The three circuits and ten routes

Since June 1, 2024, the Ministry of Culture (Ministerial Resolution 528-2023-MC) has visitors tour Machu Picchu on three circuits containing ten designated routes. Every entry ticket is sold for one specific circuit and route.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) covers the upper terraces and the classic photo viewpoint without entering the urban core. It holds the Machu Picchu Mountain, Sun Gate, and Inca Bridge routes.

Circuit 2 (Classic) combines the postcard viewpoint with the full urban core of the citadel. It is the circuit most first-time visitors want.

Circuit 3 (Royalty) covers the lower citadel and royalty sector. It holds the Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu climbs and the Great Cavern route.

Four of the ten routes run in high season only: the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge on Circuit 1, and the Great Cavern and Huchuy Picchu on Circuit 3.

Your ticket fixes the circuit and route at purchase and cannot be changed at the gate. Choosing the right circuit before hunting tickets is the highest-leverage planning decision a Machu Picchu visitor makes.