If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu, you have probably come across a very common question: Which circuit should I choose?
Since the visitor system was updated, Machu Picchu has been organized into 3 circuits and 10 official routes. This means that today, it is not enough to know whether you want Circuit 1, 2, or 3. You also need to check which specific route is included with your ticket.
The choice matters because each route offers a different experience. Some focus on panoramic views, others cover important archaeological areas, while some can be combined with mountain hikes or special trails.
At Machupicchu Luna Tours, we help our travelers choose their tickets based on their schedule, interests, and the type of experience they want. Here is a simple guide to help you make the right choice.
Why Is Machu Picchu Divided into Circuits?
To organize visitor flow and protect the archaeological site, the Ministry of Culture established a system of 3 circuits divided into 10 official routes.
They are currently:
- Circuit 1 – Panoramic: Routes 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, and 1-D.
- Circuit 2 – Machupicchu Classic: Routes 2-A and 2-B.
- Circuit 3 – Machupicchu Royalty: Routes 3-A, 3-B, 3-C, and 3-D.
Each ticket corresponds to a specific route and entrance time. Therefore, before purchasing your ticket, you should always check which exact route you are booking.
Unlike the old system, you cannot simply explore the entire citadel freely. You must follow the route assigned to your ticket.
Circuit 1: Panoramic
Circuit 1 – Panoramic is designed mainly for travelers who want to enjoy Machu Picchu’s views and experience different perspectives of the citadel.
However, this circuit has four different routes, and each one offers a different experience.
Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain
This route combines the panoramic visit with a hike to Machupicchu Mountain.
It is a good option for travelers who want to add a mountain hike and enjoy elevated views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape.
The hike requires more physical effort than a conventional visit, so you should consider your fitness level before choosing it.
Route 1-B: Upper Terrace
This is one of the most interesting options for travelers looking for panoramic views of Machu Picchu without taking on a mountain hike.
The route provides access to the Upper Terrace area and one of the most recognizable perspectives of the citadel.
Who is it best for?
Travelers who prioritize photography, scenery, and a relatively straightforward visit, especially if they do not want to add a mountain hike.
Route 1-C: Intipunku
This route combines the panoramic visit with access to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, during the periods when this route is available.
It is an interesting alternative for travelers who want to add a hike and enjoy another viewpoint of the surrounding landscape.
Route 1-D: Inca Bridge
This route combines the visit to Machu Picchu with access to the Inca Bridge, when the route is available.
It can be particularly interesting for travelers who have already visited Machu Picchu or who specifically want to include this area in their experience.
What should you know about Circuit 1?
Circuit 1 is not a single experience. Depending on the route you choose, you can visit the Upper Terrace, hike to Machupicchu Mountain, walk toward Intipunku, or visit the Inca Bridge.
If your priority is panoramic photography and you want to avoid a mountain hike, Route 1-B is one of the simplest options to consider.
Circuit 2: Machupicchu Classic
If this is your first visit to Machu Picchu and you want to explore a broad selection of the site’s most representative archaeological areas, Circuit 2 is one of the most complete options.
This circuit has two routes:
- Route 2-A: Machupicchu Classic
- Route 2-B: Lower Terrace
Both routes allow you to experience different areas of the citadel and offer opportunities to take the classic Machu Picchu photograph.
The official routes include areas such as:
- Temple Plaza.
- Temple of the Sun viewpoint.
- Sacred Plaza.
- Intiwatana.
- Sacred Rock.
- Water Mirrors.
- Temple of the Condor, depending on the specific route and established itinerary.
It is important to clarify that having access to a viewpoint or archaeological sector does not necessarily mean that you can enter the interior of every structure. Visitors must follow the designated route.
Route 2-A
Route 2-A offers a classic journey through several archaeological sectors and is one of the most comprehensive options for first-time visitors.
Route 2-B
Route 2-B also provides a classic Machu Picchu experience, but follows a different itinerary and includes the Lower Terrace.
Who is Circuit 2 best for?
It is a good option for travelers visiting Machu Picchu for the first time who want to combine:
- Photography.
- Scenery.
- Inca architecture.
- Important archaeological sectors.
- A classic visit without adding a mountain hike.
If your goal is to experience Machu Picchu as comprehensively as possible without adding a separate mountain route, this is one of the circuits you should consider first.
Circuit 3: Machupicchu Royalty
Circuit 3 – Machupicchu Royalty offers a different experience, focusing on lower areas of Machu Picchu and other archaeological sectors.
It is also the circuit that includes several routes that can be combined with mountain hikes.
Its routes are:
- 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain.
- 3-B: Designed Route.
- 3-C: Great Cavern.
- 3-D: Huchuypicchu.
Not all routes are available throughout the entire year. Some depend on the season and the conditions established for visits.
Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain
This is the route you need to choose if you want to hike the famous Waynapicchu (Huayna Picchu) Mountain.
The climb is physically demanding and includes sections with significant elevation gain, so you should consider your fitness level before booking.
Important: buying a Circuit 3 ticket does not automatically give you access to Huayna Picchu. You must specifically purchase the ticket that includes Route 3-A.
Route 3-B: Designed Route
This is an alternative Circuit 3 route for travelers who want to explore archaeological areas of Machu Picchu from a different perspective than Circuit 2.
It can be especially interesting for visitors who want to experience another side of the citadel.
Route 3-C: Great Cavern
This route combines the visit with a hike to the Great Cavern, also known as the Temple of the Moon.
Because it includes an additional hike, it requires more physical preparation than the standard routes.
Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu
This route combines the Machu Picchu visit with a hike up Huchuypicchu, a smaller mountain located next to Huayna Picchu.
It is an alternative for travelers who want a mountain experience that is generally shorter than the Waynapicchu hike.
Does Circuit 3 allow the classic Machu Picchu photo?
Yes. A common misconception is that Circuit 3 does not allow visitors to take photographs of Machu Picchu.
The current routes are designed differently, but Circuit 3 also includes viewpoints from which you can photograph the citadel.
However, if panoramic views are your absolute priority, it is worth comparing the specific routes carefully before purchasing your ticket.
Circuit 1 vs. Circuit 2 vs. Circuit 3
| Feature | Circuit 1 | Circuit 2 | Circuit 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Panoramic | Machupicchu Classic | Machupicchu Royalty |
| Routes | 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D | 2-A, 2-B | 3-A, 3-B, 3-C, 3-D |
| Machu Picchu photo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Machupicchu Mountain | 1-A | No | No |
| Upper Terrace | 1-B | No | No |
| Intipunku | 1-C | No | No |
| Inca Bridge | 1-D | No | No |
| Huayna Picchu | No | No | 3-A |
| Great Cavern | No | No | 3-C |
| Huchuypicchu | No | No | 3-D |
| Best for | Panoramic views and scenery | First-time visitors | Mountains and specific routes |
Important: the availability of certain routes may vary depending on the season and current regulations. Before purchasing, check which routes are available for your travel date.
How Long Can You Stay at Machu Picchu?
You should not assume that you can stay inside the citadel all day.
Regular routes generally have a maximum visiting time established by the regulations, usually up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Routes that include mountains or additional hikes have specific conditions.
Therefore, when comparing circuits, do not base your decision only on how many hours you would like to spend inside Machu Picchu. The important thing is to check the conditions of the specific ticket you are purchasing.
Tips Before Visiting Machu Picchu
1. Use the Restrooms Before Entering
There are no restrooms inside the main archaeological route. Take advantage of the facilities located before the entrance checkpoint.
Also, re-entry is restricted under the visitor regulations, so you should not plan your visit assuming you can freely leave and come back in.
2. Respect the Date and Time on Your Ticket
Your ticket is associated with a specific date, route, and entrance time.
Do not purchase a ticket assuming that you can arrive at any time during the day.
3. Choose the Route According to Your Fitness Level
A standard visit is not the same as climbing Machupicchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu, Huchuypicchu, or hiking to the Great Cavern.
If you are traveling with children, older adults, or people who are not used to walking on steep terrain, consider this carefully before choosing your route.
4. Prepare for Changing Weather
Machu Picchu is located in an area with rapidly changing weather.
The same day can bring sunshine, rain, and clouds. Bring sun protection and a rain poncho or waterproof jacket, especially during the rainy season.
5. Book in Advance
Tickets have limited availability, and some routes are particularly popular.
If your travel dates are fixed or you want a specific route such as 3-A Huayna Picchu or 1-A Machupicchu Mountain, booking in advance is recommended.
So, Which Circuit Should You Choose?
The answer depends on what you want to experience.
👉 You want the best panoramic views
Consider Circuit 1, especially Route 1-B Upper Terrace if you want a panoramic experience without adding a mountain hike.
👉 It is your first time visiting Machu Picchu
Circuit 2 is one of the most complete options for combining photography, scenery, and several important archaeological areas.
👉 You want to hike Huayna Picchu
You specifically need Route 3-A of Circuit 3. Buying any Circuit 3 ticket does not automatically include Huayna Picchu.
👉 You want to climb Machupicchu Mountain
You need Route 1-A of Circuit 1.
👉 You want to hike Huchuypicchu
Choose Route 3-D, when available for your travel date.
👉 You want to visit the Great Cavern
The corresponding option is Route 3-C, keeping in mind that it includes an additional hike.
What Is the Best Machu Picchu Circuit?
There is no single circuit that is best for everyone. The best circuit depends on what you want to experience.
If this is your first visit and you want a classic experience, Circuit 2 is an excellent option.
If your priority is photography and panoramic views, consider the options within Circuit 1, especially Route 1-B.
If you want a mountain hike or a different experience, look at the specific routes within Circuit 3 or Route 1-A.
And remember: don’t just buy “Circuit 1, 2, or 3.” Always check the exact route included with your ticket.
At Machupicchu Luna Tours, we can help you choose the right ticket based on your itinerary, fitness level, and the type of experience you want.
For example, you can check our Machu Picchu in 1 Day – Classic Circuit 2 if you are looking for a classic experience, or our Circuit 1B Upper Terrace if your priority is enjoying panoramic views.
If you are still unsure which route is right for you, contact us on WhatsApp and we can help you find the option that best fits your trip.
Already know which circuit and route you want? The next step is to coordinate your transportation, train, and entrance time so you can enjoy Machu Picchu without complications.
