Learn everything about the new Machu Picchu circuits

This year the Peruvian government has introduced changes to the way visitors can explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Tickets are now divided into circuits, each clearly defined. On the other hand, controls have become stricter and park rangers are present to ensure compliance. So, if you deviate from the authorized circuit, the park rangers have the authority to remove you from the Inca citadel, and this action may also include your guide, leading to the cancellation of your entry. That being the case, the introduction of circuits aims to safeguard the citadel for future visitors, in line with UNESCO guidelines for the preservation of this precious world heritage.

New Circuits to Machu Picchu

Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit)

This circuit offers a panoramic view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, this being its main attraction, the panoramic view of the Inca Citadel is from the Guardian’s House. However, you will not have access to the interior of the Inca citadel.

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route

After the checkpoint, you will begin your walk towards the ranger’s house. From there, you will climb the Machu Picchu Mountain, a journey of approximately three hours round trip. Upon returning, you will be able to access the upper terrace to take the iconic photo of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Finally, you will descend and leave Machu Picchu.

Things to know

• This ticket doesn’t grant access to the guardhouse; it’s not on the tour route.
• Along this route you will discover two excellent places to take panoramic photographs of Machu Picchu.
• The first point, located just before the upper terrace, offers a view reminiscent of the classic postcard image.
• The second point is located on the same upper terrace. It should be noted that access to the urban sector is not included in this entry.
• Completing this circuit usually takes about 3 hours and is ideal for those who enjoy hiking.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

After passing through the checkpoint, you will walk to the ranger’s house in the upper sector. From there, you will continue to the upper terrace to take a panoramic photo. Then, you will descend to leave Machu Picchu.

Things to know

• This ticket does not grant entry to the guardhouse since it’s not included in the tour.
• Along this route you will find two key points to take Machu Picchu photos.
• The first spot is situated right before the upper terrace, providing a view akin to the iconic postcard image, whereas the second spot is on the upper terrace itself.
• With this ticket, you cannot enter the urban sector.
• The entire circuit takes approximately one hour to complete and is designed solely for capturing panoramic photos.
• Given its brevity, many may not want to pay 152 soles ($45) just to take panoramic photos.

Route 1-C: Intipunku Route

After passing the checkpoint, you will walk to the guardian’s house and from there, you will take a two-hour round trip walk to Puerta del Sol. Upon returning, you will go to the upper terrace to take the classic photo of the Macchu Picchu Citadel. Then, you will descend and leave Machu Picchu.

Things to know

• This ticket does not include access to the guardhouse, since it is not part of the circuit.
• Along this route you will find two privileged places to take panoramic photographs of Machu Picchu.
• There are two viewpoints,one just below the upper terrace, capturing the iconic postcard scene, and the other directly on the upper terrace itself.
• With this ticket, you cannot enter the urban sector.
• The entire loop takes approximately 2 hours and is family-friendly as the trail features a gradual ascent and is wide.
• This circuit is closed during the low season, from October 16 to May 31, but is open to visitors of all ages during the high season.

Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route

After the checkpoint, you will walk to the ranger’s house, from there, you will embark on a one-hour round trip walk to the Inca Bridge. Upon returning, you will go to the upper terrace for a panoramic photo of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Finally, you will descend and leave Machu Picchu.

Things to know

• This ticket does not include access to the guardhouse, since it is not part of the circuit.
• Along this route you will find two privileged places to take panoramic Machu Picchu Photos.
• There are two viewpoints,one just below the upper terrace, capturing the iconic postcard scene, and the other directly on the upper terrace itself.
• With this ticket, you cannot enter the urban sector.
• The entire tour lasts approximately two hours and is open from June 1 to October 15.

Circuit 2 (Inca city circuit)

This route is the most popular choice because it covers most of Machu Picchu. Your reservation requires a minimum of 5 months in advance, since being the most complete it has the greatest demand.

Route 2-A: Designed route

After passing the checkpoint, you will head to the upper sector, under the guardhouse, where you can take a perfect Machu Picchu photo. You will then walk to the main gate to explore several sites, including the Inca Quarry, the Sun Temple viewpoint, the Main Temple, the Sacred Rock, the Twelve Arches, the Eastern Qolqas, the Water Mirror, the Temple of the Condor and the Pisonay Square. When finished, it will exit through the bottom of the area.

Things to know

• Circuit 2 , Classic Route, is complete and extensive, making it ideal if you want to explore the entire Citadel of Machu Picchu.
• This route takes you to a famous lookout point offering a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu in its entirety.
• With this route you will explore approximately 80% of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
• Please note that this ticket does not grant access to the Temple of the Sun, the Casa del Inca or the Sundial.
• Furthermore, with this ticket you will not have access to the Upper Terrace or the Guard Corps, since they are not included in the circuit.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

This ticket grants access to circuit 2 with a slight variation. While the route mostly follows the original path, it includes a detour that provides a shortcut to the lower terrace of the Guardian’s House. You will visit important sites such as the Temple of the Condor, the viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun and more, your visit concludes when you exit through Plaza Pisonay.

Things to know

• This route takes you to a famous lookout point offering a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu in its entirety.
• With this route you will explore approximately 80% of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
• Furthermore, with this ticket you will not have access to the Upper Terrace or the Guard Corps, since they are not included in the circuit.

Circuit 3 (Royalty Circuit)

This circuit grants you access to the peaks of both Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu, the iconic mountains featured in the famous Machu Picchu postcard, on top of exploring amazing destinations that few travelers see.

Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route

You will begin your trip at the bottom of Machu Picchu, visiting the Temple of the Sun, the Inca Residence and the Sacred Rock. Then, you will take a two-hour hike to Huayna Picchu. Afterwards, you will continue exploring Machu Picchu visiting the House of the Chosen Women, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor and the Warehouses before leaving the site.

Things to know

• Following this route you will not be able to take the classic postcard of Machu Picchu since you will explore its lower part.
• Instead, you will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu.
• From the top of Huayna Picchu you can see a unique angle of Machu Picchu.
• The entire circuit takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
• Please note that only visitors over 18 years of age can access this mountain.
• It is essential to buy your ticket at least three months in advance due to high demand.

Route 3-B: Designed route

The tour begins in the lower part of Machu Picchu and includes visits to the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the House of the Chosen Woman, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor and the Warehouses. After exploring these sites, you will leave Machu Picchu.

Things to know

• This route takes you through the actual Machu Picchu area.
• While you may miss the iconic postcard image of Machu Picchu, you’ll get to delve into its lesser-known lower areas, including the residential district.
• From the top of Huayna Picchu, you will capture a unique perspective of Machu Picchu.
• Completing the entire circuit takes approximately 2 hours.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route

Your trip will begin in the lower part of Machu Picchu. You will visit the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca and the Sacred Rocks. Then, you will take a two-hour walk to La Caverna. Afterwards, you will continue exploring Machu Picchu with visits to the House of the Chosen Woman, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor and the Warehouses before leaving Machu Picchu.

Things to know

• With this route you will not have access to the classic postcard view of Machu Picchu since it focuses on the lower sections.
• You will explore the urban sector of Machu Picchu.
• The entire circuit takes about 4 hours to complete.
• Please note that this route is only open during the high season, from June 1 to October 15.

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route

Your MachuPicchuTravel will start at the lower part and will include visits to the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca and the Sacred Rocks. Then, you will take a one-hour walk to Huchuy Picchu. Later, you will continue visiting the House of the Chosen Woman, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor and the Warehouses before leaving the Inca citadel.

Things to know

• This route focuses on the lower part of Machu Picchu, so you won’t have the classic postcard view.
• Instead, you will explore the urban sector of Machu Picchu and capture unique photographs from the top of Huchuy Picchu mountain.
• The entire route takes about 3 hours to complete.
• Please note that this route is only open during the high season, from June 1 to October 15.

Where do I buy the Ticket to Machu Picchu?

The Ministry of Culture reports that the sale of tickets to visit the llaqta or Inka city of Machupicchu began, in high season, during the period from June 1 to October 15, 2024 and from December 30 to 31 of this year.
In this high season, the entry capacity increases from 4,500 to a maximum of 5,600 visitors per day, through three circuits with their different routes. There will be 1,100 more tickets that will be offered through the TuBoleto Cultura Machu Picchu platform.

Important note

For this high season, the tolerance time will be increased (the entry time to each circuit is the one stated on your Boleto Peru to Machu Picchu). There is a tolerance of 30 minutes for entry to the Llaqta de Machupicchu in low season and 45 minutes in high season (it is being increased by 15 more minutes for entry).
Once this timeframe has passed, visitors will no longer be allowed to enter Machu Picchu llaqta, unless there is a very serious reason (force majeure) or an unexpected event that can be demonstrably proven.

Factors That Affect the Purchase of Tickets to Machu Picchu

• Time: Many people would like to have enough time to plan their trip to Machu Picchu, but their work or academic commitments prevent it. What’s more, since time is limited, tickets to the Inca citadel sell out very quickly.
• Price: This increases more and more as the years go by and is even worse if the reservation is made at the last minute. Therefore, it is recommended to buy train and Machu Picchu tickets in advance.
• Limited access: One of the main reasons not to visit Machu Picchu is limited access. Therefore, travelers are recommended to buy a ticket to Machu Picchu as soon as possible.

Availability in Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu Classic Photo — 800 people per day.
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit — 1,500 people per day.
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit (lower terrace) — 1,500 people per day.
• Machu Picchu Temples in the lower part — 800 people per day.
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu — 400 people per day.
• Machu Picchu + Mountain — 800 people per day.
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu — 400 people per day.
• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge — 800 people per day.
• Machu Picchu + Intipunku — 800 people per day.
• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon — 400 people per day.