To choose the best option, you should know that there are 10 types of Machu Picchu entrance tickets divided into three tourist circuits. These offer tours with different perspectives of the archaeological site. Circuit 1 allows a route through the upper part to the Guardian’s House viewpoint. Circuit 2 allows a route through the religious and urban sector of the Inca citadel, the most classic route. Circuit 3 offers a route through royal temples in the lower part of the Inca site, along with the mountains. There is definitely no single circuit that can be the best, but the ones that offer the most immersive experiences are Circuits 2 and 3, each with different perspectives. Discover why they are your best option and be amazed by each of the available routes. Learn more!

• The new rules in Machu Picchu
• The new tickets in Machu Picchu
• The three tourist circuits in Machu Picchu
• Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu
• Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu
• Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu
• What is the best tourist circuit in Machu Picchu?
• Map of the circuit 2 in Machu Picchu
• Differences between the three circuits in Machu Picchu
• Questions and answers about the best touristic circuit in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Inca Citadel

The ideal circuit for seniors and visitors in wheelchairs
Circuit 3, called the royal circuit, is ideal for the elderly and wheelchair users because the route is on flatter sections where you do not go up and down stone steps, as in circuits 1 and 2. Circuit 3 offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector. It also allows you to visit famous Inca constructions such as the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, the water fountains and more. This is one of the best options for a comfortable but interesting trip to Machu Picchu.

The new rules in Machu Picchu

Since 2024, new circuits and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu have been implemented. These rules seek to improve the distribution of visitors to the Inca citadel and, in this way, avoid future collapse and deterioration of the archaeological site.

The new Machu Picchu entrance tickets offer tours along Circuit 1, Circuit 2, or Circuit 3. There are also tickets that add adventure to these routes, such as the hike to the Huayna Picchu Mountains, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, or Machu Picchu Mountain. There are also other routes to mysterious Inca structures, such as the Intipunku, the Inca Bridge, or the Temple of the Moon (Great Cave).

The new rules at Machu Picchu state that the new entry times are strict. A maximum delay of 30 minutes is allowed (45 minutes during peak tourist season from June 19 to November 2). Re-entry into the Inca city is not permitted. After the tourist route, the visit ends.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person in Cusco. The first option is definitely the most recommended, as it allows you to reserve your trip well in advance. Our website allows you to purchase tickets from anywhere in the world. It is recommended to book two to three months in advance, as all tickets have limited availability.

Tickets can also be purchased in person in the town of Aguas Calientes (1,000 tickets available for in-person purchase). However, also due to high visitor demand, tickets must be purchased one day in advance, and there is a risk of availability.

Tourists finishing the tour in the Inca Citadel

The new tickets in Machu Picchu

These are the new entrance tickets to Machu Picchu:

• Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A) – Circuit 1 / 2 entry times / available all year round and for those over 18 years old.
• Machu Picchu Classic Photo Ticket Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Superior Terrace (Route 1B) – Circuit 1 / 10 entry times / available all year round and for all ages.
• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Route 1C) – Circuit 1 / 4 entry times / available from June 19 to November 2 and for all ages.
• Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge Ticket (Route 1D) – Circuit 1 / 4 entry times / available from June 19 to November 2 and for those over 18 years old.
• Machu Picchu Classic or Designed Classic Circuit Ticket (Route 2A) – Circuit 2 / 10 entry times / available all year round and for all ages.
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B) – Circuit 2 / 10 entry times / available all year round and for all ages.
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu or Waynapicchu Mountain (Route 3A) – Circuit 3 / 2 entry times / available all year round and for those over 18 years old.
• Machu Picchu Lower Temples or Designed Royalty Ticket (Route 3B) – Circuit 3 / 10 entry times / available all year round and for all ages.
• Machu Picchu Ticket + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C) – Circuit 3 / 2 entry times / available from June 19 to November 2 and for those over 18 years old.
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket (Route 3D) – Circuit 3 / 2 entry times / available from June 19 to November 2 and for those over 18 years old.

The three tourist circuits in Machu Picchu

These are the three tourist circuits in the visit to Machu Picchu:

• Circuit 1 – Panoramic route / Includes Guardian’s House / Visiting time approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes / Recommended for all people.
• Circuit 2 – Classic route / Includes temple of the sun, main temple, temple of the 3 windows, sacred rock, water mirrors, sacred fountains, agricultural sector / Visiting time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes / Recommended for all people.
• Circuit 3 – Route of the royalty / Includes agricultural zone, royal tomb, temple of the sun, house of the Inca, three gates, temple of the condor, sacred fountains / Visit time of approximately 2 hours / Recommended for all people including seniors.

Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu

Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu offers a shorter route compared to Circuits 2 and 3. However, it has the advantage of offering the best views (photographs) of the Inca citadel. It includes the ascent up the stone steps to reach the Guardian’s House, also known as the Watchman’s House. From this point, you have the best panorama of the archaeological site and its Inca buildings. It is also where you can take the classic photos of your visit to Machu Picchu. The maximum allowed visit time is two hours from the moment of entry; however, the circuit can be completed in one hour and 30 minutes or less.

Upper terrace – Panoramic view of Machu Picchu

Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu

Route 2 of the archaeological site allows you to see the most famous Inca structures, such as the Guardian’s House (classic photo), the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Hall of Mirrors, the sacred fountains, and the agricultural area. It offers an average visit time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the best photo ops during the tour of the Inca citadel. This is the most popular tour for tourists visiting Machu Picchu. Tickets must be purchased with two types of tickets: a) the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed (Route 2A) and b) the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B).

Classic photo from the lower terrace of Machu Picchu

Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu

Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu is called the royal circuit because it offers a visit to the main royal precincts in the lower part of the Inca city. Visit Inca structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Rock, and more. Circuit 3 also offers a beautiful photo of Machu Picchu, but from the lower part, that is, from the agricultural sector. Circuit 3 takes two hours or more to complete. This tour is suitable for visitors of all ages, including children and seniors.

Constructions in the lower part of Machu Picchu

What is the best tourist circuit in Machu Picchu?

Your experience at Machu Picchu will depend on the views you want to see. If you’re looking for a simple tour with classic views, Circuit 2 is definitely your best option for your visit to Machu Picchu. Circuit 3 also allows you to see a more distant view, offering views from Machu Picchu’s most iconic mountains, such as Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu. Here are some reasons to choose Circuit 2:

• It allows the classic postcard photo from the Guardian’s House sector.
• It allows you to visit important Inca temples, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sacred Rock.
• It offers a visit to the agricultural sector, a space where llamas often graze (one of the best photographs in Machu Picchu).
• Allows for a longer tour of Machu Picchu. The circuit can be completed in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• The circuit is suitable for visitors of all ages, including older adults in reasonable physical condition.

Tourists and llamas in the agricultural sector

Map of the circuit 2 in Machu Picchu

Map of Machu Picchu Circuit 2

Differences between the three circuits in Machu Picchu

These are the differences between the three Machu Picchu tours:

Questions and answers about the best touristic circuit in Machu Picchu

• 1) What is the best circuit in Machu Picchu?

  Circuits 2 and 3 are considered the best for your visit to Machu Picchu, offering unforgettable experiences and the best photos of the site.

• 2) What is the worst circuit in Machu Picchu?

  All Machu Picchu tours offer different views, depending on the type of experience you want during your visit to the Inca citadel.

• 3) What is the advantage of Machu Picchu circuit 2?

  This circuit allows the classic photo of Machu Picchu and the almost complete tour of the main temples and Inca constructions.

• 4) What is the disadvantage of Machu Picchu circuit 2?

  This circuit does not offer visits to royal temples, such as the Royal Tomb, the House of the Inca or the Temple of the Condor.

• 5) Does circuit 2 include the classic photo of Machu Picchu?

  Yes, this circuit offers this famous photo from a few meters below the Guardian House.

• 6) Does circuit 2 offer the visit to the Main Temple of Machu Picchu?

  Yes, this famous Inca construction is included in Machu Picchu circuit 2.

• 7) How long does it take to complete Machu Picchu Circuit 2?

  Circuit 2 takes 2 hours and 30 minutes approximately.

• 8) Is circuit 2 suitable for older adults?

  Yes, this circuit through Machu Picchu is suitable for older adults in acceptable physical condition. Older adults in poor mobility can choose to do Machupicchu circuit 3.

• 9) Does circuit 2 include a visit to the Sacred Rock?

  Yes, this famous Inca construction is included in Machu Picchu circuit 2.

• 10) Does circuit 2 include a visit to the Intihuatana?

  No, the Intihuatana is closed to the public.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Raúl V.

“Visit Machu Picchu as a couple“

“Together with my boyfriend we went to Machu Picchu and we left with a great feeling. We got beautiful pictures and made many friends along the way. We will come back yes or yes, we want to go with the Inca Trail.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 24, 2025