When you visit Machu Picchu, when you purchase your tickets, you’ll find three main circuits divided into routes. These divisions facilitate your journey by better specifying the destinations you’ll visit. Within Circuit 1, you’ll find four main routes: Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A), Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B), Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C), and Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D). All of these routes will allow you to enjoy classic panoramic views that are a must-see during your visit. This blog will provide you with all the details of these routes to ensure a pleasant experience during your trip.

• What is Circuit 1 Panoramic route like for visiting Machu Picchu?
• Main destinations for the Panoramic Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)
  • Machu Picchu classic photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B)
  • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)
  • Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D)
• Map of Circuit 1 Panoramic route in Machu Picchu
• Why take the Panoramic route Circuit 1 tours?
• Summary of the main tickets for Circuit 1 Panoramic route of Machu Picchu
• What routes are available during the high season on the Panoramic Circuit?
• Questions and answers about Circuit 1 Panoramic route in Machu Picchu

Tourist enjoying the view from the Guardian’s House lookout point

What is Circuit 1 Panoramic route like for visiting Machu Picchu?

Circuit 1 Panoramic Route is one of three circuits available for visiting Machu Picchu. Circuit 1 covers the highest part of Machu Picchu. It features the upper platform, which makes it possible to take the popular postcard photo. There are also other routes that connect with Machu Picchu Mountain, the Intipunku (stone gate), and the mystical Inca Bridge.

There are a total of three new routes or circuits, divided into three sectors that connect with Machu Picchu. For example, the Second Circuit allows an exclusive tour of the entire Inca citadel. The Circuit 3 ticket allows you to reach destinations beyond the Sacred Rock. These new destinations are indicative of important Inca constructions that surely had a close relationship with the temples of Machu Picchu in the past.

Main destinations for the Panoramic Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu

Following the division of Machu Picchu into sectors and the opening of the new circuits, the main destinations for the Machu Picchu Panoramic Circuit are the Guardian’s House, the upper platform, the upper terraces, 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. In other words, they allow you to follow the routes that ancient settlers used in their daily lives. It’s also possible to connect with nature, especially with the beautiful panoramic photos that this area offers.

Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)

• This is a circuit that was already being operated before the ticket updates.
• Like all Panoramic Circuits, this ticket and route allow you one tour to capture the popular postcard photo.
• It includes a tour to Machu Picchu Mountain, from where you can enjoy a unique view of the geography of the place.
• Machu Picchu Mountain has an altitude of 3,082 meters above sea level.
• The ascent time can take approximately 4 hours, taking into account the round trip hike.
• The tour of Machu Picchu, specifically on the upper platforms, lasts one hour.
• It is important to know that the tour can only be done from the Upper Platform and another viewing point near the aforementioned location.
• This route can only be done by people over 18 years of age.
• The route begins at the main entrance and takes a detour to reach the upper platforms.

Machu Picchu + Mountain Tour

Machu Picchu classic photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B)

• This new circuit is one of the easiest to complete, although it initially requires following a path of steps.
• The hike itself won’t exceed 30 minutes. Upon reaching the Upper Terrace, you can admire the entire Machu Picchu archaeological site.
• The route across the upper platform or terrace does not require much effort.
• Upon reaching the upper terraces, you’ll have plenty of time to take photographs, relax, and take in the wonder of the landscape.
• This is a contemplative route, preferably for those who enjoy short walks and beautiful views.
• Being a contemplative route, it allows for beautiful photographs.
• This is one of the least complicated and safest routes.
• The entire tour from the moment you enter Machu Picchu may last a maximum of 2 hours.

Classic Photo Ticket Tour in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)

• The route begins at the main entrance and takes a detour to reach the upper platforms.
• From there, continue along the platforms towards Inti Punku.
• The walk to this archaeological site takes between 20 and 40 minutes.
• At Inti Punku you can also appreciate beautiful views of Machu Picchu.
• Inti Punku is the true and original entry point to Machu Picchu.
• If you follow the path to Inti Punku you will cross 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 take a short tour of the upper platforms.
• We are sure that the views will be completely unforgettable.

Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Tour

Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D)

• 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.
• Along the route you can find abundant vegetation.
• The trails followed are the same ones used by the ancient settlers.
• This route allows you to take a postcard photo.
• Machu Picchu can be appreciated from a much better perspective than the popular postcard photo offers.
• The total journey to Puente Inca alone can take 1 hour, including the round trip.
• This is another of the tours that only adults can do.
• It is a circuit and ticket that is only available during the high season.

Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge Tour

Map of Circuit 1 Panoramic route in Machu Picchu

Circuit 1 of the Machu Picchu Panoramic Route allows you to tour the different structures that offer panoramic views of this wonder of the world. It also allows you to visit other Machu Picchu viewpoints, all without leaving the upper platforms. This allows for a contemplative experience and is also ideal for those who want excellent photos of the site. Here is a map of Circuit 1 of the Machu Picchu Panoramic Route with the best views.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic)

Why take the Panoramic route Circuit 1 tours?

There are many reasons why you might be inspired to take one of these routes. Although each one differs slightly, there are more common reasons that will allow you to have one of the best experiences when visiting Machu Picchu. The routes you’ll find are all ideal for photography. In terms of difficulty, we can find simple routes that are ideal for contemplating Machu Picchu. Let’s look at more reasons to choose one of these tours that are part of Circuit 1 of the Machu Picchu Panoramic Route.

• The circuit is ideal for taking beautiful photographs.
• You can find a variety of circuits, from long to short routes.
• It allows a tour to contemplate the architectural composition of Machu Picchu.
• You can visit part of the Qhapac Ñam or Inca Trail.
• You can see the entire mountain where the buildings of the Machu Picchu archaeological site are located.
• It offers beautiful views, not only of Machu Picchu, but of the entire geographical and biodiversity area.
• It is possible to appreciate the entire mountain range that connects to the archaeological site.
• From the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, you can see the Vilcanota River, one of the most important rivers for the entire population of Cusco.
• All tickets or tours allow access to the upper platform, so you can get the classic postcard photo.
• With the different tours 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.
• Visiting the main and royal entrance to Machu Picchu, that is, from Inti Punku, allows you to experience one of the most popular hiking tours: the Inca Trail.
• The route to Inti Punku is an opportunity to discover new Inca buildings.
• The short routes are easy to complete (Puente Inca and Terraza Superior).
• The long routes, Machu Picchu Mountain and Inti Punku, allow for a pleasant experience for group travel.
• Following the route to the Inca Bridge is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the engineering and composition of the platforms.
• The Panoramic Circuit is characterized mainly by offering unique and impeccable views of Machu Picchu.

Group of llamas on Panoramic Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu

Summary of the main tickets for Circuit 1 Panoramic route of Machu Picchu

What routes are available during the high season on the Panoramic Circuit?

The tours available for visiting Machu Picchu are available in two seasons. It’s important to know that, following the Ministry of Culture’s latest update, there are two seasons available for visiting Machu Picchu. During the regular season, some routes are closed, while during the peak season, these tickets can be purchased or reserved. Let’s learn more about these tickets and find out more.

Questions and answers about Circuit 1 Panoramic route in Machu Picchu

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

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

  • Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B).
  • Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C).
  • Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D).

• 2) Why choose Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu?

  This tour offers the classic postcard photo, as well as beautiful views of all of Machu Picchu. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the entire upper platform and the site’s main panoramic viewpoints.

• 3) Does Machu Picchu Circuit 1 include the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu?

  Yes, all tickets allow you to take a postcard photo. During the tour, you can reach the Guardian’s House. From there, you can take the popular photo.

• 4) What is the longest route on the Panoramic Route Circuit 1?

  The ticket that includes the most activities is the Machu Picchu Mountain tour. The tour of Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain lasts six hours.

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

  No. At this time, none of the tickets allow you to tour the Intihuatana. This is for the protection of the site.

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

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

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

  Yes, you can photograph llamas at Machu Picchu in the agricultural sector or at the Guardian’s House.

• 8) Is Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu recommended for older adults?

  Yes, there are simple tours that can be completed with little effort. One of the easiest tickets to obtain is the Classic Photo or Upper Terrace Ticket (Route 1B).

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

  No, this ticket only allows you 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, March 21, 2025