The Machu Picchu authorities, the Ministry of Culture, have decided to designate specific circuits for visits to the Inca Archaeological Site. The main reason is to efficiently distribute Machu Picchu visitors throughout the site and reduce the impact on the central temples and buildings. The new circuits are also meant to improve the visitors experience by reducing the backlog of people at the main sites inside Machu Picchu. Each visitor will now follow a circuit specified by the ticket they purchased. Currently, when you enter the official Machu Picchu tickets website, tuboleto.cultura.pe, you will find 3 circuits, and each of those circuits is divided into different routes. We understand that the new system may be somewhat confusing, especially for first-time visitors, so here is some useful information about which circuit is best for you so you can choose the best Machu Picchu circuit on your Luxury Peru tours.
Important Information about the Machu Picchu Circuits
• During our high season, which includes from June 1 to October 15 and from December 30 to 31, the daily visitors will increase from 4500 to 5600.
• It is essential to book your Machu Picchu tickets at least 60 days in advance, especially if you prefer an early entrance ticket. Demand is high to visit the Inca Site, and planning ahead is vital.
• Note that only circuit 2 offers group services. All other circuits require hiring a private guide.
• The best circuit for you depends on your preferences, mobility requirements and which parts of Machu Picchu are the most important for you to visit. Is you focus on astounding views? Do you want to see the main temples? Do you want to climb Huayna Picchu or visit the Inca Bridge?
• The rules for the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu remain the same and you must book through an official operator. There is a limit of 500 daily permits for the Classic 4 day Inca Trail (including support staff).
Machu Picchu Circuits Summary
New Route 1: Exclusive access to the Upper Terraces and Observation Platform.
New Route 2: Exploration of the Observation Platform of the Low upper terrace and most of the lower temples.
New Route 3: An easier route of specific emblematic temples and the lower ruins.
Machu Picchu Circuits in Detail
Circuit 1-The Panoramic Circuits
Circuit 1 is divided into 4 different routes, none of which provide access to the ancient city itself. These routes are intended for visitors who wish to appreciate the panoramic views from the upper terraces of Machu Picchu. All four routes on Circuit #1 include access to these upper levels, offering the best panoramic views of the archaeological site and the surrounding valley. Three of these routes offer hikes to the Inka Bridge, up to the Sun Gate (approximately 1 hour ascent and 45 minutes descent), and the hike up Machu Picchu Mountain (approximately 2 hours ascent and 1 hour descent).
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route
After entering the Machu Picchu entrance, you hike to the upper sector where is located around the Ranger´s house. From there, you will hike the Machu Picchu Mountain which takes 3 hours round trip, approx. Once you come back you will access the upper terraces where you can take your classic picture of the Machu Picchu citadel. You will then come down to exit Machu Picchu.
Important Informaton:
• With this Machu Picchu ticket, you don’t have access the Guards House because it is not on this circuit.
• On this circuit, you will find 2 other strategic places to take a panoramic picture of Machu Picchu. The first one, you will find before entering to the upper terrace which is quite similar to the postcard picture, and the second, one you will take from the upper terrace.
• You won’t access the urban sector on this ticket.
• To complete this circuit. It takes 4 hours approx.
• This circuit is mainly for people who want to hike on the Machu Picchu Vacation Package
Route 1-B: Upper Terraces Route
After passing through the entrance, you Will hike to the upper sector located at the Ranger´s House. From there, you need to walk to the upper terraces where you can take your panoramic photos. You will come back down to exit Machu Picchu.
Important Informaton:
• With this Machu Picchu ticket, you don’t have access the Guard House because it is not on this circuit.
• On this circuit, you will have 2 strategic places to take the panoramic photo of Machu Picchu. The first one, you will find before entering the upper terraces which is quite similar to the postcard picture. The second, one you can take from the upper terraces.
• You won’t access the urban sector with this ticket.
• To complete this circuit. It takes 1 hour approx.
• This circuit is basically to take the panoramic picture of Machu Picchu.
• Booking this circuit, you don’t have any extra hikes and you won’t see any Inca Trail site.
• This circuit is very short.
• It is not considered good value for money, because you will pay S/. 152 soles($45 USD) to take the panoramic photo an that’s all.
Route 1-C: Sun Gate Route
After entering through the gate, you will hike to the upper sector where the Ranger´s House is located. From there, you will hike to Sun Gate which take approximately 2 hours round trip. Once you come back you will access via the upper terraces where you will take your classic photo of the Machu Picchu citadel. You will then come down to exit Machu Picchu.
Important Informaton:
• With this route, you don’t have access to the Guard House because it is not on this circuit.
• On this circuit, you will find 2 strategic places to take the panoramic picture of Machu Picchu. The first one, is before entering the upper terraces, which is similar to the poscard picture area. The second option is from the upper terraces.
• You won’t be able to access the urban sector with this ticket.
• This circuit takes 3 hours approx.
• This circuit is a good option for families because the route is a gradual ascent and with a wider pathway.
• This circuit will include trekkers from the Classic Inca Trail.
• This circuit is closed in the low season (from the 16th October to the 31st of May).
• This circuit is open to visitors of all ages.
Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route
After entering Machu Picchu, you Will hike to the upper sector and the Ranger´s House. From there, you will hike to the Inca Bridge which takes 1 hour round trip. Once you return, you will access the upper terraces to take the panoramic photo of Machu Picchu citadel. You will then come down to exit Machu Picchu.
Important Informaton:
• With this Machu Picchu tickets, you don’t have access to the Guard House because it is not on this circuit.
• On this circuit, you will find 2 strategic places to take the panoramic photo of Machu Picchu. The first one, is before entering the upper terraces which is similar to the poscard picture area, and the second one you can take from the upper terraces.
• You won’t be able to access the urban sector with this Machu Picchu ticket.
• This circuit takes 2 hours approx.
• This circuit is open from the 1st of June to the 15th of October.
Circuit 2-The Classic Circuits
Circuit 2 now has 2 different routes: The “Classical Route designed” and the “Lower terrace route”. Both will take you on a more comprehensive visit to the main temples of Machu Picchu citadel. The routes begin with a climb to the top of the “lower” terraces that offer the emblematic view of Machu Picchu. The routes on circuit 2 allow you access to the three main attractions of Machu Picchu: The view from the upper terraces, the upper circuit of the citadel and the lower circuit in the central sector, for a more complete Machu Picchu experience. These routes provide a complete tour of Machu Picchu’s most famous and enigmatic sites, and is ideal for first-time visitors. Highlights are the gigantic agricultural terraces, the elaborate stonework of the Temple of the Sun and Sacred Rock. The differences between these routes are:
Route 2-A: Designed Route
Includes the ‘Guard House’ one of the most popular spots in Machu Picchu to take the panoramic photo.
Route 2-B: Lower Terraces Route
Does not including the ‘Guard House’, though it does allow you to take the panoramic picture of Machu Picchu.
Things to Know:
• Includes the classic view of Machu Picchu.
• Book your Machu Picchu tickets several months in advance due to high demand.
• You will also explore the lower parts of the ruins.
• For those of you that are curious about the Incas’ agricultural and structural creativity at the same time as getting the classic view of Machu Picchu.
• These routes are the most complete and you get to see the most on your Machu Picchu Luxury Tour.
Circuit 3-Lower Terraces
For frequent travelers looking for a different experience, circuit 3 offers a visit to the lower section of Machu Picchu. This tour begins with the impressive agricultural terraces, followed by a trip to the heart of the urban sector. Among the different places you can visit are the water mirrors, The main Pisonay Square, the temple of the condor, demonstrating the spirituality of the site, and the Sacred Stone. Visit these unique treasures on your Luxury Peru Tours. We recommend this rout for people with mobility issues, and senior citizens as it is the least difficult route.
There are 2 options when choosing Circuit 3
• Route 3-A: is as described and also gives you access to Wayna Picchu.
• Route 3-B: Does not include Wayna Picchu.
During the high season (from 1st of June to the 15th of October and 30-31st of December) two further options open up:
• Route 3-C: as described above and access to ‘Gran Caverna’. (Great Cavern).
• Route 3-D: as described above and access to ‘Huchuy Picchu’.
Important Information:
• Great view of Machu Picchu from lower terraces, but not the classic view.
• Includes hike to Huayna Picchu on route 3A.
• Not possible to visit upper terraces.
The Sites Visited Are:
• Temple of the Sun
• Inca House Set
• Twelve Openings
• Eastern Deposits
• Water Mirror Set
• Temple of the Condor
• Pisonay Square
• Archaeological Reserve
What should I bring for my Luxury Machu Picchu Tour?
- Your passport! You cannot enter without it!
- Your Machu Picchu Entry ticket. There is no way to re-issue one if you forget or lose it.
- A camera with a fully charged battery and lots of space on the memory card.
- Good walking shoes, preferably cross trainers or hiking boots.
- Water in a non-plastic bottle.
- Sunscreen and a sun hat.
- A rain poncho (a small fold-able one is fine in case of rain).
So, as you can see, there is a lot of information to take in about the new circuits for your Luxury Machu Picchu vacation package! Don´t worry, that’s why we are here at Andean Travel Experience, to explain everything in detail and make sure that the correct entrance ticket is purchased! During the booking process, we will find out which part of Machu Picchu is most important to you and what you want to experience on your Machu Pichu trip. Contact us here to book your Luxury Machu Pichu Tour.