After an update in the tours to Machu Picchu, one of the most drastic changes is that Machu Picchu was divided into 3 major circuits. Although some tours are still maintained, others were reopened and some tours were divided. In addition, an important change is that the participation of tourists was divided by seasons. Therefore, we will find some tours only valid for the high season. In this blog we want to report the main changes and updates for the first sector of Machu Picchu Route 1 or Panoramic Circuit.

• What is the Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route to visit Machu Picchu?
• Main destinations for the Panoramic Circuit of Machu Picchu Picchu
  • Classic Photo Route in Machu Picchu Picchu
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain Route
  • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Route
  • Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Route
• Map of the Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route in Machu Picchu
• Why do the tours of Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route?
• Summary of the main tickets of the Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route of Machu Picchu
• What tours are available for the high season in the Panoramic Circuit?
• Questions and answers

Tourist appreciating the view from the lookout point of the Guardian’s house.

What is the Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route to visit Machu Picchu?

Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route is one of the three new Circuits that were enabled for the high season. From June 1st, new routes will be enabled, corresponding to the high season. The high season will start on the indicated date until October 15. During all this time it is possible to find more routes or tickets. Most of the routes that have been added do not have a lot of availability, but they are an excellent option in view of the excessive demand of visitors.

There are a total of 3 new Routes or Circuits, these routes are divided into three sectors that connect with Machu Picchu. For example, the Second Circuit allows an exclusive tour of the entire Inca citadel. In the case of the Circuit 3 ticket, you can reach destinations beyond the Sacred Rock. These new destinations are indications of important Inca constructions and that surely, in the past, had an important relationship with the temples of Machu Picchu.

Thus, Circuit 1 or Panoramic Circuit, which is important for this blog, has a tour of the highest part of Machu Picchu. Where the presence of the upper platform stands out, because it makes it possible to take the postcard photo, in addition there will be other routes that will connect with the highest mountain of the place and with the mystical Inca Bridge. All the variations that we are pointing out will be effective from June 1 to October 15, 2024. Likewise, the new routes will be enabled for December 30 and 31, 2024.

Main destinations for the Panoramic Circuit of Machu Picchu Picchu

After the division of Machu Picchu by sectors and the habilitation of the new circuits. It can be said that the main destinations for the Panoramic Circuit of Machu Picchu, are conformed from the Guardian’s House, the upper platform, the upper platforms and the routes to Inti Punku and Machu Picchu Mountain.

The routes through these places are mostly made up of the Inca Trails or Qhapac Ñam. That is to say, they allow you to follow the routes that the ancient inhabitants used in their daily lives. Likewise, it is possible to connect with nature and especially with the beautiful panoramic photos that can be taken all over this place.

• Classic Photo Route in Machu Picchu Picchu

  • This new circuit is one of the easiest to do, although at the beginning you will have to follow a path of stairs.
  • The walk as such will not exceed 30 minutes. After reaching the upper terrace or upper platforms, you can appreciate the entire landscape.
  • The walk along the platform or upper terrace does not require much effort.
  • When you reach the upper terraces you will have time to take pictures, rest and contemplate all the wonder of the world.
  • This is a contemplative route, preferably for those who like short routes and beautiful views.
  • Being a contemplative route, it allows for beautiful photographs.
  • It is one of the least complicated and safest routes.
  • The entire tour from the time of entry to Machu Picchu, may extend a maximum of 2 hours of travel.

Classic Photo Ticket Tour in Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu + Mountain Route

  • This is a circuit that was already in use before the ticket update.
  • Like all the Panoramic Circuits, this ticket and route allows a tour to have a postcard photo.
  • It allows a tour to the Machu Picchu Mountain, where you can appreciate part of all the geography of the place.
  • The Machu Picchu Mountain has an altitude of 3 082 meters above sea level.
  • The ascent time can last approximately 4 hours, taking into account the round trip.
  • The tour of Machu Picchu, precisely on the upper platforms, has a duration of one hour.
  • It is important to know that you can only do the tour of the Upper Platform and another viewpoint near the mentioned place.
  • This route can only be done by people over 18 years old.

Machu Picchu + Mountain Tour

• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Route

  • The route begins at the main entrance and taking a detour to reach the upper platforms.
  • From there you continue along the platforms towards Inti Punku.
  • The walk to this archaeological site is between 20 to 40 minutes.
  • In Inti Punku you can also appreciate beautiful views of Machu Picchu.
  • The Inti Punku is the true and original point of entry to Machu Picchu.
  • If you follow the road to Inti Punku you will go through the trails of the Inca Trail.
  • The altitude where Inti Punku is located is 2745 meters above sea level.
  • It is a circuit and ticket that is only available during the high season.
  • On the way back you can visit the Guardian’s House and have a brief tour of the upper platforms.
  • We are sure that the views will be completely unforgettable.

Machu Picchu + Intipunku Tour

• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Route

  • It is probably the shortest route that can be done in this extensive circuit.
  • The walk to the Inca bridge is only 30 minutes.
  • It allows an extensive tour of the upper platforms of Machu Picchu.
  • It is believed that this route is the one that connected with the jungle.
  • During the route you can find abundant vegetation.
  • The trails that are followed are the same ones used by the ancient settlers.
  • This route allows you to take a postcard photo.
  • You can appreciate Machu Picchu from a much better perspective than the one offered by the postcard photo.
  • The total trip to Puente Inca alone, can take 1 hour, counting the round trip.
  • This is another of the tours that can only be done by adults.
  • It is one of the circuits or tickets that will be sold during the high season. The rest of the year the circuit will be closed.

Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge Tour

Group of llamas in Machu Picchu’s Panoramic Ciruito 1

Map of the Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route in Machu Picchu

The Circuit or Panoramic Route of Machu Picchu, allows a tour of the different buildings that will give you panoramic views of the entire wonder of the world. It also allows a tour of other viewpoints of Machu Picchu. All this without leaving the upper platforms. In this sense, it allows a contemplative experience and at the same time it will be ideal for those people who wish to have excellent photos of the place. Here is a map of the Circuit or Panoramic Route of Machu Picchu with the best views of the entire route.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic)

Why do the tours of Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route?

There are many reasons why you might want to do one of these routes. Although each one of them differs a little. There are more reasons in common that will allow you to have one of the best experiences when visiting Machu Picchu. The routes that you will find are all ideal for photography and in terms of difficulty, we can find simple and ideal routes for the contemplation of Machu Picchu. Let’s see more reasons to choose one of these routes that belong to Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route of Machu Picchu.

• The circuit is ideal for beautiful photographs.
• You can find variation of circuits. From long or short routes.
• It allows a tour to contemplate the architectural composition of Machu Picchu.
• You can know part of the Qhapac Ñam or Inca Trail.
• You can appreciate all the mountain where the constructions of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu are located.
• It offers beautiful views, not only of Machu Picchu, but of the entire geographical area of Machu Picchu.
• It is possible to appreciate the entire mountain range that connects with the archaeological site.
• From the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, you can see the Vilcanota River. One of the most important for the entire Cusco population.
• All tickets or circuits allow you to reach the upper platform, in that sense, you can have the classic postcard photo.
• With the different circuits or tickets you can appreciate some of the best viewpoints of Machu Picchu.
• Reaching the top of Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the best experiences.
• In the same way, knowing the main and real entrance of Machu Picchu, that is, from the Inti Punku, allows you to experience one of the most requested trekking tours: Inca Trail.
• The route to Inti Punku is the opportunity to get to know new Inca constructions.
• The short routes are easy to do (Inca Bridge and Upper Terrace).
• The long routes, Machu Picchu Mountain and Inti Punku, allow a pleasant experience to travel in group.
• Following the route to the Inca Bridge is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the engineering and composition of the terraces.
• The Panoramic Circuit is characterized mainly because it offers unique and impeccable views of Machu Picchu.

Summary of the main tickets of the Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route of Machu Picchu

What tours are available for the high season in the Panoramic Circuit?

The new tours that were enabled to visit Machu Picchu, are available in two seasons. It is important to know that, after the new update by the Ministry of Culture, to visit Machu Picchu there are two seasons. During the regular season some routes are closed, while for the high season it is possible to purchase or reserve these tickets. Let’s know in detail these tickets and more information.

Questions and answers

• 1) What tickets do the circuit 1 or Panoramic Route in Machu Picchu offer?

  The tickets that can be found during the Panoramic Route in Machu Picchu, are the following:

  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo in Machu Picchu Picchu.
  • Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge.
  • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku.

• 2) Why choose circuit 1 in Machu Picchu?

  This circuit offers the classic postcard photo as well as beautiful views of all of Machu Picchu. In addition, you will have the opportunity to tour the entire upper platform and the main panoramic viewpoints of the site.

• 3) Does circuit 1 or Machu Picchu postcard photo include the classic postcard photo in Machu Picchu?

  Yes, all tickets will allow you to take the postcard photo. During the route in any of the circuits you can get to the Guardian’s House. From there, you can take the postcard photo.

• 4) Which is the longest tour in Circuit 1 or the Panoramic Route?

  The ticket that allows you to have more activities is the Machu Picchu Mountain tour. The tour of Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain has a duration of 6 hours.

• 5) Does Circuit 1 or Panoramic Tour of Machu Picchu include the Intihuatana in Machu Picchu?

  No. At the moment none of the tickets allow the tour of the Intihuatana. This is for the safeguarding of the site.

• 6) Does Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route allow to visit the Temple of the Condor?

  No, the Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route does not allow you to visit the temples of Machu Picchu.

• 7) Can I see llamas entering Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu?

  Yes, in the agricultural sector or at the Casa del Guardián you can photograph llamas in Machu Picchu.

• 8) ¿El Circuito 1 en Machu Picchu es recomendado para adultos mayores?

  Sí, existes recorridos sencillos que se pueden hacer con poco esfuerzo. Uno de los boletos más sencillos de realizar es el Boleto de Foto Clásica o Terraza Superior.

• 9) Does Circuit 1 include the Sacred Rock in Machu Picchu?

  No, this Inca construction is not included in Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu.

• 10) Does Circuit 1 include the Temple of the Sun of Machu Picchu?

  No, this ticket is only possible to enter the upper platforms. It is also possible to visit other important archaeological sites.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Fabiana L.

“Beautiful memories“

“From Machu Picchu I take the best memories, I will never forget everything I experienced in Peru. Cusco is a place with a lot of history and an atmosphere of tranquility. We were always well treated by its people.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 19, 2024