1AMachu Picchu MountainClimb above the sanctuary for sweeping mountain scenery.
3.8 km
4–6 hours
Challenging
Year-round
Machu Picchu Circuits: Complete Guide to All 10 Routes
Explore the 3 official Machu Picchu circuits and 10 designated routes. Compare original maps, panoramic viewpoints, archaeological attractions, walking distances, estimated durations, difficulty ratings, and entrance tickets.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) focuses on elevated viewpoints and mountain hikes. Circuit 2 (Classic) combines famous photographs with important archaeological sectors. Circuit 3 (Royalty) visits the lower citadel and offers designated mountain trails. Your entrance ticket is issued for a specific route, date, and time.
If standard Circuit 3B tickets are sold out, check the separate Circuit 3B Premium guided booking option. For sold-out online Circuit 2 tickets, compare our last-minute Circuit 2 tour package. Premium is not an eleventh official route; last-minute tickets are subject to the local in-person allocation process.
Plan ahead: Check ticket availability before finalizing your itinerary, and consider hiring a licensed Machu Picchu guide.
Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes Overview Map
Our illustrative overview shows Circuit 1 in red, Circuit 2 in blue, and Circuit 3 in yellow. Detailed original maps and clickable attraction photographs appear below.
Which Machu Picchu Circuit Should You Choose?
Choose what matters most to you. The recommendations below update instantly; then review the route description and ticket availability before purchasing.
Suggested: one-ticket classic experience
Circuit 2A or 2B
The broadest combination of an iconic viewpoint and the upper urban archaeological sector in a single designated route. Route 2A and 2B have different viewpoint access.
Suggested: elevated panorama
Circuit 1B — Upper Terrace
Focus on the elevated postcard perspective without a long mountain hike. This route does not include the urban archaeological walk of Circuit 2.
Suggested: lower archaeological sector
Circuit 3B — Royalty
Explore the designated lower-city royal and residential areas, ceremonial structures and water features. It does not include the Upper Terrace postcard viewpoint.
Suggested: mountain adventure
Circuit 3A or Circuit 1A
Choose 3A for the steep Huayna Picchu ascent or 1A for Machu Picchu Mountain and expansive views. Both require physical preparation and route-specific tickets.
Two ways to plan when Circuit 2 digital tickets are sold out
Option 1: Try our last-minute Circuit 2 package
If you still want the official Circuit 2A or 2B route, explore our assisted last-minute tour in Aguas Calientes. Official in-person ticket allocation is limited and the date and entry time are assigned through the local process; during exceptional demand, visitors may need to stay until Day 3 or Day 4. This is not immediate online ticket availability or a guaranteed two-day schedule.
See Last-Minute Circuit 2 Tour
Option 2: Combine Circuit 1B + Circuit 3B
Use separate entrances for the elevated Upper Terrace panorama and the lower royal sector, if suitable same-day ticket slots are available. If regular 3B is sold out, check our separate 3B Premium guided booking option. This combination is not the identical route as Circuit 2.
Can You Visit Multiple Machu Picchu Circuits in One Day?
Yes, you can plan more than one separately ticketed route on the same day, provided tickets are available and your assigned entrance times leave enough time to finish the first visit, exit the sanctuary and enter again for the next route. Each entry is a separate purchase; one ticket never gives access to all circuits. Follow the times and conditions printed on each ticket.
1
First visit: Circuit 1B — Upper Terrace
Get the elevated panoramic views and postcard-style photographs.
Check Circuit 1B Tickets2
Second visit: Circuit 3B — Royalty
Return with a separate ticket to explore the designated lower Inca city and royal-sector buildings.
Check Circuit 3B TicketsImportant: This is a sample order, not a guaranteed itinerary. Either sequence may work if permitted entry slots align. Leave a practical buffer between the visits, plan for queues and walking time, and check both tickets before paying. Do not assume you can change routes while inside the sanctuary or re-enter using a ticket already used.
Circuit 2A / 2B vs. Circuit 1B + 3B: What Do You Gain and Miss?
The combination covers two of the experiences people most want—an elevated panorama and a visit among Inca buildings—but takes a different path through the sanctuary. The differences below reflect the designated routes, not guaranteed access to individual rooms or structures.
| Experience or attraction | Circuit 2A | Circuit 2B | 1B + 3B together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevated Upper Terrace panorama | No | No | Yes — via 1B |
| Classic-style panoramic view | Yes — 2A viewpoint | Yes — lower terrace perspective | Yes — upper panorama via 1B |
| Enter and explore Inca city structures | Yes — classic urban route | Yes — classic urban route | Yes — lower royal sector via 3B |
| Temples Plaza and Intihuatana sector | Included on classic route | Included on classic route | Not on 1B + 3B route |
| Granitic Chaos and other upper-city route stops | Classic route | Classic route | Not on the same urban itinerary |
| Lower royal residences, water features, ceremonial areas | Some lower-city sights from classic route | Some lower-city sights from classic route | Dedicated lower royal route via 3B |
| Separate panorama and city visits | Single continuous route | Single continuous route | Two distinct experiences |
| Entrance tickets needed per person | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Separate timed entries / exit between visits | No | No | Yes |
What you gain with 1B + 3B
- Higher vantage point: Upper Terrace panoramic photographs.
- Lower-city perspective: A dedicated visit through the royal sector.
- Flexible alternative: A way to experience two contrasting areas when both Circuit 2 routes are unavailable.
What you miss compared with Circuit 2
- Classic route continuity: You do not follow Circuit 2's complete single-route walk.
- Upper urban archaeological stops: You miss the Temples Plaza, Intihuatana sector and associated classic-route highlights.
- Single-ticket convenience: You need two purchases, timed entries and a second entry process.
Choose the best alternative when Circuit 2 digital tickets are sold out
Want the actual Circuit 2 route? First review our last-minute Circuit 2 package in Aguas Calientes, which uses the separate in-person process and may require extra days in periods of unusually high demand.
Prefer to plan with other available routes? Combine Circuit 1B Upper Terrace with Circuit 3B Royalty, using two separately timed tickets. If standard Circuit 3B is sold out, check Circuit 3B Premium availability as a different booking service on the same official route.
Last-Minute Circuit 2 TourAll Ticket AvailabilityCircuit 1B TicketsStandard 3B Tickets3B Premium Tickets
All options depend on the relevant allocation process and confirmed dates or entry times. Do not book nonrefundable transport on the assumption that last-minute tickets will be assigned for a particular day.
Which Machu Picchu Circuit Is Best?
For most first-time visitors, Circuit 2A Classic is our preferred all-around route for traditional views and archaeological areas. For elevated photographs consider Circuit 1B Upper Terrace; for the lower citadel consider Circuit 3B Royalty. For a mountain climb, compare routes 1A, 3A and 3D below.
Compare All 10 Machu Picchu Routes: Maps, Distance, Time & Tickets
Find the route that fits your interests and fitness. Each entry describes what you'll see and provides a direct link to its ticket.
1
Circuit 1 — Panoramic
Photography, elevated viewpoints, and mountain trails
Route and experience
Distance
Duration
Difficulty
Season
Tickets
1BUpper TerraceClassic elevated postcard photograph, without a long mountain climb.
1.6 km
1–2 hours
Lower difficulty
Year-round
1CSun Gate (Intipunku)Hike toward the historic Sun Gate and panoramic viewpoints.
3.4 km
About 2 hours
Moderate
High season
1DInca BridgeExplore a scenic trail toward the historic Inca Bridge.
2.6 km
1–2 hours
Moderate
High season
2
Circuit 2 — Classic
Iconic Machu Picchu photos and archaeological highlights
Route and experience
Distance
Duration
Difficulty
Season
Tickets
2AClassic DesignedIconic photographs and major archaeological sectors; ideal for first-time visitors.
1.3 km
2–2.5 hours
Moderate
Year-round
2BLower TerracePostcard-style views and important archaeological attractions.
1.4 km
2–2.5 hours
Moderate
Year-round
3
Circuit 3 — Royalty
Lower citadel, royal structures, and selected mountain hikes
Route and experience
Distance
Duration
Difficulty
Season
Tickets
3AHuayna Picchu MountainSteep mountain adventure combined with the designated lower-city route.
2.4 km
3–5 hours
Challenging
Year-round
3BRoyalty DesignedRoyal residences, ceremonial structures, and the lower citadel.
1.3 km
1.5–2.5 hours
Lower–moderate
Year-round
3CGreat CavernLonger, strenuous hike toward the Great Cavern.
3.0 km
3–5 hours
Challenging
High season
3DHuchuy Picchu MountainShorter mountain climb with scenic views and steep sections.
1.7 km
1.5–2.5 hours
Moderate
High season
How to interpret these figures: Route distances are approximate figures reproduced from Ministry of Culture route-panel information in a secondary reference, and have not all been checked against original panels. Times and difficulty are editorial planning estimates, not official ratings or guaranteed permitted visit times. Mountain elevation gain, exposed sections, stairs, altitude and weather can make routes significantly more demanding. “Year-round” does not guarantee tickets for every date, and high-season routes operate only in designated periods. “Lower difficulty” does not mean step-free or wheelchair accessible.
Additional guided booking option: Circuit 3B Premium Tickets offer an additional service option on official Route 3B. Compare with standard Route 3B tickets before booking.
Machu Picchu Circuit 1: Panoramic Terraces and Mountain Trails
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) features elevated terraces, iconic views and optional hiking trails. Its four official routes are 1A Machu Picchu Mountain, 1B Upper Terrace, 1C Sun Gate and 1D Inca Bridge. Ticket access is route-specific.
Machu Picchu Mountain
A demanding mountain hike with expansive mountain and sanctuary views.
Buy Circuit 1A TicketsUpper Terrace
Panoramic viewpoints and classic photographs from the upper sector.
Buy Circuit 1B TicketsSun Gate (Intipunku)
A seasonal walk toward the historic Sun Gate viewpoint.
Buy Circuit 1C TicketsInca Bridge
A seasonal scenic trail highlighting Inca engineering.
Buy Circuit 1D TicketsCircuit 1B — Upper Terrace Route Map
Click an attraction name below to view a photograph without leaving this page.
Circuit 1C — Sun Gate (Intipunku) Route Map
Circuit 1D — Inca Bridge Route Map
See more photos and route details: Complete Machu Picchu Circuit 1 Guide. The source gallery supplies confirmed photos for the Lower and Upper Platforms; other routes retain maps and detailed-guide links rather than guessed photos.
Machu Picchu Circuit 2: Classic Route and Lower Terrace
Circuit 2 is a popular choice for first-time visitors. Its two official routes — 2A Classic Designed and 2B Lower Terrace — combine iconic photo viewpoints with an itinerary through significant archaeological sectors.
Classic Designed Route
The traditional Classic Photo viewpoint with an archaeological walking itinerary.
Buy Circuit 2A TicketsLower Terrace Route
A classic postal-style viewpoint from the Lower Terrace and archaeological attractions.
Buy Circuit 2B TicketsCircuit 2A — Classic Designed Route Map
15 Circuit 2A Attractions — Click to View Photos
Circuit 2B — Lower Terrace Route Map
15 Circuit 2B Attractions — Click to View Photos
Want more history and alternative photographs? Visit our Complete Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Attractions Guide. Each photo above opens on this page.
Machu Picchu Circuit 3: Royalty Route and Lower Citadel
Circuit 3 (Royalty) offers routes through the lower archaeological sectors of Machu Picchu. The four official options are 3A Huayna Picchu, 3B Royalty Designed, 3C Great Cavern and 3D Huchuy Picchu. Each ticket grants access only to its designated route.
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Lower citadel route combined with the designated Huayna Picchu mountain climb.
Buy Circuit 3A TicketsRoyalty Designed
Explore the royal and ceremonial sector of the lower Inca city.
Buy Circuit 3B TicketsGreat Cavern
A longer, seasonal hiking itinerary associated with the Great Cavern.
Buy Circuit 3C TicketsHuchuy Picchu
Designated seasonal mountain hike with views over the sanctuary.
Buy Circuit 3D TicketsCircuit 3B — Royalty Designed Route Map
Circuit 3 Attraction Photo Gallery
Choose a landmark below to open an existing photograph on this page. These are photographs from the detailed Circuit 3 guide, not a claim that every landmark is accessible on every Circuit 3 route.
Circuit 3A — Huayna Picchu Route Map
Circuit 3C — Great Cavern Route Map
Circuit 3D — Huchuy Picchu Route Map
Learn more: Complete Machu Picchu Circuit 3 Attractions Guide. Circuit 3B Premium is an additional service using the official 3B route, not a separate official route.
Which Machu Picchu Circuit Is Best?
The best Machu Picchu circuit depends on your interests, physical fitness and the type of experience you want. Compare our recommendations below.
Best for First-Time Visitors
Circuit 2A or 2B provides one of the best combinations of classic views and Inca ruins.
Buy Circuit 2A Buy Circuit 2BBest for Panoramic Photography
Circuit 1B is ideal for iconic upper-terrace photographs and magnificent mountain landscapes.
Buy Circuit 1BBest for Mountain Adventures
Circuit 3A includes Huayna Picchu Mountain, while Circuit 1A includes Machu Picchu Mountain.
Buy Huayna PicchuBest for Inca History
Circuit 3B focuses on the lower citadel, royal structures and important ceremonial areas.
Buy Circuit 3BBest for a Shorter Mountain Hike
Circuit 3D includes Huchuy Picchu, a shorter seasonal mountain trail compared with Huayna Picchu.
Buy Huchuy PicchuBest for Premium Booking Services
Circuit 3B Premium combines the Royalty route with an included guide and additional booking conditions.
Buy Circuit 3B PremiumHow to Buy the Correct Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
- Choose your circuit. Select Panoramic, Classic or Royalty based on your preferred attractions.
- Select the official route. Tickets specify a particular route, such as Circuit 2A or Circuit 3B.
- Check your entrance date and time. Availability differs by route and schedule.
- Enter accurate passenger information. Your identity document must match the details on your reservation.
- Arrange transportation. Plan your train and bus transportation around your confirmed entrance time.
- Consider hiring a licensed guide. A guide can explain the history, engineering and traditions of the Inca civilization.
Planning tip:
We recommend booking popular circuits
well ahead of your travel date.
During busy periods, preferred entrance
times may sell out quickly.
Check Machu Picchu Ticket Availability Hire a Machu Picchu Guide
Can You Visit More Than One Circuit?
A standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket is issued for a specific route. If you want to experience multiple official circuits, separate entrance authorizations are generally required.
Are Machu Picchu Circuits Physically Demanding?
All Machu Picchu routes involve walking at altitude, and many include stone steps or uneven terrain. Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and Great Cavern require additional physical preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Machu Picchu Circuits
Find answers to the most common questions about Machu Picchu's three circuits, ten official routes, viewpoints, mountain hikes and entrance tickets. Use the links in each answer to explore the appropriate circuit or purchase your preferred ticket.
1. How many Machu Picchu circuits are there?
There are three official Machu Picchu circuits containing ten designated routes: four Panoramic routes, two Classic routes and four Royalty routes.
Learn about the Circuit 1 Panoramic attractions, Circuit 2 Classic attractions and Circuit 3 Royalty attractions.
Check Machu Picchu ticket availability before selecting your route.
2. Why does this guide include 11 ticket options?
Machu Picchu has ten official routes. Our guide also includes Circuit 3B Premium , an additional booking service associated with the official Circuit 3B Royalty route. It is not an eleventh government-designated route.
Compare standard Circuit 3B tickets with Circuit 3B Premium tickets to review the services, inclusions and booking conditions.
3. Which circuit is best for first-time visitors?
Circuit 2 is generally our recommendation for first-time visitors because it combines famous Machu Picchu viewpoints with significant Inca archaeological sectors.
Visitors can choose between the Circuit 2A Classic Designed ticket and the Circuit 2B Lower Terrace ticket .
Explore the complete Circuit 2 attractions guide to compare photographic viewpoints and historic sites.
4. Which circuit has the best Machu Picchu photographs?
Circuit 1B Upper Terrace offers famous elevated panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Circuit 2A and Circuit 2B also provide beautiful classic viewpoints together with archaeological attractions.
For panoramic photography, consider Circuit 1B Upper Terrace tickets .
For classic views combined with archaeological exploration, compare Circuit 2A tickets and Circuit 2B tickets .
See the photo locations in our Circuit 1 photography guide and Circuit 2 photography guide .
5. What is the difference between Circuit 2A and Circuit 2B?
Circuit 2A is the Classic Designed route, while Circuit 2B is the Lower Terrace route. Both offer important archaeological experiences, but their designated pathways and photographic viewpoints differ.
Choose Circuit 2A Classic Designed tickets or Circuit 2B Lower Terrace tickets .
Our detailed Circuit 2 guide includes attraction photographs and additional route information.
6. Which circuit includes Huayna Picchu?
Circuit 3A includes the Huayna Picchu Mountain hike. The standard Circuit 3B route does not include this mountain ascent.
To climb Huayna Picchu, reserve Circuit 3A Huayna Picchu tickets .
Other mountain experiences include Circuit 1A Machu Picchu Mountain and the seasonal Circuit 3D Huchuy Picchu Mountain .
Read about the Circuit 3 routes and attractions before booking.
7. How long does Circuit 2 take?
A typical guided Circuit 2 visit takes approximately 2.5 hours. The actual duration depends on the authorized itinerary, walking pace, visitor conditions and applicable regulations.
Visitors can reserve Circuit 2A entrance tickets or Circuit 2B entrance tickets .
We also recommend hiring a licensed Machu Picchu guide to understand the history, architecture and culture of the sanctuary.
8. Which Machu Picchu routes are seasonal?
Four official routes operate seasonally, subject to current government regulations:
- Route 1C — Sun Gate: View Circuit 1C tickets
- Route 1D — Inca Bridge: View Circuit 1D tickets
- Route 3C — Great Cavern: View Circuit 3C tickets
- Route 3D — Huchuy Picchu: View Circuit 3D tickets
Always verify the operating period and current ticket availability before finalizing your travel plans.
9. Can I change circuits after entering Machu Picchu?
No. A standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket authorizes a specific visiting route. Visitors must follow their designated itinerary and cannot freely move between all three circuits.
If you want to experience different areas of the sanctuary, consider booking separate authorized entrances, such as Circuit 2A Classic together with Circuit 3B Royalty , subject to availability and applicable regulations.
Compare the attractions in Circuit 1, Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 before making your reservations.
10. Is Circuit 3B Premium better than standard Circuit 3B?
Both ticket options use the same official Circuit 3B Royalty route. The Premium option offers additional booking services and conditions, including a licensed guide as described in its product information.
Compare Circuit 3B Standard with Circuit 3B Premium .
You can also explore the complete Circuit 3 attractions guide to understand the Royalty route.
11. Can I purchase Machu Picchu tickets at the entrance?
You should not plan to buy regular entrance tickets at the sanctuary entrance. We recommend reserving your authorized route before arriving at Machu Picchu. Last-minute ticket arrangements may follow different procedures.
Check Machu Picchu entrance ticket availability and consider popular options such as Circuit 2A Classic , Circuit 2B Lower Terrace or Circuit 3B Royalty .
12. Do I need a tour guide at Machu Picchu?
A licensed guide is highly recommended to understand Machu Picchu's history, architecture, engineering and cultural significance. Specific routes and Inca Trail arrangements may have additional guiding requirements.
You can hire a Machu Picchu tour guide and combine your guided experience with Circuit 2A Classic tickets , Circuit 2B Lower Terrace tickets or another authorized entrance route.
Alternatively, explore our Circuit 3B Premium guided option , which includes guiding services as described on the product page.
Explore All Machu Picchu Circuit Tickets
Compare entrance tickets for all 10 official routes, organized by circuit. Select the route that includes your preferred viewpoints, archaeological attractions or mountain hikes.
Circuit 1 — Panoramic Tickets
- Circuit 1A — Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets
- Circuit 1B — Upper Terrace Tickets
- Circuit 1C — Sun Gate Tickets
- Circuit 1D — Inca Bridge Tickets
View the detailed Circuit 1 guide, viewpoints and photos .
Circuit 2 — Classic Tickets
View the detailed Circuit 2 guide, viewpoints and photos .
Circuit 3 — Royalty Tickets
- Circuit 3A — Huayna Picchu Tickets
- Circuit 3B — Royalty Designed Tickets
- Circuit 3C — Great Cavern Tickets
- Circuit 3D — Huchuy Picchu Tickets
View the detailed Circuit 3 guide, attractions and photos .
Additional Ticket Option — Circuit 3B Premium
Interested in a coordinated guided visit? Explore Machu Picchu Circuit 3B Premium Tickets for details about included services, reservation conditions and availability.
Not sure which ticket to choose?
Start with our
Machu Picchu Ticket Availability
page and compare the official routes before booking.
Additional Machu Picchu Planning Resources
- Circuit 1 Main Attractions and Photos
- Circuit 2 Main Attractions and Photos
- Circuit 3 Main Attractions and Photos
- Machu Picchu Ticket Availability
- Hire a Licensed Machu Picchu Guide
Official route regulations and visitor conditions are established by Peru's Ministry of Culture. Seasonal access, entrance schedules, ticket allocations and authorized attractions may change.
Book Your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
Ready to visit Machu Picchu? Choose your preferred route and reserve your entrance ticket.