ALL ABOUT MACHU PICCHU CIRCUITS

What Are the Changes From June 2024? 

Beginning in June 2024, more Machu Picchu circuits have been introduced, meaning that visitors have to decide exactly, and ahead of time, what kind of Machu Picchu experience they are looking for. Each circuit around the site also has different costs and time slots. Based on popularity, some circuits will need to be booked as soon as possible, while others are expected to be available last minute.

 

Circuit 1: The Panoramic Circuit

1A : Machu Picchu Mountain Route

Entrance Times: 7am, 9am
General prices for foreigners – adult: S/.200.00 soles
This circuit offers the perfect mix of adventure and panoramic vistas. Beginning from the upper terraces, it allows you to climb Machu Picchu mountain, one of the best hikes inside the archaeological site. The Machu Picchu Mountain hike takes about 4 hours round trip, depending on your fitness. From the summit, you will be astounded by the stunning panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.

Circuits 1B to 1D

Entrance Times: Every hour from 6am to 3pm
General prices for foreigners – adult: S/.152.00 soles.

• 1B: Upper terraces Circuit
  This route is ideal for those who are looking for a shorter walk. The circuit offers panoramic views from the upper terraces but doesn't include the urban area of Machu Picchu. It is the best circuit if you're looking to capture that perfect photo without having to hike for as long.

 

Circuit 1B

 

• 1C: Intipunku Circuit (high season only)

• Also starting from the upper terraces, this route leads you to the Intipunku or "Sun Gate". This was the original entrance to Machu Picchu for those arriving from the Inca Trail. While you won't explore the urban area, the panoramic views along the way are more than enough to make up for it with stunning vistas. This is the Machu Picchu Sun Gate circuit.

• 1D: Puente Inka Circuit (high season only)
  Beginning from the upper terraces, this route takes you to the Inca Bridge, where you can Marvel from above at the Vilcanota River. It’s a short, picturesque walk with historical significance, perfect for a leisurely morning visit on your  Machu Picchu tours.

 

The Trail to The Sun Gate

 

Machu Picchu Circuit 2

Circuit 2A

Circuit 2A includes a comprehensive tour of the most famous sections of Machu Picchu and you can also marvel at the stunning views surrounding the citadel. Circuit 2A takes around 3  hours and permits you to explore the lower sections of the Inca citadel and allows you to take amazing pictures of Machu Picchu, at the classic Photo viewpoint. This gives a more detailed up close version of the citadel, including the main temple and ruins.

 

Circuit 2B of Machu Picchu Tours

Circuit 2B includes a comprehensive tour of the most famous sections of Machu Picchu and you can also Marvel at the stunning views surrounding the citadel. Circuit 2B takes around 2.5 hours and permits you to explore the lower sections of the Inca citadel and allows you to take amazing pictures of Machu Picchu, including the main temple and ruins. You can still take a panoramic photo of the citadel, but not as close up as on circuit A.

From the lower platform, Route 2-B, also referred to as the Lower Terraces Route, you get a unique view of Machu Picchu from an additional viewpoint. Just like the other route, you also get to visit the lower parts with some minor route differences to 2-A. This is ideal for first-time visitors to Machu Picchu. Highlights of this route include the immense agricultural terraces, the intricate stonework of the Temple of the Sun, and The Sacred Rock.

 

Map of The 2B Circuit

Important Information about Circuit Route 2B

Advantages of Circuit 2B

The 2B circuit is long and complete so we recommend you buy this one if you want to explore the whole of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also explore the lower parts of the ruins not available on other entrance tickets.

• you will explore 80% of The Machu Picchu Citadel- more than on other circuits.
• Enjoy unique views of the terraces and agricultural area.
• The route will continue through one of the emblematic entrances of Machu Picchu.
• This entrance leads to the main religious temples and other important buildings inside Machu Picchu.
• You can see the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca.
• Visit the Temple of the 3 Windows.
• You can observe the quarry used to build Machu Picchu.
• You will visit the Main Temple. 
• The Sacred Rock is at the end of this circuit.
• Visit the Temple of the Condor or the Water Mirrors.
• 2B Circuit is easy to hike along defined walkways and with no steep ascents or descents.

 

The Temple of The Condor

 

Disadvantages of Circuit 2B

• Does not include the classic view of Machu Picchu from high above (This is on Circuit 2A) But has the opportunity to take very similar photos from slightly lower down.
• Book your tickets several months in advance due to this circuit´s high demand.
• Since the 1st of June 2024, the Intihuatana is closed to the public (on all entrance tickets).
• It does not visit The Sun Gate or Inca Bridge.

 

Crowds at Machu Picchu

 

Circuit 3B of Machu Picchu

The Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu visits the lower sections of Machu Picchu. This is the best route to take if you have any mobility issues or are suffering from altitude symptoms on your Peru tour packages. You will visit the urban section of Machu Picchu, and places like the Inca House, The Water Fountain, the Temple of the Condor, and the Water Mirror.  With this circuit, you do not have any extra hikes in Machu Picchu.

 

View of Huayna Picchu Through an Entrance Door

 

Advantages of Circuit 3B

• The route visits the main temples of Machu Picchu in The lower Section.
• The route is easier to hike.
• Circuit 3B visits the Royal Sector of Machu Picchu.
• At the entrance, you can take a similar "classic photo" of Machu Picchu from the Agricultural Terraces.

 

Map of 3B Circuit

 

Disadvantages of Circuit 3B

 

• Does not include the classic view of Machu Picchu from high above  (This is on Circuit 2A) but has a very similar photo opportunity without the steep climb.
• Since the 1st of June 2024, the Intihuatana is closed to the public (on all entrance tickets).
• It does not visit The Sun Gate or Inca Bridge.

 

Central Temple of The Sun

 

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

It is important to note that neither of these routes have Access to Huayna Picchu or to Machu Picchu Mountain. These mountain hikes inside the Machu Picchu citadel require a separate permit. For Huayna Picchu - purchase the C1 Circuit. For Machu Picchu Mountain purchase the A1 circuit. 

 

Temple of The 3 Windows with Huayna Picchu in The Background

We understand that the new Machu Picchu circuits are somewhat confusing. Of course, you want to visit all the important parts of Machu Picchu and buy the correct entrance ticket for your Peru Machu Picchu trip. This is why Valencia Travel takes care of the correct entrance ticket for your requirements. Just ask us at the time of booking which section of Machu Picchu is the most important for your visit. Do you prefer ancient history? Do you prefer the spectacular views? Do want to climb one of the mountains inside of Machu Picchu? The difference between Circuit B2 and C2 in general, comes down to the following: B2 is the most comprehensive circuit available. C2 is the best if you prefer less climbing or physical exertion and a slightly more relaxed pace.  Please contact us here if you require more detailed information about the new circuits at Machu Picchu and which is the best circuit for you!

 

The One and Only Machu Picchu

 

Other Machu Picchu Circuits

 

 

 

Can I do more than one Machu Picchu circuit?

Yes, you can do a number of  Machu Picchu circuits on the same day, however, you will still need to buy a new ticket for each route and plan your timing perfectly. This can be challenging as circuit times will be more strictly enforced and will not allow for train delays or illness, for example.

 

How to Secure a Ticket to Machu Picchu 

At this time, there are only two official ways to get a ticket to Machu Picchu. You can buy your ticket at Centro Cultural Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes in person (which is risky due to the last-minute availability), or purchase it online through the Ministry of Tourism website.  This option is best for planning ahead and choosing the perfect Machu Picchu route.

 

Absorbing The Energy

 

Of course, you can book a Machu Picchu vacation package with Valencia Travel. We will take the stress out of booking the entrance tickets and offer advice about which circuit is best for you on your Machu Picchu Tours. Contact us here!