On June 1st, new routes were opened and the tour of Machu Picchu was divided into 3 major circuits. Each of the new circuits has new entrances and each of them has its own routes. In this case, Circuit 2 or Classic Route has two options, whose circuits are very similar but at the same time differ in an important detail. This may be a determining factor for some, while for others this detail will not have much relevance. In this article we will learn more about both tickets and the circuit whose main attraction is the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site.

• What is Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu?
• The best tours of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu
  • Ticket Machu Picchu Classic Circuit
  • Ticket Machu Picchu Classic Circuit (Lower Terrace)
• Which of the two options to choose?
• How is the tour through Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu?
• Why choose Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu?
• Summary of the tickets offered by the Machu Picchu Classic Route or Circuit 2
• What tours are available for the high season in Circuit 2 or Classic Route?
• Questions and answers about the Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu

View of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House

A MAJOR CHANGE APPLIED AS OF JUNE 1, 2024
One of the most important changes is that the road to the Intihuatana is closed. The Intihuatana is one of the most mystical carved stones of Machu Picchu. Since the reforms in the Machu Picchu Circuits applied since June 1st. It was considered to put in safeguard all this enclosure, for being one of the most delicate. In this sense, it will be impossible to visit the Intihuatana until further notice. Also note that the high season of visits to Machu Picchu, officially begin on June 1, extending until October 15.

What is Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu?

Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu is divided into two routes. Both are very similar and allow a tour very similar to the ancient route “Llaqta de Machu Picchu”, except that during this tour you will not be able to access the upper platforms or the Guardian’s House. You can only access one of the platforms near this Inca site.

It is important to know that the changes that were made in the routes and circuits of Machu Picchu, are made by the Ministry of Culture. These changes are intended to allow more people to enter Machu Picchu, but with different activities and tours. All of them will be able to generate different experiences, such as contemplating all of Machu Picchu from the panoramic routes. Also to know more of the Inca enclosures as the Inca constructions in the routes as Inti Punku or the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon.

Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu, allows a tour of important Inca enclosures. Some of them will belong to imperial type constructions and also other constructions of great value. There will also be constructions that inside their walls you can find for example the sculpture of a condor and also some water fountains. Some of these temples are still an enigma for archaeologists and historians. Most of the carved stones are difficult to understand and detail their functionality as such. Thanks to this circuit you will be able to appreciate some of these pieces.

The best tours of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu

After the changes made by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, it was decided to create three major circuits in three different sectors of Machu Picchu. Thus, Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu was established. Being the second circuit, it allows a tour inside the Inca citadel. In addition to having a tour through the small streets and between the stone walls.

Currently this circuit, which previously consisted only of the route “Llaqta Machu Picchu”, was divided into two very similar options that we will detail later. This Circuit 2 in general, is characterized by offering a tour through the depths of the Inca citadel. This is the reason why you lose the panoramic views, but you can know, for example, the extraordinary water channels and also the precision in the stone constructions. Now let’s know more in detail these two routes through the Inca citadel.

Ticket Machu Picchu Classic Circuit

• This circuit allows you to have one of the most complete tours of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
• It will also allow you to have a photo similar to the postcard photo. The approach is through the platforms near the Guardian’s House.
• The circuit contemplates a prudent time to have the best picture of the place.
• The route will continue through one of the emblematic entrances of Machu Picchu.
• This entrance leads to the main religious temples and other important buildings.
• When touring the religious and urban area is where you can see the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca.
• Further on, you will see part of the quarry and the rocks used for the construction of Machu Picchu.
• After that, you will arrive at the Main Temple. At this point a path of stairs was taken to reach the Intihuatana.
• Since June 1st the Intihuatana is closed.
• By continuing and passing through the wide esplanades you reach the Sacred Rock.
• To finish the tour you can go to the Temple of the Condor or to the Water Mirrors.
• The total time allowed for the tour is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Tour Ticket Machu Picchu Classic

Ticket Machu Picchu Classic Circuit (Lower Terrace)

• It allows a simple tour of Machu Picchu.
• After arriving near the upper platforms, the entrance is made over some platforms.
• The first part of the tour allows beautiful views of the entire area surrounding Machu Picchu.
• You can also appreciate in detail the conical composition of the Putucusi mountain.
• This circuit allows a tour of the Mirador del Templo del Sol and also the contemplation of the same.
• All those who follow this route will be able to take pictures inside the area of the religious temples of Machu Picchu.
• You can also 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 3 Windows, the Intihuatana Pyramid and more religious buildings.
• You will be able to appreciate the wide esplanades of Machu Picchu, from where surely the main Inca rituals were followed with devotion.
• Before finishing the tour and after all the above mentioned we arrive to the area of the Sacred Rock.
• It is possible to have a very short rest at this point.
• Continuing the route you will reach the temples of the lower zone and continue with the tour of the area.
• These last temples are the Temple of the Condor and the Water Mirrors.
• When leaving, the tour continues along the lower platforms, from where you can see some houses and dwellings.

Tour Ticket Machu Picchu Classic (lower terrace)

Which of the two options to choose?

Circuit 2 or Panoramic Route has 2 options or 2 tickets that allow tours inside the Inca citadel. The tours will be done through and among the small streets that form the stone walls. In this sense it can be said that this Circuit 2, in general, is the most complete if you want to visit or tour the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. All this circuit was formerly also known as Llaqta Machu Picchu.

In this sense we can say that to visit the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is to live or experience part of the daily life of the ancient inhabitants of Machu Picchu. Unlike other tickets and circuits that offer panoramic views or tours to some special enclosures, Circuit 2 or Classic Route, allows an in-depth approach to the temples, terraces and houses that were built. All this, so that the inhabitants of this place could subsist and at the same time continue with their religious and political work.

The routes that are part of Circuit 2 or Classic Route through Machu Picchu have much in common. Probably the only clear difference is that the Designed Route or Classic Route 1, allows you to take a detour to the upper platforms. This allows a photo similar to the postcard photo. From that point on, both routes are similar. In that sense we dare to say that Circuit 2 or Classic Route is slightly better.

How is the tour through Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu?

Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu, as we said, allows a tour of different Inca constructions. Although it leaves aside tours to other destinations and even the opportunity to know part of the Inca Trail or Qhapac Ñam. It will be possible to go inside the main Inca constructions. Besides having an exclusive tour of the urban area. That is to say, by taking one of these circuits you can know and understand the urban layout and the influence that the most imposing temples had in relation to the esplanades, the agricultural areas and even the houses. Next, learn more about this great circuit through Machu Picchu thanks to our map.

Circuit 2 – Machu Picchu Classic Route

Why choose Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu?

The main reasons for a person to choose one of these tickets is that he/she wants to know more about the Inca constructions. Another reason is to have a detailed approach to the urban distribution. This great Classic Circuit allows to know, almost in its totality, the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. Also, if what you want is to have a pleasant experience and without much effort at the time of making the tours, this ticket can be an excellent choice.

The tour of the Llaqta of Machu Picchu, does not require much effort other than moving along safe roads and in some sections with railings or wooden steps. Both cases facilitate the tour of the Inca citadel. Let’s look at some other reasons to choose one of these tickets. Let’s begin:

• It is an ideal circuit to appreciate in detail the Inca constructions.
• The tickets or routes are very similar. Both options are very good.
• When touring the Inca citadel, you can appreciate the importance of the temples in direct relation to esplanades.
• During the tours you can appreciate some water channels.
• When visiting some constructions, it is possible to see traces of carved stones.
• It offers beautiful views of the streets formed by the stone walls.
• The circuit offers the opportunity to differentiate the types of constructions and the value of the temples.
• You can appreciate the Temple of the Sun and its peculiar form in letter “D”. Thanks to its semicircular wall.
• The Classic Circuit 1, allows a tour near the postcard photo. So it is a more plausible alternative.
• Both tickets or circuits will allow you to have a tour throughout the Llaqta of Machu Picchu.
• You will even be able to get to the Sacred Rock and learn the details of its importance.
• It will be possible to enter, with both tickets, to the urban and religious sector from a beautiful stone gate.
• There will be some paths where we can find small staircases and cobblestone terrain.
• Both routes are easy to do. The circuit does not require great physical efforts.
• When doing any of the routes of Circuit 2 to Machu Picchu, there is a pleasant immersion.

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

What tours are available for the high season in Circuit 2 or Classic Route?

As for the new updates made by the Ministry of Culture, we found that new tickets and routes were enabled. This, in order to better appreciate all the attractions of Machu Picchu. Also, one of the most representative changes was that the high and regular season was made official.

During the high season, some new tickets and routes will be available. In the case of Circuit 2 or Classic Route, there is a new circuit. However, both tickets can be purchased throughout the year. So necessarily in the case of tickets it is not possible to distinguish as such the regular season from the high season except for an increase in the number of tickets let’s see.

Questions and answers about the Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu

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

  The Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu, has the main advantage that allows you to visit the entire Inca citadel. Besides having spectacular views of the interior and some Inca constructions.

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

  The main disadvantage of the Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu is that you will not be able to do tours in the outskirts of the Inca citadel or along the scenic routes. However, it is still one of the main options.

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

  Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is not allowed to go back, so once outside the archaeological site, it is not possible to re-enter.

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

  Unfortunately and although Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu, are made within the Inca citadel, access to the Intihuatana is no longer allowed. This restriction is for all tickets in general.

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

  No, currently and for the variations that were made the Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu, no longer allows the classic postcard photo as such. However, the Classic Circuit 1 ticket allows a tour very close to the Guardian’s House.

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

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

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

  No, Inti Punku is not included in Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu. The only way to visit it is by acquiring the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket, valid during the high season. That is, from June 1st to October 15th.

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

  The Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu offers two tickets that differ only in their route. These tickets are: a) Classic Circuit 1 Designed Machu Picchu and b) Classic Circuit 2 Machu Picchu or Lower Terrace.

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

  The main difference is that the Classic Circuit 1 Designed Machu Picchu, allows a tour near the upper platforms, where you can purchase the postcard photo. However, the Classic Circuit 2 Machu Picchu or Lower Terrace, does not have such proximity to the mentioned place.

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

  No, Circuit 2 or Classic Route in Machu Picchu is safe for everyone. It is recommended to do it in the company of 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, June 19, 2024