Circuit 3 or Royal Route, is the last great circuit to visit Machu Picchu. This circuit offers the destinations that are located in the lower part of the archaeological site. Likewise, the route of these circuits allows you to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the Great Cavern and Huchuy Picchu. Before starting these tours you can appreciate some sections of the archaeological site. Now with the beginning of high season, applied from June 1, 2024, you can find more availability and new routes with a variety of schedules. In this blog, we will know all the details, changes and much more information about Circuit 3 or Royal Route.

• What is the Circuit 3 or Royal Route to visit Machu Picchu?
• Main destinations Circuit 3 or Route of the Royalty of Machu Picchu
  • Ticket to the temples of the lower part of Machu Picchu
  • Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
  • Ticket Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern
  • Ticket Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu.
• Map: This is what the Circuits of Circuit 3 or Royal Route look like
• Why do the tours of Circuit 3 or Royal Route?
• Summary of the main tickets of Machu Picchu’s Circuit 3 or Royal Route
• What tours are available for the high season in the Panoramic Circuit?
• Questions and answers about Circuit 3

Machupicchu – Circuit 3

What is the Circuit 3 or Royal Route to visit Machu Picchu?

Circuit 3 or Route of the Royalty, is one of the best alternatives to visit Machu Picchu. Mainly because among its 4 routes will highlight the presence of Huayna Picchu. Fortunately, this route is maintained. The changes that were made for the high season, will no longer allow access to the Intihuatana. This is one of the most important changes that will be applied to the three circuits.

Three new circuits in Machu Picchu? Yes, as of June 1, 2024, there will be some reforms to visit Machu Picchu. The most important changes are related to the experience of visiting the wonder of the world. Likewise, with the circuits, the entire archaeological site will be sectorized. For this reason, you can find panoramic routes, routes through the Inca citadel itself and Circuit 3 or Route of the Royalty.

Circuit 3 or Route of the Royalty, includes the third portion of Machu Picchu, that is to say the destinations that are located to the north. We have already mentioned the destinations that it will offer, we would like to mention that the experience offered by this place is combined. It allows you to have panoramic views of Machu Picchu, in addition to knowing some Inca sites after a walk. As usual, you will follow the paths traced by the urban planners of Tawantinsuyo.

The hike through these places will be varied, in some cases you will find abundant vegetation. In other cases beautiful views and Inca constructions that remain a challenge to the architectural capabilities of the present. Also, it is worth mentioning that according to the latest updates the high season will be from June 1st to October 15th. Likewise, the regular or low season will begin on October 16 until May 31.

Main destinations Circuit 3 or Route of the Royalty of Machu Picchu

Everything seems to indicate that the changes are here to stay. The new circuits will begin to travel from June 1, 2024. The changes in the circuits of Machu Picchu, in the case of Circuit 3 or Royal Route, allowed the addition of two new routes. One of them only generates a display by the royal temples of Machu Picchu, precisely in the lower part.

The other ticket that was added, will allow a tour of the Temple of the Moon or the Great Cavern. To get to either place, fortunately, there are still the Inca Roads or also known as Qhapac Ñam. Some sections of the route will be paved, others will be trails, accompanied by abundant vegetation. Next. Let’s know more in detail these tickets of Circuit 3 or Route of the Royalty.

• Ticket to the temples of the lower part of Machu Picchu

  • This is a new circuit. The tour is exclusively for the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
  • The entrance to Machu Picchu is through the agricultural area, where you can see several terraces. All of them of great size.
  • The agricultural sector, has beautiful views, you can have beautiful photos.
  • The tour is done by the main temples that correspond to the Hurin sector.
  • You can appreciate the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the 3 Windows. All seen from the lower area.
  • Following the route you will reach the Sacred Rock. There you can enjoy a short rest.
  • Before leaving the site, you can choose between visiting the Temple of the Condor or the Water Mirrors.
  • The exit is made by lower platforms from where the entrance was.
  • During this brief passage through the platforms, there are beautiful views.
  • In total the tour has a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Tour Ticket Ticket Lower Machu Picchu Temples

• Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

  • This is probably one of the most demanded tickets.
  • The old Huayna Picchu ticket did not have considerable changes.
  • Before entering the Huayna Picchu route, you are allowed to have a tour of Machu Picchu.
  • The tour of Machu Picchu will be very similar to the “Royal Route” ticket.
  • In the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, you will be able to reach the lower part of the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the 3 Windows.
  • After arriving at the Sacred Rock, it is time to register at the checkpoint.
  • There you must specify the time of entry as well as the names.
  • The ascent to Huayna Picchu is done by the Inca Trail.
  • The section is ascending. You will find several staircases with sections that are a challenge for those with acrophobia.
  • You reach the top of Huayna Picchu after 3 hours of activity.
  • Normally the first part of Machu Picchu is done in 1 hour and the ascent in 2 hours.
  • Huayna Picchu has an altitude of 2,693 meters above sea level.
  • From the top of Huayna Picchu, one of the most beautiful landscapes of Peru can be appreciated. This, thanks to the extensive mountain ranges.
  • The return is made by the same way. Upon arrival at the checkpoint you must register the time of departure.
  • Before leaving Machu Picchu you can appreciate other important sites of Machu Picchu.
  • The exit will be through the lower agricultural sector.

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Tour

• Ticket Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern

  • It is one of the new circuits that officially opened on June 1, 2024.
  • The sale of these tickets will only be available during the high season.
  • The high season officially starts on June 1st and will end on October 15th.
  • The entrance is through the agricultural zone. There, you can have good pictures.
  • From the lower part, you can see the House of the Inca and the Temple of the Sun.
  • Near the wide esplanades of Machu Picchu, are the Main Temples.
  • We will pass near the Plaza Pisonay, all the esplanades offer beautiful views of the site.
  • The check point is the same for all the tickets of Circuit 3. That is, for those who wish to visit Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu.
  • Like the route to Huayna Picchu will follow sections of the Inca Trail or Qhapac Ñam.
  • Only the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon is located in the lower part of the mountain.
  • It is a place with abundant vegetation but offers an incredible view of the place.
  • The hike to the Great Cavern is only 2 hours and 30 minutes. Of course, before that you have an hour tour of Machu Picchu.
  • The total tour can have a duration of up to 7 hours.
  • Before leaving Machu Picchu, you will visit some important temples.
  • You will also visit the Temple of the Condor or the Water Mirrors.
  • When leaving the lower temples, you can appreciate the parts of the houses almost destroyed.

Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon Tour

• Ticket Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu.

  • Before the changes to make the high season official, the route to Huchuy Picchu had its own entrance.
  • The entrance and the circuit as such, did not suffer any changes.
  • The main change of this ticket is the availability. Now it will only be available during the high season.
  • The high season starts on June 1st and lasts until October 15th.
  • The rest of the year is regular season. However, the sale of the ticket will apply on December 30 and 31.
  • The tour of Huchuy Picchu is done from the lower platforms.
  • It passes through the agricultural area to then enter the esplanades of Machu Picchu.
  • From this place you can see the temples of the Sun and the Three Windows.
  • At the time of passing through the Plaza Pisonay you have beautiful views of Machu Picchu.
  • You arrive at the Sacred Rock and a few meters from there is the corresponding registration.
  • The ascent to Huchuy Picchu takes only 1 hour at the most.
  • From the top of Huchuy Picchu you can see the pyramid where the Intihuatana is located.
  • The return can be done in 30 minutes, as it is quite easy.
  • The total tour with the ticket and Huchuy Picchu Circuit has a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • It is important that the tour is not done in a hurry, especially during the ascent.
  • As with the other tickets, you will return through the same area. After visiting the Temple of the Condor or the Water Fountains.

Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Tour

Map: This is what the Circuits of Circuit 3 or Royal Route look like

Circuit 3 or Royalty Route, will allow a tour of the lower part of Machu Picchu, which takes less than 1 hour to walk it. After that, you will be allowed to hike any of the corresponding routes. As long as you have the ticket ready to use. On this route are two of the most beautiful routes in all of Machu Picchu. One of them to the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon. The next destination, the always enigmatic Huayna Picchu, which must be reached to know all its mysteries and especially its beautiful views. The routes and the places that are traveled in this Circuit 3 or Route of the Royalty, next:

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Designed route

Why do the tours of Circuit 3 or Royal Route?

It is the circuit that among its routes has the spectacular hike to Huayna Picchu. Also, with the main changes that were made since June 1st, you can find the route to the Great Cavern. This temple was closed for a long time and during the new season it will be possible to visit it. We believe that these two alternatives are ideal to purchase your ticket to acquire your reservation in one of the tickets of Circuit 3 or Royal Route. Next, more reasons to choose this Circuit that has 4 really amazing tickets or routes, let’s see.

• As in all the circuits, you can take excellent pictures.
• There is the possibility of doing only the Machu Picchu tour.
• The other 3 options allow you to hike the Inca Trails or Qhapac Ñam.
• Beautiful views of Machu Picchu from the top of the Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.
• The route to the Great Cavern of Machu Picchu allows a little explored route and through stretches of lush vegetation.
• It allows panoramic views from another angle.
• You can see part of the mountain range that make up the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
• It will also be possible to contemplate from the top of the mountains, the majestic Vilcanota River.
• The route to the Great Cavern allows you to see more Inca constructions.
• From the Huchuy Picchu Mountain, you can see part of the Intihuatana (there will be a considerable distance).
• Similarly, climbing up to Huayna Picchu allows you to enjoy the famous stairs of death (they are actually quite safe).
• The tour of Machu Picchu is quite easy to do.
• In any of the routes you will make a short tour of Machu Picchu, the route will be through the lower platforms and temples.
• The trails allow you to learn more about the architectural capabilities of the Incas.
• During the tour of Machu Picchu, you can appreciate the Inca constructions such as the Temple of the Condor.
• We are sure that the tickets or routes of Circuit 3 or Route of the Royalty, will be one of the most popular. So you should book well in advance.
• Circuit 3 or Royalty Route, will allow you to know more about Machu Picchu and the Inca Trails.
• It is a very similar option to Circuit 1 or Panoramic Circuit. Although in this case, Circuit 3 allows the tour through routes surrounded by a lot of vegetation.

Agricultural Zone – Machu Picchu Circuit 3

Summary of the main tickets of Machu Picchu’s Circuit 3 or Royal Route

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

As we saw, we found 4 tickets, most of the tickets of this Circuit 3 or Royal Route, did not suffer considerable changes and some of them are maintained to date. In some cases they changed their name and others their availability. Since the change that took place on June 1, 2024, the high season was made official. This season will be extended until October 15. For Circuit 3 or Royalty Route, the ticket of the Great Cavern was added. Let’s learn more about this Circuit and the new availabilities for these new routes.

Questions and answers about Circuit 3

• 1) How long does it take to do Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu?

  The Circuit 3 or Royalty Route of Machu Picchu has different routes. The tour of Machu Picchu inside the Inca citadel has an average duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. This time is independent of the tour to other destinations such as Huayna Picchu.

• 2) Who is Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu recommended for?

  Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu is recommended for older visitors or those with any physical condition. It is a short route and suitable for these cases.

• 3) What tickets are included in Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu?

  The tickets that include the Circuit 3 or Royal Route are 4. Of them, the one that stands out the most for the route and the experience it offers will be the Route to Huayna Picchu. Below are the 4 tickets.

  • Lower Machu Picchu Temples Ticket
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket
  • Ticket Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Big Cavern
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket

• 4) Does Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu include the classic photo?

  No, Circuit 3 or Royalty Route, is one of the options to visit Machu Picchu that allows you to make tours away from the upper platforms. On the route you can find 2 panoramic views, the first one is Huchuy Picchu and the second one is the emblematic Huayna Picchu.

• 5) Does Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu include the visit to the Intihuatana?

  No, actually none of the Circuits will allow access to the carved stone of the Intihuatana. You can only find a distant view, precisely, from the top of Huchuy Picchu. Likewise, during the tour of Machu Picchu you can see the top of the pyramid where the Intihuatana is located. But, it is important to emphasize that visiting the Intihuatana is closed until further notice. This, in all the Circuits.

• 6) Does the Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu include the visit to the Temple of the Sun?

  Circuit 3 or Royal Route in Machu Picchu allows a tour of the lower area. In this sense you can appreciate part of the Temple of the Sun and have a brief tour of the construction of this beautiful temple in the shape of the letter “D”.

• 7) Does Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu include the visit to the Inca House?

  It is not possible to enter the Inca’s House, you can get close to it when you take the detour to the Temple of the Sun. However, it will be possible to make a brief tour of this place.

• 8) Does the Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu include the visit to the Main Temple?

  No, as for the Main Temple, you will be able to appreciate part of the Temple of the 3 Windows. In addition to other constructions. The view will be from the esplanades, more precisely from the roads that connect the esplanades with the other enclosures of the citadel or Inca llaqta.

• 9) Is it dangerous to do Circuit 3 or Royalty Route in Machu Picchu?

  No, it is not dangerous. In its four variations or 4 routes, you can find different routes. All of them are really safe, even the one that can be found on the way to Huayna Picchu that has the denomination of “Stairs of death”, this because they are at high altitude. These sections, to date, are still quite solid.

• 10) ¿El Circuito 3 o Ruta de la Realeza en Machu Picchu incluye la visita al Templo del Cóndor?

  Sí, aunque según disposición tendrá que escoger entre esta opción y el templo de los Espejos de Agua. El horario de visita del Templo del Cóndor es de 10 am a 1 pm.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Paula C.

“On the roads of the Incas“

“Machu Picchu takes your breath away. Not only for the beautiful landscapes but also for its paths and routes up to high mountains like Huayna Picchu. But once at the top you feel full of energy. A place that makes you want to come back a thousand times.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 16, 2024