About the Machu Picchu Circuits Guide (2025)

As of October 2025, Machu Picchu has maintained the circuit system introduced in mid-2024, with updates to increase daily visitor capacity to 4,500 in the regular season and 5,600 in the high season (typically June to October/November, depending on the source). This system divides visits into three main circuits with a total of 10 sub-routes, designed to manage crowds, preserve the site, and offer varied experiences from panoramic views to in-depth ruin explorations and hikes. Visitors must select a specific circuit and sub-route when purchasing tickets in advance (1-4 months recommended, especially for high-demand options like Huayna Picchu).

All routes are one-way with no backtracking or re-entry without an additional ticket. Guides are optional but recommended.

Tickets are available via official platforms like machupicchu.gob.pe or tuboleto.cultura.pe. Below is a compiled summary based on current guidelines, organized by circuit. Durations include entry to exit; some routes are seasonal (high season: approximately June 1/19 to October 15/November 2). Daily ticket allocations: Circuit 1 (~1,100), Circuit 2 (~3,050), Circuit 3 (~1,450).

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route (Focus on Views and External Hikes)

Emphasizes elevated viewpoints and optional side hikes, starting from the main upper entrance. Ideal for photography enthusiasts or those short on time/energy. No access to main ruins or urban sectors (requires separate Circuit 2/3 ticket). Classic postcard photo from Guardian’s House area included in all sub-routes. Difficulty: Easy to challenging. Year-round availability unless noted;

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain

• Hike through forest to upper terraces for classic views, then a steep ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain summit (3,083m) for overhead panoramas of the citadel and surrounding Andes.
• Tour length 4-6 hours (3-4 hours for hike round-trip).
• Physical Level: Challenging with stairs; ideal for fit hikers. Age 12+ (some sources say 18+). Year-round. High demand in high season.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace

• Short hike to upper agricultural terraces and Guardian’s House for iconic panoramic photos; loop back via lower platform.
• Tour length: 1-2.5 hours (max 3.5 hours).
• Physical Level:Most basic option; great for quick visits. Any age. Year-round. Lowest demand.

Route 1-C: Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

• Upper terraces for views, plus a hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku, 3,745m), the historic Inca Trail entrance, offering misty mountain glimpses of the site.
• Tour length: 2.5-4 hours (1.5-3 hours for hike round-trip).
• Physical Level: Moderate uphill; family-friendly. Age any (kid-friendly add-on). Seasonal: High season only (June 1/19 – Oct 15/Nov 2). Not for Inca Trail arrivals.

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge

• Upper terraces for photos, plus a flat cliffside hike to the ancient Inca Bridge (drawbridge gateway to the Amazon).
• Tour length: 2-3 hours (1 hour for hike round-trip).
• Physical Level: Thrilling due to cliffs; two view chances. Age 12+ (or 18+ for safety). Seasonal: High season only (June 1/19 – Oct 15/Nov 2).

Circuit 2: Classic Route (Comprehensive Citadel Tour)

The most popular and complete option, covering ~80% of the site including upper and lower sectors, temples, plazas, and classic views. Starts from upper entrance, enters via traditional gate. Ideal for first-timers. Difficulty: Average (some stairs). Year-round; advance booking: 3-4 months due to high demand. Maps show paths through key sites like Sacred Plaza and Temple of the Sun viewpoint.

Route 2-A: Designed Route (Classic)

• Classic photo from below Guardian’s House, then tour urban/religious areas: Temple of the Sun (overhead view), Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana (view only, closed), Sacred Rock, Water Mirrors, Fountains, agricultural sector.
• Tour length: 2.5-3 hours (max 2.5 hours permitted).
• Notes/Restrictions: Broad coverage; skips Temple of the Condor. Any age. Specific hours for some sites (e.g., Sun Temple 1-4 PM).

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace

• Similar to 2-A but starts with higher loop through upper terraces (llamas often present) and Inca Quarry; then same core tour of temples and plazas.
• Duration: 2.5-3 hours (max 2.5 hours permitted).
• Physical Level Minimal difference from 2-A; adds terrace views. Any age. Year-round.

Circuit 3: Royalty Route (Lower Citadel and Hikes)

Lower urban/residential areas and royal buildings, entering via lower gate or Sun Gate (for Inca Trail). No classic upper viewpoint (alternative photos from agricultural sector). Ideal for limited mobility, families, or hike add-ons. Difficulty: Easy to challenging. Year-round unless noted; advance booking: 1-3 months (higher for hikes). Maps highlight lower paths with hike branches; mandatory for standard Inca Trail (upgrades available).

Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain

• Lower tour (Temple of the Sun base, Inca House, Three Gates, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, Fountains), plus steep hike to Huayna Picchu summit for views down on the site.
• Duration: 3-4 hours (1.5-3 hours for hike).
• Notes/Restrictions: Exhilarating but vertigo-inducing stairs/cables. Age 12+ (or 18+). Year-round; not rainy season. Highest demand (book 3-4 months).

Route 3-B: Designed Route (Royalty)

• Core lower tour: Agricultural terraces, Temple of the Sun, Inca House, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, warehouses.
• Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours (max 3.5 hours).
• Notes/Restrictions: Shortest/easiest; good for mobility issues (benches available). Any age. Year-round.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon)

• Lower tour plus off-trail hike to the Great Cavern (mystic cave with windows) on Huayna Picchu’s backside.
• Duration: 4-6 hours (3-4 hours for hike).
• Notes/Restrictions: Moderate; less crowded. Age 12+ (or 18+). Seasonal: High season only.

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu

• Lower tour plus easier hike to Huchuy Picchu (smaller peak) for panoramic views.
• Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours (40-60 minutes for hike).
• Notes/Restrictions: Less steep; family-friendly. Age 12+ (or 18+). Seasonal: High season only.

Notes

• Circuit 2 for full exploration; Circuit 1 for views/hikes; Circuit 3 for lower focus or Inca Trail. Combine circuits for complete access (e.g., 1 + 3 for views + hikes).
• High season (June-Oct/Nov) adds routes but increases crowds/prices. Check closures; rainy season (Nov-Apr) affects hikes.
• Prepare for altitude (2,430m); no drones/plastic bottles. Tickets non-transferable; buy early via official sites.
• Increased capacity; no separate Circuit 4 (integrated into 3 for Inca Trail); Intihuatana closed permanently (view only).
• Advance booking: 5-6 months

For the latest, visit Our official page  for Maps and diagrams are available on these resources for visual planning.