Machu Picchu Circuits: Which Route to Choose

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Last Updated on 11 June, 2026 by Daniel Silvente

Machu Picchu is not visited in just one way. Since the update to the official circuits, each Machu Picchu route offers a different experience: some allow you to get the classic panoramic photo, others take you through the urban area of the citadel, others include mountains such as Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu, and some are more limited or only available during high season.

That’s why, before buying your Machu Picchu entry tickets, it’s important to understand which circuit is included with each ticket and what you’ll actually be able to see during your visit. Not all tickets give access to the same areas, and not all of them are equally recommended if it’s your first time visiting the Inca citadel.

In this guide, we’ll clearly explain the official Machu Picchu Circuits, the different Machu Picchu Routes available, which option is best depending on your travel style, and what you should know before buying your tickets. We’ll also help you understand the differences between the most complete tickets, mountain routes, options that include the classic photo spot, and alternatives we only recommend if there is no other availability.

If you’re still planning your trip, you can also check our articles on how to buy Machu Picchu tickets, when to visit, how to get there from Cusco, or which tour to choose. And if you prefer to avoid dealing with tickets, schedules, transportation, and availability on your own, at Howlanders you’ll find Machu Picchu tours with entry tickets included, so you can book your visit easily.

What Are the Machu Picchu Circuits?

The Machu Picchu Circuits are the official routes that organize visits inside the Inca citadel. In other words, when you buy Machu Picchu entry tickets, you’re not simply buying general access to the site, but access to a specific route with a defined itinerary.

This system is designed to manage visitor flow, protect the archaeological areas, and prevent all travelers from passing through the same points at the same time. That’s why each Machu Picchu route follows a different itinerary and gives access to different areas of the site.

Currently, tickets are organized into three main circuits:

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route

Circuit 1 focuses mainly on the upper part of Machu Picchu. It is the circuit most oriented toward panoramic views, lookout points, and additional routes such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunku, or the Inka Bridge.

It can be a good option if you’re looking for an extra hike or a view from the upper section, but it’s usually not the best choice for a first visit, as the route through the urban area of the citadel is more limited than in other circuits.

Circuit 2: Classic Route

Circuit 2 is the most complete option and the one we recommend for most travelers. It allows you to enjoy the classic Machu Picchu photo and explore a very representative part of the citadel, combining panoramic views with the main archaeological areas.

If it’s your first time visiting Machu Picchu, this circuit is usually the best choice. Within this group, the most recommended option is Circuit 2-A – Designed Classic Route. If there is no availability, Circuit 2-B – Lower Terrace Route is the most similar alternative.

Circuit 3: Lower Section Route

Circuit 3 mainly explores the lower part of Machu Picchu, also known as the royal sector. It focuses more on temples, main constructions, and specific archaeological areas, making it an interesting option for travelers with a special interest in Inca history and architecture.

However, this circuit does not include the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu. Some of its routes can also be combined with mountains such as Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu, making it a good option for active travelers or those looking for a different experience.

Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes Comparison

In the table below, we rank the Machu Picchu Routes from most recommended to least recommended, based on the overall traveler experience, whether they include the classic photo spot, the route through the citadel, availability, difficulty level, whether they include a mountain or additional hike, and whether an extra fee is required.

Which Machu Picchu Route Should You Choose Based on Your Trip?

Choosing a Machu Picchu route is not just about availability. It also depends on whether it’s your first visit, whether you want the classic photo, whether you’re looking for a mountain hike, or whether you prefer a route focused more on archaeology and the urban area of the citadel.

If it’s your first time visiting Machu Picchu, our main recommendation is to try to book Circuit 2-A – Designed Classic Route. It is the most complete option because it combines the classic panoramic photo with a very representative route through the citadel. If there is no availability, Circuit 2-B – Lower Terrace Route is the most similar alternative.

If you’re more interested in archaeology and want to explore the lower part of Machu Picchu, Circuit 3-B – Designed Royalty Route can be a good option. It does not include the classic photo, but it allows you to visit temples, main constructions, and important areas of the royal sector.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more active experience, you can choose an entry ticket with a mountain or additional hike, such as Waynapicchu, Huchuypicchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Intipunku. Keep in mind that these routes are not always the best choice for a first visit, as they usually focus more on the hike and the views than on a complete route through the citadel.

Buy Machu Picchu Entry Tickets or Book a Tour with Tickets Included

Once you know which Machu Picchu route best fits your trip, the next step is to check availability and buy the corresponding ticket. You can do this through the official sales channels by selecting the circuit, date, and entry time.

If you want to understand the process step by step, you can check our specific guide on how to buy Machu Picchu entry tickets, where we explain where to book, what to review before paying, and how to avoid common mistakes during the purchase process.

But if you prefer not to worry about the ticket, schedules, transportation from Cusco, train, shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, or the organization of the visit, a very convenient option is to book a Machu Picchu tour with entry tickets included. At Howlanders, you’ll find different Machu Picchu tours, including day trips, 2-day train tours, combined experiences with the Sacred Valley, and treks such as the Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail, Inca Jungle, and Lares Trek.

That way, you can travel with everything arranged in advance and focus on what really matters: enjoying one of Peru’s most impressive wonders.

Explore our Machu Picchu tours and choose the option that best fits your trip.