Circuits & Routes
The Machu Picchu circuits, on a map
Machu Picchu is visited on set one-way circuits, and your ticket locks the circuit and route at purchase. This map shows what each circuit covers and where every route and mountain add-on branches off, so you can see the choice before you make it.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic)
Circuit 2 (Classic)
Circuit 3 (Royalty)
* runs in high season only
Pick a route to see what it covers
- Circuit 1 (Panoramic). Upper-terrace panoramic views of the citadel; includes the mountain and viewpoint routes. Does not walk the urban core.
- Circuit 2 (Classic). The classic visit: the famous postcard viewpoint plus the urban core of the citadel. The circuit most first-time visitors want.
- Circuit 3 (Royalty). Lower citadel and royalty sector; includes the Huayna Picchu mountain routes. Less climbing in the core, mountain add-ons carry the effort.
How to read the map
- Solid lines are the circuit itself: the one-way walk every route on that circuit shares. Circuit 1 stays on the upper terraces, Circuit 2 adds the urban core below, Circuit 3 stays on the citadel floor.
- Dashed lines are route extensions: the mountain climbs and outlying sites. Each one belongs to a single route on a single circuit; choosing that route when you book is how you get the extension.
- Routes marked with an asterisk run in high season only, so confirm they are offered for your dates before you count on one.
The layout is schematic: positions are honest, distances are not to scale. Circuit and route rules are set by the Peruvian authorities and can change; see the current Machu Picchu rules for what we have verified and when.
Next steps
Not sure which route fits you?
The Recommender turns fitness, mobility, heights, and interests into a best-fit route and a backup. No email needed.
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See how the ticket system works and what we have observed for your circuit across the season.
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