Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN CIRCUITS 2B AND 3B FOR YOUR MACHU PICCHU TOURS FROM CUSCO?

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN CIRCUITS 2B AND 3B FOR YOUR MACHU PICCHU TOURS FROM CUSCO?

5MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2024-07-24

Machu Picchu has new entrance rules that directly affect visitors to the ancient Inca archaeological site. Machu Picchu Circuit 2, also known as the Classic Circuit, is generally favored among travelers on their Peru vacation packages. This follows the old classic route around the archaeological site before the new regulations came in on the 1st of June 2024. There are now 4 general circuits, each covering different, important sections of the Machu Picchu archaeological site.

 

Machu Picchu has recently gone through some changes regarding the ticketing and site circuits. Read on for more information that will affect your Machu Picchu Vacation Packages!

The One and Only Machu Picchu!

 

The aim of the new system is to reduce the number of visitors inside Machu Picchu around the main temples and buildings, by separating them out into different sectors. Unfortunately, this means that to see all of the Machu Picchu site, you need to purchase all 4 entrance tickets and visit Machu Picchu over 2 days minimum! Some people may be traveling on a budget and others may have certain time restrictions, which means this would not be possible. After analyzing the new ticketing system and running the new circuits a number of times, we can tell you that the 2 best routes for your Machu Picchu vacation packages, in our opinion, comes down to Circuits 2B and 3B. This should help you narrow down the entrance options so that you can make the most of your entrance ticket. Read on for more information about why these are the best circuits when you visit Machu Picchu.

 

Machu Picchu authorities are always trying to find the balance between allowing the most amount of visitors to enter, while at the same time preserving the archaeological site from deterioration. This so people can enjoy their Machu Picchu vacation packages in the future!

Llama Observing the New Machu Pichu Circuits!

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.

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.

 

here, marked in blue is the map of circuit 2B which is called the Lower Terraces Route. This route is for those who want to take a picture of the citadel that looks like a postcard with fewer people in the background, on their Machu Picchu vacation packages.

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 inside Machu Picchu is one of the most remarkable Inca temples. Make sure you visit the temple on your Sacred Valley tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu!

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.

 

Sometimes there are so many people inside Machu Picchu that affects the experience of the visitors. The new entrance rules are in place to alleviate the concentration in any one site inside Machu Picchu. This will hopefully allow for a more pleasant Machu Picchu tour package!

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.

 

Huayna Picchu is included on circuit 3A but not on circuit 3B. 3B is best suited to those who have mobility issues or senior travelers on their Peru luxury Tours.

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.

 

Circuit 3B is another route we recommend as this it the best route when you have any physical limitations. This maybe if you have suffered from altitude sickness or have just finished a multi-day trek - for example The Salkantay Trek to Machu Pichu.

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.

 

The Temple of The Sun is in The Religious Sctor of machu Picchu. The Incas worshipped the Sun God Inti in his honor. A reamarkable sight when you visit Machu Picchu.

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. 

 

Huayna Pichu also requires a separate permit as each day, numbers are limited. Only 400 can can climb per day on their Peru Machu Picchu trip.

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!

 

new circuits mapi conts

The One and Only Machu Picchu

 

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