Complete Guide to Machu Picchu Circuits & Routes

Complete Guide to Machu Picchu Circuits & Routes

Choose Your Perfect Experience with Inca Land Adventures

UNESCO World Heritage • Iconic Photo Spots • Tailored Ticketing & Timed Access

UNESCO World Heritage • Iconic Photo Spots • Tailored Ticketing & Timed Access

Machu Picchu — one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological sites — now operates under an advanced circuit and route system designed to preserve the citadel and enhance visitor experiences. At Inca Land Adventures, we help you choose the best option based on what you want to see, how much time you have, and the kind of experience you want — whether panoramic views, deep cultural exploration, or adventure with summit hikes

What Are Machu Picchu Circuits & Routes?

ince June 1, 2024, the Ministry of Culture of Peru implemented three main Machu Picchu circuits, each composed of multiple routes that direct one-way flow through the citadel. You’ll select your circuit and route when booking your ticket — and once entered, you follow that path without backtracking. This system protects the site and ensures an orderly, memorable visit.

Key Highlights:
✔ 3 Official circuits (Panoramic, Classic, Royalty)
✔ 10 distinct routes to explore based on interests
✔ Strict entry times and controlled capacity
✔ Personalized access with a guide for best interpretation

Circuit 1 — Panoramic Experience

Best for Photography, Views & Iconic Vistas

Circuit 1 is your go-to if you want sweeping panoramic views and unforgettable photo spots of the Machu Picchu landscape. This circuit explores the highest viewpoints of the sanctuary.

Routes within Circuit 1:

Route 1A – Machu Picchu Mountain

• Includes summit hike of Machu Picchu Mountain
• 360° views of the citadel, valley & Urubamba River
• Perfect for landscape photographers & adventurers
• Duration: Up to 7 hours inside the site
Ideal for: Epic panoramic shots & mountain views

Route 1B – Upper Terrace

Classic photographic viewpoint from upper terraces
• Quick access for iconic Machu Picchu images
• Duration: ~2.5 hours inside the site
Ideal for: First-timers and photo enthusiasts

Route 1C – Intipunku (Sun Gate)

• Walk to the Sun Gate, the traditional Inca Trail entrance viewpoint
• Stunning overview of the entire citadel
• Duration: ~4 hours (morning only)
Ideal for: Inca Trail hikers & sunrise photography

Route 1D – Inca Bridge

Scenic cliffside route focused on ancient road remnants
• Includes elevated perspectives of Machu Picchu
• Duration: ~3 hours
Ideal for: History lovers & dramatic landscapes

Circuit 2 —Classic Machu Picchu Experience

Best for First-Time Visitors & Cultural Immersion

Known as the heart of Machu Picchu, this circuit takes you through the core Inca sectors — temples, plazas, and iconic archaeological highlights.

Route 2A – Classic Designed

• Covers main ruins: Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, Sacred Rock & more
• Includes the classic viewpoint at the Guardian’s House
• Duration: ~2.5 hours
Ideal for: First-timers and history enthusiasts

Route 2B – Lower Terrace

• A slightly gentler walk with the same major highlights
• Ideal for travelers who prefer less elevation change
Ideal for: Families & relaxed explorations

Circuit 3 — Royalty & Add-Ons

Best for Adventurers & Summit Seekers

Circuit 3 goes beyond the basics to reach higher peaks and sacred spaces, offering more challenge and reward.

🧗 Route 3A – Huayna Picchu Mountain

• Climb the iconic peak seen in classic Machu Picchu photos
• Includes main Inca sectors plus summit views
• Duration: Up to ~6 hours
Ideal for: Adventure travelers & aerial perspectives

Route 3B – Royalty Designed

• Explores lower sacred areas with emphasis on Inca elite spaces
• Duration: ~2.5 hours
Ideal for: Culture lovers

Route 3C – Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon)

• Leads to mystical cave temple behind Huayna Picchu
• Duration: ~7 hours inside site on high-season basis
Ideal for: Explorers seeking hidden Inca history

We tailor your Machu Picchu visit based on your goals — photography, history, hiking or cultural exploration.
📆 We handle advance ticket reservations (mandatory), optimal entry times, and official circuit access to ensure a seamless experience.
📍 Our expert guides enrich your visit with Inca history, archaeology, and insider tips.
✨ We optimize your itinerary for best lighting, crowd avoidance, and photo opportunities.

Why Book with Inca Land Adventures

How to Choose Your Best Circuit

1. Photography & Views: Choose Circuit 1 (especially Route 1A or 1C) for extraordinary vistas and sunlit panoramas.
2. First-Time Visitors: Choose Circuit 2 for the most complete cultural overview.
3. Adventure Seekers: Choose Circuit 3, add Huayna Picchu or Temple of the Moon for peak experiences.

Important Tips

• Tickets are time-specific — arrive early to maximize your visit.

• Some routes are seasonal or limited — book 2–3 months ahead in peak season (Jun–Oct).

• Mountaintop add-ons like Huayna Picchu sell out fastest and require separate permits.

Machu Picchu entry times and grace period

Each Machu Picchu ticket has a specific entry time, and visitors must enter within that time slot. The grace period is about 30 minutes; after that, you may lose your entry. This helps control visitor flow and protect the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu entry times Grace period (regular months) Grace period (high season: June 1–Oct 15, and Dec 30–31)

06:00 am Until 06:30 am Until 06:45 am

07:00 am Until 07:30 am Until 07:45 am

08:00 am Until 08:30 am Until 08:45 am

09:00 am Until 09:30 am Until 09:45 am

10:00 am Until 10:30 am Until 10:45 am

11:00 am Until 11:30 am Until 11:45 am

12:00 pm Until 12:30 pm Until 12:45 pm

01:00 pm Until 01:30 pm Until 01:45 pm

02:00 pm Until 02:30 pm Until 02:45 pm

03:00 pm Until 03:30 pm Until 03:45 pm

Note: The checkpoint entry for Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu, and Huchuy Picchu has no grace period.

Time allowed for each route

Route Estimated time

Machu Picchu Mountain:Approx. 3 hours hiking (up & down) on Machu Picchu Mountain; maximum time allowed: 7 hours.

Upper Terrace Up to 2 hours 30 minutes.

Intipunku (Sun Gate)The hike to Intipunku takes about 40 minutes depending on your pace; maximum time allowed is 4 hours.

Inca BridgeShort hike, about 30 minutes to the Inca Bridge; maximum time allowed is 3 hours.

Classic Designed Up to 2 hours 30 minutes inside the Inca citadel.Lower TerraceUp to 2 hours 30 minutes inside the Inca citadel.

Huayna Picchu MountainThe ascent and descent averages about 2 hours depending on your pace; maximum time allowed inside the citadel: 6 hours.

Royalty (Designed)Up to 2 hours 30 minutes inside the citadel (lower section).

Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon) Round trip to the Great Cavern takes about 4 hours depending on pace, plus 1 hour 30 minutes inside the citadel; maximum time allowed: 7 hours.

Huchuy PicchuThe climb to the summit takes about 40 minutes depending on pace; maximum time allowed: 3 hours 30 minutes.