Since 2024, Machu Picchu can no longer be explored freely: the citadel is visited along three circuits with fixed routes, and each ticket states the date, time and circuit. Once inside you cannot switch circuits or turn back. That is why the circuit is chosen before buying the ticket, and it is the decision that most changes your visit. This guide explains what each one covers and which one suits you.
Routes and quotas are set by the Ministry of Culture and may change each season. Check them on the official sales website before buying.
The three circuits in a table
| Circuit | What it covers | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Panoramic | The upper area, the guardian’s house and the classic photo, without going down into the urban area. Variants with Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunku or the Inca Bridge. | Those who want the view and a hike, or are climbing the Mountain. |
| 2 · Classic | The full route: the classic photo above, then temples, squares and neighbourhoods below. The longest and the best-selling. | First visit. If you only go once, this one. |
| 3 · Royalty | The lower area, the temples and the royal sector, without climbing to the photo terrace. Variants with Huayna Picchu, the Great Cavern or Huchuy Picchu. | Those climbing Huayna Picchu or returning for a second time. |
Circuit 1: Panoramic
It covers the upper part of the citadel, with the guardian’s house and the terrace from which the classic photo of Machu Picchu is taken, with Huayna Picchu behind. It does not go down into the urban area, so it skips the temples. It is the circuit for the hiking variants: Machu Picchu Mountain, the Sun Gate or Intipunku, and the Inca Bridge. It suits you if you want the view and to move, or if you are climbing the Mountain.
Circuit 2: Classic
It is the full route and the one we recommend for a first visit. It starts up high, with the classic photo, and then goes down through the urban area: temples, squares and neighbourhoods. It is the longest, which is why it sells out first. At a calm pace it takes about three hours, and it is also the one that works best with children and older travellers, as it adds no mountain.
Circuit 3: Royalty
It focuses on the lower area, with the temples and the royal sector, without climbing to the classic photo terrace. Its variants include Huayna Picchu, the steep mountain behind the citadel in every photo, the Great Cavern and Huchuy Picchu. It is the circuit for those who want to climb Huayna Picchu or already know the citadel and want another perspective.
The mountains: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
Both require a specific ticket with its own, very limited quota, and cost more than the general ticket: around 200 soles compared with about 150 for a foreign adult. Book them three or four months ahead.
- Huayna Picchu, about 2,720 metres: a short but very steep climb, with narrow steps and exposed sections. It goes with circuit 3.
- Machu Picchu Mountain, about 3,080 metres: longer and higher, but less vertiginous, with a full view of the citadel and the valley. It goes with circuit 1. We compare them in depth in Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
How to choose
- First visit and only once: circuit 2.
- You want the photo and a walk: circuit 1, with the Mountain if you are fit.
- You want Huayna Picchu: circuit 3 with that variant.
- Second visit: the one you did not do the first time, usually 3.
If the circuit you want is sold out on your date, it is usually better to change the date than the circuit. On our Machu Picchu Full Day the circuit depends on availability when you book, and we tell you the options before buying.
Before deciding, check how many spaces are left on each circuit on the Machu Picchu availability page, updated every 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change circuit inside Machu Picchu?
No. The circuit is on your ticket, the routes are one-way and you cannot turn back or leave and re-enter.
Which circuit has the classic photo?
Circuits 1 and 2. Circuit 3 does not climb to the terrace where that photo is taken.
How long does each circuit take?
Between two and a half and four hours, depending on the route and your pace. Mountain variants add time.
Which is best for children or older travellers?
Circuit 2, at a calm pace. It has stairs, but no mountain.
Do I need a guide for the circuits?
The regulations provide for it, and there are no information panels inside. On our tours the official guide is included.
Keep planning
- Complete Machu Picchu guide: tickets, hours and rules.
- How to get to Machu Picchu, by train or on foot.
- Private Machu Picchu Full Day, with ticket, train, bus and guide.
