The Peruvian government has created new regulations for visiting Machu Picchu. This has been done with the purpose of preserving the historic site for future generations. However, the new 4 circuit system can be rather confusing and overwhelming to understand. Sit back and relax as we guide you through your options.
With the new circuits for Machu Picchu, so comes new ways to explore the Inca city. With the new regulations, four official tourist visitor circuits have been established. These circuits must be respected and followed by all people who enter the National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu.
These circuits must be followed by both visitors and tour guides. Please read the discriptions below and the check out the attached maps to better understand the new circuits.
Circuit Number 1 (High Short Route)
Anyone looking to visit Machu Picchu will see that they can do one of 3 circuits within the Inca citadel. Circuit number 1 includes what would be the high part near Machu Picchu Mountain. Here, you can tour a little of the agricultural area and enjoy your first glimpses of Machu Picchu.
This circuit begins at the well-known fork in the access road to the Inca Llaqta of Machu Picchu. You will climb to a platform roughly 240 meters high. From there you will have your first complete view of the Inca Citadel before continue to the ceremonial platform where the well-known Guardians Hut is located.
From there, the path leads to Puente del Inca. Following this path takes travelers to the urban sector of the Citadel. There you can see the main entrance or the Main Gate of the urban area. The main door would have been the original entrance to the urban sector of Machu Picchu.
From the urban sector you will be able to see the other side of the citadel. The road continues until reaching the quarry area (Granitic Chaos). Continuing along the road will take you down to a group of Inca buildings before arriving at the Temple of the Sun. From there you can admire the Casa del Inca, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Temple of the Condor.
Variations:
- 1 a: Machu Picchu Mountain
- 1 b: Top Platform
- 1 c: Inti Punku
- 1 d: Inca Bridge
View the maps below:
Circuit Number 2 (High Long Route) – Considered to be the best one
This circuit is a long high route, taking you through the majority of the Inca Citadel. This route is different in the sense that after the Temple of the Sun, you will continue to climb the steps of the fountains.
From there you will go to the Sacred Plaza to ascend to the Intihuatana pyramid. At the top of the pyramid, you will head in the direction of the Sacred Rock.
From there the route will reach open space before you find the Three Gates, a set of buildings dedicated to the Inca elite. Please note that you cannot spend longer than 20 minutes at each site.
Once you have finished the main section of the circuit you will continue to the Hall of Mirrors and the Temple of the Condor. Unlike circuit one, this tour includes the sites of the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, Sacred Rock, and the Three Gates.
This circuit is one of the best Machu Picchu tours available with the most comprehensive experience as it explores the Inca citadel and its different sectors in depth.
Variations:
- 2 a: Designed route
- 2 b: Lower Platform
View maps below:
Circuit Number 3 (Short Low Route)
Available all Day Long
This circuit begins at the fork in the access road to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. But unlike circuits 1 and 2, circuit 3 follows the route that crosses the area of agricultural terraces to go directly to the urban sector.
This circuit is the shortest circuit of the Inca citadel. You will descend no more than 30 meters to access the warehouses (Colcas) and continue along the path that crosses the agricultural sector. From there you will be able to appreciate the different agricultural terraces until you reach the Main Gate where you will enter the Urban Sector.
The next place you will go to is the Ceremonial Fountains before continuing south to enter the Temple of the Sun. If you continue, you will get to visit the Casa del Inka and before climbing the steps to the fountains. From this point, the circuit takes the same route as circuit 1.
Variations:
- 3 a: Wayna Picchu Mountain
- 3 b: Designed Route
- 3 c: Great Cavern
- 3 d: Huchuy Picchu
View maps below:
FAQS
Which Machu Picchu circuit is considered the best overall?
For most travelers, Circuit 2 (2A or 2B) is still considered the best all-around experience. It combines the iconic panoramic viewpoint with access to the main archaeological sectors, including temples, terraces, plazas, and ceremonial areas. Many guides and travelers describe it as the most “complete” route because it balances photography, history, and immersion into the citadel itself.
If Circuit 2 is sold out, many experienced visitors recommend combining Circuit 3B + Circuit 1C as the closest alternative. This combination gives you both the lower archaeological exploration of Circuit 3 and the panoramic hiking experience toward the Sun Gate on Circuit 1C. While it requires two tickets, it creates a more adventurous and broader experience overall.
Is Circuit 3B better for history lovers?
Yes, many travelers focused on archaeology and Inca architecture enjoy Circuit 3B because it explores the lower ceremonial and royal sectors of Machu Picchu in greater detail. This route passes through areas associated with elite Inca residences, temples, and sacred structures.
However, Circuit 3B does not include the famous panoramic viewpoint that most people associate with Machu Picchu postcards. That is why many travelers combine it with Circuit 1 or 2.
Which circuit is best for adventure seekers?
If you want more hiking and exploration, the best options are:
- Circuit 1C for the hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
- Circuit 3A for the Huayna Picchu climb
- Circuit 1A for Machu Picchu Mountain
- Circuit 3C for the Great Cavern route (seasonal)
Which circuit is best for first-time visitors?
For a first visit, Circuit 2 remains the easiest recommendation because it includes:
- The classic panoramic photo
- The main temples and sacred areas
- A balanced walking route
- The most complete introduction to Machu Picchu
It is widely considered the safest choice for travelers visiting the citadel only once.
