New Machu Picchu circuits : Everything you need to know for your next adventure

Planning a trip is easy! We share with you a complete and simplified guide for your visit to one of the most impressive wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.

What's in the post:

1. Circuit 1
2. Circuit 2
3. Circuit 3
4. How can I get tickets to Machu Picchu?

 
If you come from abroad and travel from Lima, capital of Peru; with 1 hour and 20 minutes by plane you will begin to enjoy the magic of Cusco.

Continuing with our tour in the city of Cusco, you have the option to buy your train tickets and/or tour packages at Inca Rail. If you bought your ticket with "Bimodal Service", a bus will take you from the Inca Rail ticket office located in Av. El Sol, Cusco, (one of the main avenues in the city), leaving you in our waiting room in the Inca city of Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, so you can board the train to a spectacular journey

We recommend you to purchase our All Inclusive service which offers: entrance tickets to the ruins of Machu Picchu, certified bilingual guide, bus to the Citadel, snack and drink on the train, magic on board thanks to the staging of Ollantay and more.

Choose the circuit of your preference

In order to protect one of The Wonders of the World and our heritage, the Ministry of Culture of Peru and the authorities of Machu Picchu have arranged 3 new circuits, which are divided into sub-circuits with 10 different visiting routes, available from June 1st, 2024. Check them out and plan your next adventure!

Circuit 1: Panoramic Machu Picchu

This tour offers you the opportunity to take an exciting hike from the top and get the best panoramic photographs of the Citadel.

Route 1A - Machu Picchu Mountain:

Duration: 4 hours.

This route crosses the upper terrace of Machu Picchu from the Guardian's House, one of the most famous buildings of the Citadel for its privileged location, where you can capture the classic postcard photo that all tourists want. In addition, you can hike to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain, a walk that takes a total of 4 hours (between ascent and descent). Throughout the journey you will enjoy a unique adventure surrounded by breathtaking scenery, making it the best choice for trekking lovers.

*Learn more about Route 1A HERE.

Ruta 1B - Terraza Superior:

Duration: 2 hours.

The tour begins on the upper terrace of Machu Picchu at the Guardian’s House, from where you can take a panoramic photo of Machu Picchu and have stunning views of the Citadel and the surrounding area. Note that while this ticket does not give you the opportunity to tour the buildings, it does allow you to observe from above. The Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows and more. Capture the best panoramic pictures of Machu Picchu!

*Learn more about Route 1B HERE.

Route 1C - Intipunku Gate:

Duration: 3 hours.

You will be able to go through the upper part and walk up the stone stairs to the Guardian's House (it takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the visitor's physical condition). From this point you can take a panoramic photograph. In addition, visitors can also access the Intipunku, Gate of the Sun, which served as the original entrance to Machu Picchu in Inca times, located at 3,745 meters above sea level. This circuit is only available during the high season (between June 1st to October 15th).

*Learn more about Route 1C HERE.

Route 1D - Inca Bridge:

Duration: 2 hours.

Like the previous routes, this tour offers you a panoramic photo from the top of Machu Picchu. Also, this ticket gives you access to the Inca Bridge, towards the eastern boundary, which connected the Citadel with the jungle villages. This circuit is closed in low season and due to the difficulty level of the Inca Bridge, it is only allowed for visitors over 18 years old.

*Learn more about Route 1D HERE.

Circuit 2: Classic Machu Picchu

This circuit allows you to capture the classic photo of the Citadel. It is considered the most complete and the most requested, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Route 2A - Designed Route:

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

This route includes the urban and religious sector of Machu Picchu, where the visitor can see buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Water Fountains, the agricultural sector and more. It should be noted that this ticket does not include any additional trekking to the mountains of Machu Picchu.

*Learn more about Route 2A HERE.

Route 2B - Lower Terrace:

Duration: 2 hours y 30 minutes.

The journey begins on the lower platform, located below the Guardian's House, where you can get the classic photo of Machu Picchu. You can also visit the main Inca temples and enclosures, such as the Main Temple, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, among others. 

*Learn more about Route 2B HERE.

Circuit 3: Machu Picchu Royalty

This trail is easier to walk and does not require much physical effort. You will be able to visit the lower part of the Inca Citadel and access the original photo of Hiram Bingham when rediscovering Machu Picchu.

Route 3A - Huayna Picchu Mountain:

Duration: 4 hours

Begin your adventure at the Agricultural Platforms, to enter the spiritual heart of Machu Picchu with a visit to the Sacred Rock. From there, you will rise to the imposing Huayna Picchu Mountain, recognized for its prominence in the emblematic photographs of the Citadel. Inside the mountain, you will face steep and narrow stairs, known as the "stairs of death", so good physical condition and agility are required to walk them safely. Access to Huayna Picchu is restricted to 300 daily slots, so it is crucial to secure tickets in advance.

*Learn more about Route 3A HERE.

Route 3B - Designed Route:

Duration: 2 and a half hours 

This route will guide you through the lower area of Machu Picchu, where you will have the opportunity to explore the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Water Mirrors, among others. This is a more relaxing option in terms of physical effort.

*Learn more about Route 3B HERE.

Route 3C - Great Cavern:

Duration: 4 hours 

The particularity of this itinerary is its visit to the enigmatic Great Cavern, popularly called Temple of the Moon, a mysterious construction with walls carved in stone inside the Huayna Picchu Mountain. The journey through the lower part of Machu Picchu takes about 1 hour, while the hike to the Great Cavern can take up to 4 hours. 

*Learn more about Route 3C HERE.

Route 3D - Huchuy Picchu Route:

Duration: 2 hours 

This circuit includes the constructions of the lower part of Machu Picchu, known as the religious sector, finding buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor and more. Likewise, the tour offers a 1 hour hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu, the small mountain next to the Huayna Picchu mountain. It requires a medium physical demand, as it covers cobblestone paths built by the Incas, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the archaeological site in its entirety.

*Learn more about Route 3D HERE.

How can I get tickets to Machu Picchu?

By purchasing the All Inclusive service with Inca Rail, you will be able to take the new Machu Picchu Circuits and acquire all the essentials for your adventure; such as train tickets, entrance and bus to the Citadel, certified bilingual guide, and more. Just follow the steps below:  

1. Go to www.incarail.com

2. Select your travel dates

3. Choose the train of your preference

4. Click on the All Inclusive option.

5. DONE! You are ready for a magical trip!

Last call!

Visiting Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience, as it is a destination that not only offers you dream landscapes, but also connects you with the history and culture of the region. Get ready to embark on one of the most exciting hikes and marvel at the natural beauty of this magical destination, which will not fade from your memory.