- A.h. Arahuay LL - 1, Cusco, Perú.
- machupicchuperutravel@hotmail.com
Buying a ticket to Machu Picchu has always been an overwhelming task for first-time visitors. Since the circuit system was introduced in 2024, the Ministry of Culture announced significant changes to the circuits, making it even more confusing.
Instead of the previous 4 circuits, there are now 3. It may seem like they’ve simplified it, but once you realize there are now 10 different types of circuits you can buy, it gets more complicated.
We explored each of the four previous circuits, so using our first-hand knowledge and the new maps, we are going to simplify the new ticket options for you.
Besides exploring each circuit, we also climbed two mountains and saw two sunrises, so we have a good idea not only of the best circuits and tickets but also the best times to visit.
Here we’ll tell you exactly which Machu Picchu circuit you should choose based on our first-hand experience.
Machu Picchu has a one-way system, and you must stick to the specific circuit you booked before your visit. This was introduced as a way to disperse crowds and protect the site.
The security guards are pretty lenient about most things, but the one-way system is something they strictly enforce: you can’t retrace your steps or go in the wrong direction.
As of 2024, there are three circuits in Machu Picchu:
At the end of the article, we’ll explain more details about the different tickets you can purchase for each circuit and their specifics, but we’ll start by explaining what to expect from each circuit. Unlike the previous system, the new circuits have a clear purpose.
For now, we’re focusing on people who book a circuit without an additional mountain hike or historic site: those who want what we would call a “general entry” ticket.
After explaining each circuit, we’ll also describe some things you need to know about the circuit system before giving our recommendations.
Circuit 1 is a short circuit that goes up to the top part of Machu Picchu and then heads back to the entrance.
It’s clearly designed for those who want the iconic photo of Machu Picchu and the best overall views. The circuit simply heads to the upper terraces where you can see the iconic view of Huayna Picchu looming over the lower part of the citadel.
The view of the ruins and surrounding mountains is stunning, and ideally, everyone should visit this part of Machu Picchu. If you want to explore a large part of the site, you’ll need to buy more than one entry ticket; however, if your plan is just to take a photo and you’re not too interested in exploring the whole site, then this circuit alone will work for you.
This is also the circuit added to tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain, the Inca Bridge, and the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
Circuit 2 is the most comprehensive of all the Machu Picchu circuits and covers the majority of the site. The circuit heads to the lower platform at the top of the citadel before passing by most of the buildings and sites in the lower part of Machu Picchu.
This circuit takes you to most of the temples and the sacred rock (although you can’t enter the Temple of the Sun or Royal Palace, you walk beneath them) and widely explores the lower terraces.
However, those seeking the traditional postcard view may be disappointed, as it only briefly visits the upper terraces and doesn’t reach the spot where that iconic view is found (you’ll be below that view, as shown in the photo below). Still, you’ll get a great view, but not THAT view.
There are two types of general admission tickets for Circuit 2, with the only difference being that you can briefly ascend to the “Lower Terrace” in the upper city (which is included in Route 2-B Lower Terrace Route) or skip it with the Route 2-A Designed Route ticket.
For history lovers and those who really want to take their time and see the whole site, Circuit 2 is the one to book.
Currently, Circuit 2 passes by the Intiwatana Pyramid (7am – 10am) and the Temple of the Condor (1pm – 4pm).
Since you are technically only allowed to be at the site for 4 hours, there is no schedule that allows visiting both temples. However, we didn’t see anyone enforcing the 4-hour rule, so you could likely pick a 9am slot and still be allowed into the Temple of the Condor.
Circuit 3 is our least favorite of all because most of it is covered by Circuit 2, so you simply see less. However, if you don’t want to or can’t climb many stairs, this is the circuit for you.
The lack of stairs makes it the easiest of the three circuits. It’s also the only circuit that leads to the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Sun.
For those interested in visiting these two sites, it might be worth booking a Circuit 3 ticket. However, for everyone else, we recommend Circuit 1 or 2.
Circuit 3 is added to tickets for Wayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu), the Great Cave, and Huchuy Picchu.
The best circuit really depends on why you want to visit Machu Picchu. If you’re there as part of a very quick trip and just want to enjoy that amazing view, then Circuit 1 is for you. If you want a more comprehensive trip (explore the entire site and take in the history), then Circuit 2 is a must.
The tickets for Circuit 2 are general entry (meaning Circuit 2 can’t be done with a side trail/mountain), so if you want to visit the whole site, you’ll need to purchase a ticket that includes Circuit 2. You can still cover much of the site with Circuits 1 and 3, but sites like Intiwatana or the Sacred Rock are only on Circuit 2.
Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 can be done in addition to the mountain hikes and historic sites, so if you plan on doing any of these trails, you won’t need to buy a separate general admission ticket.
The sunrise at Machu Picchu is magical, and watching the site from the upper city is a truly memorable experience.
Seeing the sun rise over the mountains and bathe the citadel in golden light is unforgettable, and the best views are found on Circuit 1. The only tickets that allow entry at sunrise on Circuit 1 are the ‘Upper Terrace Route’ tickets.
However, only 30 of these are sold each day, so if you can’t get the “Circuit 1 – Upper Terrace Route” ticket for 6 a.m., buy a “Circuit 2 – Lower Terrace Route” ticket, as you can still get an upper view of the city to watch the sunrise.
Unless you’re planning on a very quick visit, it’s recommended to buy several tickets. That way, you can see the best of Machu Picchu, which isn’t possible with just one ticket. If you only want to see the main site, it’s recommended to book a Circuit 2 ticket along with your sunrise ticket for Circuit 1.
If you love hiking, it’s recommended to book one of the mountain climbs, with the most iconic being Huayna Picchu.
One of the benefits of visiting now that these new tickets are in place is that you can also visit a couple of historical sites that were previously closed: the Sun Gate Intipunku (which was previously only accessible to those hiking the Inca Trail) and the Great Cave.
The best way to buy your tickets for Machu Picchu is through the official government website. There are other websites, but they are resellers.
Unfortunately, the official website is unstable, so you’ll need to be patient. The homepage is set to Spanish by default and can become unstable when you try to use Google Translate or any other method to translate into English, so it’s recommended to keep it in Spanish.
Similarly, if you wait a few seconds, sometimes dates that appear gray may suddenly become available.
First, you need to choose a rate, which for 99% of people reading this will be “General Rate.” The other rates are promotional rates or for residents of Cusco.
Once you’ve selected this, you choose the specific version of the circuit you want to choose.
