Visiting Machu Picchu – Circuits and Routes
Managing Crowds in Machu Picchu
Since June 2024, Machu Picchu has been divided into 3 circuits that determine your walking route. These circuits were introduced because UNESCO requires the Peruvian authorities to take all measures to protect Machu Picchu. A few years ago, visitors could still choose their own path and walk freely throughout the Inca city. Because this often caused overcrowding and unintentional damage to the centuries-old ruins, it was decided that Tours must now follow designated routes. There are 3 circuits, each slightly different from the other.
Buying Your Own Ticket
Nowadays, everyone can buy a ticket for a Machu Picchu Tour themselves. This can be done online via the local government website. Buying a ticket this way only gives you entrance – it does not include a guided Tour with an experienced local guide.
The 3 Circuits of Machu Picchu – Overview
Circuit 1 – The left side of Machu Picchu, stretching from Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to Puente Inka (Inca Bridge). Within Circuit 1, there are 4 route options:
- 1A: Needed if you want to climb Machu Picchu Mountain
- 1B: Visit Terraza Superior and view Machu Picchu from above
- 1C: Walk from the entrance to the Sun Gate, Inti Punku, with a stunning view
- 1D: Leads to the Inca Bridge
Note: 1C and 1D are only available during the high season.
Circuit 2 – The most comprehensive circuit. It mainly passes through the center of Machu Picchu, covering most of the Inca city highlights. There are 2 ticket options:
- 2A: Slightly shorter, but passes close to the Temple of the Sun and through many ruins
- 2B: Includes Terraza Inferior for a full view of the city
Circuit 3 – The right flank of Machu Picchu. After Circuit 2, this is the most extensive Tour option. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu, you need a Circuit 3 ticket. Options include:
- 3A: Needed to climb Huayna Picchu and access the entrance
- 3B: Visit the lower part of Machu Picchu
- 3C: Leads to the Inca’s cave
- 3D: Climb Huchuy Picchu, the smaller mountain to the left of Huayna Picchu
Guided Tours with a Trail
If you hike the 2- or 4-day Inca Trail, a Machu Picchu visit is included. Authorities have decided that the standard circuit is Circuit 1. Previously, this was always the more extensive Circuit 3. For 2026, Circuit 3B is again included as standard for the 2-day and 4-day Inca Trail.
Important Notes:
- Booking a Trail always includes a guided Machu Picchu Tour.
- If Tours are sold out on your preferred date, other options will be discussed.
- It is possible to try your luck at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes for one of the 1,000 daily tickets, but this is uncertain.
- All guided Tours last 2 hours and include an English-speaking guide.
Alternative Trails and Machu Picchu
If you hike alternative Trails like the Inca Jungle Trail, Salkantay Trail, or Lares Trail, a Machu Picchu ticket is purchased separately. These Trails do not end directly at Machu Picchu. You spend the last night in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the following morning with a guided Tour. We aim for Tours on Circuit 2 (A/B) or Circuit 3B if available.
Optional climbs of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are possible for an additional fee of €80.
