Machu Picchu Circuits: A Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Route

Machu Picchu is one of the most popular destinations for travelers and sits high on a lot of people’s bucket list. It still blows my mind that we are even allowed to step foot on this amazing site and see it with our own eyes!

But, to do so you will need to do some careful planning. There are now 3 Machu Picchu Circuits that include 10 different routes, so quite a bit of research is involved to make sure you get to see what you want to see.

Don’t worry, I’m going to cover everything you need to know so you’re able to choose your Machu Picchu Circuit and Route. Keep reading!

Why does Machu Picchu Have Circuits

In 2021, Peru’s Ministry of Culture established 5 Machu Picchu circuits for visiting. Prior to 2021, there were 4 different Machu Picchu tickets that you could purchase and with that ticket you could walk anywhere viewing the entire archaeological site on a single ticket.

In 2024, they narrowed it down to 3 Machu Picchu circuits that include 10 routes. What that means is that a single ticket will only allow you to see a small portion of the entire site.

Why did the circuits change

Why did they do it? Well, with over 1 million visitors a year, they needed to manage the crowds and protect the 15^th century structures and the land from irreversible damage from all the foot traffic.

And while I totally get it, it still makes me sad. Today, you’re limited to choosing a specific route and you’ll have just 2.5 hours to visit. Since you’re limited to where you can go, 2.5 hours will be enough time to see everything on your Machu Picchu Route.

You can view the circuits and routes on the official site but it’s really confusing. Without a good explaination of how it all works, it’s hard to choose which ticket you want. I swear, you almost need to take a class to figure it all out! Luckily, you’re here and I’m going to break it all down for you.

How the Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes Work

Let’s talk about the circuits and routes of Machu Picchu and how it all works. There are around 4500-5600 tickets per day available for purchase to visit the UNESCO site, depending on the season. The Machu Picchu circuits and routes are designed to improve the flow of traffic.

Three of the routes include climbing one of three mountains: Machu Picchu Mountain, Waynapicchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu Mountain. Three other routes include hiking to the Great Cavern, hiking to the Inca Bridge, or hiking to the Sun Gate. I’ll cover all of this below.

That leaves 4 other routes that stay just within the main grounds of Machu Picchu. No hiking involved, just walking. 🙂 Here’s what you need to do to purchase your ticket to Machu Picchu.

First, you’re going to choose a circuit and route. This is where you’ll need to figure out what exactly you’re most interested in seeing and doing. The routes that include hiking are very popular and there are limited tickets each day. On top of that, some of the hikes are limited to the high season (June to October). So if you’re set on doing one, book early.

Second, you’ll have to choose an entrance time. You’ll need to show up on time – yes, you’re given a little flexibility but not much, about 30 minutes. So, it’s important to show up for your time slot, on time, or you could be turned away. It’s all designed to get you in and out efficiently so the next group can enter.

Now, nothing prevents you from purchasing multiple tickets. I actually did that in 2016 because we wanted to see Machu Picchu at sunrise and we wanted to come back in the afternoon to climb Huyana Picchu Mountain. But with the new Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes, you would have to purchase 7 different tickets to do it all, including the hikes.

I’ll include a section below on which 3 tickets you could get to really see the most of Machu Picchu without having to purchase 7 tickets.

Which Machu Picchu Circuit is best

The overall best circuit to choose is the Machu Picchu Circuit 2. Circuit 2 covers the most area of the Machu Picchu Citadel and is also known as the Classic Circuit. Be aware that Circuit 2 does not include any hikes.

There are 2 routes on Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu and both are nearly identical, but the area you cover on Route 2B is slightly larger than 2A. Honestly, either one is good and the tickets for Circuit 2 go very fast.

*Side Note: If you plan to visit Machu Picchu on your trip to Peru, booking your Machu Picchu Tickets is the FIRST thing you want to do. Your entire trip to Peru should be built around visiting Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Seasons

The first thing to know is that Machu Picchu has a high season and a low season and some of the routes are closed during the low season. This is mainly due to the weather where it’s very rainy during the low season making some of the hikes on the mountains dangerous.

So if you want to take part in one of the hikes that are only open during the high season, you’ll need to book your ticket early.

The High Season at Machu Picchu

The high season runs from June to October but also includes December 30 and 31^st. During this time all Routes at Machu Picchu are open. Tickets will go fast, especially for the hikes, so you have to plan early.

Low Season at Machu Picchu

The Low season at Machu Picchu is from November to May and during this time some of the routes are closed. Those routes are:

• 1C: Hike to the Incan Sun Gate – Inti Punku
• 1D: Hike to the Inca Bridge – Puente Inka
• 3C: Hike to the Great Cavern – Gran Caverna
• 3D: Hike on Huayna Picchu Mountain – Montana Huchuypicchu

Since these hikes aren’t available during the low season, the number of tickets available are even more limited.

An overview of the important areas of Machu Picchu

Below is a photo of Machu Picchu from Waynapicchu Mountain, that taller mountain you see in all the classic Machu Picchu photos. I’ve made a diagram of some of the most important areas of the site to see give you an idea of how spread out things are.

Let’s take a closer look at the Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes. The prices in the first table below are for foreign visitors only. I’ll post the entrance cost for non-foreigners below that.

Overview of the Machu Picchu Circuits

CIRCUIT/ROUTE	NAME	HIGHLIGHTS	Allotted Time	COST	WHEN IT’S OPEN
1A	Ruta Montaña Machupicchu	Machu Picchu Mountain Hike & the Classic view of MP from the Upper Platform	Up to 7 hours	200 sols or $60	All Year
1B	Ruta Terraza Superior	Classic view of Machu Picchu from the Upper Platform	Up to 2.5 hours	152 sols or $45	All Year
1C	Ruta Inti Punku	Sun Gate Hike & Classic view of Machu Picchu from the Upper Platform	Up to 4 hours	152 sols or $45	High Season Only
1D	Ruta Puente Inka	Inca Bridge Hike & the Classic view of MP from the Upper Platform ruins	Up to 3 hours	152 sols or $45	High Season Only
2A	Ruta Diseñada	Most of the Middle Platform & the Classic view of MP	Up to 2.5 hours	152 sols or $45	All Year
2B	Ruta Terraza Inferior	Most of the Middle Platform & the Classic view of MP	Up to 2.5 hours	152 sols or$45	All Year
3A	Ruta Montaña Waynapicchu	Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike & the Lower Platform Ruins	Up to 6 hours	200 sols or $60	All Year
3B	Ruta Diseñada	Lower Platform Ruins only	Up to 2.5 hours	152 sols or $45	All Year
3C	Ruta Gran Caverna	Grand Cavern Hike & Lower Platform Ruins	Up to 7 hours	200 sols or $60	High Season Only
3D	Ruta Huchuypicchu	Huchuy Picchu Hike & Lower Platform Ruins	Up to 3.5 hours	152 sols or $45	High Season Only

The prices above are for foreign visitors. There is reduced pricing for Undergraduate students (with ID), Minors (3-17yrs), Peruvian citizens, and citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. All children under the age of 3 are free.

*Note: routes 2A and 3B have the same name but the routes are NOT the same

Machu Picchu Costs for citizens and others

The cost to get into Machu Picchu for Peruvians and citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia are reduced. There is also a reduced price for foreign undergraduate students and foreign minors (age 3-17).

CIRCUIT/ROUTE	PERUVIANS	CITIZENS OF BOLIVIA, ECUDOR, & COLOMBIA	UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS	MINORS	FOREIGN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS	FOREIGN MINORS
1A	112 sols	112 sols	80 sols	80 sols	125 sols	118 sols
1B	64 sols	64 sols	32 sols	32 sols	77 sols	70 sols
1C	64 sols	64 sols	32 sols	32 sols	77 sols	70 sols
1D	64 sols	64 sols	32 sols	32 sols	77 sols	70 sols
2A	64 sols	64 sols	32 sols	32 sols	77 sols	70 sols
2B	64 sols	64 sols	32 sols	32 sols	77 sols	70 sols
3A	112 sols	112 sols	80 sols	80 sols	125 sols	118 sols
3B	64 sols	64 sols	32 sols	32 sols	77 sols	70 sols
3C	112 sols	112 sols	80 sols	80 sols	125 sols	118 sols
3D	112 sols	112 sols	80 sols	80 sols	125 sols	118 sols

Let’s cover the Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes more in detail.

Machu Picchu Circuit 1: The Panoramic Route

Circuit 1 has 4 different routes, including three with hikes. It’s known as the Panoramic Circuit because you’ll have nice high views overlooking the whole citadel. The biggest drawback to Circuit 1 is that you do not step foot into any of the lower area of Machu Picchu.

You will, however have some of the best views of Machu Picchu. If you’re wanting that classic photo of Machu Picchu and a panoramic view of the entire achaeological site, this is the circuit for you.

Some of the highlights of Circuit 1 are the Guardian House, the classic view of Machu Picchu, and walking along the upper agricultural terraces. It’s very likely you’ll also see llamas up there.

The drawbacks of Circuit 1 is that the only building you’ll get an up-close view of is the Guardian House and the stone steps leading up to the upper platform can be steep. It might not be ideal for older visitors or those with mobility issues.

Routes of Circuit 1

All routes on Circuit 1 enter through the upper entrance and detours through the forest to the upper platform. The 4 routes of Circuit 1 cover the exact same path, however, three of those routes include hikes so you get to explore a little more.

Here is the main path of Circuit 1 that everyone will follow. Those on hikes will start out on the same route but then take their hike once they reach the starting point. When they’re done, they’ll continue on to finish the route before exiting.

Route 1A

One of three routes at Machu Picchu that includes a hike is Route 1A. This route includes a hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, also known as Ruta Montaña Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain is also the highest point in the sanctuary and you’ll have 360 degree views of the entire area.

With the purchase of the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket, you’ll enter through the Circuit 1 entrance and head straight to the Upper Platform.

Once you reach the Upper Platform, you’ll follow the path just a short way before you start your hike up Machu Picchu Mountain. The entire hike is 3.8km round trip and takes approximately 3 hours.

Entry times for Route 1A is either at 7am or 9am and just 150 tickets are available for each time slot. Once you’re done with the hike, you’ll continue on the same path that everyone else does on Machu Picchu Circuit 1. You’ll have up to 7 hours to complete the Route 1A hike.

Route 1B

Route 1B is the only route on Circuit 1 that doesn’t include a hike. You’ll enter and follow the path through the trees to the Upper Platform. This route is called Ruta Terraza Superior and there are 85 tickets available per hour from 6am to 3pm.

You’ll have approximately 2.5 hours to complete Route 1B but it shouldn’t take that long to complete. The views will be amazing!

Route 1C

Route 1C includes a hike to the Sun Gate, or Intipunku. This route is also known as the Ruta Inti Punku. It’s a fairly short hike that shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes. You will have up to 4 hours to complete the hike and Route 1C.

Inti Punku is the original entrance to Machu Picchu that the Incans used to enter the sanctuary so it’s a unique opportunity to walk the same path they once used.

Just like every route, 1C has a specific entry time. Your ticket will either let you enter at 8am, 9am, 10am or 11am. Route 1C is only available during the high season (June – October).

NOTE: If you are hiking the 4 day Inca Trail, you will already be entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate so you won’t need to purchase this ticket.

Route 1D

The final route on Machu Picchu Circuit 1 is called Ruta Puente Inka, or the Inca Bridge Route. This is the route that includes a short hike to the Inca Bridge. You’ll enter, start out on the main route, and then veer off on the path that takes you to the bridge.

You won’t be able to walk over the bridge because it’s not safe, but you’ll be close enough to view it and get photos. Route 1D is the only route that allows you to see the bridge.

There are 20 tickets available per hour at 8am, 9am, 10am and 11am. You’ll have 3 hours to complete Route 1D and it’s only open during the high season, from June to October.

Machu Picchu Circuit 2: The Classic

The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 has just 2 routes, but it’s the most comprehensive circuit covering the majority of Machu Picchu. There are no extra hikes included in the Classic Circuit and it’s the most popular circuit at Machu Picchu. If this is the circuit you want to purchase, you’ll need to get your tickets early.

Both routes have 85 tickets available per hour from 6am to 3pm. You’ll have 2.5 hours to complete either Route 2A or Route 2B. Machu Picchu Circuit 2 is open all year long.

Route 2A

The first route, Ruta Disenada begins at the main entrance and the path goes around the entire middle section of Machu Picchu. You’ll get to visit some of the enclosures as well as the spot that let’s you capture the iconic photo of Machu Picchu.

On Route 2A you’ll visit some of the ancient houses, temples, and walk through Machu Picchu’s main gate. You’ll also get a closer look at the Temple of the Sun.

Both routes of Circuit 2 gets you access to the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors and other important Machu Picchu sites.

Route 2B

Ruta Terraza Inferior has a slightly longer path than Route 2A, but only a 10^th of a km longer. The main difference is that you get to go slightly higher than Route 2A for a higher view of the citadel.

On Route 2B you’ll see the Sacred Plaza, Water Mirrors Complex, the Sacred Rock, and more. You’ll also have access to some of the upper platform and the Guardian House where you’ll have a great view of Machu Picchu.

Both Route 2A and Route 2B are the most popular because you get the panoramic view and can explore the temples, ceremonial spaces, and the agricultural terraces.

Machu Picchu Circuit 3: Royalty

Machu Picchu Circuit 3 has four different routes and will take you through sacred spaces and the most important spots that were occupied by Inca Royalty. You’ll explore the lower section of Machu Picchu and three of the routes on Circuit 3 include hikes. All four routes on Circuit 3 take the same path, with the exception of the hikes.

The solid yellow line is the main path of Circuit 3. The dotted lines are where you’ll veer off to the hikes of Routes 3A, 3C, and 3D.

For all 4 routes, you’ll enter through the main entrance and start off in the agricultural area of the terraces. The route will take you past the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, The Sacred Fountains, and more.

Route 3A

The Ruta Montaña Wayna Picchu gives you access to climbing the iconic mountain that you typically see in Machu Picchu photos. The mountain is known as either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu Mountain.

I climbed this one and I can tell you that it is not easy! It’s definitely doable but be prepared for steep stairs. You will be exhausted by the end but it’s so worth it!

There are two entry times available for Route 3A: 7am and 10am. Tickets are limited to just 200 per time slot, per day. Access to Route 3A is available all year.

All Machu Picchu Circuit 3 tickets start out on the same path. When you reach your hike entrance, you’ll take that path (the dotted path) and then finish the circuit when you complete your hike.

Coming down those stairs is no joke! No rails and it’s a long fall down if you aren’t careful.

Route 3B

Route 3B is known as the Ruta Disenada and is the only route on Circuit 3 that does not include a hike. The route follows the same path as the three other routes on this circuit and you will have about 2.5 hours inside the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

There are 30 tickets available every hour from 6am to 3pm and can be accessed in both the high and low season.

This is the only route on Circuit 3 that does not give you access to The Sacred Rock. Only those doing one of the 3 hikes will see it up close since that’s where the entrance to the hikes are.

Route 3C

Route 3C is also called the Ruta Gran Caverna and is the route that takes you to the Great Cavern. It’s a hidden cave on Huayna Picchu Mountain and is also known as the Temple of the Moon. You’ll have up to 7 hours to complete the route, including the hike to the cavern.

There are two entrance times available for Route 3C: 8am and 9am. This route is only available during the high season and just 25 tickets are available per time slot, per day.

The hiking path to the Great Cavern starts out at the same spot as the hiking path for Ruta Montaña Wayna Picchu but will veer off in another direction.

Route 3D

How to see all of Machu Picchu

If you want to see more of Machu Picchu then you’ll need to purchase at least 3 tickets, one from each circuit. If you’re short on time and have just one full day at Machu Picchu, then you’ll need to plan to spend the entire day at Machu Picchu.

If you have time, the best way would be to do two routes on day one and the last route on day two. It will definitely be more expensive to buy three tickets, but when will you ever come back to Machu Picchu? Here’s a few scenarios for purchasing 3 different tickets.

Option 1: Routes 1B, 2A, and 3B

If you’re not interested in any of the hikes then the best option is to purchase Route 1B, Route 2A, and Route 3B. This will give you the most complete visit to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. There’s a slight overlap on Circuit 1 and Circuit 2 but not much and I’m sure no one will complain.

Here’s what your day might look like if you went with option 1:
Circuit 1, Route 1B: 6am – 8:30am
Circuit 2, Route 2A: 9am – 11:30am
Break for lunch – there’s a restaurant on site at the entrance.
Circuit 3, Route 3B: 1pm – 3:30pm

It’s a long day but with no hikes, it won’t be difficult.

Option 2: Routes 3A, 2A, and 1B

If you want a route that includes at least one of the hikes, here’s how you could make that happen:
Circuit 3, Route 3A: 7am – 11am (4 hours total for the hike and the route)
Circuit 2, Route 2A: 12pm – 2:30pm
Circuit 1, Route 1B: 3pm – 5:30pm

It’s a VERY long day and it would be better to break it up into 2 days but it’s not impossible. There won’t be much time for a lunch break but if you complete the hike early then you’ll have a little time. You could also bring snacks with you, which I suggest doing no matter what you decide.

There’s a lot of ways to combine three tickets so if that’s something you want to do, just play around with the different Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes. One good thing about having time limits is that it gives you a very clear beginning and end. The routes have a specific path so you won’t be wondering if you missed something.

Where to purchase your Machu Picchu Tickets

If you’re visiting on a tour, like the 4 Day Inca Trail Trek, your tour company should have purchased the tickets already for everyone, but check with them to be sure.

If you’re visiting on your own, then you can go to the official Peru Ministry of Culture website to purchase your tickets. The site is in Spanish so if you don’t speak the language, just right click and choose “translate to English”.

Just like choosing your Machu Picchu Circuits ticket, actually buying your ticket is a whole other process that takes some careful planning. Remember, there are no refunds or exchanges so you need to triple check your dates and times before hitting “buy”.

I’ve written about the process of buying your Machu Picchu Tickets so be sure to check that out so you know what to do.

Tips for visiting Machu Picchu

1. Be sure to carry some cash when you visit Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Many places, especially local sellers, don’t accept cards. You’ll need cash when you’re at Machu Picchu for the restroom. There are ATMs in Aguas Calientes but don’t count on them always working. Plan ahead and get cash before you head to Machu Picchu.
   
2. You can visit Machu Picchu in just 1 day but consider staying at least 2 nights. If you plan on hiking any of the mountains you’ll be exhausted and might not want to rush things. Plus, Aguas Calientes is a pretty cool little town with restaurants and bars so it’s worth hanging out for a night.
   
3. Plan for the weather. Bring a rain jacket but skip the umbrella. It will also be cooler in the mornings and at night so you’ll want to dress in layers. Once the sun is up you’ll want to shed some of those layers so make sure you bring a small backpack.
   
4. Carry your passport with you when you get up to Machu Picchu. You’ll need it to enter the site plus you can get a special Machu Picchu stamp in it.

Things not allowed at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is basically an outdoor museum and like all museums, there are things you cannot bring inside and things you’re not allowed to do. So here’s a list of things that are not allowed on your visit to Machu Picchu.

• Alcohol
• Drones
• Selfie Sticks
• Tripods
• Large backpacks (over 20 liters)
• Large umbrellas (stick to a rain jacket)
• Feeding the animals
• Climbing on the ruins
• Littering – take all of your trash with you
• Smoking
• Not following the circuit routes
• Plastic water bottles – bring a reusable bottle

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing which of the three Machu Picchu Circuits is the first step to making sure your experience there is enjoyable and that you get the most out of your visit. Choose a circuit, then a route, find your date, and purchase your ticket. That’s it!

Get ready for one of the best experiences you’ll ever have at Machu Picchu!