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 2, you’ll find two main routes: Machu Picchu Classic or Designed Classic Circuit (Route 2A), and Machu Picchu Classic or Lower Terrace Circuit (Route 2B). All of these routes will allow you views of the lower part of the citadel, which are a must-see during your visit. In this article, we’ll learn more about both tickets and their circuits, whose main attraction is the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site.

• What is Circuit 2 of the Classic Route of Machu Picchu like?
• The best tours of the Machu Picchu archaeological site
  • Machu Picchu Classic or Classic Designed Circuit (Route 2A)
  • Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
• Which of the two routes to choose?
• What is the route like on Circuit 2 of the Classic Route of Machu Picchu?
• Why choose Circuit 2 Classic Route of Machu Picchu?
• Summary of the tickets offered by Circuit 2 Classic Route of Machu Picchu
• What routes have been enabled for the high season on Circuit 2 Classic Route?
• Questions and answers about Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu

View of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House

What is Circuit 2 of the Classic Route of Machu Picchu like?

Circuit 2 of the Classic Route of Machu Picchu is divided into two routes. Both allow access to the ancient route “Llaqta (Citadel) of Machu Picchu,” except that during this tour, access to the upper platforms or the Guardian’s House is not permitted. Only one of the platforms near the Inca site is accessible.

It’s important to know that the changes made to Machu Picchu’s routes and circuits were implemented by the Ministry of Culture. These changes are intended to allow more people to visit Machu Picchu, but with different views and routes. All of these changes can provide different experiences, such as viewing all of Machu Picchu from the panoramic routes. Others also allow you to learn more about Inca structures such as Inti Punku, the Great Cavern, and the Temple of the Moon.

Machu Picchu Circuit 2 offers a tour of the most important Inca sites. Some belong to imperial-style buildings of great value. Others feature condor sculptures and water fountains within their walls. These temples remain a mystery to archaeologists and historians. Most of the carved stones are difficult to understand and their function is difficult to understand. Thanks to this tour, you can experience all their mysteries firsthand.

The best tours of the Machu Picchu archaeological site

Following the changes implemented by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, it was decided to create three major circuits in different sectors of Machu Picchu. Thus, Circuit 2, the Classic Route of Machu Picchu, was established. As the second circuit, it offers a unique tour within the Inca citadel, along ancient streets and among the stone walls.

Currently, this circuit, which previously consisted solely of the “Llaqta Machu Picchu” route, has been divided into two very similar options, which we will detail later. Circuit 2, in general, offers a tour of the lower platform of the Inca citadel. This lacks panoramic views, but you can experience, for example, the extraordinary water channels and the precision of the stone constructions. Now, let’s take a closer look at these two routes through the Inca citadel.

Machu Picchu Classic or Classic Designed Circuit (Route 2A)

• This circuit allows you to have one of the most complete tours of the Machu Picchu citadel.
• It will also allow you to take a photo similar to the postcard. The approach is via the platforms near the Guardian’s House.
• The circuit allows for a reasonable amount of time to get the best photograph of the place.
• The route will continue through one of the emblematic entrances to Machu Picchu.
• This entrance leads to the main religious temples and important buildings.
• As we tour the religious and urban area, we will appreciate the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca.
• During the tour we will find part of the quarry along with the rocks used for the construction of Machu Picchu.
• After that, you reach the Main Temple. At this point, you take a path of steps to reach the Intihuatana.
• The Intihuatana can be viewed from a distance, as direct access to the site is restricted.
• Continuing along the wide esplanades, you reach the Sacred Rock.
• To complete the tour, you can visit the Temple of the Condor or the Water Mirrors.
• The total tour has a permitted duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Machu Picchu Classic Ticket Tour

Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B)

• This route allows us a simple tour of Machu Picchu.
• Entrance is via the upper platforms, on some platforms.
• The first section of the trail offers beautiful views of the surroundings of Machu Picchu.
• You can also appreciate in detail the iconic composition of the Putucusi mountain.
• During the tour we will visit the Temple of the Sun Lookout.
• All those who follow this route will be able to take photos inside the area of ​​the religious temples of Machu Picchu.
• Likewise, you can enter the area known as the House of the Inca.
• After this tour, you can reach the main temples such as: the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana Pyramid, and other religious buildings.
• You can appreciate the wide esplanades of Machu Picchu, from where the main Inca rituals were surely followed with devotion.
• Before completing the route, and after everything mentioned above, we arrived at the area of ​​the Sacred Rock.
• It is possible to have a very short break at this point.
• Continuing along the path, you will reach the temples in the lower area and continue your tour of the area.
• These last temples are made up of the Temple of the Condor and the Water Mirrors.
• Upon leaving, the tour continues along the lower platforms, from where you can see some colcas and houses.

Machu Picchu Classic Ticket Tour (Lower Terrace)

Which of the two routes to choose?

Circuit 2 Panoramic Route offers two options that allow for tours within the Inca citadel. The tours will take place along and between the streets and dwellings that form the stone walls. In this sense, it can be said that Circuit 2, in general, is the most comprehensive option if you want to visit or tour the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. This entire route was also formerly known as Llaqta Machu Picchu.

Touring the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is like experiencing part of the daily life of the ancient inhabitants of the Inca culture. Unlike other tickets and tours that offer panoramic views or tours of certain special sites, Classic Route 2 Tour allows an in-depth look at the temples, terraces, and dwellings that were built there.

The tours that make up the Machu Picchu Classic Route Circuit 2 have much in common. Probably the only clear difference is that the Machu Picchu Classic Route or Designed Classic Route (Route 2A) ticket allows you to take a detour to the upper platforms. This allows for a postcard-perfect photo. From that point on, both tours are similar. In this sense, we dare say that the Classic Route Circuit 2 is slightly better.

What is the route like on Circuit 2 of the Classic Route of Machu Picchu?

Circuit 2 of the Classic Route of Machu Picchu, as we mentioned, allows you to tour different structures in the Inca citadel. Even if you leave aside routes to other destinations and even the opportunity to explore part of the Inca Trail or Qhapac Ñam, you will be able to explore the main attractions. You will also have an exclusive tour of the urban area. In other words, by taking one of these circuits, you can learn about and understand the urban layout and the influence that the most impressive temples had on the esplanades, agricultural areas, and even the homes. Below, learn more about this great circuit of Machu Picchu thanks to our map.

Circuit 2 – Machu Picchu Classic Route

Why choose Circuit 2 Classic Route of Machu Picchu?

The main reason a person might choose one of these tickets is to learn more about the Inca structures. Another reason is to get a closer look at the detailed urban layout. This great Classic Circuit allows you to see almost the entire Llaqta of Machu Picchu. Likewise, if you want a pleasant experience without much effort when touring, this ticket can be an excellent option.

The tour of the Machu Picchu citadel doesn’t require much physical effort other than navigating paths with some sections featuring handrails or steps. Both options make exploring the Inca citadel easier. Let’s look at some other reasons to choose one of these tickets:

• This is an ideal circuit to appreciate the Inca constructions in detail.
• The tickets or routes offered are very similar. Both options are very good.
• When touring the Inca citadel, one can appreciate the importance of the temples in direct relation to esplanades.
• During the tours you can see water channels.
• When visiting some buildings, it is possible to see traces of carved stones.
• It offers beautiful views of the streets formed by the stone walls.
• The tour offers the opportunity to differentiate the types of buildings and the value of the temples.
• You can see the Temple of the Sun and its distinctive “D” shape, thanks to its semicircular wall.
• Both tickets or circuits will allow you to tour the entire Llaqta (citadel) of Machu Picchu.
• You will even be able to visit the Sacred Rock and learn the details of its importance.
• Both tickets allow entry to the urban and religious sectors through a beautiful stone gate.
• There will be some trails where we can find small steps and cobbled terrain.
• Both routes are easy to complete. The circuit doesn’t require any major physical effort.
• By taking any of the routes in Circuit 2 to Machu Picchu, you will experience an unforgettable immersion.

Summary of the tickets offered by Circuit 2 Classic Route of Machu Picchu

What routes have been enabled for the high season on Circuit 2 Classic Route?

Regarding the new updates made by the Ministry of Culture, we found that new tickets and routes have been enabled. This is intended to better appreciate all of Machu Picchu’s attractions. Likewise, one of the most significant changes was the officialization of the high and regular seasons.

During the peak season, some new tickets and routes may be available. In the case of Circuit 2 Classic Route, both tickets are available year-round. Therefore, in the case of tickets, there is no distinction between regular and peak seasons, except for an increase in the number of tickets available.

Questions and answers about Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu

• 1) What are the advantages of Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu?

  The main advantage of Circuit 2, the Classic Route in Machu Picchu, is that it allows you to visit the entire Inca citadel. It also offers spectacular views of the interior and some Inca buildings.

• 2) What are the disadvantages of Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu?

  The main disadvantage of Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu is that you won’t be able to explore the outskirts of the Inca citadel or the scenic routes. However, it remains one of the top options.

• 3) How long does Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu take?

  Circuit 2, Classic Route, Machu Picchu takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Backtracking is not permitted, so once you leave the archaeological site, you cannot re-enter.

• 4) Does Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu include Intihuatana?

  Unfortunately, even though Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu takes place within the Inca citadel, access to the Intihuatana is no longer permitted. This restriction applies to all general tickets.

• 5) Does Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu include the classic photo of Machu Picchu?

  No, currently, due to changes made to the Classic Route Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu, the classic postcard photo is no longer permitted. However, the Classic Route Circuit 1 ticket allows a tour very close to the Guardian’s House, where you can take one.

• 6) Does Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Condor?

  Yes, Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu includes a visit to the famous Temple of the Condor.

• 7) Does Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu include a visit to Inti Punku?

  No, the Inti Punku is not included in the Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu. The only way to visit it is by acquiring the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C), valid during the high season. That is, from June 19 to November 02.

• 8) What are the tickets to Machu Picchu offered by Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 2 or the Classic Route at Machu Picchu offers two tickets that differ only in their route. These tickets are: a) Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Designed Classic (Route 2A) and Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B).

• 9) What is the difference between the routes of Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu?

  The main difference is that the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Designed Classic ticket (Route 2A) allows a tour close to the upper platforms, where you can purchase a postcard photo. However, the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace ticket (Route 2B) does not allow such proximity to the site.

• 10) Is it dangerous to do the Classic Route 2 Circuit in Machu Picchu?

  No, Circuit 2 Classic Route in Machu Picchu is safe for everyone, although we recommend doing it with a professional tour guide.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Waldo B.

“The best trip“

“How could I not come earlier. A pride for us Peruvians. No wonder many people come from so far away. And we so close many times we do not know it. Recommended for everyone.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 21, 2025