Machu Picchu authorities have mandated that visits to the Inca city be guided by strict routes. The goal? To reduce the impact of the large influx of visitors to the Inca city and thus protect and preserve the archaeological site for the future. Each visitor will follow a route based on their chosen ticket: the Machu Picchu Solo ticket, the ticket that includes Huayna Picchu Mountain, the ticket that includes Machupicchu Mountain, the ticket that includes Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the ticket that includes Intipunku, the ticket that includes the Great Cavern, the ticket that includes the Inca Bridge, etc.

• Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit)
  • 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)
• Circuit 2 (Classic Circuit)
  • Machu Picchu Classic or Classic Designed Circuit (Route 2A)
  • Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
• Circuit 3 (Royal Circuit)
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (route 3A)
  • Lower Part Temples or Designed Royalty (Route 3B)
  • Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C)
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)
• More information about the new tours in Machu Picchu
• Distribution of capacity by circuit and schedule for 2025
  • Regular Season
  • High Season
• Questions and answers about Machu Picchu tours
• Photo Gallery

Machu Picchu 2025

What is the most recommended circuit and ticket for Machu Picchu?
If you are visiting Machu Picchu for the first time, the best option is definitely to purchase the ‘Classic or Designed Classic Circuit (Route 2A)’ ticket or the ‘Classic or Lower Terrace Circuit (Route 2B)’ ticket, and take Circuit 2. This tour is considered the most comprehensive as it includes visits to the main Inca sites. If you have already visited Machu Picchu before, you can purchase the ‘Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu’ ticket or the optional routes to Intipunku, the Inca Bridge, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, or the Great Cave.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit)

View of Machu Picchu from the Intipunku

Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)

• This tour also allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House area.
• From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca structures: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow you to tour these Inca structures.
• This tour takes a maximum of one hour. Visitors can take all the photos they want from this spectacular viewpoint.
• In addition to this circuit through Machu Picchu, visitors can access the circuit through the Machu Picchu mountain , which leads to the highest part of the Inca city (the mountain is at 3,083 meters above sea level).
• The visit time to Machu Picchu Mountain, for the round trip, is approximately 4 hours.
• This tour of Machu Picchu Mountain is only open to visitors over 18 years of age.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route

Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B)

• The basic ticket to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House area.
• This ticket allows you to appreciate the complex archaeological site from a great vantage point: the Guardian’s House lookout. From there, in the distance, you can see structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow you to tour these Inca structures.
• This tour takes a maximum of 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Visitors can take all the photos they want from this spectacular viewpoint.
• Does not include any additional walking.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)

• This tour also allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House viewpoint. To get there, you must take a walk up stone steps that takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the visitor’s physical condition.
• From the Guardian’s House viewpoint, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca structures: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow you to tour these Inca structures.
• This tour takes a maximum of one hour. During this time, visitors can take all the photos they want from this spectacular viewpoint.
• In addition to this circuit through Machu Picchu, visitors can access the circuit through the Intipunku (Sun Gate), which leads to the original entrance gate to Machu Picchu in the Inca era (located at 3,745 meters above sea level).
• This circuit is closed during the low season (from October 16 to May 31).
• The round trip to Intipunku takes approximately 3 hours.
• This tour of Intipunku is open to visitors of all ages.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-C: Intipunku Cover Route (available only during High Season)

Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D)

• This circuit also allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House area. This route through the archaeological site is called “Circuit 1.”
• From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca buildings: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow access to the urban and religious areas for a closer look at these buildings.
• This tour takes a maximum of two hours to complete. Visitors can take all the photos they want from this spectacular viewpoint.
• In addition to this Machu Picchu tour, visitors can access the circuit via the Inca Bridge, which leads to the eastern edge of the Inca city, where the gateway to the Amazon is located.
• The round trip to the Inca Bridge is only approximately 1 hour.
• This circuit is closed during the low season (from October 16 to May 31).
• This tour of the Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is only open to visitors over 18 years of age.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only during High Season)

Circuit 2 (Classic Circuit)

Classic Photo of Machu Picchu

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

• This circuit also allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu, but from a platform below the Guardian’s House. This route through the archaeological site is called “Circuit 2.”
• After capturing the best photos, the route continues through the urban and religious sectors of Machu Picchu. Visitors will have the opportunity to see: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector.
• This tour takes a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. It is the most recommended and comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu.
• This ticket does not include any additional hikes to the Machu Picchu mountains.
• The circuit is open to people of all ages.

Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) – Route 2-A: Designed route

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

• This circuit is a slight variation on the “Complete Classic Circuit.” It’s a somewhat shorter route but also offers the opportunity to capture the classic photo of Machu Picchu (from a lower terrace).
• After capturing the best photos, the route continues to the urban and religious sector of Machu Picchu. There, tourists can tour the main Inca temples and stone precincts: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector.
• This tour takes a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is the most recommended and comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu (which is why this ticket must be purchased online 3 or 4 months in advance).
• This ticket does not include any additional hikes to the Machu Picchu mountains.
• The circuit is open to people of all ages.

Circuit 2 (Classic Machupicchu) – Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

Circuit 3 (Royal Circuit)

View of the Great Cavern

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (route 3A)

• This tour visits the granite buildings built for Inca royalty. These are located in the lower part of Machu Picchu. In the agricultural sector, the ticket allows a photo similar to the classic image taken in the Guardian’s House area (not included).
• In addition to this photo opportunity in the agricultural sector, the tour includes a visit to the lower part of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, with buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates building, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
• This Machu Picchu circuit tour takes approximately one hour. Visitors can also hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu , which takes a maximum of three hours. Admission to this mountain is only permitted for visitors over 18 years of age.
• This ticket and tour must be purchased online at least three to three months in advance.

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route

Lower Part Temples or Designed Royalty (Route 3B)

• As its name suggests, this tour visits the royal buildings located in the lower part of the Inca city. The tour includes a beautiful photo of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector (lower part of the archaeological site).
• After capturing the best photos, the route continues to the religious sector of Machu Picchu. There, tourists can tour the main Inca temples and precincts built for royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates building, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
• This tour takes a maximum of 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. It does not include additional hiking to any mountain. Tickets must be purchased online one or two months in advance.
• The circuit is open to people of all ages.

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-B: Designed route

Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C)

• This tour visits the Inca structures located in the lower part of Machu Picchu (the religious or royal area). During the tour, visitors will be able to see Inca buildings such as the agricultural area, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the building of the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor (or the Water Mirrors), and the Water Fountains.
• In the agricultural sector, tourists can take a very beautiful photograph, resembling a classic postcard photo (in the Guardian’s House sector) but from the lower part of the archaeological site.
• This tour also includes a visit to the Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cavern . The hiking route to this mysterious structure is located within Huayna Picchu Mountain and takes a maximum of four hours from the entrance to the trailhead.
• Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu takes an average of one hour. Access to the Great Cave is open to visitors over 18 years of age. However, the route is only open during the peak tourist season (June 1 to October 15).
• This ticket and tour must be purchased online 1 to 3 months in advance.

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-C: Great Cave Route (available only during High Season)

Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)

• This tour includes a visit to the buildings in the lower part of Machu Picchu, the so-called religious sector, with buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates building, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
• It does not include a visit to the Guardian’s House area, but it does include a visit to the agricultural sector where you can take photos very similar to the classic postcard photo (but from the lower part of the archaeological site).
• The tour of Machu Picchu Circuit 3 takes 1 hour 30 minutes maximum.
• This Machu Picchu circuit tour takes approximately one hour. Visitors can also hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu , which takes just one hour. Admission to this mountain is restricted to those over 18 years of age. The summit is at 2,497 meters above sea level.
• This ticket and tour must be purchased online 1 or 2 months in advance.
• Like the route to the Inca Bridge, Intipunku, and Huayna Picchu, this hiking route is only open during the peak tourist season (June 1 to October 15).

Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in High Season)

More information about the new tours in Machu Picchu

• The purpose of the circuits is to better organize visitor traffic within Machu Picchu, thereby properly distributing visitors and protecting the archaeological site’s structures for the future.
• All tickets have the same price. Machu Picchu tours must be followed from start to finish. Admission to Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Inca Bridge, and Huchuy Picchu is open to those over 18 years of age.
• The Machu Picchu ticket with Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu ticket with Montaña have the same cost (higher than the other three tickets).
• The circuits are mandatory and must be followed in the company of a professional tour guide (optional). Backtracking is not permitted during the route.

Distribution of capacity by circuit and schedule for 2025

Regular Season

Total: 4500 visitors

High Season

Total: 5600 visitors

Equivalences of tourist visit circuits

Questions and answers about Machu Picchu tours

• 1) What is circuit 1 like in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 1 allows you to explore the upper reaches of Machu Picchu and get the classic photo from the Guardian’s House area. Then, if it doesn’t include a mountain or hiking trail, you must take the descending path out.

• 2) What is circuit 2 like in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 2 offers the most comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu. It includes Inca sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Sacred Rock, and more. This is the most popular circuit. It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• 3) What is circuit 3 like in Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 3 allows you to tour the core area of ​​the lower part of Machu Picchu. It includes visits to Inca structures such as the House of the Inka, the Temple of the Sun, the building of the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor, and the agricultural area. It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is recommended for seniors.

• 4) What is circuit 4 like in Machu Picchu?

  Due to changes made in 2024, no Machu Picchu 4-day tour is offered.

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

  Circuit 2 is considered the best of Machu Picchu, as it offers a more comprehensive tour of the Inca citadel’s structures. It includes the classic photo op!

• 6) Which circuit allows you to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu?

  Circuits 1 and 2 allow for the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House.

• 7) What circuit allows you to climb Huayna Picchu mountain?

  The ‘Machu Picchu Circuit + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)’ ticket is the only one that allows you to climb the famous mountain. This ticket allows you to take the third circuit, which includes lower elevation buildings such as the Casa del Inca.

• 8) Which Machu Picchu circuit should you choose for seniors?

  Seniors in good physical condition can easily complete Circuit 2. If they are unable to do so, Circuit 3 is the best option. For seniors in poor physical condition, they can choose Circuit 3 and sit on one of the benches that allow you to admire Machu Picchu from the lower level.

• 9) Which Machu Picchu circuit should I choose for children?

  Children can complete any of the circuits. Circuit 2 is the most recommended.

• 10) How long does it take to complete all of Machu Picchu?

  Circuit 2 is the most comprehensive tour Machu Picchu has to offer. It takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, taking it slowly and enjoying the journey.

Photo Gallery

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Lina F.

“Everything in Machu Picchu is beautiful“

“I am 21 years old, and I did not choose a better place to start crossing off my bucket list, it is incredible, wonderful and other adjectives that can describe a fantastic place wherever you see it; but it's not just the buildings, it's everything, the place they chose for it, the way to get there and the energy that can be felt. It is literal, you can feel energy in Machu Picchu. It is my dream come true; although I will return to enter the Inca trail.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 19, 2025