Machu Picchu Circuits 2026: Which One to Choose? - Complete Guide

If you are planning your trip to Machu Picchu for this year, you will face the most important decision of your visit: Which circuit to choose?

Since the major restructuring for the site's conservation, there is no longer a single ticket that allows you to roam freely. In 2026, the system is strict: you buy a specific route and must follow it without deviating, in a single direction. If you choose the wrong circuit, you could end up without your dream photo or miss seeing the main temples.

As tourism experts, we have broken down the 3 Great Circuits and their main routes, including schematic diagrams so you understand exactly what you will see (and what you will NOT see) in each one.

THE BASICS BEFORE CHOOSING

• One-way only: All circuits are unidirectional. Once you pass a point, you cannot go back.
• No crossing over: If you buy Circuit 1, you cannot "jump" to Circuit 2 halfway through.
• The Golden Rule: If you want the panoramic view from above AND to walk inside the ruins, you will need to buy two different tickets for the same day (e.g., Circuit 1 early and Circuit 2 later).

CIRCUIT 1: THE PANORAMIC (The "Instagram Photo" Route)

Who is it for? For the hunters of the perfect photo, those who prioritize spectacular views from above, and those who are not very interested in walking inside the stone structures or receiving detailed historical explanations of the buildings.

What it DOES have:

• The best panoramic views of the entire citadel (Upper Platform and Guardian's House).
• The classic postcard angle where you see the whole citadel with Huayna Picchu in the background.

What it does NOT have:

• CRITICAL WARNING: This circuit does NOT enter the urban zone (the ruins). You will not walk among the buildings, you will not see the Sacred Plaza, nor the Temple of the Sun up close. It is a peripheral tour along the upper part.

The Routes of Circuit 1:

• Route 1-A (Machu Picchu Mountain): Includes the panoramic view and then the very long hike (3 extra hours) to the summit of the highest mountain (the mountain you are standing on, not the one in the background). Requires excellent physical condition. The round-trip distance is approximately 3.8 km. Requires high physical effort.
• Route 1-B (Upper Terrace): The most popular option. You go straight up to the highest platforms for the iconic photo and then exit. It is a short but steep tour at the beginning. The round-trip distance is approximately 1.6 km. Requires medium physical effort.
• Route 1-C Intipunku Gate Route (available only in high season): Route to the famous Intipunku Gate (Sun Gate), the entrance to the city via the Inca Trail. From here you can appreciate this important road. Additionally, you can get a panoramic shot of the Inca city from another angle. The round-trip distance is approximately 3.4 km. Requires medium physical effort.
• Route 1-D Inka Bridge Route (available only in high season): This route leads to the Inka Bridge, built with stone and wood. From here you can observe the beautiful Vilcanota valley. The round-trip distance is approximately 2.6 km. Requires medium physical effort.

CIRCUIT 2: THE CLASSIC (The Complete Citadel Experience)

Who is it for? For 90% of tourists. If you are coming for the first time and want the full historical experience: seeing the citadel, understanding how the Incas lived, and walking among their temples and plazas.

What it DOES have:

• A "good" panoramic view (from the Lower Platform, a bit lower than Circuit 1, but still the classic photo).
• Access to the heart of the citadel: the Main Gate, the temple sector, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana (Sundial - only on Route 2-A), and the Sacred Rock.

What it does NOT have:

• It does not go up to the highest platform of Circuit 1 (the view is 15% lower).
• It does not include extra mountains.

The Routes of Circuit 2:

• Route 2-A (Designed Route): It is the most complete of all. It includes the classic lower view and the most extensive tour inside, including the climb to the Intihuatana pyramid (Sundial). The round-trip distance is approximately 2.5 km. Requires medium to high physical effort.
• Route 2-B (Lower Terrace): Very similar to 2-A, but a bit shorter and does not include the climb to the Intihuatana. Recommended for seniors or those who want to walk a little less. The round-trip distance is approximately 2.7 km. Requires medium to high physical effort.

CIRCUIT 3: ROYALTY AND ADVENTURE (The Lower Zone and Huayna Picchu)

Who is it for? It has two very different user profiles:

1. The Adventurers (Route 3-A): Those who want to climb the famous steep mountain that appears in the background of all photos (Huayna Picchu).
2. People with reduced mobility or little time (Routes 3-B/C): It is the flattest and easiest circuit if visiting only the lower part, avoiding the steep stairs of circuits 1 and 2.

What it DOES have:

• Exclusive access to the Temple of the Sun (viewed from below) and the House of the Inka in the lower part.
• It is the only access route to the Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains.

What it does NOT have:

• CRITICAL WARNING: This circuit does NOT have the classic panoramic view. You enter from below and stay below. You will not see the typical photo of Machu Picchu from above.

The Routes of Circuit 3:

• Route 3-A (Huayna Picchu Mountain): The jewel in the crown of adventure. You tour the lower part of the citadel and then face the vertical and dizzying climb to Huayna Picchu. Only for the brave with no fear of heights. The round-trip distance is approximately 2.4 km. Requires high physical effort.
• Route 3-B (Royalty): A short, easy, and mostly flat tour through the lower part of the citadel. Ideal for those who cannot climb many stairs. The round-trip distance is approximately 1.3 km. Requires medium effort. A section of the circuit allows visits for people in wheelchairs or those requiring assistance moving through the site.
• Route 3-C Great Cavern Route (only available in high season): The tour starts in the agricultural sector, where you can admire the Terraces. It allows taking the classic photo quite close to the urban zone. Continue through the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Three Gateways sector. From here, the route leads to the Great Cavern. On the return, you can visit the Temple of the Condor. The round-trip distance is approximately 3 km. Requires high physical effort.
• Route 3-D Huchuypicchu (only available in high season): The tour starts in the agricultural sector, from where you can admire the Terraces and take the classic photo very close to the urban zone. It continues through the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Three Gateways sector. From here, the path leads to the entrance of Huchuypicchu mountain and up to its summit, offering panoramic views of the Inca city and the landscape. On the return, you visit the Temple of the Condor. The round-trip distance is approximately 1.7 km. Requires medium physical effort.