Official Regulations 2026

Machu Picchu Circuits

Learn about the official routes designed to tour the Inca Llaqta in an orderly and safe way.

Focus: Scenic Views & Photography

Circuit 1: Panoramic

Designed especially for lovers of photography and landscaping. This circuit runs mainly through the viewpoints and upper terraces of the agricultural sector. It is ideal for capturing the traditional postcard photo of Machu Picchu with the entire llaqta in the background and the upper stone paths. It does not descend to the urban sector/nuclear temples of the citadel.

AVAILABLE ROUTES: 4 Official Routes
Machu Picchu Mountain
Route 1-A
Machu Picchu Mountain
High Difficulty
5 hours (Trekking)
All year round
Includes:
  • Classic Postcard Photo
  • Guardian House
  • Ascent to the summit
Excludes:
  • Urban sector / temples
Ideal for: Ideal for: Mountain climbers
Upper Terrace
Route 1-B
Upper Terrace
Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
All year round
Includes:
  • Classic Postcard Photo
  • Guardian House
  • Upper agricultural terraces
Excludes:
  • Urban sector / temples
  • Mountains
Ideal for: Ideal for: Families and Photos
Inti Punku
Route 1-C
Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
Medium Difficulty
4 hours
High Season
Includes:
  • Access to the Sun Gate
  • Upper viewpoints
  • Classic Postcard Photo
Excludes:
  • Urban sector / temples
Ideal for: Ideal for: Hikers
Inca Bridge
Route 1-D
Inca Bridge
Low Difficulty
3 hours
High Season
Includes:
  • Hike to the Inca Bridge
  • Guardian House
  • Classic Postcard Photo
Excludes:
  • Urban sector / temples
Ideal for: Ideal for: History enthusiasts
Focus: Complete Traditional Visit

Circuit 2: Classic

The flagship circuit and the most requested by travelers worldwide. It offers a complete and deep immersion that combines both the most spectacular viewpoints of the upper area (including the coveted classic postcard photo on the guardian terrace) and the tour of the temples and stone palaces of the lower urban area (Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana, and water mirrors).

AVAILABLE ROUTES: 2 Official Routes
Designed Classic Route
Route 2-A
Classic Designed Route
Medium Difficulty
3 hours
All year round
Includes:
  • Classic Postcard Photo (Upper Path)
  • Temple of the Sun and Sacred Plaza
  • Intihuatana and Royal Intihuatana
  • Water Mirrors Sector
Excludes:
  • Ascent to external mountains
Ideal for: Ideal for: First visit (Maximum Experience)
Lower Terrace
Route 2-B
Lower Terrace
Medium-Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
All year round
Includes:
  • Classic Postcard Photo (Lower Terrace)
  • Temple of the Sun and Plaza of the Temples
  • Sacred Rock and Three Gates
  • Water Mirrors and Agricultural Sector
Excludes:
  • Upper guardian terrace
  • Ascent to external mountains
Ideal for: Ideal for: Moderate and complete hiking
Focus: Adventure & Sacred Lower Sectors

Circuit 3: Royal

This circuit stands out for covering the lower nuclear part of Machu Picchu, which houses the chambers of the Inca royalty and the main ceremonial precincts. In addition, it is the mandatory circuit for those who buy extreme adventure tickets that include the exciting ascent to the mythical mountains that frame the citadel. It does not climb to the guardian terrace (no classic postcard photo).

AVAILABLE ROUTES: 4 Official Routes
Huayna Picchu
Route 3-A
Huayna Picchu
High Difficulty
4 hours (Stairs)
All year round
Includes:
  • Summit of Huayna Picchu
  • Temple of the Condor (lower)
  • Sacred Rock
Excludes:
  • Upper classic postcard photo
  • Temple of the Moon
Ideal for: Ideal for: Extreme adventurers
Designed Royalty
Route 3-B
Royal Designed
Low Difficulty
2 hours
All year round
Includes:
  • Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana
  • Royal Enclosure and Mirrors
  • Temple of the Condor
Excludes:
  • Upper classic postcard photo
  • External mountains
Ideal for: Ideal for: Elderly and Families
Temple of the Moon
Route 3-C
Temple of the Moon
High Difficulty
5 hours (Trekking)
High Season
Includes:
  • Great Cavern / Moon Temple
  • Huayna Picchu Summit
  • Temple of the Condor
Excludes:
  • Upper classic postcard photo
Ideal for: Ideal for: Hard Trekking Lovers
Huchuy Picchu
Route 3-D
Huchuy Picchu
Medium-Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
High Season
Includes:
  • Ascent to Huchuy Picchu hill
  • Sacred Rock
  • Temple of the Condor (lower)
Excludes:
  • Upper classic postcard photo
  • Huayna Picchu
Ideal for: Ideal for: Light mountain hiking
MANDATORY RULES OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE

Tours within the Llaqta of Machu Picchu are strictly **unidirectional (one-way only)**. Under no circumstances is it allowed to walk backward on the trails or switch circuits once you have entered through the main checkpoints. Likewise, it is mandatory to enter accompanied by an **accredited official tour guide** for the traditional urban circuits, and to comply with backpack size limitations (maximum 40x35x20 cm) and flat/trekking footwear to preserve the archaeological stone floors.