NEW MACHU PICCHU CIRCUITS
On May 15th, 2024 Machu Picchu authorities established that the visit to the Inca Citadel will be carried out by strict Circuits. What’s the purpose? It seeks to protect and preserve the new seven of the world for the future. Each visitor has to follow a circuit according to the ticket they bought: At the moment when you enter the official Machu Picchu ticket website: tuboleto.cultura.pe you will find 3 circuits and those circuits are divided in 10 routes. Those circuits will work from June 01st to September 30th, 2024. Below we will explain in detail.
We clearly understand the new circuits are confusing. At AB Expeditions, we will organize your trip to Machu Picchu with the best circuit. Check Out our tours, Machu Picchu 1 day tour, and Sacred Valley & Machu picchu 2 Days.
Table of Contents
Circuit 01 – Panoramic Circuits
Circuit #1 is divided into 4 distinct routes, none of which provide access to the ancient city itself. These routes are intended for visitors seeking panoramic views from the upper terraces of the site. All four routes on Circuit #1 include access to these upper levels, offering the best panoramic views of the site. Additionally, three of these routes offer the opportunity to either hike to the Inka Bridge, hike up to the Sungate (approximately 1 hour up and 45 minutes down), or hike up Machu Picchu Mountain (approximately 2 hours up and 1 hour down).
1.- Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route
After entering the Checkpoint, you hike to the upper sector where is located in the ranger house. From there, you need to hike to Machu Picchu Mountain which takes 3 hours round trip. Once you come back you will Access to the upper terrace where you will take your classic picture of Machu Picchu citadel. Then you will come down to exist Machu Picchu.
Things to know
- With this ticket, you don’t have access the guardhouse because it is not in the circuit.
- On this circuit, you will find 2 strategic places to take a panoramic picture of Mapi. The first one, you will find before entering to the upper terrace which is quite similar to the poscard picture, and the second, one you will take from the upper terrace.
- You won’t access the urban sector with this ticket.
- To complete this circuit. It takes 4 hours roughly.
- This circuit is mostly for people who love hiking.
2.- Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route
After entering the Checkpoint, you hike to the upper sector where is located in the ranger house. From there, you need to walk to the upper terrace where you will take your panoramic. Then you will come down to exist Machu Picchu.
Things to know
- With this ticket, you don’t have access the guardhouse because it is not in the circuit.
- On this circuit, you will find 2 strategic places to take a panoramic picture of Mapi. The first one, you will find before entering to the upper terrace which is quite similar to the poscard picture area, and the second, one you will take from the upper terrace.
- You won’t access the urban sector with this ticket.
- To complete this circuit. It takes 1 hour roughly.
- This circuit is only to take the panoramic picture.
- Booking this circuit, you don’t have any extra hikes and you won’t see any Inca Trail site.
- This circuit is very short.
- It is not worth it, because you will pay 152 soles($45) only to take the panoramic picture.
3.- Route 1-C: Sun Gate Route
After entering the Checkpoint, you hike to the upper sector where is located in the ranger house. From there, you need to hike to Sun Gate which take 2 hours round trip. Once you come back you will Access the upper terrace where you will take your classic picture of Machu Picchu citadel. Then you will come down to exist Machu Picchu.
Things to know
- With this ticket, you don’t have access to the guardhouse because it is not in the circuit.
- On this circuit, you will find 2 strategic places to take a panoramic picture of Mapi. The first one, you will find before entering to the upper terrace which is quite similar to the poscard picture area, and the second one you will take from the upper terrace.
- You won’t be able to access the urban sector with this ticket.
- To complete this circuit. It takes roughly 3 hours.
- This circuit is good for families because the Trail is a gradual ascent and wide.
- Hiking this circuit, you will encounter people who hike the Inca Trail for 4 days.
- This circuit is closed in the low season (from October 16th to May 31st).
- This circuit is open to visitors of all ages.
4.- Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route
After entering the Checkpoint, you hike to the upper sector where is located in the ranger house. From there, you need to hike to Inca Bridge which take 1 hours round trip. Once you come back you will Access the upper terrace where you will take your panoramic picture of Machu Picchu citadel. Then you will come down to exist Machu Picchu.
Things to know
- With this ticket, you don’t have access to the guardhouse because it is not in the circuit.
- On this circuit, you will find 2 strategic places to take a panoramic picture of Mapi. The first one, you will find before entering to the upper terrace which is quite similar to the poscard picture area, and the second one you will take from the upper terrace.
- You won’t be able to access the urban sector with this ticket.
- To complete this circuit. It takes roughly 2 hours.
- This circuit is open from June 01st to October 15th.
Circuit 02 – Classic Route
Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu, commonly referred to as the “Classic Route” or “Citadel Circuit,” is the most comprehensive and popular option for visitors exploring Machu Picchu. This circuit is ideal for capturing the iconic postcard photograph of the citadel while also offering an extensive tour through many of its most important sectors.
During this route, visitors are able to explore the majority of the archaeological complex, moving through both the upper and lower sections of the site. The path includes several of the most significant temples, terraces, and residential areas that illustrate the sophisticated urban planning of the Inca civilization. Because of the breadth of the route and the number of key locations included, the visit typically takes approximately two and a half hours to complete.
Tickets for this circuit are generally available under two variations: Circuit 2A (Classic Route) and Circuit 2B (Lower Terrace Route). Each option follows a slightly different path while still providing a thorough experience of the citadel. Below, you will find a description of each route.
1.- Route 2-A: The Classic Designed Route
Circuit 2 Route 2-A, also known as the Classic Designed Route (Ruta Clásica Diseñada in Spanish), is widely considered the most complete way to experience the Machu Picchu citadel, particularly for first-time visitors. This route combines the iconic panoramic viewpoints with an in-depth exploration of the citadel’s most important urban and ceremonial structures, allowing visitors to appreciate both the architectural complexity and the historical significance of this remarkable Inca site.
Below, you will find a map that will help you better understand the route and the areas included in this circuit.
2.- Route 2-B: The Lower Terrace Route
Circuit 2 (Route 2B), also known as the Lower Terrace Route (Ruta Terraza Inferior in Spanish), is one of the most popular and sought-after tickets for visiting the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. This circuit offers one of the most complete ways to explore the Inca citadel. It is designed for visitors who wish to enjoy the classic postcard view of Machu Picchu while also experiencing a detailed tour of the main archaeological sectors of the site.
Below, you will find a map that will help you better understand the route and the areas included in this circuit.
Circuit 03 – Royalty Circuits
Circuit #3 is divided into 4 distinct routes, none of which provide access to the upper terrace to take the classic Picture. These routes are intended for visitors seeking to visit the main city. All four routes on Circuit #3 include access to these lower levels of the Citadel. Additionally, three of these routes offer the opportunity to either hike to the Gran Cavern, hike up to Huayna Picchu(approximately 1 hour up and 45 minutes down), or hike up Huchuy Picchu (approximately 20 minutes up and 15 minutes down).
1.- Route 3-A – Huayna Picchu Mountain Route
You will access the lower part of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you will visit the Sun Temple of Sun, The house of the Inca, and sacred rock then you will hike to Huayna Picchu which will take 2 hours. Once you finish the hike, you will still visit the house of the chosen woman, the wáter mirror, the temple of the condor, and the storehouse then you will exit Machu Picchu.
Things to know
- With this route, you dont have Access to the poscard picture of Machu Picchu because you visit the lower part of Machu Picchu.
- You will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
- You will have a picture of Machu Picchu from the top of Huayna Picchu from a different angle.
- It takes 4 hours to complete the whole circuit.
- Access to this mountain is permitted only for visitors who are over the age of 18.
- You need to buy this ticket at least 3 months in advance because they run out quickly.
2.- Route 3-B: Royalty Route
You will access the lower part of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you will visit the Sun Temple of Sun, The house of the Inca, the house of the chosen woman, the wáter mirror, the temple of the condor, and the storehouse then you will exit Machu Picchu.
Things to know
- People who hike Inca Trail 4-day trek, and Inca Trail 2-day trek follow The Royalty Route.
- You will visit the royal área of Machu Picchu.
- With this route, you don’t have access to the postcard picture of Machu Picchu because you visit the lower part of Machu Picchu.
- You will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
- You will have a picture of Machu Picchu from the top of Huayna Picchu from a different angle.
- It takes 2 hours to complete the whole circuit.
3.- Route 3-C: La Caverna Route
You will access the lower part of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you will visit the Sun Temple of Sun, The house of the Inca, and sacred rocks then you will hike to la Caverna which will take 2 hours. Once you finish the hike, you will still visit the house of the chosen woman, the wáter mirror, the temple of the condor, and the storehouse, and then you will exit Machu Picchu.
Things to know
- With this route, you don’t have access to the postcard picture of Machu Picchu because you visit the lower part of Machu Picchu.
- You will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
- It takes 4 hours to complete the whole circuit.
- this route is open only during the high season (from June 01st to October 15th).
4.- Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route
You will access the lower part of Machu Picchu. Following this route, you will visit the Sun Temple of Sun, The house of the Inca, and sacred rocks then you will hike to Huchuy Picchu which will take 1 hour. Once you finish the hike, you will still visit the house of the chosen woman, the wáter mirror, the temple of the condor, and the storehouse, and then you will exit Machu Picchu.
Things to know
- With this route, you don’t have access to the postcard picture of Machu Picchu because you visit the lower part of Machu Picchu.
- You will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
- You will have a picture of Machu Picchu from the top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain from a different angle.
- It takes 3 hours to complete the whole route.
- This route is open in high season from June 01st to October 15th.
Frequent Asked Questions About The Machu Picchu Circuits
Which Circuit Is Best For Machu Picchu?
Circuit 02 is the best circuit for taking the classic photo of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu in the background. It offers the most beautiful views. You will also visit most of the sites (except the Temple of the Sun). It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the circuit.
How Much Is The Circuit 2 Machu Picchu Ticket?
The price for this entry is 152.00 Peruvian soles (equivalent to US $45.00) for adults. Students can get a reduced rate by showing their student ID, then it’s 77.00 Peruvian soles (about US $23.00).”
Which Machu Picchu Circuit Is Best For Kids?
Circuit 02 is best for visiting Machu Picchu with kids because you will be able to take the classic Picchu of Machu Picchu with your kids. If your kids are tired, they don’t need to complete the full circuit, you can take the short cut and finish visiting Mapi quickly. Every circuit has stairs so there is no specific circuit that we can recommend for your kids.
How Long Does It Take To Do Machu Picchu Circuit 2?
Circuit 2 will require about 3 to 4 hours to complete, covering both the upper and lower sections of the route. This is the circuit purchased by Expeditions for their customers.
How Many Circuits Does Machu Picchu Have?
Machu Picchu is organized into three main circuits, and these circuits are further divided into ten different routes.
Which Circuit Is Huayna Picchu In?
Actually, Huayna Picchu Mountain is part of Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu
My name is Abel, and I am the co-founder of AB Expeditions, a local travel company based in Cusco. I was born in Chinchero, in the community of Chusso. My journey began working as a farmer, then later as a porter on the Inca Trail. After that, I studied to become a tour guide, learned English, and spent 20 years guiding different treks around the Cusco region.
Over the years, I began writing blogs about the treks I’ve done and sharing useful tips about traveling in Cusco. Eventually, I founded AB Expeditions to offer authentic travel experiences with a strong commitment to supporting local communities and creating unforgettable adventures for our guests.
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