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 photography and sightseeing lovers. This circuit transits primarily through the upper agricultural terraces and viewpoints. It is ideal for capturing the traditional Machu Picchu postcard photo with the full Llaqta as your backdrop and the ancient upper paved trails. It does not descend into the core urban sector or central 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:
  • 1A
Excludes:
  • 1A
Ideal for: High Hikers
Upper Terrace
Route 1-B
Upper Terrace
Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
All year round
Includes:
  • 1B
Excludes:
  • 1B
Ideal for: Families and Photos
Inti Punku
Route 1-C
Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
Medium Difficulty
4 hours
High Season
Includes:
  • 1C
Excludes:
  • 1C
Ideal for: Trekkers
Inca Bridge
Route 1-D
Inca Bridge
Low Difficulty
3 hours
High Season
Includes:
  • 1D
Excludes:
  • 1D
Ideal for: History lovers
Focus: Complete Traditional Visit

Circuit 2: Classic

The flagship circuit and the most requested by travelers worldwide. It offers a complete and deep immersion combining both the most spectacular viewpoints of the upper area (including the highly coveted classic postcard photo on the guard's terrace) and the detailed tour of the stone temples and 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
Designed Classic Route
Medium Difficulty
3 hours
All year round
Includes:
  • 2A
Excludes:
  • 2A
Ideal for: First time (Full Experience)
Lower Terrace
Route 2-B
Lower Terrace
Medium-Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
All year round
Includes:
  • 2B
Excludes:
  • 2B
Ideal for: Moderate and complete hiking
Focus: Adventure & Sacred Lower Sectors

Circuit 3: Of the Royalty

This circuit stands out for touring the lower nuclear area of Machu Picchu, which houses the royal Inca residences and the main ceremonial enclosures. In addition, it is the mandatory circuit for those who buy the extreme adventure tickets that include the exciting climb to the mythical mountains surrounding the citadel. It does not go up to the guardian's 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:
  • 3A
Excludes:
  • 3A
Ideal for: Extreme adventurers
Designed Royalty
Route 3-B
Designed Royalty
Low Difficulty
2 hours
All year round
Includes:
  • 3B
Excludes:
  • 3B
Ideal for: Seniors & Families
Temple of the Moon
Route 3-C
Temple of the Moon
High Difficulty
5 hours (Trekking)
High Season
Includes:
  • 3C
Excludes:
  • 3C
Ideal for: Hard trekkers
Huchuy Picchu
Route 3-D
Huchuy Picchu
Medium-Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
High Season
Includes:
  • 3D
Excludes:
  • 3D
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.