tickets and rules
Machu Picchu Circuits Explained: Which One Should You Choose?
Machu Picchu's 3 circuits and 10 routes explained: what each one shows, which has the postcard view, and which to choose for your visit.
Since June 2024, every Machu Picchu ticket is for one of three circuits, divided into 10 routes. Circuit 1 shows the citadel from above, Circuit 2 combines the classic postcard view with the main temples, and Circuit 3 covers the lower sector and the Huayna Picchu routes. For a first visit, Circuit 2 is the most complete.
The three circuits
| Circuit | Name | Routes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panoramic | 1A Machu Picchu Mountain (includes 1B) · 1B Upper terrace · 1C Sun Gate · 1D Inca Bridge | Views from above, hikers, Inca Trail arrivals |
| 2 | Classic | 2A Classic route · 2B Lower terrace | First-time visitors who want the postcard view and the main temples |
| 3 | Royalty | 3A Huayna Picchu · 3B Royalty route · 3C Temple of the Moon (Great Cavern) · 3D Huchuy Picchu | The royal sector, temples and the Huayna Picchu climb |
Every route explained
Circuit 1 · Panoramic
- 1A Machu Picchu Mountain (up to 7 hours): the hike to the 3,082 m summit, plus the upper terrace route (1B). Two entry times, 7 am and 9 am, for 400 people a day. Read our Machu Picchu Mountain guide.
- 1B Upper terrace (2 h 30 min): the classic postcard view from the upper terraces and the guardhouse area, without walking through the lower city. Good for photos when Circuit 2 is sold out.
- 1C Sun Gate (4 hours, high season): the walk up the last stretch of the Inca Trail to the Inti Punku, the old entrance to the city, with views down the whole site. Inca Trail hikers arrive on this route.
- 1D Inca Bridge (3 hours, high season): a short, level trail along a cliff to a section of Inca path with a gap once crossed by a removable wooden bridge.
Circuit 2 · Classic
- 2A Classic route (2 h 30 min): the most complete visit. It starts at the upper viewpoint with the postcard view and continues down through the city, its temples, plazas and houses. Our first choice for first-time visitors.
- 2B Lower terrace (2 h 30 min): a similar walk through the city, starting from the lower terraces, with a lower version of the classic view.
Circuit 3 · Royalty
- 3A Huayna Picchu (up to 6 hours): the climb up the steep peak behind the citadel, plus the Royalty route (3B). Entry at 7 am or 10 am, for 200 people a day. Read our Huayna Picchu guide.
- 3B Royalty route (2 h 30 min): the lower sector, with royal and ceremonial buildings such as the Temple of the Condor, the royal residences and the Sacred Rock. It has fewer climbs, which suits visitors with limited mobility.
- 3C Temple of the Moon (high season): a longer trail to the Great Cavern, a cave temple on the back of Huayna Picchu.
- 3D Huchuy Picchu: a short climb to the small peak in front of Huayna Picchu, with a close view of the city.
How the circuits work
- Each route has a fixed entry time and runs in one direction only.
- You cannot switch circuits or re-enter on the same ticket. To see two circuits, you need two tickets.
- Some tickets cover two routes in practice: Machu Picchu Mountain (1A) includes the upper terrace route (1B), and Huayna Picchu (3A) is sold together with the Royalty route (3B).
- Each route has a maximum visit time, from 2 h 30 min to 7 hours.
- Some routes (1C, 1D and 3C) run only in high season.
Which circuit should you choose?
- First visit: Circuit 2 (route 2A), which includes the classic viewpoint and the main temples.
- The best photos from above: route 1B, or 1A with the Machu Picchu Mountain hike.
- A climb: route 3A, Huayna Picchu, the steep peak behind the citadel.
- Limited mobility or less walking: route 3B.
- Arriving on the Inca Trail: hikers enter through the Sun Gate on Circuit 1 and then take a guided tour on Circuit 3 (route 3B).
- A second visit: combine two different circuits, for example 2A one day and 3B or a mountain the next.
Booking the right circuit
Circuit 2 sells out first, especially from June to October, so book as early as you can. If it is sold out, route 1B gives you the classic view and 3B the royal sector. When you book with us, we tell you the circuit, route and entry time in your quote, before you pay. See our Machu Picchu tickets guide, or the Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour, which makes it easy to combine two routes.
Tours to link
Plan this with a local team
Private train tour
Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco
See Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco with private transport and guide, train, shuttle bus and entrance ticket included. Ask our local team for a quote.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, ticket and guide included, subject to availability. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu Tour Guide
Hire a licensed Machu Picchu tour guide: shared or private, guide only or with your entry ticket and bus. Book with a local Cusco operator.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Which circuit has the famous postcard view?
Circuit 2 (route 2A) and the upper routes of Circuit 1.
Can I choose my circuit when I book a tour?
Yes, subject to availability. We tell you the exact circuit and entry time in your quote, before you pay.
Is Circuit 2 always available?
No. It sells out first in high season, so book early.
Can I visit two circuits?
Only with two tickets. Each ticket covers one route, and you cannot re-enter after leaving.
Which route is easiest for people with limited mobility?
Route 3B, the Royalty route, covers the lower sector with fewer climbs. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will advise.