Visiting Machu Picchu is a dream for travelers from around the world. What many visitors don’t realize, however, is that there are now several Machu Picchu circuits, each designed to offer a unique way of exploring the ancient Inca citadel.
Some routes focus on breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, while others take you deep into temples, plazas, and ceremonial sectors. Choosing the right Machu Picchu circuit depends on your interests, physical ability, and the type of experience you are looking for.
This guide will help you decide which Machu Picchu circuit is the perfect fit for your trip.
Location and How to Get There
Machu Picchu is located in Peru’s Cusco region, high in the Andes Mountains above the Sacred Valley. Most travelers arrive by train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), followed by a 25-minute shuttle bus ride to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary.
Today, all visits follow designated circuits designed to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site while improving the visitor experience.
Intense Peru and Your Machu Picchu Experience
At Intense Peru, we help travelers select the circuit that best matches their itinerary and travel style.
The main routes include:
- Circuit 1 – Panoramic viewpoints and the iconic postcard photo.
- Circuit 2 – The most complete tour of the upper and lower parts of the citadel in one entrance ticket.
- Circuit 3 – A lower route of the middle and lower parts of Machu Picchu focused on temples and ceremonial areas.
Each circuit offers a unique perspective of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore all of our Machu Picchu itineraries.
Circuit 1
- Route 1A (Machu Picchu Mountain): This strenuous hike takes 3 to 4 hours round trip to climb high above the ruins for a wide view of the entire landscape and the citadel below.
- Route 1B (Upper Terrace): This easy, low-difficulty walk takes up to 1 hour round trip. It leads right to the famous Guardian´s House for the iconic panoramic photo of the citadel without a hard climb.
- Route 1C (Inti Punku or Sun Gate): This moderate hike is only open from June 19th to November 2nd approx and subject to change. It takes you to the historic final checkpoint of the Inca Trail for a distant, elevated view of the sanctuary. Their average duration round trip is up to 2 – 2 1/2 hours.
- Route 1D (Inca Bridge): This moderate walk is also restricted and only available from June 1st to October 15th (subject to change) and visitors 18 and older. It leads along a narrow cliffside path to see the carved stone Inca Bridge and takes up to 30 minutes to 1 hour round trip to visit it.
Circuit 2
- Route 2A (Classic Designed Route): Takes you through the upper agricultural terraces for iconic postcard views near the Guardian´s House before descending into the heart of the urban sector.
- Route 2B (Lower Terrace Route): Offers the same route as circuit 2A, still joining the identical core path through the temples and plazas, except that the panoramic postcard view is from a lower terrace, situated just a couple of meters below the main Guardian´s House level.
- The main sites these two circuits share are Temple of the Sun (viewpoint), Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Rock, and Water Mirrors. Each circuit takes 2 – 3 hours approx.
Circuit 3
This circuit splits into four routes:
- Route 3-A (Wayna Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain): Includes the lower sector tour plus the steep, challenging climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain with narrow stone stairs. It takes about 2-3 hours total and requires visitors to be 18 or older. Not advisable if you suffer from vertigo or knee problems as there are a lot of stairs.
- Route 3-B (Designed Royalty Route): A relaxed, low-difficulty walk through the lower urban and temple areas without any mountain climbing. It takes about 2 – 2.5 hours and suits all ages.
- Route 3-C (Great Cavern / Temple of the Moon): Combines the lower citadel tour with a long, challenging hike to the enigmatic Great Cavern set within a rocky environment. It is available only from June 19th to November 2nd and is restricted to visitors 18 and older. It takes about 5 – 7 hours.
- Route 3-D (Huchuy Picchu Mountain): Features the lower circuit tour combined with a moderate-to-high difficulty hike up the smaller Huchuy Picchu peak. It lasts around 1 hour and is available from June 19th to November 2nd for ages 18 and up. It´s low in difficulty.
What Will You Experience?
No matter which circuit you choose, every visit offers unforgettable moments.
- Incredible Inca architecture
- Stunning Andean scenery
- Expert-guided historical insights
- Native wildlife, orchids, and free-roaming llamas
What Makes Circuit 1 Unique?
Circuit 1 is designed for travelers who want Machu Picchu’s most iconic panoramic views.
Highlights include:
- The classic postcard viewpoint
- Spectacular scenery
- Excellent photography opportunities
- A relatively short walk
Perfect for photographers and first-time visitors focused on the scenery.
What Makes Circuit 2 Unique?
Circuit 2 offers the most complete Machu Picchu experience.
Highlights include:
- The classic panoramic viewpoint
- The Temple of the Sun
- Sacred Plaza
- Agricultural terraces
- Urban sector
It’s the best option for travelers visiting Machu Picchu for the first time.
What Makes Circuit 3 Unique?
Circuit 3 explores the lower portion of the archaeological site.
Highlights include:
- Fewer stairs
- Important ceremonial sectors
- Great option when combining your visit with Huayna Picchu
- A more relaxed walking experience
Ideal for travelers seeking a less physically demanding visit.
Final Travel Tip
Choose the circuit that best fits your travel style.
- Circuit 1 → Best panoramic views.
- Circuit 2 → The most complete Machu Picchu experience.
- Circuit 3 → Ideal for a relaxed visit or additional hikes.
No matter which route you choose, Machu Picchu remains one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures and an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Peru.
