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NEW CIRCUITS IN MACHU PICCHU 2026

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October 4, 2022

New Circuits in Machu Picchu, Video Explanation

The Ministry of Culture has established new visiting circuits in the citadel of Machu Picchu, stating that this new system is intended to protect and preserve the archaeological site. Some routes will be available during the high season, as indicated in the text.

You will visit everything from the heights of Machu Picchu Mountain, which offers spectacular panoramic views, to the enigmatic Inca Bridge. Each route promises a unique adventure, and you should know that every route is different from the others, allowing you to appreciate each place in its own way. Here I explain all the circuits and which ones are worth buying so you can get to know Machu Picchu better.

Circuit 1: Panoramic Circuit

This circuit is perfect for those who want to enjoy spectacular views and capture the essence of the site from different elevated angles. Below, I describe what to expect on each route of the circuit:

Route 1A Machu Picchu Mountain

To enter this route, we must go to the checkpoint and climb up to the terrace area or upper part, which is above the Guardian’s House. This point offers panoramic views and the famous postcard photo of Machu Picchu. Then you will climb Machu Picchu Mountain. The approximate round-trip time is 3 hours. This route does not allow you to go down to the urban area; you must return by the same path you used to climb.

Route 1B Upper Terrace

To do this route, you must climb to the upper terraces of the citadel, from where you can observe the Machu Picchu citadel and take the classic photo. This route allows you to take your time to admire the landscape before returning along the same route.

Route 1C Intipunku Gate (available during high season)

To do this route, we must climb until we reach the upper part or terrace area, where you also have the option to take the classic Machu Picchu photo. It includes the path to the iconic Sun Gate, a strategic point for sunrise views over the citadel. The round-trip walk takes about 2 hours.

Route 1D Inca Bridge (available during high season)

Once in the upper part or terrace area, this site gives us the option to take the classic Machu Picchu photo. Then we take a walk toward the ancient Inca Bridge, showcasing Inca engineering and construction techniques. The approximate round-trip time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This entire circuit does not allow access to the urban sector or lower part of the citadel, but it does include the classic Machu Picchu photo.

Circuit 2: Classic Machu Picchu

This circuit allows us to explore the lower or urban area of the Machu Picchu citadel. In this case, we will have the classic photo of Machu Picchu, but from a different angle. This circuit gives you more options of places to visit.

Route 2A Designed Classic Route

To enter this route, we must pass through the checkpoint and climb up to the Guardian’s House, a point that gives you the classic Machu Picchu photo. Here you can only take the photo, and from there you must descend to the main gate, the Temple of the Sun, then we go to the Sacred Rock, and continue down to the Temple of the Condor before exiting through the lower part.

If you want to explore more sites within the Machu Picchu citadel, this is the circuit you should buy, and I recommend purchasing it weeks in advance.

Route 2B Lower Terrace Route

Just like the previous route, you must pass through the checkpoint and go through the lower part, which includes the storehouses and terraces. You also have access to the House of the Inca, the water fountains, the water mirrors, and you exit through Pisonae Square.

Circuit 3: Machu Picchu Ticket

Circuit 3 offers you a new experience. Here we have four different routes. You can explore everything from Huayna Picchu to the adventure at the Great Cave and Huchuypicchu. This circuit takes you through the urban area of Machu Picchu, discovering historical sites without the classic panoramic photo.

Route 3A Huayna Picchu Mountain Route

To enter this route, we go in through the lower part. This route does not give us the option to climb to the upper part where the classic photo is taken. Our tour is through the urban area, where we will visit the Inca House, the main square, and then head toward the Sacred Rock. There you will find another checkpoint that will take you to the incredible Huayna Picchu.

Route 3B Designed Route

You enter through the lower part and we will visit these places: the water fountain, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, and the water mirrors. That is the entire route, and then we return by the same way we entered.

Route 3C Great Cave Route (available during high season)

We enter through the lower part. Remember that this circuit does not allow us to have the classic Machu Picchu photo, but you will visit the Inca House, then the main square, and continue to the Sacred Rock. From this point we go to the cave and enter it. This is a new route. The approximate round-trip time is 3 hours.

Route 3D Huchuypicchu Route (available during high season)

This route allows us to enter through the lower part. Here we cannot take the classic photo, but we will visit some places such as the House of the Inca, the main square, until reaching the Sacred Rock, and from there we go to visit Huchuypicchu and return by the same route.

ENTRY TIMES TO MACHU PICCHU
06:00 am Until 06:30 am Until 06:45 am
07:00 am Until 07:30 am Until 07:45 am
08:00 am Until 08:30 am Until 08:45 am
09:00 am Until 09:30 am Until 09:45 am
10:00 am Until 10:30 am Until 10:45 am
11:00 am Until 11:30 am Until 11:45 am
12:00 pm Until 12:30 pm Until 12:45 pm
01:00 pm Until 01:30 pm Until 01:45 pm
02:00 pm Until 02:30 pm Until 02:45 pm
03:00 pm Until 03:30 pm Until 03:45 pm

Frequently Asked Questions About the Machu Picchu Circuits

The Ministry of Culture of Peru has implemented new circuits and regulations for visiting Machu Picchu, thus optimizing the tourist experience and guaranteeing the preservation of this World Heritage Site. Now, based on these frequently asked questions, I will answer which are the best circuits and give you advice on how to choose the best one according to your needs.

New circuits were established for the high season, and choosing the best circuit in Machu Picchu will depend on what you want to see and your physical condition. According to the new regulations, Circuit 2 would be the most complete, since it allows for an extensive tour of the main attractions of the citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and the Sacred Rock. This circuit lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and is ideal for those looking for a complete experience.

For 2026, several circuits have been defined with different levels of difficulty and duration:

  • Circuit 1 (Panoramic): Ideal for those who have little time or prefer a less demanding route. This circuit offers panoramic views and the opportunity to take the classic photo from the Guardian’s House.
  • Circuit 2 (Classic): Recommended for those who want a deeper understanding of Machu Picchu, covering the citadel extensively.
  • Circuit 3 (Royalty): Suitable for visitors who prefer to explore less crowded areas of the citadel or have physical limitations. It is the shortest and goes through the lower part.

Circuit 2 remains the favorite for most visitors because of how complete it is and the richness of the sites it includes. However, Circuit 1 is an excellent alternative for those seeking less physical effort or who have less time available. For those interested in less congestion and a faster experience, Circuit 3 is a new option because it allows us to discover places that few people used to visit.

It is essential to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance, since capacity is limited and regulated in order to protect the archaeological site.

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