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Getting tickets to Machu Picchu is your gateway to one of those once-in-a-lifetime places. Perched high in the Peruvian Andes, this ancient Inca city is an absolute must on any trip to Peru.
But before you can experience this adventure, there’s one thing you need to take care of: getting your official ticket. It’s the only way to access the site. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Machu Picchu tickets—how the new circuits and routes work, and which type of ticket is right for you.
Types of Tickets to Machu Picchu
Before we dive into the details, here’s something important you should know: there isn’t just one type of ticket to Machu Picchu anymore. There are several, and you’ll need to choose the one that matches the route you want to take. That’s because of a new visiting system that organizes the site into 3 main circuits and 10 different routes. Each ticket gives you access to a specific circuit, with different routes inside, and once you enter—you can’t switch between them.
In total, there are 10 ticket types to choose from, each tied to a specific route:
This system isn’t completely new—back in 2014, when tourism started booming, the first set routes were created. But as of June 1, 2024, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture officially updated the rules. Now, all visits follow fixed routes, and it’s the only way to explore the site.
There are 10 routes in total: 6 are open year-round, and 4 of them (1C, 1D, 3C, and 3D) are only available during the high season. What’s the goal? To protect Machu Picchu, reduce overcrowding, and make your visit safer and more enjoyable.
Limited availability, high demand—secure your spot in advance
🔔 Heads up: Tickets are limited—and they sell out fast. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, make sure to buy your ticket on the official website or book a guided tour that includes it at least 2 months in advance.
In the sections below, we’ll break down how each circuit works, what you’ll see on each route, and which ticket might be the best fit for your adventure. We’ve also included a comparison chart with our recommendations to help you decide. 👇 Let’s go!
Machu Picchu Circuit 1 – Panoramico (Panoramic Route)
This circuit offers some of the best views of Machu Picchu and the sacred mountains that surround it. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a deeper connection with nature and the spiritual side of the site. The trails take you higher up, offering more scenic and panoramic landscapes.
Circuit 1 is divided into four routes—1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D—all of which lead to the upper parts of the archaeological site. However, each route comes with a different level of difficulty and provides a unique experience. For example, routes 1A and 1B are open all year, while routes 1C and 1D are only available during the high season. So, depending on when you plan your visit and what kind of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll want to choose your route carefully.
Circuit 1 – Route 1A: Montaña Machupicchu (Machupicchu Mountain)
This is a tough hike that takes you all the way to the top of Machupicchu Mountain. From the summit, you’ll get incredible panoramic views of the Inca city, with snowy peaks like Salkantay and Pumasillo in the background. A favorite for trekking lovers and photographers.
- Total distance: 2.4 miles (3.8 km)
- Physical effort: High
- Max visit time: 7 hours
- Season: Year-round
- Entry times:
- 06:00 – 06:30
- 08:00 – 08:30
You must reach the summit before 08:00 or 10:00, depending on your entry time
Circuit 1 – Route 1B: Terraza superior (Upper Terrace)
This route takes you to one of the most iconic viewpoints of Machu Picchu—perfect for snapping that classic photo with the city in the background. You’ll also see the Vilcabamba batholith and the Vilcanota River.
- Total distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
- Physical effort: Medium
- Max visit time: 2.5 hours
- Season: Year-round
- Entry times: 06:00 to 16:00 (in hourly slots)
Circuit 1 – Route 1C: Intipunku Gate (high season only)
This hike follows the original Inca Trail entrance to Machu Picchu. From the Intipunku Gate, you’ll get a unique view of the site and the ancient road leading to it.
- Total distance: 2.1 miles (3.4 km)
- Physical effort: Medium
- Max visit time: 4 hours
- Season: High season (June 1 – October 15 and special holidays)
- Entry times:
- 08:00 – 09:00
- 09:00 – 10:00
- 10:00 – 11:00
- 11:00 – 12:00
Circuit 1 – Route 1D: Inka Bridge (high season only)
A scenic walk to the historic Inka Bridge, built with stone and wood. Along the way, you’ll get amazing views of the Vilcanota River valley and see just how impressive Inca engineering really was.
- Total distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
- Physical effort: Medium
- Max visit time: 3 hours
- Season: High season (June 1 – October 31 and special dates)
- Entry times:
- 08:00 – 09:00
- 09:00 – 10:00
- 10:00 – 11:00
- 11:00 – 12:00
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 – Clásico (Classic Route)
This is the most complete circuit and a top pick for first-time visitors. In fact, it’s the one most commonly included in guided tours that come with entry tickets—as long as there’s availability.
What makes it special? This route combines mid-level agricultural terraces with full access to the urban core of the citadel. Along the way, you’ll walk through ancient homes, ceremonial sites, and even structures once used for astronomy—a real deep dive into Inca architecture and culture.
Circuit 2 is divided into two routes, 2A and 2B, both requiring a moderate to high physical effort. If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience—great views, fascinating history, and a solid hike—this circuit is a great choice. Plus, both routes are available year-round, making it a flexible option no matter when you visit.
Circuit 2 – Route 2A: Clásico diseñada (Classic Designed)
This route covers the most iconic parts of Machu Picchu. It starts in the agricultural area with a panoramic view of the citadel, then continues through Llaqta Punku (main entrance), the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirrors. It’s ideal if you’re looking for the full experience and that classic Machu Picchu photo.
- Total distance: 1.6 miles (2.5 km)
- Physical effort: Medium-high
- Max visit time: 2.5 hours
- Season: Year-round
- Entry times: 06:00 AM to 4:00 PM (in one-hour time slots)
Circuit 2 – Route 2B: Terraza inferior (Lower Terrace)
This one also starts in the agricultural area, with a short climb to the lower terrace—another great spot for the classic Machu Picchu photo. From there, the route continues through Llaqta Punku, the stone quarries, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirrors.
It’s a great option if you’re into Inca architecture and want to dive a bit deeper into how the city was designed.
- Total distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
- Physical effort: Medium-high
- Max visit time: 2.5 hours
- Season: Year-round
- Entry times: 06:00 AM to 4:00 PM (in one-hour time slots)
Machu Picchu Circuit 3 – Realeza (Royalty Route)
This circuit takes you through the most sacred and iconic areas of Machu Picchu—the parts once reserved for Inca royalty. You’ll visit legendary spots like the Temple of the Sun, the Inka’s House, and the Temple of the Condor. It’s the only circuit that includes access to Waynapicchu Mountain.
This is a great option if you want to truly understand the spiritual, political, and ceremonial side of the citadel. Some routes are easygoing, while others (like the mountain hikes) are more intense and take longer. Circuit 3 is split into four routes (3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D). Routes A and B are available year-round, while C and D are only open during the high season.
Circuit 3 – Route 3A: Waynapicchu Mountain
One of the most popular (and fastest to sell out) routes. It starts in the agricultural sector with that classic view of Machu Picchu, then passes key sites like the Temple of the Sun, the Inka’s House, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Three Doorways sector.
Then comes the steep hike up to the top of Waynapicchu, where you’ll get jaw-dropping views of the entire sanctuary. It finishes with a visit to the Temple of the Condor.
- Total distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Physical effort: High
- Max visit time: 6 hours
- Season: Year-round
- Entry times:
- 06:00 – 06:30 (must reach summit by 08:00)
- 09:00 – 09:30 (must reach summit by 11:00)
Circuit 3 – Route 3B: Realeza diseñada (Designed Royalty)
This route is great if you want to explore Machu Picchu’s most important areas without a tough hike. It starts in the agricultural zone and takes you through the Temple of the Sun, the Inka’s House, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Three Doorways sector. It ends at the Temple of the Condor.
Part of the route is accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
- Total distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Physical effort: Medium
- Max visit time: 2.5 hours
- Season: Year-round
- Entry times: 06:00 AM to 4:00 PM (in one-hour time slots)
Circuit 3 – Route 3C: Great Cave (high season only)
One of the longest and toughest routes. After passing through the agricultural area, you’ll visit the key spots in the circuit—Temple of the Sun, Inka’s House, and the Three Doorways—before continuing to the Great Cave, a ceremonial site of major archaeological value. The route ends at the Temple of the Condor.
- Total distance: 1.9 miles (3 km)
- Physical effort: High
- Max visit time: 7 hours
- Season: High season only (June 1 – October 31 and holidays)
- Entry times:
- 06:00 – 06:30 (must reach cave by 08:00)
- 09:00 – 09:30 (must reach cave by 11:00)
Circuit 3 – Route 3D: Huchuypicchu (high season only)
A less intense alternative to Waynapicchu, but with equally stunning panoramic views. The route starts in the agricultural sector, hits the key sites of the circuit, and then climbs up Huchuypicchu Mountain. The return path includes a visit to the Temple of the Condor.
- Total distance: 1.1 miles (1.7 km)
- Physical effort: Medium
- Max visit time: 3.5 hours
- Season: High season only (June 1 – October 31 and holidays)
- Entry times:
- 06:00 – 06:30 (must reach summit by 08:00)
- 09:00 – 09:30 (must reach summit by 11:00)
Which Machu Picchu Ticket should I choose?
Now that you understand how the circuit and route system works, it’s time to choose the ticket that best fits your trip. Your decision will depend on a few key factors: the type of experience you’re looking for, how far in advance you’re booking, and whether you’re visiting Machu Picchu on your own, with a guided tour, or as part of a multi-day trek.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a few recommendations based on the kind of experience you have in mind:
- 🏞 Want to explore the most important temples and get a full view of the citadel?
Go for Circuit 2 – Classic. It’s the most complete route and the one that most guided tours include. - 🧗♂️ More into adventure and epic panoramic views?
Circuit 1 is your best bet, with routes like Montaña Machupicchu or Intipunku. - 🌀 Prefer a more introspective experience and want to hike up the iconic Waynapicchu?
Then Circuit 3 is for you—spiritual, quieter, and truly unforgettable.
🧡 At Howlanders, we can help you estimate your travel budget based on the type of ticket or tour you’re interested in. Send us a message—we’re happy to help!
👉 Want to know how to buy your ticket? Check out this article where we explain it step by step.
Machu Picchu Tickets: our recommendation
We know choosing between so many routes can be a bit overwhelming. So we’ve put together a comparison table, sorted by our top recommendations.
It includes the key aspects of each route: views, physical effort, accessibility, duration, and season. That way, you can quickly see which one best fits your travel style.
| Route | Classic Photo | Panoramic View | Archaeological Zones | Physical Effort | Accessibility | Duration | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 2A | Yes (Medium) | Medium | Yes | Medium – High | Medium | 2.5 h | All Year |
| Route 2B | Yes (Medium) | Medium | Yes | Medium – High | Medium | 2.5 h | All Year |
| Route 3B | Yes (Close) | Medium | Yes | Medium | High (wheelchair) | 2.5 h | All Year |
| Route 3A | Yes (Close) | High | Yes | High | Low | 6 h | All Year |
| Route 3D | Yes (Close) | High | Yes | Medium | Medium | 3.5 h | High Season |
| Route 1A | No | Very High | No | High | Low | 7 h | All Year |
| Route 1B | Yes (Wide) | High | No | Medium | Medium | 2.5 h | All Year |
| Route 1C | Yes (Wide) | High | No | Medium | Medium | 4 h | High Season |
| Route 1D | No | High | No | Medium | Medium | 3 h | High Season |
| Route 3C | Yes (Close) | High | Yes | High | Low | 7 h | High Season |
Still not sure which one to pick? Send us a message! At Howlanders, we’ll help you find the best option based on your travel plans, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for. We’ve got your back! 🧡
👉 Ready to buy your ticket? Click here to find out how.
