Machu Picchu circuits – Updated 2025

In 2024, the Peruvian government that regulates the citadel of Machu Picchu, introduced a new circuit system that they believe enhances the visitor experience whilst preserving the integrity of the archaeological site. These circuits came into effect on the 1st of June and are designed to offer a diverse range of viewpoints whilst giving access to different areas within Machu Picchu. Below you will find a detailed account of each circuit.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit)

This circuit offers 4 routes for touring the citadel. 2 of which are closed to visitors during the low season.

Panoramic Circuit + Upper Terrace Route

This circuit takes visitors to the upper terrace, the famous viewpoint from where you capture the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House.

This circuit is open to visitors all year round, and restricts access to the viewpoint only. From this point, you can observe parts of the citadel including the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, and other constructions.

The maximum duration of this circuit is 2.5 hours.

Panoramic Circuit + Machu Picchu Mountain

This circuit takes visitors to the upper terrace, the famous viewpoint from where you capture the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House. It also offers an option to hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, an ideal spot for trekking enthusiasts who wish to see the city from above.

The circuit is open to visitors all year round and has a maximum duration of 4-6 hours, with the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain being a 4 hour round trip. However, it is worth pointing out, that if you buy this ticket and do not wish to hike to the mountain, then you are permitted to just remain inside the citadel.

Panoramic Circuit + Inti Punku Sun Gate

This circuit is open to visitors during the high tourist season (June to October). It gives access to the upper terrace, the famous viewpoint from where you capture the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House.

The route also includes a visit to the Inti Punku Sun Gate, offering visitors a spectacular view of Machu Picchu during the sunrise. From this viewpoint, visitors will be able to take the perfect souvenir photo of Machu Picchu, especially at dawn.

This circuit is closed throughout the lower season (October 16th to May 31st). The duration of the route is 3 hours, with the visit to the Sun Gate taking approximately 2 hours. Throughout the tour, visitors will encounter famous sites such as Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and Temple of the Three Windows.

Panoramic Circuit + Inca Bridge

This circuit is open to visitors during the high tourist season (June to October). It gives access to the upper terrace, the famous viewpoint from where you capture the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House.

The route also includes a visit to the historic Inca Bridge, where visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the surrounding Vilcanota Valley. Similar to the Inti Punku Sun Gate circuit, visitors will encounter famous sites such as of Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and Temple of the Three Windows.

This circuit is closed throughout the lower season (October 16th to May 31st). The duration of this circuit is 2 hours, with the visit to the historic Inca bridge taking approximately 1 hour.

Circuit 2 (Inca City Circuit)

Circuit 2 is the most popular route inside Machu Picchu since it covers most of the trails within the citadel. It is for this reason however, that the tickets for this circuit get booked up well in advance, especially during the high tourist season, so you will need to plan ahead if you wish to secure entrance to circuit 2.

Complete Classic Circuit

This route takes you to the upper terrace, where you can capture the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House. It also includes access to both the agricultural and Urban sections of the citadel, where visitors will encounter such famous sites as the Water Fountains, the Temple of the Sun, and the Inca’s House.

This circuit is open to visitors all year round and has a duration of 2.5 hours. It is the most recommended circuit to visitors as it offers a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience and is permitted for all ages. As this circuit is the most sought after, we advise visitors to acquire these tickets 3 or 4 months in advance.

Short Classic Circuit

Similar to the Complete Classic circuit, the Short Classic Circuit offers visitors a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience, but focuses more on the main areas inside the citadel. Visitors of this circuit will encounter such famous sites as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector.

This circuit is open to visitors all year round and has a duration of 2.5 hours. It’s one of the most endorsed circuits to visitors as it offers a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience and is permitted for all ages. As this circuit is highly sought after, we advise visitors to acquire these tickets 3 or 4 months in advance.

Circuit 3 (Royalty Circuit)

This circuit focuses on the lower section of Machu Picchu. For this reason, it does not allow access to the classic panoramic viewpoint, but rather on the agricultural sectors and archaeological sites.

Royalty Circuit or Lower Section

This circuit focuses on the agricultural sectors and archaeological sites within the lower section of Machu Picchu. Visitors of this circuit will encounter such famous sites as the Temple of the Condor, the Pisonay Plaza, the Temple of the Sun and the Inca’s House.

The route does not allow access to the upper terrace, where visitors can capture the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House.

This circuit is open to visitors all year round and has a duration of 3.5 hours.

Royalty Circuit or Lower Section + Huayna Picchu Mountain

This circuit focuses on the agricultural sectors and archaeological sites within the lower section of Machu Picchu. It also gives you the option to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain, an ideal spot for trekking enthusiasts who can take a breathtaking photo of its famous panoramic view of Machu Picchu from above. Visitors of this circuit will encounter such sites as the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Rock and the Temple of the Sun.

Huayna Picchu is open to visitors all year round and the duration of the circuit, including Huayna Picchu Mountain is 5 hours. With the round trip hike up to the summit of Huana Picchu taking around 3 hours. To ascend, you must be over 18 years old and good physical condition is required.

This circuit does not allow access to the upper terrace, where visitors can capture the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House.

Royalty Circuit or Lower Section + Great Cavern

This circuit is open to visitors during the high tourist season (June to October). It gives access to the agricultural sectors and archaeological sites within the lower section of Machu Picchu. Visitors of this circuit will encounter such sites as the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Rock and the Temple of the Sun.

The route also includes a visit to the Great Cavern, a sacred site known as the Temple of the Moon. Inside can be found an impressive construction of Inca walls and doorways cut into the side of a natural cave.

This circuit is closed throughout the lower season (October 16th to May 31st). The duration of this circuit is 6 hours, with the trail to the Great Cavern taking approximately 4 hours (2 hours each way). Due to its challenging nature, the Great Cavern circuit is only suitable for visitors over 18 years old.

Royalty Circuit or Lower Section + Huchuy Picchu Mountain

This circuit is open to visitors during the high tourist season (June to October). It gives access to the agricultural sectors and archaeological sites within the lower section of Machu Picchu. Visitors of this circuit will encounter such sites as the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Rock and the Temple of the Sun.

The route also includes a visit to Huchuy Picchu Mountain, a shorter, more accessible viewpoint for those seeking an impressive view without too much effort.

This circuit is closed throughout the lower season (October 16th to May 31st). The duration of this circuit is 4 hours, with the trail to Huchuy Picchu taking approximately 2 hours (1 hour each way). Due to its challenging nature, the Huchuy Picchu circuit is only suitable for visitors over 18 years old.

More information about the new Machu Picchu circuits

Not all entrance tickets into Machu Picchu will allow you to descend into the heart of the sacred sites. We therefore recommend booking each circuit at least 3 or 4 months in advance, to ensure you can reserve the desired entry date and time. This is especially true for those hoping for circuit 2 or 3 tickets as they tend to be the most popular.

All entrance tickets carry the same fee, and visitors must respect the entry time specified on the ticket.

Visitors will need to enter the citadel on all 3 circuits accompanied by a Machu Picchu tour guide.

Visitor capacity by circuits and schedules for 2025

Regular Season

Regular Season (October to May)

– Circuit 1: 500 visitors per day.

– Circuit 2: 400 visitors per day.

– Circuit 3: 300 visitors per day.

High Season

High Season (June to September)

– Circuit 1: 700 visitors per day.

– Circuit 2: 600 visitors per day.

– Circuit 3: 500 visitors per day.