Machu Picchu Circuits 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit
Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel nestled in the Andes Mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With its breathtaking views and rich history, it is no wonder that millions of travelers flock to this iconic destination every year. However, touring the various circuits of Machu Picchu can be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the different circuits available for your visit.
What are the Machu Picchu circuits?
Los circuitos en Machu Picchu son rutas de senderismo específicas establecidas por el Ministerio de Cultura peruano para gestionar el flujo de visitantes y contribuir a la conservación del sitio arqueológico. Según la normativa vigente, existen 3 circuitos divididos en 10 rutas, cada una de las cuales ofrece una experiencia diferente y el acceso a distintas partes de la ciudadela.
The following is a breakdown of the Machu Picchu circuits:
Circuit 01 – Panoramic Circuits
Circuit No. 1 is divided into 4 different routes, none of which gives access to the ancient city itself. These routes are designed for visitors seeking panoramic views from the upper terraces of the site. The four routes of Circuit No. 1 include access to these upper levels, which offer the best panoramic views of the site. In addition, three of these routes offer the opportunity to climb the Inka Bridge, climb the Sungate (approximately 1 hour up and 45 minutes down) or climb Machu Picchu Mountain (approximately 2 hours up and 1 hour down).
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route
After entering the Checkpoint, you hike to the upper sector where is located in the ranger house. From there, you need to hike to Machu Picchu Mountain which takes 3 hours round trip. Once you come back you will Access to the upper terrace where you will take your classic picture of Machu Picchu citadel. Then you will come down to exist Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route
After entering the Checkpoint, you hike to the upper sector where is located in the ranger house. From there, you need to walk to the upper terrace where you will take your panoramic. Then you will come down to exist Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Route 1-C: Portada Intipunku Route (available only in High Season)
After entering the Checkpoint, you hike to the upper sector where is located in the ranger house. From there, you need to hike to Sun Gate which take 2 hours round trip. Once you come back you will Access the upper terrace where you will take your classic picture of Machu Picchu citadel. Then you will come down to exist Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in High Season)
After entering the Checkpoint, you hike to the upper sector where is located in the ranger house. From there, you need to hike to Inca Bridge which take 1 hours round trip. Once you come back you will Access the upper terrace where you will take your panoramic picture of Machu Picchu citadel. Then you will come down to exist Machu Picchu.
Circuit 2 - Classic Route (Upper and Lower Parts) - Best Route
Circuit #2 is split into two routes: the “Classic Designed Route” and the “Lower Terrace Route.” These two circuits provide the most comprehensive and extensive exploration of the city up close. Routes 2A and 2B both start with a climb to the Classic Picture spot. This spot still offers the iconic view of Machu Picchu.
Remarkable areas: House of the Guardian, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Square, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows.
Best Circuit Machu Picchu
Route 2-A: The Classic Route
After passing the checkpoint, you go to the upper sector right below the Guard’s house where you will take a postcard shot of Machu Picchu then walk down to the main gate, where you will explore, the Inca Quarry, viewpoint of the Sun temple, Main temple, Sacred rock, twelve spans, Eastern Qolqas, Water mirror, temple of the Condor, Pisonay Square. After visiting all the sites, you will exit by the lower part.
Circuit 2 (Classic Machupicchu) - Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
This route is quite similar to the Classic designed route, with the primary difference being that you do not visit the lower terrace, the typical spot for taking the classic photograph of Machu Picchu. However, there is an alternative location just below the lower terrace where you can still capture the iconic view of Machu Picchu in the background.
Circuit 03 – Royalty Circuits
Circuit #3 is divided into 4 distinct routes, none of which provide access to the upper terrace to take the classic Picture. These routes are intended for visitors seeking to visit the main city. All four routes on Circuit #3 include access to these lower levels of the Citadel. Additionally, three of these routes offer the opportunity to either hike to the Gran Cavern, hike up to Huayna Picchu(approximately 1 hour up and 45 minutes down), or hike up Huchuy Picchu (approximately 20 minutes up and 15 minutes down).
Route 3-A – Huayna Picchu Mountain Route
You will access the lower part of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you will visit the Sun Temple of Sun, The house of the Inca, and sacred rock then you will hike to Huayna Picchu which will take 2 hours. Once you finish the hike, you will still visit the house of the chosen woman, the wáter mirror, the temple of the condor, and the storehouse then you will exit Machu Picchu.
Route 3-B: Royalty Route
You will access the lower part of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you will visit the Sun Temple of Sun, The house of the Inca, the house of the chosen woman, the wáter mirror, the temple of the condor, and the storehouse then you will exit Machu Picchu.
- People who hike the Inca Trail 4-day trek and Inca Trail 2-day trek follow the Royalty Route.
- You will visit the royal area of Machu Picchu.
- This route does not provide access to the postcard picture of Machu Picchu, as you will enter through the lower part of the citadel.
- You will explore the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
- You will get a unique view of Machu Picchu from the top of Huayna Picchu, offering a different angle.
- The entire circuit takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Route 3-C: La Caverna Route
You will access the lower part of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you will visit the Sun Temple of Sun, The house of the Inca, and sacred rocks then you will hike to la Caverna which will take 2 hours. Once you finish the hike, you will still visit the house of the chosen woman, the wáter mirror, the temple of the condor, and the storehouse, and then you will exit Machu Picchu.
Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route
You will access the lower part of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you will visit the Sun Temple of Sun, The house of the Inca, and sacred rocks then you will hike to Huchuy Picchu which will take 1 hour. Once you finish the hike, you will still visit the house of the chosen woman, the wáter mirror, the temple of the condor, and the storehouse, and then you will exit Machu Picchu.
For more information, visit the official website of the Government of Peru: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/circuitos-y-rutas-de-visita/, or contact us at info@wariexpeditions.com — we’ll be happy to assist you.
Faqs - About Machu Picchu Circuits
Which Circuit Is Best For Machu Picchu?
Circuit 02 is the best circuit for taking the classic photo of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu in the background. It offers the most beautiful views. You will also visit most of the sites (except the Temple of the Sun). It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the circuit.
How Much Is The Circuit 2 Machu Picchu Ticket?
The price for this entry is 152.00 Peruvian soles (equivalent to US $45.00) for adults. Students can get a reduced rate by showing their student ID, then it’s 77.00 Peruvian soles (about US $23.00).”
How long does each circuit last?
Circuit 1 and 2: 2.5 to 3 hours.
Circuit 1 and 2: 2.5 to 3 hours.
Additional routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain add 1.5 to 2 hours more.
Can I re-enter Machu Picchu after leaving?
No. The entrance is valid for one time only. Re-entry is not allowed, except for medical exceptions.
Do I need a guide to visit the circuits?
We recommend the use of an official guide to better understand the history and architecture. For groups, it is mandatory.
Can I change circuits on the day of the visit?
No. Admission is strictly controlled by ticket and QR code. Each ticket is valid only for the selected circuit.
