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FRExplore the touris routes designed for a unique experience, connecting history, nature and adventure in the Inca citadel.
The Machu Picchu Citadel authorities have a ticketing system for visits which organizes the tour of the Inca city through defined routes.
This measure is intended to minimize the impact caused by the large number of tourists and guarantee the conservation of the archaeological site for the future.
Each visitor must follow a specific route according to the type of ticket they have purchased, whether it is the Machu Picchu Solo ticket, the ticket that includes the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, or the one which allows you to explore the Machu Picchu mountain.
There are different routes depending on your desire attractions, for example Huchy Picchu, Intipunku (Sun Gate), visiting the Great Cavern, or Inca Bridge could need different tickets.
Read on in order to learn more about the different routes, so you can make sure you get the ticket you need in order to experience your Machu Picchu dreams.
CIRCUIT 1 (PANORAMIC) SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN MACHU PICCHU.
- Route 1-A (Machu Picchu Mountain) stands out for its panoramic views of the citadel and mountains, with a duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty.
- Route 1-B (Upper Terrace) focuses on the upper agricultural terraces, ideal for admiring Inca architecture. Route 1-C (Intipunku Gate), is only available in High Season, leads to the Sun Gate with historical views.
- Route 1-D (Inka Bridge), also in High Season, explores the impressive Inka Bridge, combining history and nature. All offer a less congested experience and more connected to the landscape.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route
This is a tour designed to offer a unique experience in the Inca citadel. This route, available starting in 2025, combines spectacular views of Machu Picchu, the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River Valley.
With an approximate duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty, it includes strategic viewpoints to admire the landscape and take photographs, ideal for those looking for a less crowded experience and more focused on nature and the panoramic views.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route
This official option for exploring Machu Picchu, focuses on the upper terraces of the Inca citadel. This tour offers stunning views of the agricultural terraces, Inca architecture and the natural environment, lasting approximately 2 hours and with a moderate difficulty.
Ideal for those looking for a quiet and panoramic experience, it includes access to strategic viewpoints to appreciate Inca engineering and capture unique photographs.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-C: Intipunku Gate Route (available only during High Season)
This option is exclusively available during the High Season in Machu Picchu. This tour takes visitors to the Intipunku Gate (Sun Gate), a historic viewpoint that served as the main entrance to the Inca citadel.
The route offers a combination of history, nature and spectacular views, ideal for those who want to live a deeper and less congested experience.
With an approximate duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty, it includes well-defined paths and gentle slopes, allowing you to enjoy unique panoramic views of the sanctuary, the Urubamba Valley and the surrounding mountains. Perfect for photography and connecting with the Inca legacy.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route (available only during High Season)
This option is only available during the High Season in Machu Picchu. This tour takes visitors to the Inca Bridge, an impressive Inca structure built on a cliff, which shows the advanced engineering of this civilization.
The route combines history, adventure and nature, offering spectacular views of the citadel, the mountains and the Urubamba Valley. With an approximate duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty, it includes well-marked paths and some steep sections.
Ideal for those looking to explore a lesser-known side of Machu Picchu and enjoy a quiet and panoramic experience.
CIRCUIT 2 (CLASSIC MACHU PICCHU) – ROUTE 2-B
Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) includes routes designed to explore the main attractions of the Inca citadel.
- Route 2-A offers a complete tour of the most iconic sectors, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza and the agricultural terraces, with a duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty.
- Route 2-B (Lower Terrace) focuses on the most accessible areas, such as the lower terraces and Inca architecture, ideal for a classic and less demanding experience, with a duration of 2 hours and low to moderate difficulty.
Both routes combine history, architecture and panoramic views, perfect for those looking for a comprehensive and representative experience of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) – Route 2-A: Designed route
This is one of the most popular and complete routes to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Designed to offer a classic experience, this route covers the main archaeological and landscape attractions of the sanctuary.
With an approximate duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty, it includes well-defined paths and rest areas. Visitors can admire Inca architecture, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza and the agricultural terraces.
While enjoying panoramic views of the natural environment. Ideal for those looking for a comprehensive and representative experience of Machu Picchu
Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) – Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
This option is designed for those who wish to explore the most emblematic and accessible areas of the Inca citadel. This route focuses on the lower terraces of Machu Picchu, offering a classic and complete experience.
During approximately 2 hours and with a low to moderate difficulty, it includes well-marked paths and rest areas. Visitors can admire Inca architecture, such as the agricultural terraces, the Main Plaza and the Temple of the Sun.
While enjoying panoramic views of the natural environment. Ideal for those looking for a representative and less physically demanding experience.
CIRCUIT 3 (MACHUPICCHU ROYALTY) – ROUTE 3-A
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) offers routes designed for a more exclusive and adventurous experience at Machu Picchu.
- Route 3-A (Wayanapicchu Mountain) is one of the most iconic, leading to the top of the mountain with stunning views of the citadel and the Urubamba Valley. Duration: 3-4 hours. Difficulty: High.
- Route 3-B focuses on less-traveled areas, such as the Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana, with a duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty.
- Route 3-C (Great Cavern), available in High Season, explores a nearby natural formation, combining history and nature. Duration: 3-4 hours. Difficulty: Moderate to high.
- Finally, Route 3-D (Huchuypicchu), also in High Season, offers a hike to a smaller mountain with unique views. Duration: 2-3 hours. Difficulty: Moderate.
These routes are ideal for adventurers and lovers of history and nature.
Circuit 3 (Machu Picchu Royalty) – Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route
This is one of the most iconic and challenging experiences in Machu Picchu. This route takes visitors to the top of Waynapicchu Mountain, famous for its impressive panoramic views of the Inca citadel and the Urubamba Valley.
With an approximate duration of 3-4 hours (round trip) and high difficulty, it includes steep and narrow trails, as well as steps carved into the rock. The summit offers a unique perspective of Machu Picchu and its surroundings, ideal for photography and connection with nature.
Due to its popularity and limited places, it is recommended to book in advance. Perfect for adventurers and trekking lovers.
Circuit 3 (Machu Picchu Royalty) – Route 3-B: Designed Route
This route is designed to offer an exclusive and detailed experience of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, focusing on less-traveled areas of great historical importance.
This tour combines the exploration of ceremonial, residential and agricultural sectors, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the Inca architecture and legacy. With an approximate duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty, it includes well-marked paths and rest areas.
Highlights may include the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana and the upper terraces. Ideal for those looking for a more intimate experience focused on Inca history and culture.
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only during High Season)
This option is exclusively available during the High Season in Machu Picchu. This tour takes visitors to the Great Cavern, an impressive natural formation located near the Inca citadel.
The route combines history, adventure and nature, offering spectacular views of the mountainous surroundings and the opportunity to explore a lesser-known side of Machu Picchu. With an approximate duration of 3-4 hours and moderate to high difficulty.
It includes well-marked paths and some sections with steep slopes. Ideal for those looking for a unique and out-of-the-ordinary experience, with a focus on exploration and connection with the natural landscape.
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty) – 3-D Route: Huchuypicchu Route (available only during High Season)
This option is only available during High Season in Machu Picchu. This tour takes visitors up to Huchuypicchu, a smaller but equally impressive mountain that offers panoramic views of the Inca citadel and the Urubamba Valley.
With an approximate duration of 2-3 hours and moderate difficulty, it includes steep and narrow trails, as well as steps carved into the rock. The summit offers a unique and less crowded perspective of Machu Picchu, ideal for photography and connecting with nature.
Due to its popularity and limited capacity, it is recommended to book in advance. Perfect for those looking for an intimate and adventurous experience.
