With the new Circuits for Visiting Machu Picchu, there are many new ways to explore the Inca city. The new regulations have established four official tourist visitors circuits. These circuits must be respected and followed by both visitors and tour guides when entering the interior of the National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu. In addition, it is stipulated that these circuits may be modified based on the conservation of Machu Picchu Inca City. And for this reason, we want to tell you everything about the new regulations and available circuits.
Read Careful the the New Circuits for Machu Picchu information
- Note: In order to access more than one circuit you need to purchase extra circuit tickets when doing the 2 / 4 / 5 day Inca Trail or any other alternative treks to Machu Picchu.
- To be able to hike Huayna Picchu mt, you need to purchace 2 circuit tickets. Adding circuit #2 or circuit #4 will suffice.
From the 1st of June the regulations will again change and new Circuits will be introduced for Machu Picchu. When buying your entrance ticket, you will need to decide which circuit you want to explore
Why Have Circuits At Machu Picchu?
Circuits have been mandatory ever sense October 2022. They were introduced in order to comply with UNESCO by better preserving delicate section of Machu Picchu, and to alleviate congestion. Many section of Machu Picchu have narrow pathways where only one person can pass at a time. The intention of these circuits is to better allow for free flowing exploration, and to limit the time visitors spend at certain areas.
Which Circuit is Considered the Best?
Generally speaking most people agree that circuit 2 is the best circuit. You will get to see the most sites and get the classic Machu Picchu picture opportunity at the Guard House. It’s also one of only two circuits that allow you to visit the Inca Bridge.
Circuit 1.
Circuit 1 A is for those who wish to hike to Machu Picchu Mountain; First you will hike to the Guardhouse above Machu Picchu, here you will get the perfect postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain is around 3 hours round trip and is considered a moderate to difficult hike.
Circuit 1 B This is the shortest route at Machu Picchu, the hike includes the Guardhouse for great photo opportunities of the ancient Inca citadel, spend time enjoying the views spread before you.
Circuit 1 C is reserved for those who want to hike up to the Sun Gate or IntiPunku. The hike is about 2 hours roundtrip. The views of Machu Picchu are magnificent so be sure to have plenty of space on your phone to take photos. The gate was reserved for Royality and Nobles and you will see why when you take in the views of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1 D for those who want to visit the Inca Bridge, this fascinating trek takes you past the beautiful scenery of the Andes and also the views of Machu Picchu are breathtaking.
Note, it is very important to note that all Circuit 1 tickets do not include a visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu. If you wish to visit you will need to buy an extra entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and a pay for guide.
Circuit 2: To be condired the Best circuit.
Circuit 2A traditionally was the most popular with day trippers, as this Circuit explored the most sites of the ruin and includes the best views from the Guardhouse. The sites that Circuit 2 includes are Temples, Plazas, The Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor and the Pisonay Plaza, to name a few.
Circuit 2B, includes mostly the same sites as 2A and includes the best viewpoint for the postcard pictures below the guard house. This is where you get the great pictures of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 3A, 3B, 3D
Circuit 3A this will include the lower part of Machu Picchu, not including the Guardhouse view point of Machu Picchu. This circuit is used by all 2, 4 and 5 Inca Trail hikers. Sites you will see on Circuit 3 are The Stone Houses, The Farming Terraces, The Water Mirrors, The Temple of the Sun, The Work Shops, The Temple of the Condor, The Inca House and the Royal Houses.
This circuit also can be combined with the extra hike up to Huayna Picchu mountain (usually extra fee $75), the cone shaped mountain that you see in all the postcards. The hike roundtrip is 2 hours.
Circuit 3B, this circuit includes the lower part of Machu Picchu only. Visit the sites of Temple of the Sun, The Inca House and the Temple of the Condor. You will need a guide to complete your tour of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 3C, again this circuit visits the lower part of Machu Picchu including the sites mentioned above. Plus a visit to the Big Cave (templo of the moon), this applies ONLY if you have Huyna Piccu tickets.
Circuit 3D, this circuit take you to Huchuy Picchu Mountain. A short hike that is new to the Machu Picchu area. The site has great views and does not take a lot of effort. As part of circuit 3D you will visit the lower part of Machu Picchu with a guide
***The Lower Circuits at Machu Picchu do not provide the best views from the top of the Inca Site.
Note Again, Circuits 1A, 1B 1C, 1D, do not include the entrance and tour of the ruins of Machu Picchu, if you wish to explore Machu Picchu you will need a guide and another entrance ticket. This information is correct as of 12 June 2024. We appreciate your understanding on this matter, this is something that is out of our control but we will do our best to ensure that your trip to Peru and Machu Picchu will be the adventure of a lifetime.
The new circuits for Machu Picchu has been updated on June 2024
