Ten official routes, clearly compared

Find the right Machu Picchu ticket.

Every ticket follows one exact route. Compare what you will see, maximum visit time, physical effort and seasonal access before you reserve.

Compare all tickets Understand the 3 circuits →

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Start with the difference

Our expert shortlist.

These recommendations answer the most common traveler priorities. Availability and walking comfort still matter.

Most popular2A

Best complete first visit

Classic photo + principal Inca city sectors.

Best panorama1B

Iconic view, shorter walk

Upper terrace without a mountain summit.

Best architecture3B

Temples at close range

Royal spaces in a compact route.

Biggest challenge1A

Full mountain adventure

Highest summit and longest panorama.

Circuit 1

Panoramic

The highest viewpoints and broadest mountain scenery.

Full circuit guide →

Biggest adventure1A

Circuit 1 · Route 1A

Machu Picchu Mountain

The highest and most demanding panoramic experience.

Maximum timeUp to 7 h

DistanceApprox. 3.8 km

EffortHigh

AccessYear-round

Route highlights

Upper panoramic terraces
Machu Picchu Mountain summit
Views toward Salkantay and the Vilcanota valley

Best for: Experienced walkers who want a major summit and wide landscapes.

Know before bookingLong, sustained ascent; not the best choice for limited time or mobility.

Check availability View circuit details →

Best short panorama1B

Circuit 1 · Route 1B

Upper Terrace

The classic elevated view without adding a mountain summit.

Maximum timeUp to 2 h 30 m

DistanceApprox. 1.6 km

EffortModerate

AccessYear-round

Route highlights

Upper terrace viewpoint
Agricultural terraces
Wide view over the Inca city

Best for: Travelers whose priority is the iconic photograph with a shorter route.

Know before bookingPanoramic focus; it does not provide the same urban-sector visit as Circuit 2.

Check availability View circuit details →

Inca Trail feeling1C

Circuit 1 · Route 1C

Intipunku Gateway

A scenic walk toward the historic Sun Gate entrance.

Maximum timeUp to 4 h

DistanceApprox. 3.4 km

EffortModerate

AccessHigh season

Route highlights

Upper panoramic sector
Original Inca Trail section
Intipunku — the Sun Gate

Best for: Walkers interested in history, landscapes and the Inca Trail approach.

Know before bookingSeasonal route with substantial walking and limited shade.

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Engineering & views1D

Circuit 1 · Route 1D

Inca Bridge

A cliffside path to one of the sanctuary’s controlled entrances.

Maximum timeUp to 3 h

DistanceApprox. 2.6 km

EffortModerate

AccessHigh season

Route highlights

Upper panoramic viewpoint
Cliffside trail
Historic stone-and-timber Inca Bridge

Best for: Travelers who value scenery and Inca engineering.

Know before bookingExposed cliffside sections may not suit visitors with vertigo.

Check availability View circuit details →

Circuit 2

Classic

The famous photograph combined with the principal Inca city.

Full circuit guide →

Most popular2A

Circuit 2 · Route 2A

Designed Classic Route

The best-balanced first visit: classic view plus principal sectors.

Maximum timeUp to 2 h 30 m

DistanceApprox. 2.5 km

EffortModerate–high

AccessYear-round

Route highlights

Classic panoramic viewpoint
Sun Temple viewpoint and Main Plaza
Sacred Rock and Water Mirrors

Best for: First-time visitors who want the most complete overall experience.

Know before bookingUsually the first route to sell out; secure it early once your date is fixed.

Check availability View circuit details →

Best classic alternative2B

Circuit 2 · Route 2B

Lower Terrace

A lower postcard viewpoint followed by the main Inca city.

Maximum timeUp to 2 h 30 m

DistanceApprox. 2.7 km

EffortModerate–high

AccessYear-round

Route highlights

Lower panoramic terrace
Quarry and Main Plaza
Sacred Rock and Water Mirrors

Best for: First visits when 2A is unavailable or a lower photo angle is preferred.

Know before bookingVery similar overall purpose to 2A, but with a different panoramic platform.

Check availability View circuit details →

Circuit 3

Royalty

Sacred architecture at close range with optional summits.

Full circuit guide →

Iconic mountain climb3A

Circuit 3 · Route 3A

Waynapicchu Mountain

Sacred lower-sector architecture plus the famous steep summit.

Maximum timeUp to 6 h

DistanceApprox. 2.4 km

EffortHigh

AccessLimited year-round

Route highlights

Royal lower sector
Waynapicchu summit trail
Temple of the Condor area

Best for: Fit, confident hikers seeking steep stairs and dramatic views.

Know before bookingExposed and steep; limited capacity and not recommended for vertigo.

Check availability View circuit details →

Best for temples3B

Circuit 3 · Route 3B

Designed Royalty Route

A compact close-up visit to refined royal and sacred architecture.

Maximum timeUp to 2 h 30 m

DistanceApprox. 1.3 km

EffortModerate

AccessYear-round

Route highlights

Temple of the Sun and Inca House
Ceremonial fountains and Three Doorways
Temple of the Condor

Best for: Architecture lovers, repeat visitors and travelers wanting less distance.

Know before bookingDoes not include the classic upper postcard platform.

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Longest remote route3C

Circuit 3 · Route 3C

Great Cavern

The royal sector plus a demanding journey to the Great Cavern.

Maximum timeUp to 7 h

DistanceApprox. 3 km

EffortHigh

AccessHigh season

Route highlights

Royal lower sector
Waynapicchu trail system
Great Cavern / Temple of the Moon area

Best for: Strong hikers looking for a quieter and more remote experience.

Know before bookingThe distance understates the effort: expect steep descent, ascent and a long visit.

Check availability View circuit details →

Shorter summit3D

Circuit 3 · Route 3D

Huchuypicchu

A more compact mountain option above the royal sector.

Maximum timeUp to 3 h 30 m

DistanceApprox. 1.7 km

EffortModerate

AccessHigh season

Route highlights

Royal lower sector
Huchuypicchu summit
Close panoramic view above the Inca city

Best for: Travelers wanting a summit without the full Waynapicchu climb.

Know before bookingStill includes steep stone steps and uphill terrain.

Check availability View circuit details →

Important

Maximum visit times are the official stay limits shown on route maps, not guaranteed walking durations. Entry hours, capacity and seasonal operation can change. Always confirm current availability before purchasing.

Route-first advice

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