Machu Picchu Circuits
TuBoleto Machu Picchu
The Ministry of Culture and UGM (Unidad de Gestión de Machu Picchu) are actively working to safeguard the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In 2021, they introduced a project aimed at preserving this Inca citadel for future generations and travelers, altering the visitation experience to Machu Picchu. This initiative involves the creation of new circuits, providing an opportunity to explore Machu Picchu with reduced crowding and access to previously restricted areas of the citadel. The circuits are as follows::
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu – Panoramic
Circuit 2 Machu Picchu – Classic Route
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu – Royalty
Machu Picchu Circuits
Which circuit is best for Machu Picchu?
The best Machu Picchu circuit is Route 2A, This circuit is the most complete way to visit Machu Picchu.
Which Machu Picchu circuit should I choose?
This year, Circuit 2 Machu Picchu sold out almost immediately, making it the most popular and best option for visiting the Inca citadel. This is because Circuits 2A and 2B allow you to explore Machu Picchu for about 3 hours and visit its most important archaeological sites.
What is the difference between Circuit 2A and 2B Machu Picchu?
The difference between Circuits 2A and 2B lies mainly in where you begin exploring the Inca citadel. Both circuits enter through the same checkpoint and involve about a 5-minute walk to the starting area. From there, you ascend approximately 20 minutes or more to reach a high vantage point.
Circuit 2A turns to the right and continues up stairs to a platform near the Guardian House, where you can take the iconic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu before starting your exploration.
Circuit 2B turns to the left, where you will also see a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, but instead of climbing further, you begin walking down and directly start exploring the citadel.
What is the difference between Machu Picchu Circuit 1 and 2?
Circuit 1 allows you to see Machu Picchu from its highest viewpoint but does not include a full exploration of the citadel.
In contrast, Circuit 2 lets you first go up to the top viewpoint for panoramic photos and then continue to explore the Inca citadel in detail.
With Circuit 1, you can also add up to three extra experiences: Machu Picchu Mountain, the Inca Bridge, or Intipunku (Sun Gate). The Sun Gate is the historic entrance to Machu Picchu for hikers on the Inca Trail.
How long does Route 2A Machu Picchu take?
The hike lasts about 3 hours to explore the Inca citadel.
How long does Circuit 2B Machu Picchu take?
The hike lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes to explore Machu Picchu.
Which circuit is best for photography in Machu Picchu?
Circuit 1 is the best option if you want to take panoramic photos. The second-best option is Circuit 2A, which allows you to take panoramic shots from Guardian House and explore.
Is Circuit 3 good for Machu Picchu?
Yes. Circuit 3 Machu Picchu allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel in about 2 hours, visiting sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, and Llactapata. You can also add extra hikes to Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or the Great Cave (Temple of the Moon).
Which Machu Picchu ticket to buy?
Best Machu Picchu Circuit 2025 & 2026
Circuits 2 Machu Picchu are particularly popular, allowing visitors to explore the entire Inca citadel, including iconic sites like Intihuatana and the Temple of the Condor, which are not available in other circuits.
This circuit are divide in two route:
Route 2 A: Inca Citadel Classic
Route 2 B: Lower Terrace
Second Best Machu Picchu Circuit 2025
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu: It is the second-best circuit in Machu Picchu, in case Circuit 2 Machu Picchu is sold out. This circuit permits you to walk the lower part of Machu Picchu and explore part of the Inca citadel. Additionally, you can add Huayna Picchu, the Great Cavern, or Huchuy Picchu mountain