
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu is divided into four panoramic routes that offer breathtaking views of the archaeological site. Known as the Panoramic Circuits, they do not allow access to the interior of the Inca citadel. Instead, visitors can admire the citadel from the Guardian’s House, one of the best vantage points for taking iconic photos of Machu Picchu.
If you’d like to extend your experience, you can add additional routes that offer more opportunities for exploration and a closer look at other archaeological sites.
The circuit 1 Panoramic Machu Picchu involve 4 routes to visit Machu Picchu:
The Circuit 1 Mountain Machu Picchu ticket allows you to hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, the highest point of the Inca citadel, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Inca citadel and surrounding Andean landscapes. From the summit you can take the best panoramic photos of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, nestled among lush green mountains.
After descending from the mountain, the route continues to the Guardian’s House (Casa del Guardián), one of the most popular viewpoints. This is the perfect spot to take those iconic photos of Machu Picchu with the majestic Huayna Picchu mountain in the background. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to admire various archaeological structures and terraces that reveal the architectural mastery of the Incas.
This circuit offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable experience for the adventurous traveller.
Duracion: The Machu Picchu Circuit 1 Panoramic involves approximately 5 hours of hiking up and down Machu Picchu Mountain, along with 2 hours to explore the Machu Picchu citadel from the Guardian House viewpoint.
El circuito 1 Machu Picchu ofrece una visita más breve para conocer Machu Picchu. Este circuito solo permite admirar la ciudadela inca desde el mirador de la Casa del Guardián. No se permite el ingreso al interior de la ciudadela. El tiempo de exploración está limitado a 2 horas y 30 minutos.
Circuit 1 Intipunku allows visitors to hike up to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), one of the most iconic viewpoints of Machu Picchu. During the hike, you will enjoy stunning views of the Inca citadel nestled among the surrounding Andean mountains. The landscapes along the trail are breathtaking, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and ancient history.
Upon reaching the Sun Gate, you’ll have the opportunity to admire Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. This location is also where Inca Trail trekkers arrive after completing their 4-day or 2-day journey, making it a significant and emotional moment for many travelers.
After enjoying the view, you’ll walk back down the same trail and enter Machu Picchu through the Upper Platform, where you can observe the citadel from different angles. The route concludes at the Guardian House, the best spot to capture the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.
Duration: You can take the classic picture from the Casa de Guardian and duration hike is 4 hrs.
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu Inca Bridge offers a short but scenic hike to the Inca Bridge, one of the lesser known but impressive structures at Machu Picchu. The route begins with a walk up to the high terraces of the Inca citadel, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the site.
The trail continues along a narrow path towards the Inca Bridge, offering several vantage points where you can take unique photos of the citadel from different angles. Once you reach the Inca Bridge, you’ll marvel at the Inca’s engineering, as the bridge was built on a steep cliff using stone structures that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.
After visiting the Inca Bridge, you’ll return to the citadel by the same route, arriving at the Guardian’s House, the perfect spot to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
The entire trek takes approximately 5 hours, including time to admire the breathtaking scenery and explore the Machu Picchu Observatory.
The Circuit 1 Machu Picchu Panoramic – Inca Bridge is available only in the high tourist season from June to August and December. This circuit involve only two point to visit:
Visit our list of frequently asked questions about Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu to clear up any doubts you may have. If you need help booking your Machu Picchu tickets, please contact our staff.
Yes, especially for visitors who want to take panoramic photos of the Inca citadel.
This scenic hike, which starts from the main entrance control point of Machu Picchu, lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The trail gradually climbs to the citadel’s highest viewpoint, the Guardian House, one of Machu Picchu’s most famous photo spots.
During the hike, you will see the citadel from different angles. Once you reach the highest point, you can take iconic photographs of Machu Picchu and admire the impressive surrounding landscape.
After enjoying the views and taking photos, visitors walk back down the same path to the main control point at Machu Picchu.
This circuit is ideal for travelers who want spectacular views of the citadel.
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu offers four routes that allow visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the Inca citadel and the surrounding mountains.
Route A – Machu Picchu Mountain
Route A includes a hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, which is one of the most impressive viewpoints in the area. It is the second most popular hiking option after Huayna Picchu. Hikers can reach the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy spectacular views of the citadel and the surrounding Andes.
Route B — Panoramic View (Short Circuit)
Route B is a shorter route that allows visitors to take classic panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. The trail leads to a high viewpoint near the Guardian House, where visitors can take pictures of the Inca citadel. After enjoying the views, visitors walk back down the same trail to the control point.
Route C — Intipunku (Sun Gate)
Route C includes a hike to Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate. This is the historic entrance where trekkers from the Inca Trail arrive at Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint, visitors can see the citadel from a unique perspective.
Route D — Inca Bridge
Route D leads to the famous Inca Bridge. Along this route, visitors can observe the impressive engineering skills of the Incas, who carefully constructed pathways along the cliffs while preserving the natural landscape of the mountains.
Each route offers a different experience, so the best option depends on whether you prefer hiking, panoramic views, or exploring unique historical features around Machu Picchu.
Circuit 2 is generally considered the best for exploring the Inca citadel. It is the most complete route because it allows visitors to take the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu and walk through many important areas inside the citadel.
In contrast, Circuit 1 mainly allows visitors to enjoy the panoramic view of Machu Picchu. From the higher terraces, visitors can take beautiful photos of the citadel and admire the surrounding mountains. However, this circuit does not allow visitors to explore the main sectors inside Machu Picchu.
Therefore, Circuit 2 is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive experience, while Circuit 1 is perfect for those who want to capture the famous panoramic views and photographs of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1 is the shortest route for visiting Machu Picchu. The hike takes two and a half hours, but most people take longer to take panoramic pictures of the Inca citadel.
It is a moderate hike up to the viewpoint. During the hike, there is a point where you can stop to rest and take pictures of the Inca citadel. Once you reach the highest point, you can relax and enjoy the view of Machu Picchu. Then, you will retrace your steps to the Machu Picchu gate.
The best guided tour on Circuit 1 is the panoramic viewpoint of Machu Picchu. There, you will receive a guided explanation of the site and observe the important temples and main square of the citadel.
Group tours are not available for this circuit. We recommend hiring a private tour guide for a better experience.
If your ticket includes Routes A, C, and D, you can hire a guide to accompany you to these sites and learn more about the mystery of the Inca citadel.
If you want to book tickets for Circuit 1, you can do so with us. Boleto Peru is an online platform with an easy-to-use booking system and assistance during the reservation process. Our highly trained staff can provide you with the best information about Machu Picchu tickets.
We also recommend another platform for booking Machu Picchu Circuit 1 tickets: Machu Picchu Tickets is another company that offers tickets to travelers looking to secure their entrance in advance.
If you want to book your Circuit 1 Machu Picchu tickets online, visit our site and choose the option Circuit 1 Machu Picchu. Select the best route for you, then click Book Now and fill out all the information requested in the form. After that, you can choose additional services such as transfers, train tickets, and a tour guide. Once you finish your selection, send us your booking request, and our sales department will send you an email confirmation with the payment link.
Once you complete your payment, our sales department will send you an email with your Circuit 1 Machu Picchu tickets.
Note: If you forget to save your ticket on your phone or do not print it, contact our staff and they will send you a copy of your tickets. If you need a printed copy, let us know where you are staying in Cusco, and our sales department will send a printed copy of your ticket to your hotel.
If you want a private guide, note that each guide may charge a different price. The most common languages offered are English and Spanish. The price for a private guide per group is usually between $70 and $80 USD. The guided tour lasts about 2 hours 30 min.
For a private guide for Machu Picchu Mountain (Route A), Sun Gate (Route C), and Inca Bridge (Route D), expect to pay between $90 and $120 per group. The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours.
if you want a private tour guide who speaks French, German, Russian, or Chinese. In Machu Picchu, only a few tour guides speak these languages. The price is usually between $120 and $150 per group. The price for a guided hike in these languages to Machu Picchu Mountain (Route A), Sun Gate (Route C), or Inca Bridge (Route D) is between US$180 and US$200 per group. We recommend booking in advance
You may receive a discount if your group has more than four travelers.
On Circuit 1, you can only view the Machu Picchu citadel from the panoramic viewpoint. For a more immersive experience, choose Route A, C, or D to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes of Machu Picchu.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco, we recommend taking a Machu Picchu tour of the Inca citadel. Otherwise, you can travel on your own. You can hire private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo with Peru Xcapes. This company offers private transfers to the train station. From there, you can take the train to Aguas Calientes. There are two train companies: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Choose the option that works best for you.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you can go directly to the bus station and take the Consettur bus on the same day, or you can stay overnight in a hotel. During your stay, you can explore the small town.
If you decide to visit Machu Picchu on the same day, take the shuttle bus there, enjoy a guided tour of Circuit 1, and then return to Aguas Calientes. Then, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where the Peru Xcapes driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
If you choose to visit on the second day, take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu in the morning and enjoy a guided tour of Circuit 1. Afterwards, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. The Peru Xcapes driver will be waiting to take you to Cusco.
Many tour companies offer Machu Picchu tours and Peru travel packages, providing a variety of experiences. However, only a few focus on responsible and sustainable travel. It is important to choose companies that support responsible tourism, where part of your payment helps fund community and environmental projects. Tourism can be a way to help protect the planet and support local communities.
Visit the Responsible People Foundation to find sustainable tour operators for your next adventure.
The price usually depends on the type of service. There are several ways to visit Machu Picchu, including luxury, comfortable, and backpacking options.
These tours offer the best travel experience to the Inca citadel and include VIP services, luxury hotels, and premium trains, such as the Hiram Bingham or the panoramic train. These packages also include a private tour guide and transportation.
Luxury Machu Picchu tours typically cost between $1,200 and $2,500 per person.
Comfortable Machu Picchu tours include good hotels, train tickets, private transportation, and a private tour guide. These tours are more affordable for many travelers while still providing an excellent experience.
Depending on the train service, such as Vistadome or Voyager, comfortable Machu Picchu tours usually cost between US$350 and US$500 per person.
Backpacking tours are the most economical way to visit Machu Picchu. These packages usually include basic hotels, Expedition train tickets, shared transportation, and a shared tour guide.
Some travelers also choose to take a bus from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This option is not recommended during the rainy season because the route may be unsafe. During the dry season, however, it is possible. The bus ride takes approximately six hours, followed by a three-hour walk to reach Machu Picchu.
If you want a customized trip to Machu Picchu, contact Boleto Peru. Our professional staff is prepared to provide you with the best information and help you plan a customized trip according to your preferences.
Boleto Peru was established by the Inca Trail Machu agency to simplify the booking process for entrance fees to Machu Picchu and other important tourist circuits in Peru. We have been operating as sustainable tour specialists in Peru since 2007, specializing in trekking & hiking adventures and tailor-made trips.