Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca citadel in the world, has recently introduced new tourist circuits to improve the visitor experience and better manage the flow of tourists. These new circuits, implemented as of June 1, 2024, group together several visiting routes that allow visitors to explore different aspects of this historic wonder in a more organized and efficient manner.
Machu Picchu and its different Circuits
Machu Picchu has simplified its system to three main circuits:
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) View Map
- Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route is availability All year. View Map.
- Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route is availability All year. View Map.
- Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway Route is available only in high season (From June 1 to October 15). View Map.
- Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route is available only in high season (From June 1 to October 15). View Map.
Circuit 2 (Classic Machupicchu) View Map
- Route 2-A: Designed Route is availability All year. View Map.
- Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route is availability All year. View Map.
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) View Map
- Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route is availability All year. View Map.
- Route 3-B: Designed Route is availability All year. View Map.
- Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route is available only in high season (From June 1 to October 15). View Map.
- Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route is available only in high season (From June 1 to October 15). View Map.
New Machu Picchu Circuits to Visit 2024
Do you want to know about the new circuits for Machu Picchu? Get your bags ready! In this blog, we tell you everything you need to know to have the best trip to Machu Picchu and choose the right Machu Picchu circuit for you.
The regional authorities of the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, have established new circuits to visit the Inca citadel. These three circuits to Machu Picchu have been specially elaborated to improve the order of local and international visits and the tourist experience of the place and above all, to ensure its preservation in the future.
Currently, Machu Picchu is the number one attraction in South America and its new visiting arrangements allow the legacy of the Incas in Peru to prevail in this position. The new circuits to Machu Picchu, in addition, include more complete routes to make the most of everything it has to offer during your visit.
First of all, remember that from 2024 the circuits will be available seasonally, which means that you should check and take into account whether your visit is during the high season months in Machu Picchu, or during the low season. Also, you will be able to visit only what is included in your ticket purchase.
Circuit 1 to Machu Picchu:
This is also known as the Panoramic Circuit to Machu Picchu, as it is designed to help you fulfill your dream of seeing the highlights of the highest part of the Inca’s wonder in a single visit. Besides, it is perfect if you are one of those travelers who want to immortalize the moment by taking a panoramic selfie with the incredible view of the citadel and its famous imposing mountains in the background. Do you want to experience something like this? Read on to learn more about this route.
Circuit 1 to Machu Picchu, allows you to visit the high areas of the Inca citadel, where you will find the upper platform where you will be able to take the aforementioned pictures. The main attractions of this tour are the upper platforms and viewpoints, from where you can appreciate unforgettable views of Machu Picchu. This first circuit is perfect if you are looking for an experience of visual appreciation during your visit because it allows you to visit the upper platforms: House of the Guardian, upper platforms, the Inti Punku, and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Routes of Circuit 1 to Machu Picchu:
Depending on the ticket you purchase according to your interests, there are four routes you can take on this circuit:
- Ticket for the classic photo of Machu Picchu: The climb to the main viewpoint of the Guardian’s House lasts approximately 10 minutes. Once there, you will be able to appreciate the majesty of the citadel in its entirety, in addition to not having to make much physical effort. This is one of the shortest and safest routes, perfect for travelers with children or older adults.
- Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket: This circuit is very similar to the previous one, with the difference of including access to Machu Picchu Mountain, which allows you to enjoy a pleasant panoramic view of the place. It is important to keep in mind that this route is longer and the path is steeper, so it is recommended for travelers who tolerate hiking. In addition to Machu Picchu Mountain, you will be able to enjoy access to the upper platforms and of course, the postcard photo.
- Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket: Within the first circuit to Machu Picchu, this ticket is one of the most recommended. In addition to the access to the classic viewpoints at the top of the Inca complex, you can access the path to Inti Punku, which you can access after a 20 to 30-minute walk. This place is dazzling and considered the true entrance to Machu Picchu.
You should keep in mind: This ticket for tour 3 will only be available during the high season and is only suitable for those over 18 years of age.
- Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket: If you love vegetation and different experiences, you will like this tour. This route is the shortest within Circuit 1 and will allow you to take a short walk to the Inca bridge, which is a narrow path that is believed to have been used as an access route to the Cusco jungle.
Please note: This route will be available from June 1 to October 15, 2024, it is considered a high season route. In addition, it is only allowed for people over 18 years of age.
Circuit 2 to Machu Picchu:
This is also known as the Classic Circuit to Machu Picchu. The main difference with the first one is that when you purchase it you can also get the postcard photo, but with a different view from a lower platform. Likewise, your tour also includes a visit to the main archaeological sites, which definitely offers you a deeper and more significant knowledge and is perfect to enjoy a calm, complete experience with little physical effort in its two available itineraries.
Likewise, Circuit 2 to Machu Picchu includes the most complete routes and the greatest number of attractions in a 2-and-a-half-hour visit. In this one, you will be able to see the temples of the sun, the three windows, and the main temple. In addition, the sacred rock, the mirrors and water fountains, and the agricultural part. At the end of your tour, the routes will take you through the lower part where you will also be able to see the houses and colcas of Machu Picchu. For this reason, the second circuit is the most famous and crowded and it is recommended that you get your tickets in advance.
Routes of Circuit 2 to Machu Picchu:
We present the two routes that you can take on this circuit, below:
- Classic Machu Picchu circuit ticket: This ticket offers you a very complete route if you want to have an unforgettable experience in Machu Picchu. Starting with the platforms near the guardian’s house, you will have enough time to take pictures. Later, you will enter the citadel to see the most important religious buildings. After seeing them, you will reach the central part where the main temple and the steps will lead you to the Intihuatana. Your tour with this ticket will end with a visit to the Sacred Rock.
- Classic lower terrace circuit ticket to Machu Picchu: This alternative route is very similar to the previous one, without including the visit to the lower terraces. For this reason, you will not have access to the point to take the classic photo. However, with your ticket, you will see the rest of the points of the visit and it also includes a visit to the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, and the Water Mirrors. Another highlight is that you will save your trip memories in beautiful photos, as opposed to other travelers. This route is characterized by being easier to do, and you will also enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.
Best circuit for machu picchu
Circuit 2 is considered the best of Machu Picchu because it allows a more complete tour of the constructions of the Inca citadel. In case you choose the Route 2-A: Designed Route, it includes the classic photo!
Circuit 3 to Machu Picchu:
We are slowly coming to an end, as this is the last circuit you can choose for your next adventure. Circuit 3 to Machu Picchu is designed for adventurous travelers who want to learn more about the place on alternative routes to Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and the famous Temple of the Moon, or Great Cavern.
Circuit 3 to Machu Picchu is characterized by the visit to the lower enclosures, which in the time of the Incas were known as the constructions of royalty, along with those we have already described above, and because they have a longer duration. Stay to learn about each route available on this circuit.
Routes of Circuit 3 to Machu Picchu:
The routes of the third circuit to the wonder of the world in Peru can be dazzling for visitors who had the opportunity to visit Macchu Picchu previously, as they will have the option of getting tickets to alternative places and on their itineraries, they will be able to walk the authentic paths of the Qhapaq Ñan. Continue reading to learn about the four available routes for this circuit:
- Ticket to the lower temples in Machu Picchu: This tour begins with a visit to the buildings at the bottom, from where you can take photos with a beautiful view of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you arrive at the most famous archaeological sites: the Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Three Doors, Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor. This circuit is longer than the previous ones, lasting 3 and a half hours.
Things to consider: This circuit must be booked a little in advance, and is allowed for all ages. In addition, this specific route does not include the additional visit to the mountains.
- Ticket to the Royalty Circuit and Huayna Picchu Mountain: This is one of the most popular tickets. The route you will take is very similar to the first one, starting your visit to the religious sites. However, its high demand is due to the option of visiting Huayna Picchu Mountain at the access that is located after visiting the Sacred Rock, through the Inca Trails, Qhapaq Ñan.
The ascent to this mountain involves a steep path and the use of narrow stairs that pose a risk for less experienced travelers. However, the reward upon reaching the top of the mountain is unmatched. From there you will be able to observe a landscape that you will not be able to forget. This ticket has a longer duration, since the path to the top is two additional hours to your tour, with a total of the entire route in 3 hours.
Important information: This ticket with the visit to Huayna Picchu is for those over 18 years old and we recommend that you reserve it 3 to 4 months in advance.
- Ticket for Circuit 3 and Temple of the Moon: This route is definitely the royal route par excellence. It includes visits to all the important lower enclosures of Machu Picchu. It has been announced from 2024 and entry must be made through the terraces
agricultural fields where you will start this route, from where you can take advantage of taking pictures.
Later, you will also visit the House of the Inca and the Temple of the Sun, passing by the House of Pisonay and the main enclosures. Once there, you will enjoy a two-hour walk through the Great Cavern, also known as the Temple of the Moon, which you can also access at the Huayna Picchu checkpoint.
Important information: This is one of the longest ticket options, but remember that it is only allowed for those over 18 years of age and must be reserved in advance due to its great popularity.
- Royalty Circuit and Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket: On this circuit, you will also be able to see the religious buildings in the lower part of Machu Picchu, as well as being able to take a hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain, which you can identify because, in the postcard photographs of Machu Picchu, it is the smallest of the mountains seen in the background.
This route has also become more popular recently and offers you an alternative experience on your dream trip because, in addition to visiting the archaeological sites, you will be able to access an additional hour of walking along a cobbled path until you reach the top of the Huchuy Picchu Mountain, where you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the Inca splendor. In addition, you will be able to observe the Intihuatana pyramid, or Inca clock, from above. This tour lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Important: Starting in 2024, this ticket will only be available during the High Season, which runs from June 1 to October 15, and is only for those over 18 years of age. Likewise, we recommend that you plan your visit in advance and have your ticket ready.
Finally, do not forget to carefully review each of the Machu Picchu Circuits that we have presented here before choosing the ticket for you and of course, at GoTreks Peru we are here to help you with whatever you need on your next adventure!
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