New CIRCUIT in Machu Picchu

New Circuits for Touring into Machu Picchu 2024


Last updated: 10:00 January 5th, 2024 (AEST)

The government of Peru has created new regulations for visiting Machu Picchu with the purpose of preserving the historic site for future generations. However, the new 4 circuit system can be rather confusing and overwhelming to understand, see bellow New Circuits to Visit Machu Picchu

With the new Circuits for Machu Picchu, there are new ways to explore the Inca city. With these new regulations, four official tourist circuits to view Machu Picchu have been established. These circuits must be respected and followed by all people who enter the interior of the National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu. And these circuits must be followed by both visitors and tour guides. Please read carefully the discriptions below and the attached maps to better understand the new circuits.


CIRCUIT NUMBER 1 (HIGH SHORT ROUTE – Available any time)

Anyone looking to visit Machu Picchu will see that they can do four circuits or tours within the Inca citadel. Circuit number 1 includes what would be the high part near Machu Picchu mountain. Here you can tour a little of the agricultural area and have the first glimpses of Machu Picchu. This circuit begins at the well-known fork in the access road to the Inca Llaqta of Machu Picchu. At this point, you will ascend to a platform that is no more than 240 meters high. From there you will have the first complete view of the Inca Citadel, and then you can continue to the ceremonial platform where the well-known Guardian’s House is located.

From there you will go down the path that leads to Puente del Inca. You will find a path that descends from the Sun Gate and goes to the urban sector of the Citadel. There you can see the main entrance or the Main Gate. The main portal would be the original entrance to the urban sector of Machu Picchu. From the urban sector, you will be able to see the other side of the citadel. The road continues until reaching the quarry area (Granitic Chaos). And if you continue along the road you will descend to a group of Inca buildings to continue to the Temple of the Sun. Then you can continue and admire the Casa del Inca, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Temple of the Condor.

Main Attractions that you visit and ecplore On Circuit #1

  • Guard’s House; Best view point to take the famouse posscard pictures.
  • The farming área and plataforma.
  • The main Gate or entrance to Machu Picchu
  • The View Point to the Sun Temple.
  • Store-houses at Machu Picchu
  • The Quarry Stone of the Inca city
  • The House of the Inca King
  • The Water Miror temple
  • Templo of the Condor
  • Water Fountains.

View map below:

CIRCUIT NUMBER 2 HIGH LONG ROUTE – Available anytime and it been considered the best route.

This circuit is a long high route to appreciate the Inca Citadel. Circuit number 2 consists of the same route as number 1. This route is different in the sense that after the Temple of the Sun, you will choose to ascend the steps of the fountains. From there you will go to the Sacred Plaza to ascend to the Intihuatana pyramid. From the top of the pyramid, you will go down in the direction of the Sacred Rock. And from there it will continue on its way to open space. From there you will find the Three Gates, a set of buildings dedicated to the Inca elite. Please note that each site cannot be admired for more than 20 minutes.

So once finished you will continue to the Hall of Mirrors and the Temple of the Condor. Unlike circuit one, this tour includes the sites of the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, Sacred Rock, and the Three Gates. This circuit is one of the best Machu Picchu tours available. Since it goes through the Inca citadel and its different sectors in depth.

Main Attractions that you visit and ecplore On Circuit #2

  • Guard’s House; Best view point to take the famouse posscard pictures.
  • The farming área and plataforma.
  • Inca Bridge – This an optional hike and the the tickets need to be booked in advance, it takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour round-trip.
  • The main Gate or entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Store-houses at Machu Picchu
  • The View Point to the Sun Temple.
  • The Quarry Stone of the Inca city
  • The Main temple including the temple of the three Windows.
  • Intiwatana Piramid or the Sun Dail.
  • Sacred Rock
  • Water Miror Temple
  • Templo of the Condor (open from 10 am to 1 pm)
  • Water Fountains

View map below.

CIRCUIT NUMBER 3 (SHORT LOW ROUTE)

Available all Day Long

This circuit begins at the fork in the access road to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. But unlike circuits 1 and 2, this one considers the route that crosses the area of ​​agricultural terraces to go directly to the urban sector. This circuit is the shortest circuit of the Inca citadel. You will start descending no more than 30 meters to access the warehouses (Colcas) and continue along the path that crosses the agricultural sector. There you will be able to appreciate the different agricultural terraces until you reach the Main Gate where you will enter the Urban Sector.

From that point, you will go to the Ceremonial Fountains and then continue south to enter the Temple of the Sun. If you continue you will get to know the Casa del Inka and then continue ascending the steps of the fountains. From this point, the circuit takes the same route as circuit 1.

Main Attractions that you visit and ecplore On Circuit #3

  • Store-houses called Qolcas
  • The lower part farming área
  • The Water Fountains
  • Visit the Templo of the Sun
  • Visit the House of the Inca King
  • Explore the Templo of the Water Mirors.
  • Templo of the Condor

Ticket Machu Picchu Mountain Hike!

Note: The Machu Picchu Mountain ticket is now a separate ticket from the 4 circuit tickets. It is no longer included in circuit ticket #3.

CIRCUIT NUMBER 4

Purchased Mostly to Climb Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Circuit 4 comprises the same route as circuit 3 with the difference that it includes the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock and surrounds the Three Gates, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Temple of the Condor. This section is the same as the one before with the difference that this route decides to ascend to the Sacred Plaza and continue a circuit similar to that of number 2. With the difference that it surrounds both the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana. This circuit is available in certain Machu Picchu tickets, such as in the case of the alternative routes of Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain climb.

Note: In the case of these two additional climbs, it is an add on to circuit #4 to be able to climb either of these and is an additional fee of $75 for either.

Main Attractions that you visit and ecplore On Circuit #4

  • Store-houses called Qolcas
  • The lower part farming área
  • The Water Fountains
  • Visit the Templo of the Sun
  • Visit the House of the Inca King
  • The Sacred Rock
  • The residencial and some of the store-houses.
  • Explore the Templo of the Water Mirors.
  • Templo of the Condor

The New Circuits to Visit Machu Picchu have been updated in January 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about Circuits in Machu Picchu

Why are there new circuits in Machu Picchu?
The purpose of establishing circuits in Machu Picchu is to preserve these historical and natural spaces. Machu Picchu is one of the most culturally significant places and is also a “World Wonder.”

For this reason, measures have been implemented to ensure its preservation. By guiding visitors through designated routes, the flow of people can be managed, reducing congestion in critical areas. This strategy helps minimize wear and tear caused by overcrowding and ensures the preservation of structures and the natural environment.
Setting time limits for visits prevents the excessive accumulation of visitors, allowing all tourists the opportunity to fully enjoy the experience. This measure contributes to maintaining high levels of visitor satisfaction by avoiding crowds and long waits.

What is the best circuit to do in Machu Picchu?
In Summary: The Circuit 2 is the best one to do in Machu Picchu for a complete overview of the site. The only major site it doesn’t visit is the Temple of the Sun (you can see it from above), but despite this it’s still by far the best circuit.

Which is the best Machu Picchu circuit for older adults?
For older adults in good physical condition, circuit 2 Machu Picchu is the best option. If that’s not possible, we recommend circuit 1. Regardless of the circuit you choose, it’s important to follow the guides’ instructions and respect the regulations to preserve this historic and cultural site.

Can you backtrack once the Machu Picchu circuit has started?
Machu Picchu circuits are designed as one way itineraries. Once a specific circuit has been started, it is not allowed to backtrack or switch to another route during the visit. This arrangement is implemented to efficiently manage the flow of visitors, ensuring an organized experience and preserving the integrity of the site.
By adopting this one way structure, the goal is to optimize the circulation of people, minimize congestion in sensitive areas, and guarantee that all visitors have the opportunity to fully enjoy various points of interest. Additionally, this measure contributes to maintaining safety and respect for the environment by allowing more effective control of tourist influx in each area of the citadel.

In which Machu Picchu circuit can the best photographs be taken?
For the best classic photograph of Machu Picchu, you can achieve this in either circuit 1 or circuit 2. In these two routes, the panoramic view of the citadel is ideal for capturing the perfect photo.

Tours To Machu Picchu

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