Visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but many travelers are surprised to learn that they must choose a specific circuit to enter Machu Picchu. I get it – there are so many ticket options, and figuring out which one is the best can feel really confusing. Keep reading, and we will break it all down for you. This guide explains the new circuits in detail so you can decide which one is best for your visit.
Why Machu Picchu Has Circuits
Back in the day, visiting Machu Picchu meant you could wander freely through the ruins with your guide, deciding your own pace and route. That flexibility, however, came with a cost: with more than a million people visiting every year, the Machu Picchu site was becoming overcrowded and its fragile structures were at risk.
To address this, the Peruvian government introduced defined visitor circuits in 2021. These one-way routes were designed to protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site while also making the flow of visitors to Machu Picchu more orderly.
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Fast forward to June 2024, and the system has been updated once again. Instead of the four original routes, there are now three main circuits that travelers must follow. Each offers a different experience within Machu Picchu, and choosing the right one is an important part of planning your visit.
These one-way circuits in Machu Picchu keep people moving smoothly through the site, reduce congestion, and help preserve the Inca citadel for future generations. Choosing the right circuit depends on what you want to see, how much time you have, and your level of mobility.
Wondering why Machu Picchu is important? Read our guide before you go to Machu Picchu!
Our top tip!
If you are going to travel around the world to see Machu Picchu sanctuary, then for many people they want to have the most complete tour of Machu Picchu possible. You must book EARLY – like 2-3 months minimum before travel in order to be sure to get a spot. If you are more flexible, then you can leave it later, until 1 month before.
Overview of the New Machu Picchu Circuits
Yes, there are new circuits at Machu Picchu. Each follows a different path and offers distinct views and experiences. On top of these, you can also purchase tickets that include additional hikes to Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu.
Your ticket to Machu Picchu will specify which circuit you are on, and you cannot change it once you arrive at the entrance. As they are circuits, all routes start at the entrance to Machu Picchu and end at the exit, and once you reach the end, you must exit the site. Unless you have an additional ticket, you cannot re-enter the site once you exit.
In addition to modifying the circuits you can follow when visiting Machu Picchu, the Ministry of Culture has also increased the site’s total visitor capacity, from around 4500 visitors per day to now 5600 visitors per day at Machu Picchu, during high season. But, of those 5600 visitors, only around 3000 will actually visit the main area of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1 (The Panoramic Views and Upper Part of Machu Picchu)
Circuit 1 is all about the panoramic views of Machu Picchu. This upper route takes you to the Machu Picchu classic panoramic lookout points, the ones you see in the iconic Machu Picchu photos. However, it does not include access to the main temples or central ruins. This circuit is ideal if you want sweeping photos of the citadel without too much walking, but be aware that it does not take you into the ruins themselves. There are 1,100 Machu Picchu tickets available per day for this circuit.
It is split into 4 routes:
- Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
- Route 1-B: Upper Terrace
- Route 1-C: Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
- Route 1-D : Inka Bridge
Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu)
Just like before, Circuit 2 is considered the most “complete” and best circuit, giving you access to both the upper and lower part of Machu Picchu. There are 3,050 tickets available per day for this part of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 2 is divided into two routes:
- Route 2-A: Designed Route
- Route 2-B: Lower Terrace
Both routes are very similar, but Route 2-B includes an additional stop at one of the Upper Terraces – perfect for capturing the classic photo of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu mountain rising dramatically in the background.
Some of the temples and other highlights included on this circuit include:
- Dry Pit, Tectonic Fault
- Viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun
- Granite Chaos
- Square of the Temples
- Intihuatana Pyramid (view from above)
- Sacred Rock
- Twelve Opening
- Eastern Deposits
- Water Mirror Set
- Temple of the Condor
- Pisonay Square
- Archaeological Reserve
Maximum time permitted on this ticket: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
As one of the most popular circuits, you can expect tickets for Circuit 2 to sell out very fast, despite being the most numerous.
Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu (Royal Circuit)
Because tickets for Circuit 2 tend to sell out first, travelers who book late – less than a month before their visit – will most likely need to choose Circuit 3 instead. There are 1,450 tickets available per day for this circuit.
But that’s not a bad thing! Actually, while Circuit 2 is considered the “most complete,” it doesn’t actually include everything; there are some features of Machu Picchu that you can only see if you do Circuit 3 – like the Royal zone and the Temple of the Sun, considered the most important temple at Machu Picchu.
The Circuit 3 routes don’t include access to the upper terraces, meaning you won’t get that same almost bird’s-eye shot over the ruins that everyone craves, but you can get pretty close and still take a gorgeous photo of the ruins.
In fact, those who choose Circuit 3 will get to retrace the very footsteps of Hiram Bingham – the famous American explorer credited with rediscovering Machu Picchu in 1911 – for he stood on that very same spot to take the first-ever photograph of Machu Picchu. This route focuses on the urban area of Machu Picchu
Bonus: this spot is also wheelchair accessible, making Circuit 3 a good option for those with limited mobility. As it’s shorter than Circuit 2, it’s also another good option for families who want to limit their time touring ruins.
Just like Circuit 1, Circuit 3 is also divided into 4 routes. Each route follows the same path around the lower terraces, and includes the following highlights:
- Temple of the Sun
- Inca House Set
- Sacred Rock
- Twelve Opening
- Eastern Deposits
- Water Mirror Set
- Temple of the Condor
- Pisonay Square
- Archaeological Reserve
In addition, three of the routes include hikes to special attraction to add some extra adventure to your Machu Picchu visit.
More About The 3 Circuits & Their 10 Sub-Routes
Now that you know the differences between the three main Machu Picchu circuits, let’s take a closer look at the sub-circuits and what each one includes.
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
If you are interested in hiking Machu Picchu Mountain, this is the circuit for you. Machu Picchu Mountain is a great hike if you’re craving a little extra adventure. This 3-hour round trip hike is not overly strenuous or vertigo-inducing, and gives you amazing views of Huayna Picchu mountain – the mountain visible in every classic shot of Machu Picchu – as well as the ruins below.
This route no longer permits a re-entry into the ruins itself; for that, you will need to purchase a separate ticket.
Route 1-B: Upper Terrace
As the name implies, this route gives you access to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu where you can get that classic shot of the city below. This is the shortest of all the circuits – it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete – and doesn’t actually give you access to any of the major temples at all.
It is ideally suited to families with young children, people short on time or anyone else who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time walking around – those who care more about being able to say they made it to Machu Picchu, and sharing that achievement with others, rather than getting into the nitty-gritty of Inca history.
Route 1-C: Inti Punku (Inca Sun Gate)
*Note: This route is currently only available during the high season (June 1st to October 15th)
Like the Machu Picchu Mountain circuit, Route 1-C adds an extra bit of adventure to the Upper Terraces circuit. In addition to being able to tour the upper part of the site and get those classic shots, you also get to do what is otherwise reserved only for the lucky few who hike the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu: walk through the Sun Gate and get a first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
The Sun Gate – or Inti Punku, as it’s known in Quechua – is the gateway into Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. From this point, visitors get to witness Machu Picchu basically emerge out of the mountain tops. It’s a magical experience, especially on misty mornings where the ruins drift in and out of view.
It’s about 55 minutes one way – an hour and a half round trip, if you’re speedy – but with this ticket, you can spend up to 4 hours inside citadel.
Route 1-D: Inca Bridge
*Note: This route is currently only available during the high season (June 1st to October 15th)
The Inca Bridge has finally reopened to visitors, after a long pandemic-induced hiatus. This short hike is not for the faint-hearted but is certainly a thrilling addition to any Machu Picchu tour.
Just like the rest of Circuit 1, this route includes the Upper Terraces for those classic photos, but it does not grant entry into the ruins themselves. Total time allowed in the site with this ticket is 3 hours.
Route 3-A Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu is the other famous hike you can do, and probably the most well-known. It involves scaling the top of the mountain that serves as the backdrop in all those classic Machu Picchu photos.
The hike is not for the faint-hearted! It takes about an hour and a half round-trip, but it is very steep and there are sections where there are sheer drop-offs on either side; there’s even a part where you need to use cables to help pull yourself up the slope.
Not recommended during the rainy season, hiking Huayna Picchu can be a great challenge during dry season.
Route 3-B: Designed Route
The second route is the classic Circuit 3 tour of the lower terraces; it does not extend beyond this circuit to the entry points for any of the extra hikes, like Huayna Picchu.
Most tours of Route 3-B take about an hour and a half to two hours, but the ticket permits a stay of up to two and a half hours total.
Route 3-C: Great Cavern
*Note: This route is currently only available during the high season (June 1st to October 15th)
Previously known as the Temple of the Moon, la Gran Caverna is a great alternative hike for those looking to escape the crowds at Machu Picchu.
On the way to Huayna Picchu, there is a fork in the road; one path leads to Huayna Picchu, the other, to the Great Cavern.
If you follow this path – up and down some small, narrow stone steps – you eventually reach what looks a room with three windows, holding up the mighty mountain above. This is a location of great mystic and astronomical significance.
Round trip to the Gran Caverna and back – including your tour of the ruins – takes about 5-6 hours, but you can spend up to 7 hours at Machu Picchu on this ticket.
Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu
*Note: This route is currently only available during the high season (June 1st to October 15th)
Huchuy Picchu – “small peak” – is a great alternative for those interested in the views that Huayna Picchu offers, but who aren’t willing to face that steep upwards climb.
The climb up Huchuy Picchu takes about 20 minutes (40 minutes round trip), making it a nice, fairly short hike up. It’s also less steep than Huayna Picchu, without the treacherous drop-offs, making this is a nice alternative for families with young children.
Maximum stay time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Best Ways to Visit Machu Picchu in 2025
If you want to experience the greatness of the famous Inca citadel, you have to choose one of the four types of entrance tickets* that are available:
- Machu Picchu Ruins only: Tour the ruins for a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Machu Picchu Ruins + Huayna Picchu Mountain: Climb Huayna Picchu and tour the ruins, in a maximum of 3 hours.
- Upper Terrace + Machu Picchu Mountain: Hike Machu Picchu Mountain and tour the Upper Terraces (no access to the ruins). Maximum of 4 hours.
- Machu Picchu Ruins + Huchuy Picchu Mountain: Hike the Huchuy Picchu Trail and tour the ruins in a maximum of 3 hours and 30 minutes at the site.
Don’t know what ticket to choose? In this post, we cover detailed information to help you decide which ticket is the best. Just bear in mind that the kind of experience you will have depends on the type of ticket you purchase.
*Recently, there have been occasional, temporary closures of some of the routes. We advise you to check the official website or contact us for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Machu Picchu Circuits
What are the visiting hours for Machu Picchu’s main attractions?
Some attractions have specific visiting hours.
- Temple of the Condor: 10am to 1pm
- Temple of the Sun: 1pm to 4pm
- Intihuatana Pyramid: Permanently Closed
You can view Intihuatana from above on Circuit 2; the Temples of the Condor and of the Sun are only accessible via Circuit 3. The Ministry of Culture may also add additional visiting hours in due time.
Do I have to choose a circuit when I buy my ticket?
Yes. Each ticket is tied to a specific circuit, and you cannot change it once inside the site. So always think about which circuit you want – Circuit 1 or 2 both sell out pretty fast.
Keep this in mind if you want to buy Machu Picchu tickets online, and do not forget that you also need to buy the ticket for the bus to Machu Picchu if you do not want to walk up to the site. Also, keep in mind that the times for each circuit are different.
Which circuit is the best one?
Circuit 2 is generally considered the most complete because it includes both the upper viewpoints and the central ruins. However, all circuits offer memorable experiences, and the best one depends on your interests, time, and physical ability.
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Can I walk more than one circuit in a single visit?
No. Tickets are valid for one entry and one circuit only. Once you finish your circuit and exit, you cannot re-enter.
Are the mountain hikes part of the circuits?
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu are separate hikes that must be booked in combination with a specific circuit. They are not included in the standard circuits.
Do I really need to book in advance?
Yes. Tickets for Machu Picchu are limited and sell out quickly, especially during high season (May–September). Booking several months in advance is strongly recommended. Contact our expert team and we help you with that!
Planning Your Visit to Machu Picchu
Planning your Machu Picchu trip goes beyond just choosing, which circuit is best. If you are looking for a things to do in Aguas Calientes – the gateway town to the ruins – or want to dive deeper into the details of visiting Machu Picchu, we have you covered. Our complete Machu Picchu travel guide walks you through everything from how to get there to what to pack (and which backpack and hiking boots you should choose for your Machu Picchu visit), helping you make the most of your visit.
Do you want to do a trek to enter Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate? Check out our best hikes at Machu Picchu archeological site.
Final Thoughts on Best Machu Picchu Circuits
Soooo… which Machu Picchu circuit is the best? The circuit system may seem confusing at first, but once you understand the differences, it becomes much easier to choose the right route for your visit. Whether you are after the classic view of Machu Picchu, a complete tour of the ruins, or a shorter and easier walk, there is a circuit designed for you.
Remember to book well in advance, especially if you want to secure Circuit 2 or add one of the mountain hikes. No matter which option you choose, every circuit offers a chance to experience the wonder of Machu Picchu and leave with unforgettable memories.
Keep reading:
- Travel Guide to Things to Do at Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Alternatives
- What to Do in Cusco for 3 Days, 2 Days or Just 1 Day!
- What to Wear to Machu Picchu
