractions in Cusco for its wonderful Inca constructions.

To visit Machu Picchu authorities decided that the visit to the Inca city should be done by strict routes. The objective? To protect and preserve the archaeological site for the future.

Each visitor will follow a route according to the chosen entrance. From next June 01, 2024, 03 new circuits that group 10 routes of visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu will come into effect.

The 03 circuits that group 10 routes of visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu are the following:

• Circuit 1 (Panoramic)
  • Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route.
  • Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route.
  • Route 1-C: Gateway Intipunku Route (available only in high season).
  • Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in high season).
• Circuit 2 (Classic Machupicchu)
  • Route 2-A: Designed route
  • Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
• Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Realeza)
  • Ruta 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route.
  • Route 3-B: Designed route
  • Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only during High Season)
  • 3-D Route: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in High Season)

Where you can appreciate it in different ways. It is a choice you will have to make, so we will tell you all the details of each one.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic)

Circuit one allows you to tour the upper part of the archaeological site. This tour goes through the main constructions as well as the area of the terraces and terraces in the highest part. This circuit allows you to get the best panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. There are 4 routes that can include the visit of the Machu Picchu Mountain, the Upper Terrace, Intipunku and the Inka Bridge.

Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route

This route allows you to hike to the top of the highest mountain in the whole place: Machu Picchu Mountain. The hike to the Machu Picchu mountain lasts 1 hour and a half approx.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

This route allows you to tour the area of the platforms and terraces in the highest part.

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

This route allows you to hike to Intipunku, the main entrance to Machupicchu in Inca times. The hike to IntiPunku lasts about 1 hour and a half.

Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in High Season)

This route allows you to make the short hike to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu. The hike to the Inca Bridge takes about 1 hour.

Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu)

Route 2-A: Designed route

This route offers the opportunity to capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu from a platform below the Guardian's House. Then, the tour continues through the urban and religious sector of the site, including the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, among other highlights. The maximum duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, being the most complete and recommended circuit in Machu Picchu. It does not include additional treks to the mountains of Machu Picchu and is open to people of all ages.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

This route is a variation of the previous route, offering a shorter route but allowing you to get the iconic photo of Machu Picchu from a lower terrace. After the Classic Photo, the tour continues through the urban and religious sector of the site, including the main Inca temples and enclosures. The maximum duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, being the most complete and recommended tour in Machu Picchu. It does not include additional hikes to the mountains and is suitable for all ages.

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty)

Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route

The ticket that sells out the fastest is the 'Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu' ticket, which includes the tour to the top of this mountain as well as the route through the Inca citadel.

Route 3-B: Designed route

Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only during High Season)

Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in High Season)

It is like the extension of the previous tour, but with many more things to observe. In addition to what is mentioned in circuit 1, you will be able to see: the Temple Square, the Sacred Rock, the Twelve Spans, the Eastern Qolcas, the Intiwatana Pyramid and the Temple of the Condor. You will also have the possibility of taking the optional route of the Inca Bridge.

Additional Information

Machu Picchu Entrance Hours

Things you should know before entering Machupicchu

Take your travel documents: You should never forget your train, bus and entrance tickets for Machu Picchu. It is also fine if you have them electronically on your phone. However, to be on the safe side, it is better to print them in case you have problems with the internet or if your cell phone has no battery. Don't worry if you didn't print the tickets at home, as your hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes can help you with that.

Most importantly, always carry your original passport for your Machu Picchu tour.

Bring the right equipment: If you visit Machu Picchu you must take into account that your backpack has a regular size. If it is too big, you will be denied entrance to the ruins and you will have to keep it in a locker.

You can only carry a camera, your cell phone, a small bottle of water (a reusable one is best), sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. in your backpack. However, it is strictly forbidden to bring food. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you eat enough for breakfast or carry snacks on the way to Machu Picchu.

Also, you are not allowed to bring tripods, drones or selfie sticks.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, as the weather in the Andes can change very quickly. It is usually quite cold in the mornings and during the day it can be quite hot (in the high season). We recommend wearing sturdy shoes, multifunctional clothing, rain ponchos, a hat or cap, zippered pants and shirts.

Respect the Established Route: In the guided visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu you must always follow a fixed route. This means that you can only walk in one direction. It is not possible to return to one of the previously visited places.

The routes are already established according to the entrance ticket you purchased and you will be able to visit the sites indicated.

Book your entrance to Machu Picchu in advance: Booking your tickets to Machu Picchu in advance is an excellent idea, as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially in high season. You can book your tickets through the official website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture or authorized travel agencies. I would recommend doing so at least a couple of months in advance to make sure you have availability on the date and time you prefer.

Make use of the bathrooms before entering Machu Picchu: You should definitely make use of the bathrooms before entering Machu Picchu, as you will not be able to find one once you have passed the entrance. Once you have passed the entrance, you will not be able to leave Machu Picchu and re-enter.

In other words, once you are outside, there is no way to enter again, unless you have purchased a second entrance ticket.