Machu Picchu Mountain
A demanding mountain hike with expansive mountain and sanctuary views.
Buy Circuit 1A TicketsMachu Picchu Circuits: Complete Guide to All 10 Routes
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has 3 official circuits and 10 designated visiting routes. Each route offers a different experience, including panoramic viewpoints, historic Inca structures and mountain hiking trails.
Choosing the right Machu Picchu circuit is important because entrance tickets are issued for specific routes. Not every ticket allows you to visit the same attractions or viewpoints.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic) focuses on elevated photography viewpoints and mountain trails. Circuit 2 (Classic) combines famous panoramic photographs with extensive archaeological sectors. Circuit 3 (Royalty) explores the lower citadel, including royal structures, temples and selected mountain routes.
In this complete guide, you can compare all 10 routes, explore our original circuit maps, identify numbered attractions, view photographs and purchase the entrance ticket that best matches your interests.
We also feature an additional Circuit 3B Premium Ticket , bringing the total to 11 ticket options in this guide. Premium uses official Route 3B and is not a separate government-designated route.
Important booking advice:
Machu Picchu entrance tickets are not normally
purchased at the sanctuary entrance.
We recommend reserving in advance,
especially for Circuit 2 and popular entrance times.
Check Machu Picchu ticket availability
and consider
booking a licensed Machu Picchu guide
before your visit.
Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes Overview Map
Our illustrated map shows the 3 official Machu Picchu circuits and their 10 designated routes. Circuit 1 is highlighted in red, Circuit 2 in blue and Circuit 3 in yellow.
This graphic is an illustrative overview. Refer to the detailed circuit maps below for individual walking routes and numbered archaeological attractions.
Machu Picchu Circuit 1 vs. Circuit 2 vs. Circuit 3
Which Machu Picchu circuit should you choose? Compare the three official circuits below to understand their main differences.
| Circuit | Routes | Best For | Main Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 Panoramic |
1A, 1B, 1C, 1D | Photography and hiking | Upper terraces, panoramic views, mountain trails and historic paths |
| Circuit 2 Classic |
2A, 2B | First-time visitors | Classic photographs and extensive Inca archaeological sectors |
| Circuit 3 Royalty |
3A, 3B, 3C, 3D | Inca history and mountain adventures | Lower citadel, royal buildings, ceremonial sectors and mountain hikes |
Our recommendation:
For most first-time visitors, Circuit 2
is the best all-around option because it combines
iconic Machu Picchu views with important
archaeological attractions.
to compare its routes and maps.
Choose Circuit 1 for panoramic photography
or Circuit 3 for the Royalty sector
and designated mountain hikes.
Compare All 10 Machu Picchu Routes and Buy Tickets
Every official route follows a designated itinerary. Select your preferred route below to explore the corresponding entrance ticket.
| Route | Official Route Name | Best For | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | Machu Picchu Mountain | Mountain hiking and panoramic scenery | Buy 1A Tickets |
| 1B | Upper Terrace | Iconic panoramic photographs | Buy 1B Tickets |
| 1C | Sun Gate — Intipunku | Historic Inca Trail scenery | Buy 1C Tickets |
| 1D | Inca Bridge | Scenic walking and Inca engineering | Buy 1D Tickets |
| 2A | Classic Designed | First-time visitors and Inca history | Buy 2A Tickets |
| 2B | Lower Terrace | Classic viewpoints and archaeology | Buy 2B Tickets |
| 3A | Huayna Picchu Mountain | Challenging mountain adventures | Buy 3A Tickets |
| 3B | Royalty Designed | Lower citadel and royal architecture | Buy 3B Tickets |
| 3C | Great Cavern | Longer hiking and archaeological exploration | Buy 3C Tickets |
| 3D | Huchuy Picchu Mountain | Shorter mountain hiking | Buy 3D Tickets |
| Premium | Circuit 3B Premium Ticket | Guided visit and premium booking services | Buy Premium |
Routes 1C, 1D, 3C and 3D operate seasonally. Ticket availability, entrance schedules and permitted visitor access are subject to official regulations. Circuit 3B Premium is an additional ticket service, not an eleventh official route.
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.
Upper 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
How many Machu Picchu circuits are there?
There are three official Machu Picchu circuits containing ten routes: four Panoramic, two Classic and four Royalty routes.
Why does this guide include 11 ticket options?
We include the ten official routes plus Circuit 3B Premium, an additional booking service associated with the official Circuit 3B Royalty route. It is not a new government route.
Which circuit is best for first-time visitors?
Circuit 2A or 2B is usually the best choice because both provide classic viewpoints and a substantial visit through important Inca ruins.
Which circuit has the best Machu Picchu photographs?
Circuit 1B has excellent elevated photographic viewpoints. Circuit 2 also offers famous classic photographs along with archaeological attractions.
What is the difference between Circuit 2A and 2B?
Route 2A is the Classic Designed route. Route 2B is the Lower Terrace route. Both include substantial archaeological experiences but use different designated pathways and viewpoints.
Which circuit includes Huayna Picchu?
Official Route 3A includes the Huayna Picchu Mountain hike. The standard Circuit 3B ticket does not include that climb.
How long does Circuit 2 take?
A typical guided Circuit 2 experience takes approximately 2.5 hours. Actual time depends on the itinerary, visitor pace and applicable regulations.
Which Machu Picchu routes are seasonal?
Routes 1C (Sun Gate), 1D (Inca Bridge), 3C (Great Cavern) and 3D (Huchuy Picchu) are seasonal. Always check current operating periods before booking.
Can I change circuits after entering Machu Picchu?
Visitors must follow their authorized route. A standard entrance ticket does not allow unrestricted movement between all three circuits.
Is Circuit 3B Premium better than standard Circuit 3B?
Both use the same official Circuit 3B route. Premium offers additional services and booking conditions, including a licensed guide as described in its product information. Compare availability and inclusions before choosing.
Can I purchase Machu Picchu tickets at the entrance?
Do not plan to purchase regular tickets at the sanctuary entrance. Reserve through an authorized booking process before your visit. Last-minute ticket arrangements may have different procedures.
Do I need a tour guide?
Guided services are recommended for understanding Machu Picchu's history and architecture. Some special routes and Inca Trail arrangements have specific guiding requirements.
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
- Machu Picchu Guided Tours
Official route regulations and visitor conditions are determined by Peru's Ministry of Culture. Seasonal access, ticket allocations and authorized attractions may change.
Book Your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
Choose your preferred circuit, compare official routes and reserve your entrance ticket for Machu Picchu.
Explore All Machu Picchu Tickets Buy Circuit 2A Tickets Buy Circuit 2B Tickets Buy Circuit 3B PremiumMachupicchu Center provides ticket booking, guided services and travel assistance. Always review the specific ticket conditions before confirming your reservation.