Machu Picchu is still one of the most majestic places in the world. It’s not a World Wonder for nothing.

From June 1, 2024, the Machu Picchu national park will be divided into 10 new routes, or circuits. Keep in mind that in time of writing this, there can be some changes again.

Latest Update

• June 1st, 2024, replacing the old 5.circuits in 10 circuits
• Travelers with tickets purchased before the new circuits’ implementation will receive equivalent options –
• High season, from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31, will see daily visitor limits rise from 4500 to 5600.
• During high season, Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 will offer alternative routes to alleviate congestion.
• We highly recommend purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets at least 60 days prior to your visit to guarantee availability, It’s never been more important to book a ticket with an early entrance time
• Only Circuit 2 is possible in shared service, all other circuits are only with private guide
• We always try to buy the best circuit, but this depends on how early you reserve Machu Picchu
• Tickets for the Inca Trail, are exclusively available for purchase through official Inca Trail operators there are 500 permits a day for the 4 days end 250 a day for the 2 days Incatrail hike
• Stricter monitoring of entry times
  • NEW route 1: Superior upper terrace viewing platform ONLY
  • NEW route 2: Inferior upper terrace viewing platform, most of the lower ruins
  • NEW route 3: Certain parts of the lower ruins ONLY

What you need to know about NEW circuit #1 at Machu Picchu
Circuit #1 is now divided into 4 routes. NONE of these routes includes access to the ancient city. These routes are designed for people who want panormaic views from the upper terraces. There are 2 levels at the upper terrace. One is the “inferior” upper level and the other is the “superior” upper level. Both levels offer visitors access to the classic view of Machu Picchu. All 4 routes on circuit #1 include access to all the upper levels for the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Three of these rouotes also offer entry to walk either to the Inka Bridge, or hike up to the Sungate, (estimated time is1.5 hours up and 45 minutes return) and of course the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain (estimated 2 hours up and 1 hour down)

• Circuit 1 Route 1-B: as described above and marked with a red line in map  CLICK 
• Circuit 1 Route 1-A: as described above and providing access to Machu Picchu Mountain  CLICK                                                                                During the high season (from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31) two further options are available:
• Circuit 1 Route 1-C: as described above and in addition providing access to the Sun Gate (look for Intipunku in the Circuit 1 map ) CLICK
• Circuit 1 Route 1-D: as described above and in addition providing access to the Inca Bridge (look for ‘Puente Inka’ in the Circuit 1 map) CLICK

What you need to know about NEW circuit #2 at Machu Picchu

Circuit #2 is now divided into 2 routes. One of these routes named “Classic Designed Route” and the other is called the “Lower Terrace Route.” These two circuits are what I would describe as the longest most thorough circuits for exploring the actual city up close. Both 2A and 2B routes begin with a climb up to the “inferior” upper terrace. I wouldn’t be concerned about the word inferior. You still get the classic view of Machu Picchu. These two routes offer access to what I would identify as the 3 most popular features in the park, including: 1)view from the upper terrace, 2) access to the upper circuit in the city and 3) access to the lower circuit in the city

There are 2 options when choosing this circuit:
• Circuit 2 Route 2-A: as described above and including the ‘Guard House’ – one of the most popular spots in Machu Picchu (for the panoramic picture).CLICK
• Circuit 2 Route 2-B: as described above but not including the ‘Guard House’, though enabling to take the panoramic picture of Machu Picchu.CLICK

What you need to know about NEW circuit #3 at Machu Picchu
This tour explores the lower section of Machu Picchu, encompassing the agricultural terraces before delving into the urban sector. Notable attractions in this area include the Water Mirrors, Pisonay Square, the Temple of the Condor, and the Sacred Stone

There are 2 options when choosing this circuit:
• Circuit 3 Route 3-B: as described above CLICK
• Circuit 3 Route 3-A: as described above and in addition providing access to Wayna Picchu (see the yellow arrows indicating the path to ‘Montaña Wayna Picchu’) CLICK
During the high season (from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31) two further options are available:
• Circuit 3 Route 3-C: as described above and in addition providing access to ‘Gran Caverna’ (Great Cavern) CLICK 
• Circuit 3 Route 3-D: as described above and in addition providing access to ‘Huchuy Picchu’ CLICK

Info about Surrounding Mountain Peaks

Some of our travelers want to explore one of the surrounding mountains of Machu Picchu. These are: Machu Picchu Mountain, Wayna Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

1. Machu Picchu Mountain
2. Wayna Picchu Mountain
3. Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Wayna Picchu CLICK
Wayna Picchu is one of the mountain peaks that surround Machu Picchu. It is probably the most famous as it towers over Machu Picchu in the background in many photos. The ascent takes place on a narrow and extremely steep path and takes around 45 – 60 minutes, depending on the pace. Once at the summit, a fantastic view of the whole of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains awaits.
Since the path is very narrow and exposed in some places, we recommend this hike for experienced and sure-footed hikers. We highly recommend sturdy shoes.
Allowed time to visit Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu: 5.5 hours

 Huchuy Picchu (only open in the high season) CLICK
Huchuy Picchu is something like the little brother of Wayna Picchu. Huchuy Picchu is right next to the checkpoint at the Sacred Rock and can be reached on a hike of around 15 minutes. Compared to the other options, this hike is significantly easier and shorter and therefore also possible for less experienced travelers.
Allowed time to visit Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu: 3.5 hours

Machu Picchu Mountain    CLICK  

Machu Picchu Mountain, which is also the Apu (sacred mountain) for the complex, is located south of the citadel, opposite Wayna Picchu. The hike partly leads through dense vegetation, but always rewards you with great views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area.
It takes about 90 minutes to get to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on your pace. The path leads over a lot of stairs. We recommend having a good physical condition and sturdy shoes for this route.
Allowed time to visit Machu Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu: 7 hours

Difference between Huayna picchu and Machu picchu mountain

The Wayna Picchu hike is well known for its daring summit with minimal security, as well as the amazing view. This is the reason why permits for Wayna Picchu are already sold out 2-3 months before your scheduled visit date.
• During the Wayna Picchu hike, you will ascend about 353 m (1158 ft)
• Machu Picchu Mountain is a total climb of 742 m (2434 ft)
• Wayna Picchu takes around 2-3 hours for the return climb.
• Machu Picchu Mountain can take around 4-5 hours
• Wayna Picchu – 300 visitors divided into two different shifts.
• Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña) – 200 visitors divided into two different shifts.

Great Cavern CLICK 
This circuit tours the Inca constructions located at the bottom of Machu Picchu (religious or royal area). During the tour the visitor will be able to see Inca buildings, such as: the agricultural area, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the building of Las Tres Portadas, the Temple of the Condor (or the Water Mirrors) and the Water sources.
In the agricultural sector, tourists will be able to get a very beautiful photograph, similar to the classic postcard photo (in the Guardian House sector) but from the lower part of the archaeological site.
Likewise, this circuit includes a tour of the Temple of the Moon, also called the Great Cavern. The hiking route takes a maximum time of 4 hours from the entrance to the exit of the route.
Circuit 3 through Machu Picchu takes 1 hour on average. Access to the Great Cavern is suitable for visitors over 18 years of age. However, the route is only open during the high tourist season (June 1 to October 15).

Visiting rules

• At the entrance, every visitor must show their ticket and passport. Students must also present their valid International university student ID.
• Visit duration is generally limited to a maximum of 2,5 hours.
• The only exceptions are tickets for the surrounding mountain peaks Wayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu as well as the new alternative routes to Inti Punku, Inca Bridge and Great Cavern (‘Gran Caverna’) which allow for a longer entry.
• The entry ticket entitles you to a single entry. It is not possible to leave and re-enter the citadel with the same ticket.
• It is recommended to have a tour guide accompany you on your first visit to Machu Pichu. However, it is not mandatory.
• What ID or documentation must I bring to enter Machu Picchu You absolutely MUST bring your passport and the information must correspond to the personal information on your entry ticket. You’ll have to present your valid University student card if you have purchased the discounted Student Entry Ticket. (only available under 25 years of age with valid University student card.)
• Machu Picchu is open to visitors daily from 6:00 to 17:30
• This can no longer be changed after it has been issued.
• There is a thirty (30) minute tolerance for entering the Llaqta of Machu picchu Perú. After this period, the visitor cannot enter the Llaqta of Machupicchu, except for reasons of force majeure or fortuitous event. duly demonstrated.
• You may not take large bags, groceries, and disposable bottles into the citadel.You can only carry one small bag with you.
• Walking sticks are allowed for physically challenged and elderly visitors (only if equipped with a rubber tip).
• Public restrooms are available at the entrance checkpoint for Machu Picchu, ensuring convenient access for visitors. However, it’s important to note that there are no toilet facilities within the citadel itself.

Personal Data Required for Purchase
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are issued based on personal data and are non-transferable or refundable. The following details are needed to buy tickets:

• Full name
• Gender
• Passport number + scan or foto Passport
• Nationality
• Date of birth