Hikes and Adventure 2026

Machu Picchu Routes

Explore the authorized paths, hikes and alternative routes for your visit.

Your visit to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu encompasses a variety of official routes, designed to provide different experiences and protect the Inca wonder. There are 10 official routes grouped into 3 circuits that allow you to discover unique angles. Some allow you a photogenic and peaceful tour through elevated viewpoints, others embark you on history through sacred temples, and the most adventurous challenge you with ascents to the legendary mountains that guard the citadel. Discover each of them below!

Focus: Views and Visual Impact

Panoramic Routes (Circuit 1)

Ideal for those seeking an impactful visual experience. They offer tours through the highest points of the agricultural sector of the citadel. Along stone paths, you will access spectacular landscapes that go beyond the classic postcard. All reward you with perfect views of Inca architecture in harmony with Andean geography. *They do not descend to the temples of the urban sector.*

AVAILABLE ROUTES: 4 Official Routes
Machu Picchu Mountain
Route 1A
Machu Picchu Mountain
High Difficulty
5 hours (Trekking)
All year round
Suitable for all ages
Ext: $77 USD CAN: $49 USD
Includes:
  • Classic Postcard Photo
  • Guardian House
  • Ascent to the Mountain
Excludes:
  • Temples / urban sector
Ideal: Trekkers
Upper Terrace
Route 1B
Upper Terrace
Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
All year round
Suitable for all ages
Ext: $59 USD CAN: $29 USD
Includes:
  • Classic Postcard Photo
  • Guardian House
  • Agricultural Terraces
Excludes:
  • Temples / urban sector
Ideal: Photographers
Inti Punku Gate
Route 1C
Inti Punku Gate
Medium Difficulty
3.5 hours
High Season (Winter)
Suitable for all ages
Ext: $59 USD CAN: $29 USD
Includes:
  • Classic Postcard Photo
  • Hike to Inti Punku
  • Inca Trail View
Excludes:
  • Temples / urban sector
Ideal: Trekking enthusiasts
Inca Bridge
Route 1D
Inca Bridge
Low Difficulty
3 hours
High Season (Winter)
Over 12 years old
Ext: $59 USD CAN: $29 USD
Includes:
  • Hike to the Inca Bridge
  • Guardian House
  • Classic Postcard Photo
Excludes:
  • Temples / urban sector
Ideal: History enthusiasts
Focus: Complete History and Architecture

Classic Routes (Circuit 2)

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
Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed
Route 2A
Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed
Medium Difficulty
3 hours
All year round
Suitable for all ages
Ext: $59 USD CAN: $29 USD
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: First visit (Maximum Experience)
Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace
Route 2B
Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace
Medium-Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
All year round
Suitable for all ages
Ext: $59 USD CAN: $29 USD
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: Moderate and complete hiking
Focus: Adventure, Mountains and Lower Temples

Royal Routes (Circuit 3)

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
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
Route 3A
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
High Difficulty
4 hours (Stairs)
All year round
Over 12 years old
Ext: $77 USD CAN: $49 USD
Includes:
  • Summit of Huayna Picchu
  • Temple of the Condor (lower)
  • Sacred Rock
Excludes:
  • Upper classic postcard photo
  • Temple of the Moon
Ideal: Extreme adventurers
Machu Picchu Lower Temples or Royal Designed
Route 3B
Machu Picchu Lower Temples or Royal Designed
Low Difficulty
2 hours
All year round
Suitable for all ages
Ext: $59 USD CAN: $29 USD
Includes:
  • Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana
  • Royal Enclosure and Mirrors
  • Temple of the Condor
Excludes:
  • Upper classic postcard photo
  • External mountains
Ideal: Elderly and Families
Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern
Route 3C
Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern
High Difficulty
5 hours (Trekking)
High Season (Winter)
Over 12 years old
Ext: $77 USD CAN: $49 USD
Includes:
  • Great Cavern / Templo Luna
  • Huayna Picchu Summit
  • Temple of the Condor
Excludes:
  • Upper classic postcard photo
Ideal: Hard Trekking Lovers
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu
Route 3D
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu
Medium-Low Difficulty
2.5 hours
High Season (Winter)
Over 12 years old
Ext: $59 USD CAN: $29 USD
Includes:
  • Ascent to Huchuy Picchu hill
  • Sacred Rock
  • Temple of the Condor (lower)
Excludes:
  • Upper classic postcard photo
  • Huayna Picchu
Ideal: Light mountain hiking
Quick Comparison

Comparative Summary of the 10 Routes

Quickly compare the essential features, age limits and technical difficulty of each official route.

Circuit and Route Identifier Main Attraction Availability Age Limit Technical Difficulty
Panoramic Routes (Circuit 1)
Route 1A: Machu Picchu Mountain Summit of the highest mountain All year round Any age High (Trekking)
Route 1B: Upper Terrace (Classic Photo) Classic postcard photo, Guardian House All year round Any age Low (Simple)
Route 1C: Inti Punku Gate Sun Gate, Inca Trail High Season (Jun 19 - Nov 02) Any age Moderate (Medium)
Route 1D: Inca Bridge Stone drawbridge of the Incas High Season (Jun 19 - Nov 02) Over 12 years old Moderate (Medium)
Classic Routes (Circuit 2)
Route 2A: Classic Designed Circuit Main temples and classic photo All year round Any age Moderate (Medium)
Route 2B: Classic Lower Terrace Plaza, terraces and entry to temples All year round Any age Low (Simple)
Royal Routes (Circuit 3)
Route 3A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Summit of Huayna Picchu, Temples All year round Over 12 years old High (Adventure)
Route 3B: Lower Temples / Royal Temple of the Sun, Condor and House of the Inca All year round Any age Low (Simple)
Route 3C: Temple of the Moon (Great Cavern) Subterranean cavern of the Great Cavern High Season (Jun 19 - Nov 02) Over 12 years old High (Demanding)
Route 3D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain Summit of the small mountain High Season (Jun 19 - Nov 02) Over 12 years old Moderate (Medium)
Plan Your Date

When is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

The Andean weather has two marked seasons that completely change the landscape and logistics of your trip.

Dry Season (April to October)

Characterized by completely sunny days and intensely blue skies. It is the preferred season for photography and for undertaking demanding high-altitude trekking routes (Huayna Picchu or Mountain).

Note: Higher tourist flow. Requires booking your entries several months in advance.

Rainy Season (November to March)

The landscape is dressed in a very vibrant and mystical emerald green, surrounded by mysterious clouds. There is a lower concentration of tourists, allowing for more peaceful and free photos.

Note: Carry a rain poncho. Remember that during this season the regular season catalog applies (6 routes available).
Archaeological Guide

Main Monuments and their Access Routes

The Historical Sanctuary has 172 archaeological constructions. We detail which monuments each type of ticket gives access to.

Inca Construction Main Function Recommended Ticket / Route
Temple of the Sun Ceremonial and Astronomical Observation All routes of Circuit 2 (Classic) and Circuit 3 (Royal)
Guardian House Surveillance and traditional postcard photo spot All entries of Circuit 1 (Scenic Routes)
Huayna Picchu Mountain Surveillance, worship and observatory Exclusive ticket: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A)
House of the Inca Residence of the imperial elite All routes of Circuit 3 (Royal) and Route 2A (Classic)
Temple of the Condor Rituals and mystical connection All routes of Circuit 3 (Royal)
Sacred Rock Symbolic and ritualistic All routes of Circuits 2 (Classic) and 3 (Royal)
Temple of the Moon Subterranean ceremonial and religious Exclusive High Season ticket: Great Cavern Route (3C)
Inca Bridge Security system and border High Season ticket: Inca Bridge Route (1D)
Transport Routes

How to Get to Machu Picchu?

The adventure begins right from the travel journey. Learn about the three classic routes to reach the mystical citadel.

The Train Route

The Most Comfortable and Fastest

It is the traditional option. You travel by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo on a 100% panoramic route surrounded by the mountains of the Sacred Valley until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes in just 2 hours of train. Ideal for families or short stays.

The Inca Trail

Mythical Adventure

Rated as one of the best adventure hikes in the world. It is a historic journey of 4 days and 3 nights along the original stone-paved Inca trails, crossing high mountain passes and exclusive archaeological ruins to enter through the Inti Punku.

The Hydroelectric Route

Backpacker and Economical

It consists of traveling by land transport from Cusco to the Hydroelectric station (5 hours). From there you undertake a completely flat hike next to the railway, surrounded by the high jungle, to Aguas Calientes (approx. 2 to 3 hours).

Expert Advice for your Journey

  • Altitude Acclimatization: Try to spend at least 2 days in the city of Cusco or Ollantaytambo before undertaking demanding high altitude hikes.
  • Appropriate Footwear: Use trekking shoes with good grip. Inca stone steps can become very slippery with humidity.
  • Light Luggage: The official weight limit for backpacks is 5 kg. Carry only the essentials (sunscreen, water, cap, poncho).
  • Advance Booking: Special tickets such as the Huayna Picchu summit (Route 3A) usually sell out 3 to 5 months in advance.
  • Mobility Facility: If traveling with elderly people or those with physical difficulties, Route 3B (Royal Designed) is the flattest and most comfortable.
  • Respect Pachamama: Avoid throwing waste and respect archaeological boundaries. Preservation is everyone's task.
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers about the Routes

We resolve your main doubts so you can plan your visit to Machu Picchu with total peace of mind.

Currently, the Ministry of Culture offers a total of 10 official routes of visit, which are grouped into 3 circuits of travel:
  • Circuit 1 (Scenic Routes): Routes 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D. Ideal for aerial photography and upper viewpoints.
  • Circuit 2 (Classic Routes): Routes 2A and 2B. They offer the most complete traditional tour (temples and photo).
  • Circuit 3 (Royal Routes): Routes 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D. Focused on the lower sector, temples of the nobility, and extreme adventure hikes.

The traditional classic photo (with the Guardian House) can be obtained exclusively with the tickets of Circuit 1 (Scenic Routes 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D). The routes of Circuit 2 (Classic 2A and 2B) also allow you to obtain a beautiful classic photo from a slightly lower platform. Remember that Circuit 3 (Royal) tickets do NOT access the upper Guardian House area, so the classic photo from there is not available.

The most recommended and accessible route is Route 3B: Lower Temples / Royal Designed. This route is almost entirely flat, without steep steps or exhausting climbs. It is the only route in the sanctuary adapted and recommended for people in wheelchairs, baby strollers or the elderly who require physical assistance during the visit.

The High Season is in effect from June 19 to November 02 of each year (coinciding with the driest months). During this period, the Ministry of Culture enables 4 exclusive additional hiking routes:
  • Route 1C (Scenic + Inti Punku)
  • Route 1D (Scenic + Inca Bridge)
  • Route 3C (Royal + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon)
  • Route 3D (Royal + Huchuy Picchu)
Outside of these dates, during the Regular Season, only the 6 traditional routes are marketed (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B).

Yes, it is physically possible, but requires buying two independent tickets at different times of the same day. Since route flows within the sanctuary are strictly one-way and backtracking is not allowed, if you buy a single ticket you will not be able to re-enter or divert your path to another route once the official journey is completed.