Machu Picchu Circuits & Routes: The Complete Visitor’s Guide

Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route: See Machu Picchu from Above

Circuit 1 covers the upper terraces of the Inca citadel, offering the most iconic postcard view of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House (Casa del Guardián). Note: this circuit does not grant access to the interior Inca temples. It is ideal for photography enthusiasts and trekkers.

Highlight: The Guardian’s House viewpoint is the only spot where you can capture the full classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.

This route combines the panoramic view from the Guardian’s House with a challenging hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 m / 10,111 ft). It’s the highest point reachable within the sanctuary and rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of the entire citadel and surrounding Andean peaks.

What you’ll see:

• Guardian’s House & classic photo viewpoint
• Panoramic views of the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana
• Machu Picchu Mountain summit (3,082 m)
• Andean cloudforest vegetation along the trail

Route 1-A — Machu Picchu Mountain Route

(Ruta Montaña Machupicchu)

Route 1-C — Intipunku (Sun Gate) Route

(Ruta Portada Intipunku — High Season Only)

This route adds a hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) — the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu, perched at 3,745 m (12,287 ft). It was used by the Incas to observe the winter solstice. Hikers on the Classic Inca Trail arrive at Machu Picchu through this very gate.

What you’ll see:

• Guardian’s House classic photo viewpoint
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate) at 3,745 m — original Inca doorway
• Panoramic views of Machu Picchu from above

Route 1-B — Upper Terrace Route

(Ruta Terraza Superior)

The most straightforward way to get the classic Machu Picchu photo. This is the basic panoramic ticket — you explore the upper agricultural terraces and the Guardian’s House sector without entering the Inca temples. Perfect for visitors with limited time or mobility.

What you’ll see:

• Upper terraces (sector agrícola superior)
• Guardian’s House panoramic viewpoint
• Distant views of the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana & Sacred Plaza

⚠️ Important: This ticket does NOT allow entry into the Inca temples. If you want to walk through the ruins, choose Circuit 2.

Route 1-D — Inca Bridge Route

(Ruta Puente Inka — High Season Only)

The Inca Bridge is a hidden engineering marvel — a retractable log bridge set into a cliffside path that marked the western gateway to the Amazon sector of the Inca Empire. Short but spectacular.

What you’ll see:

• Guardian’s House classic photo viewpoint
• Inca Bridge — a narrow cliffside path with a dramatic drawbridge

Circuit 2 – Classic Route: The Most Complete Machu Picchu Experience

Circuit 2 is the most recommended route for first-time visitors. It covers the full breadth of the Inca citadel — from the iconic photo viewpoint to the sacred temples, ceremonial spaces, and agricultural terraces. Tickets for this circuit sell out fastest, often requiring booking 3–4 months in advance.

Expert tip from Ali Peru Treks: If this is your first time at Machu Picchu, Circuit 2 is the one. It’s the only circuit that takes you inside the main Inca structures.

Route 2-A — Designed Classic Route

(Ruta Clásica Diseñada)

The most comprehensive single route available at Machu Picchu. After getting the classic photo from a platform just below the Guardian’s House, you continue through the urban and religious heart of the citadel.

Key sites included:

• Classic photo viewpoint (lower platform)
• Temple of the Sun (Templo del Sol)
• Main Temple (Templo Principal)
• Temple of the Three Windows (Templo de las 3 Ventanas)
• Intihuatana (solar stone)
• Sacred Rock (Roca Sagrada)
• Water Mirrors & Fountains
• Agricultural terraces

Route 2-B — Lower Terrace Route

(Ruta Terraza Inferior)

A slight variation of Route 2-A that accesses the classic photo from a lower terrace instead of the standard platform. It visits the same major Inca temples and is equally recommended.

Key sites included: Same as Route 2-A, with a slightly different photo viewpoint angle (lower terrace).

If Route 2-A is sold out, Route 2-B offers a nearly identical experience.

Circuit 3 – Royalty Route: Machu Picchu’s Hidden Temples & Mountain Peaks

Circuit 3 explores the lower section of Machu Picchu — the royal and religious precincts built for Inca nobility. While it does not include the Guardian’s House viewpoint, visitors can still get a beautiful panoramic photo from the agricultural sector. This circuit is also the gateway to Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and the Grand Cave (Temple of the Moon).

Best for: Hikers, repeat visitors, and those wanting to climb Huayna Picchu or explore lesser-visited areas.

Route 3-A — Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) Mountain Route

(Ruta Montaña Waynapicchu)

The most exclusive and dramatic route at Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is the iconic pointed peak visible behind Machu Picchu in most photos. Climbing it requires serious fitness but rewards with one of the most spectacular views in the world.

What you’ll see:

• Lower citadel: Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor
• Agricultural sector photo viewpoint
• Huayna Picchu summit (~2,693 m) with aerial view of full citadel

Route 3-B — Royalty Designed Route

(Ruta Realeza Diseñada)

A relaxed route through the royal and ceremonial lower section of Machu Picchu — ideal for seniors, families, and those who want to visit Inca temples without a mountain hike.

Key sites included:

• Agricultural sector photo viewpoint
• Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca
• Three Doorways Building (Las Tres Portadas)
• Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor

Route 3-C — Grand Cave (Temple of the Moon) Route

(Ruta Gran Caverna — High Season Only)

One of the most mysterious and undervisited sites in the Machu Picchu sanctuary. The Temple of the Moon (Gran Caverna) is a ceremonial chamber built inside Huayna Picchu Mountain — a hauntingly beautiful space rarely seen by most tourists.

What you’ll see:

• Lower citadel temples (same as 3-B)
• Agricultural sector photo viewpoint
• Temple of the Moon / Grand Cave inside Huayna Picchu Mountain

Route 3-D — Huchuy Picchu Route

(Ruta Huchuypicchu — High Season Only)

The hidden gem of Machu Picchu circuits. Huchuy Picchu (“Little Peak”) is the smaller mountain between Huayna Picchu and the main citadel. Less-known and less-crowded, it offers spectacular views with a shorter, less demanding hike than Huayna Picchu.

What you’ll see:

• Lower citadel temples
• Agricultural sector photo viewpoint
• Huchuy Picchu summit at 2,497 m — panoramic views with fewer crowds