Home/Circuits
Updated · 2026 Season

Three circuits.
Ten routes.
One decision.

Since June 2024, Machu Picchu has operated under a fixed-circuit system. You choose your path before you arrive — and once inside, there is no turning back, no shortcuts, no improvisation. Choose well.

Circuit I · Panoramic Route

The view from above.

Circuit 1 hugs the upper terraces. You will not enter the urban sector — no Temple of the Sun, no Sacred Rock — but you will get the iconic Guardian's House panorama, and the only routes that allow access to the two big mountain climbs and the original Inca trailhead at Inti Punku.

Four routes sit inside Circuit 1. Two run all year, two only in high season.

The four routes

  • 1A · Machu Picchu Mountain — the steep climb to 3,082 m. Strenuous, 3-4 hours round trip. High season only.
  • 1B · Upper Terrace — the easy panoramic walk, the classic photograph, year-round.
  • 1C · Inti Punku (Sun Gate) — the original Inca entrance, 2 hours round trip, high season only.
  • 1D · Inca Bridge — adults only, 1 hour, year-round.
Panoramic view of Machu Picchu citadel
Circuit 1-B viewpoint
Circuit II · Classic Route

The complete Machu Picchu.

The most demanded circuit in the entire system. Circuit 2 is the only one that gives you both the postcard view and the urban sector — Temple of the Sun, Royal Tomb, Sacred Plaza, Intiwatana stone, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.

It is also the circuit that sells out first. As of mid-2026, Circuit 2 was reportedly fully booked online through August. If you want it, you book months ahead.

Two routes inside Circuit 2 Route 2A is the most complete. Route 2B follows a shorter path through the same general areas with similar photo opportunities. Both run all year, hourly from 06:00 to 15:00.

What you'll see

  • Guardian's House panorama (the postcard)
  • Main Gate of the citadel
  • Temple of the Sun
  • Intiwatana ceremonial stone
  • Sacred Rock
  • Temple of the Condor
Inca temple ruins inside Machu Picchu
Temple of the Sun, Circuit 2
Circuit III · Royalty Route

The climb, and the lower city.

Circuit 3 walks the lower royal sector — the residences of the elite, the water mirrors, and the ceremonial fountains. It is the only circuit that allows the legendary climb up Huayna Picchu, the sharp peak that frames every photograph of the citadel.

Three routes, varying in difficulty. Tickets for Route 3A (Huayna Picchu) cap at 350 visitors per day and routinely vanish three months before the date.

The three routes

  • 3A · Huayna Picchu — the famous summit climb. Two entry windows: 07:00 and 10:00. 350 spots only. Closed all of June 2026 for maintenance.
  • 3B · Royal Route — the lower city without the climb. Year-round, hourly entries.
  • 3C · Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon) — extends 3B with a remote hike behind Huayna Picchu. High season only (June 19 – November 2).
Huayna Picchu peak from Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu · Route 3-A
The Three Sacred Peaks

Above the citadel.

Three mountains rise from the sanctuary. Each requires a specific ticket. Each rewards differently.

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Circuit 3 · Route 3A

Huayna Picchu

2,720 m. The "Young Mountain." Steep, narrow, exposed — a 1-2 hour climb on Inca-built stone steps with vertiginous drops. 350 visitors per day, sold out months in advance.

DifficultyModerate-High
Daily Cap350
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Circuit 1 · Route 1A

Machu Picchu Mountain

3,082 m. The taller, more demanding of the two main climbs. 3-4 hours round trip, broader panoramas of the entire valley. Less competitive than Huayna Picchu.

DifficultyHigh
Daily Cap400
⛰
High Season Only

Huchuy Picchu

2,478 m. The "Small Mountain." A modest 1-hour climb between Huayna Picchu and the citadel. Easier, less crowded, and a fine alternative when the bigger peaks are sold out.

DifficultyModerate
SeasonHigh only
A Decision Aid

Which circuit, honestly?

If it's your first time: Circuit 2. It is the most complete tour, covers the postcard view and the urban sector, and is the only circuit you will probably ever wish you had picked. Book 2-3 months ahead.

If you want to climb a mountain: The mountain dictates the circuit. Huayna Picchu means Circuit 3 (Route 3A). Machu Picchu Mountain means Circuit 1 (Route 1A). You cannot have both — and you cannot have either with Circuit 2.

If Circuit 2 is sold out: Circuit 3 (Route 3B) is the closest substitute. It covers the lower urban sector with photo opportunities of the citadel from below. Not the same view, but close.

If you've been before: Circuit 1 with Inti Punku, or Circuit 3 with the Temple of the Moon, will show you a Machu Picchu most repeat visitors miss.

"Once inside, you cannot change your route, backtrack, or visit a place allocated to a different circuit. Buying the ticket is now the most important decision of your visit."

Whatever you choose, do it deliberately. There is no Plan B inside the gate.

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Foreign adult, student, child, Andean Community — all 2026 official rates in one place.

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