All new Machu Picchu Circuits 2024 - 2026

The New Machu Picchu Circuits, introduced by the Ministry of Culture of Peru and effective from June 1, 2024, reduces the options to 3 main circuits with 10 specific routes to better manage the flow of up to 1.5 million visitors annually.

This initiative aims to protect the fragile paths, terraces, and archaeological structures from overcrowding, especially since narrow trails often cause congestion. With a strict 45-minute tolerance window in peak season and mandatory routing for Inca Trail trekkers on Circuit 1, these changes promise a more orderly and sustainable way to explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. So we're raising the question: Which Circuit offers The Best experience?

Distribution of Machu Picchu circuits

The Ministry of Culture in Cusco has structured the distribution of circuits as follows:

Circuit	Name	Best Places	Estimated Time
1-A	Machu Picchu Mountain Route	Classic Machu Picchu Viewpoint + Machu Picchu Mountain hike	4-5 hours
1-B	Upper Platform Route	Classic Machu Picchu Viewpoint only	1 hour
1-C	Sun Gate Route	Classic Machu Picchu Viewpoint + Sun Gate hike (High Season)	2.5 hours
1-D	Inka Bridge Route	Classic Machu Picchu Viewpoint + Inca Bridge hike	2-3 hours
2-A	Design Route	Machu Picchu viewpoint + Most of the Site	2.5-3 hours
2-B	Low Platform Route	Machu Picchu viewpoint (from slightly higher) + Most of the Site	2.5-3 hours
3-A	Wayna Picchu Route	Lower Ruins + Wayna Picchu hike	3-4 hours
3-B	Design Route	Lower Ruins only	1.5-2 hours
3-C	Great Cavern Route	Lower Ruins + Temple of the Moon hike (High Season)	4-5 hours
3-D	Huchuy Picchu Route	Lower Ruins + Huchuy Picchu hike (High Season)	3-3.5 hours

Additional considerations

• Multiple Circuits: To explore two or more circuits, you will need to purchase multiple tickets.
• Re-entry: Re-entry to Machu Picchu is not permitted once you have exited the park.
• Ticket Sales: Machu Picchu tickets are not sold at the entrance to the park. Ensure you purchase your tickets in advance through authorized channels.
• Inca Trail: If you purchased the Inca Trail ticket, the visit to Machu Picchu through circuit 1-B will be included.

Circuit 1

This circuit mainly focuses on enjoying the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the upper platform. Here you’ll see Inca terraces, take stunning photos, and might even spot some llamas wandering around.

Montaña Machupicchu Route (1-A)

This is the only way to hike up Machu Picchu Mountain. After entering the site, you'll head uphill through the forest (about 10–15 minutes) like all Circuit 1 visitors, then branch off to start the 3–4 hour climb. It’s a challenging route with many steep steps, but from the summit just south of Machu Picchu, you’ll get incredible views of the ruins below. After descending, you can still enjoy the classic postcard views from the upper and lower terraces before exiting.

Note: This route has only two entry times per day and is for visitors 18 and older.

Design Route (1-B)

This is the simplest Circuit 1 option. You'll hike up about 10–15 minutes to the Upper Platform for stunning views, passing the Kallanka ruins—thought to be an old chicha hall—and terraces often dotted with llamas. From here, you’ll enjoy the classic postcard shots of Machu Picchu. Then you’ll continue down to the Lower Platform for even better views before exiting.

Note that routes 1A, 1C, 1D and Inca trail tickets follow this same path but include side hikes.

Sun Gate Portal Route - Inti Punku (1-C)

This route is just like 1A, but instead of climbing Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll take an easier side hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), the historic entrance for Inca Trail trekkers. You’ll head up through the forest, then hike about 45 minutes gently uphill to the Sun Gate and 30 minutes back. From there, enjoy stunning views of Machu Picchu before returning to the main path. You’ll still finish with the famous vistas from the Upper and Lower Terraces before exiting.

Note: this route has only 4 entry times daily.

Inca Bridge Route (1-D)

This fourth option for Circuit 1 is just like the others, but adds a side hike to the Inca Bridge. You’ll enter Machu Picchu, walk up through the forest, cross the Upper Terrace for your first classic views, then take an easy, mostly flat 30-minute round-trip hike along the cliffside to see the remains of an ancient Inca drawbridge. Because of the drop-offs, this route is only for adults (18+). When you return, you’ll enjoy more breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the Upper and Lower Terraces before exiting.

Note: only 4 entry times per day and is for visitors 18 and older.

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The best Machu Picchu Circuit - Circuit 2

Before the changes in 2024, Circuit 2 was already the top choice, and it still remains the best way to visit Machu Picchu. It starts just like Circuit 1, including the famous viewpoint, but then continues into the sanctuary for a full tour of both the upper and lower Inca ruins. If you can only buy one ticket, this should be it.

Design Route (2-A)

There’s not a huge difference between Circuit 2-A and 2-B. Circuit 2-A gets straight to the point, offering you epic views of Machu Picchu right after you climb up. You’ll walk along a terrace just below the Guardian’s House, where you’ll enjoy those famous postcard views of Machu Picchu. (2-B goes slightly higher here, but it doesn’t necessarily give you better views)

Next, you’ll follow a downhill path and enter the actual Citadel through Machu Picchu’s traditional main gate. This is where the second difference comes in. Just after entering, Route 2-A drops down into the ruins, while 2-B stays higher near the Inca Quarry. Descending here is a big plus.

By dropping down, you’ll get a unique perspective overlooking the Torreón (Temple of the Sun), which is considered the most important structure in all of Machu Picchu. From above, you can see the large stone platform inside—something you’d miss from Circuit 3, which only lets you see it from below.

After the route is the same as 2-B. You’ll arrive at the Sacred Plaza, home to the House of the High Priest, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, and the Sacristy. Finally, the circuit continues to the Sacred Rock at the northern edge of the site before looping around by the Hall of Mirrors, where stone basins once filled with water reflected the sky.

Low Platform Route (2-B)

Route 2B is almost identical to Route 2A. There’s no need to stress over the difference—if only one is available, just book it.

The first small difference is right after you enter and walk through the forest. While 2A is slightly shorter, 2B takes you across the Upper Terrace where you’ll often see llamas grazing. Then you’ll descend a bit to enjoy the classic views of Machu Picchu. In reality, the best views are from any of the terraces beside or below the Guardian’s House anyway.

Once inside the Citadel, unlike 2A which drops slightly into the ruins for a unique view of the Temple of the Sun from above, 2B sticks to the higher path and passes through the Inca Quarry—an area with massive stones the Incas never used.

After this point, the route is exactly the same as 2A. You’ll reach the Sacred Plaza, home to the House of the High Priest, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, and the Sacristy. The circuit then continues to the Sacred Rock at the far north of the site before looping around the Hall of Mirrors, where stone basins once reflected the sky.

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Circuit 3

Circuit 3 is a shorter route that only visits the lower ruins of Machu Picchu. This means you miss out on the classic view, as well as key sites like the traditional entrance gate, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana.

Wayna Picchu Mountain Route (3-A)

Wayna Picchu (also spelled Huayna Picchu) is the most tempting option of Circuit 3. You’ll enter at the lower part of Machu Picchu, following the same route as circuits 3-B, 3-C, and 3-D. The side hike begins halfway through the circuit at the northern edge of Machu Picchu, near the Sacred Rock. You’ll explore half of the ruins first, then tackle the climb, and finally return along the other half of the site.

This is arguably the most thrilling hike at Machu Picchu, highly recommended—unless you have a serious fear of heights. It’s also only available for visitors 18 and older.

The trail up Huayna Picchu is extremely steep and at times downright nerve-wracking. At the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from a sharp rocky perch, then descend through a narrow cave before continuing down.

Note: Only offers 2 entry times per day and is restricted to adults.

Design Route (3-B)

Route 3B is the most basic and least scenic option at Machu Picchu—but still worth doing. It focuses only on the lower ruins, so you’ll miss the classic viewpoint and upper structures, and there are no side hikes.

However, this circuit lets you see highlights that Circuits 1 and 2 skip. You’ll pass through Inca storehouses and terraces into Machu Picchu’s middle zone, where you can get close to the Ceremonial Fountains, the Sun Temple (Torreón), the Royal Tomb, and the Inca’s House.

On the return, you’ll also see the Temple of the Condor, with its carved condor stone.

Note: this route used to be included with Inca Trail tickets, but now they only cover Circuit 1-B.

Great Cavern Route (3-C)

"Gran Caverna", also known as the Temple of the Moon, is a large, remote cave temple located on the far side of Huayna Picchu mountain. It’s only open during high season, from June 1 to October 15. You’ll explore half of the ruins first, then tackle the climb, and finally return along the other half of the site.

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, this might be for you.

Note: The hike is restricted to visitors 18+ and has just two entry times per day.

Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3-D)

Route 3-D includes the optional hike to Huchuy Picchu, the smaller mountain to the left of Huayna Picchu when looking at the classic Machu Picchu view. It’s a much easier and less intimidating climb than Huayna Picchu, offering nice views over Machu Picchu from a lower height.

All three hikes start near the Sacred Rock. This route is also limited to visitors 18+ and has just two entry times per day.

Requirements for Hiking Trails 1-A, 1-D, 3-A, and 3-C

Participation in these hikes is entirely voluntary and requires a good level of physical fitness. Hikers must also meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Adherence to Entry Schedule: Respect the designated entry time for the chosen trail.
• Respecting Time Limits: Comply with the established time limits for both the duration of the hike and the departure time from the trail. Failure to adhere to these schedules can pose safety risks and place responsibility on both the hikers and the assigned guides.

Then, Which Circuit offers The Best experience?

• For the most complete experience: Choose Circuit 2 (2-A or 2-B) which includes the classic viewpoint and full exploration of the ruins.
• For adventurers: Consider Circuit 1-A (Machu Picchu Mountain) or 3-A (Wayna Picchu) for challenging treks.
• For short visits: Circuit 1-B is perfect for getting the classic photo in a short time.
• To avoid crowds: Circuits with additional treks (1-A, 1-C, 1-D, 3-A, 3-C, 3-D) tend to have fewer visitors.

Remember to book in advance, especially for the walking tours that have limited hours and age restrictions.