Circuit 1
Machu Picchu Mountain Route
Visit Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Inca citadel and its surroundings.
Machu Picchu Circuits Update
New Machu Picchu Circuits to Visit from June 1, 2024.
These new rules and circuits are effective as of June 1, 2024 for all new and previous reservations. The changes were established by the Ministry of Culture of Peru and must be followed by all travel agencies.
Effective June 1, 2024
Government Regulation
Subject to Availability
Machu Picchu Trip Guide Support
Important Update
These changes are official regulations, not changes made by Machu Picchu Trip Guide.
From June 1, 2024, the Ministry of Culture of Peru updated the way Machu Picchu circuits are sold and organized. We understand that these changes may cause discomfort for some travelers, but all travel agencies in Peru must follow the same regulations.
Have a reservation?
If your booking is affected, our team will contact you by email or WhatsApp.
Contact Us
What Changed?
The new circuits organize visitor flow and protect Machu Picchu.
The adjustment aims to optimize visitor flow and preserve the integrity of one of the world’s most important cultural heritage sites, ensuring a more orderly and enriching visit.
01
Equivalent Circuits
Previous tickets must be adapted to equivalent new routes, always subject to current availability.
02
Limited Availability
Each route has limited capacity, and some special routes are only available during high season.
03
New Route Names
The new system includes Panoramic, Classic and Royal circuits with different route options.
Old vs New
Equivalence between old and new Machu Picchu circuits.
Travelers who purchased tickets before the update must adjust their visit according to the official equivalence table and available capacity.
| Old Circuits until May 31, 2024 | New Circuits from June 1, 2024 |
|---|---|
|
Machu Picchu Circuit 1 or 2 Llaqta of Machu Picchu |
Circuit 2 or Classic Circuit
Circuit 3 or Royal Circuit
|
|
Machu Picchu Circuit 3 Llaqta of Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain |
Circuit 1 or Panoramic Circuit
Circuit 3 or Royal Circuit
|
|
Machu Picchu Circuit 4 Llaqta of Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu |
Circuit 3 or Royal Circuit
|
|
Machu Picchu Circuit 4 Llaqta of Machu Picchu and Huchuypicchu |
Circuit 3 or Royal Circuit
|
New Machu Picchu Circuits
Explore the updated routes and maps.
Each card below uses the official route image from the original content and organizes the information in a clearer way for travelers.
Circuit 1
Upper Terrace Route
This route allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House viewpoint.
Circuit 1
Intipunku Gate Route
Access the route to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, the original entrance to Machu Picchu during Inca times.
Circuit 1
Inca Bridge Route
Visit the Inca Bridge route and enjoy a panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House area.
Circuit 2
Designed Route
One of the most complete routes for travelers who want the classic Machu Picchu experience.
Circuit 2
Lower Terrace Route
A classic route through Machu Picchu with access to important viewpoints and archaeological areas.
Circuit 3
Waynapicchu Mountain Route
This route includes the lower part of Machu Picchu and the ascent to Waynapicchu Mountain.
Circuit 3
Designed Route
Visit the lower part of Machu Picchu, including areas related to Inca royalty and sacred spaces.
Circuit 3
Great Cavern Route
A special route to the Great Cavern, available only during the high season.
Circuit 3
Huchuypicchu Route
Access the Huchuypicchu route, a high-season option connected with the Royal Circuit.
Visitor Capacity
Machu Picchu capacity changes between high and low season.
The number of visitors allowed each day depends on the season. High season allows a larger visitor capacity, while low season has fewer daily spaces.
High Season
Maximum capacity: 5,600 visitors per day.
Low Season
Maximum capacity: 4,500 visitors per day.
High Season Dates
June 1 to October 15 and December 30 to December 31.
Low Season Dates
October 16 to December 29 and January 1 to May 31.
Subject to Availability
All circuit changes and route assignments depend on the available capacity.
High-season Routes
Some routes such as Intipunku, Inca Bridge, Great Cavern and Huchuypicchu
are only available in high season.
Travel Expert Support
Our team can help you understand which route best matches your reservation.
Route Details
Details about the main Machu Picchu circuits.
The new system groups the visit into three main circuit families: Panoramic, Classic and Royal.
Circuit 1
Panoramic Circuit
This circuit is ideal for travelers who want panoramic views and the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House sector. Some routes also include hikes such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunku or the Inca Bridge.
Route 1-A includes access to Machu Picchu Mountain.
Route 1-B is focused on the Upper Terrace and classic viewpoint.
Route 1-C goes toward Intipunku and is available only in high season.
Route 1-D goes toward the Inca Bridge and is available only in high season.
Circuit 2
Classic Machu Picchu Circuit
Circuit 2 is the most requested option for travelers looking for a more complete classic experience inside Machu Picchu. It includes the most representative areas and is usually the preferred circuit for first-time visitors.
Route 2-A is known as the Designed Route.
Route 2-B is known as the Lower Terrace Route.
It is commonly considered the classic Machu Picchu experience.
Availability can be limited because it is one of the most popular circuits.
Circuit 3
Royal Circuit
The Royal Circuit focuses on the lower part of Machu Picchu and includes important areas related to Inca royalty, sacred spaces and special mountain routes such as Waynapicchu and Huchuypicchu.
Route 3-A includes the Waynapicchu Mountain route.
Route 3-B is the Designed Route through the lower archaeological sector.
Route 3-C includes the Great Cavern route and is high-season only.
Route 3-D includes Huchuypicchu and is high-season only.
Machu Picchu Trip Guide
Need help choosing the right Machu Picchu circuit?
Write to us with your travel date, ticket type or reservation details. A Machu Picchu Trip Guide travel expert will help you understand your route options and the best available alternative.