As of June 1, 2024, new circuits have been implemented at Machu Picchu to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site.
Each visitor must purchase a ticket to enter. Tickets are personal and non-transferable, valid only for the selected date and time and for the chosen route; changing between circuits is strictly prohibited.
Below is a detailed description of the three available routes, each divided into sub-circuits that offer different vantage points of Machu Picchu.
This circuit offers a panoramic view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, with the main attraction being the panoramic viewpoint at the Guardhouse. However, you will not have access to the interior of the Inca citadel.
This ticket takes you through the upper terrace of Machu Picchu; you will visit the Guardhouse, from which you can take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. Additionally, it includes a hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, with an approximately 4-hour round-trip hike (ascent and descent). Along the way you will be surrounded by vegetation—perfect for trekking enthusiasts of all ages.
With this ticket, you can tour the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and take the classic postcard photo from the Guardhouse. You may also explore the Guardhouse area and remain on the upper-terrace esplanade to capture the best panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.
With this ticket, in addition to touring the upper terrace of Machu Picchu and taking the classic postcard photo from the Guardhouse area, you will hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) on a 2-hour round-trip walk (including ascent and descent). This spot was used by the Incas to observe the winter solstice.
This entry covers the upper terrace of Machu Picchu; besides taking the classic photo from the Guardhouse, you can take a 1-hour round-trip hike (including ascent and descent) to the Inca Bridge, a structure built along the mountain’s edge that connected Machu Picchu with jungle towns.
This circuit covers most of Machu Picchu and is therefore the most recommended. Booking requires at least 5 months’ advance notice, as it is the most complete option and therefore in highest demand.
This is the most comprehensive option: it covers most of Machu Picchu and offers the classic photo of Machu Picchu from a platform below the Guardhouse. Your guided visit inside the citadel lasts up to 3 hours.
This ticket is the second option for Circuit 2. The route is almost identical to ROUTE 2-A, with the only difference being a detour that allows you to quickly reach the lower terrace of the Guardhouse. You will visit important sites such as the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, and more.
Añadimos al circuito 1 la caminata de 2 horas hacia Intipunku, la histórica Puerta del Sol, desde este punto obtendrás una vista única de Machu Picchu.
Además de recorrer el circuito 1, disfrutarás un recorrido adicional hacia el Puente Inca, construido por troncos gruesos sostenidos por dos muros de piedra al filo de la montaña.
With this circuit, you can reach the summits of the Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains—the two peaks seen in the classic Machu Picchu photo—as well as visit incredible, less-visited areas.
This circuit lets you visit the lower part of the Inca citadel and includes a 3-hour round-trip hike (ascent and descent) to the summit of Huayna Picchu, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Machu Picchu and explore archaeological remains at the top.
With this ticket, you will visit structures built exclusively for the Inca royalty; it does not include the classic Machu Picchu photo. However, from the agricultural terraces area you can capture a similar postcard-style shot. The hike lasts approximately 2 hours and immerses you in Inca history.
This ticket allows you to visit exclusive, less-visited areas of Machu Picchu—such as the Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, Twelve Niches, the Sacred Rock, and more—plus the mysterious Temple of the Moon, a shrine inside a natural cave on Huayna Picchu Mountain. However, it does not include the classic Machu Picchu photo.
With this entry, in addition to touring the Royal Sector, you can hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu, the smaller peak next to Huayna Picchu. However, it does not include the classic Machu Picchu photo.
Happy passengers
