In 2021, five tourist circuits were established for the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Through Ministerial Resolution 528-2023-MC, the Ministry of Culture of Peru modified these circuits. In this regard, starting June 1, 2024, three new circuits have come into effect, grouping together 10 visitor routes of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. These new circuits were designed at the recommendation of national and international organizations that protect this world-class historical monument. The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is built on steep terrain with very limited traffic, as the Incas built this sacred site only for very high-ranking individuals, who visited it sporadically. However, Machu Picchu currently receives more than 4,000 visitors daily during the peak season, from April to October.
This number of visitors subjects the structure to irreparable damage if everyone occupies the same space in a short period of time. Therefore, the Peruvian government decided to program more than 10 new circuits to distribute the visitor load more optimally. This issue has led to various pronouncements, as not all visitors will now be able to access the famous house of the Incas. Guardian from where the classic photo of Machu Picchu is taken. Being very reasonable about visiting Machu Picchu, as a society, we must be concerned about its protection and be good visitors. If we want to visit the best circuits, we must purchase the tour at least a year in advance to avoid frustrations and misunderstandings.
A very important issue to keep in mind is knowing the best time and season to visit Machu Picchu. We recommend visiting the Wonder of the World only from April to October, as this is the dry season in the southern hemisphere, and there is very little chance of rain. Although Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest, it rarely rains. In short, the best circuit is Circuit 2 A – Classic Designed, and the best time is from 6 to 8 am, as there are few visitors during this time, and you can get some very spectacular photos, with the mountains and their fluffy clouds.
If you’re visiting Machu Picchu for the first time, the best option is definitely to purchase the Classic or Designed Classic Tour (Route 2A) ticket. This tour is considered the most comprehensive, as it includes visits to the main Inca sites. This tour also allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu, but from a platform below the Guardian’s House. After capturing the best photos, the tour continues through the urban and religious sectors of Machu Picchu. Visitors will have the opportunity to see: the main gate, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the water fountains and the agricultural sector, the Dry Moat, the Inca quarries, the sunken plaza, the base of the Pyramid of the Sun, the Wayranas sector, the Twelve Openings, the Eastern Granaries, the Temple of the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor, the Pisonay Plaza, the House of the Nobles, and the sacred water fountains.
This tour takes a maximum of 3 hours. This ticket does not include any additional hikes into the mountains of Machu Picchu. The tour is open to people of all ages. It is always advisable to be accompanied by a tour guide, who will provide information on the historical and archaeological details of Machu Picchu. Since there has been some inappropriate behavior on the part of some visitors in recent months, it is important to remember that you must adhere to the circuits on your ticket, otherwise you will be expelled from the sanctuary. All sectors of Machu Picchu are now much more protected.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you’re planning a short-term trip to Peru and didn’t have time to pre-book the most popular Machu Picchu ticket, the 2-A tour. You have the following alternatives that could fit your schedule and desire to see Machu Picchu.
This tour is a slight variation on the “Complete Classic Tour.” It’s a somewhat shorter route but also offers the opportunity to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu (from a lower terrace). After capturing the best photos, the tour continues to the urban and religious sectors of Machu Picchu. There, tourists can tour the main Inca temples and stone precincts: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector.
This tour takes 3 hours. This is the most recommended and comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu (which is why this ticket must be purchased online 3 or 4 months in advance). This ticket does not include any additional hikes into the Machu Picchu mountains. The tour is open to people of all ages.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
As its name suggests, this tour visits the royal buildings located in the lower part of the Inca city. The tour includes a beautiful photo of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector (lower part of the archaeological site). After capturing the best photos, the route continues to the religious sector of Machu Picchu. There, tourists can tour the main Inca temples and precincts designed for royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates building, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
This tour takes a maximum of 3 hours. It does not include additional hiking to any mountain. This tour is designed for those who wish to learn more about Inca culture and history. During the tour, the tour guide will explain all the details of the excavations and archaeological finds at Machu Picchu since its discovery in 1911 by the National Geographic expedition. Many tourists are amazed by the beauty of its sites, designed by Inca architects, whose temples and noble homes remain as they were left more than 500 years ago.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you only want to take a postcard photo of Machu Picchu, the most recommended tour is:
MACHU PICCHU CLASSIC PHOTO OR UPPER TERRACE (ROUTE 1B)
This tour gives you access to the postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House area. This ticket allows you to appreciate the archaeological complex from a great vantage point: the Guardian’s House viewpoint. From there, in the distance, you can see structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow entry to these Inca structures. This tour takes a maximum of 1 hour 30 minutes. Visitors can take the photos they want from this spectacular viewpoint.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
In this case, there are two options: go to Machu Picchu Mountain, which is the highest mountain in the area, or visit the most famous mountain, Huayna Picchu. First, you should know a very important fact:
The Machu Picchu Mountain ticket is only sold in combination with Tour 1-A, which gives you access to the upper terrace, where you can take your postcard photo. You can then ascend to Machu Picchu Mountain (the mountain is 3,083 meters above sea level). This tour takes a maximum of 4 hours. Visitors can take the photos they want from this spectacular viewpoint.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
This tour covers the urban area of Machu Picchu, where you’ll find temples and dwellings of the Inca nobles, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates building, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more. These are located in the lower part of Machu Picchu. There you can take a panoramic photo of Machu Picchu surrounded by the mountains. This Machu Picchu tour takes approximately 1 hour. Additionally, visitors can hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain, which takes a maximum of 3 hours.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
This tour includes a visit to the buildings in the lower part of Machu Picchu, the so-called religious sector, with buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Three Gates building, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more. It does not include a visit to the Guardian’s House area, but it does include a visit to the agricultural sector, where you can take photos very similar to the classic postcard photo (but from the lower part of the archaeological site). Touring Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu takes a maximum of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
This Circuit 3 tour of Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour. Additionally, visitors can hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, which takes only 1 hour.
This tour also allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House viewpoint. To get there, you must hike up stone steps that take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the visitor’s physical condition. From the Guardian’s House viewpoint, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca structures. This ticket does not allow you to tour these Inca structures.
This tour takes a maximum of 3 hours. During this time, visitors can take the photos they want from this spectacular viewpoint. In addition to this Machu Picchu tour, visitors can access the Intipunku (Sun Gate) tour, which leads to the original entrance gate to Machu Picchu during Inca times.
This tour also allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House area. From this Machu Picchu viewpoint, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca buildings: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow access to the urban and religious areas to appreciate these buildings up close. In addition to this Machu Picchu tour, visitors can access the Inca Bridge circuit. During Inca times, this was one of the access points to the Inca Trail leading to the site of Vilcabamba. Currently, only the remains of the bridge’s beams can be seen from a distance.
This tour visits the Inca structures located in the lower part of Machu Picchu (religious or royal area). During the tour, visitors will be able to appreciate Inca buildings such as: the agricultural area, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the building of the Three Gates, the Temple of the Condor (or the Water Mirrors), and the Water Fountains. This tour also includes a tour of the Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cavern.
Which train should I take for this tours from Ollantaytambo?
Many travelers visit Peru just to see the world wonder of Machu Picchu. To do this, they must take a flight from Lima to Cusco and then travel to Machu Picchu the next day. In this case, it’s recommended to schedule your visit at least two days in advance. This means arriving the day before on the afternoon train from Ollantaytambo and staying in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes. The next day, you can board the first bus to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Once you’ve cleared the security check with your ticket, you’ll have to go up to the high platform, where you’ll have the chance to take the best postcard-perfect photos.
After visiting the highlights of Machu Picchu with your guide, you’ll descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon and then take a bus to Cusco. This is the most convenient, unhurried and well-coordinated way to visit Machu Picchu, according to the new regulations.
What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
We recommend visiting Machu Picchu between 7:00 am and 9:00 am because Machu Picchu is clear of fog. Visiting is also less crowded during this time, as the largest crowds usually arrive between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. The weather during the dry season, from April to October, is also very hot. But if you’re interested in an afternoon tour, the last time to visit Machu Picchu is at 3:00 p.m. By this time, there are very few visitors, so you can enjoy the citadel more freely and also take photos of the beautiful sunset. The last bus returning from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes is at 5:00 p.m.
Can I buy two different tours for the same day?
If you’re interested in visiting both parts of Machu Picchu—the upper terrace and the urban area—you’ll need to buy two tickets for the same day. However, you should keep in mind the schedules, as they must be different. For example, if I decide to start the tour on the upper terrace, I’ll need to buy one at 6 or 7 am; and then for tour 3, after 9 am. You could also start the other way around, starting with tour 3 and then visiting the upper terrace.
For all of these tours, it’s always necessary to make a reservation in advance, as sometimes some of the tour times you want aren’t always available. You should also make sure to secure your train tickets, as some times are usually more expensive than others.
What happens if I can’t visit Machu Picchu at the time I purchased?
If, after purchasing your ticket to visit any of the Machu Picchu circuits, you fail to show up at the indicated time, you will automatically lose your right to access the World Wonder. A special permit is only granted in cases of train service interruptions, weather conditions such as rock slides, or other events notified by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture in a statement.
Can I change circuits upon entering Machu Picchu?
No, once you have generated your ticket for Machu Picchu with the assigned circuit, it cannot be changed once you pass through biometric control. Within the World Wonder, there are numerous park rangers and police officers who monitor the order of all circuits. If for any reason tourists violate this order, they will be automatically expelled without the right to re-enter.
What happens if I have a new passport and it’s different from the one I bought my ticket with?
If you purchased your ticket to Machu Picchu with a passport other than your current one, you must present a copy of your old passport along with the new one at the biometric checkpoint located at the Machu Picchu entrance. Under no circumstances will any document other than your passport or identity theft be accepted. If a tourist is found guilty of identity theft or forgery of a Machu Picchu ticket, they will be reported to the local police.
Is there a discount for tourists who are students?
If there is a discount for tourists who are university students, on the booking portal you must select the student option, which gives you a discount of up to 50% off the adult fare. To book online, you need two documents: In addition to your university ID, you need a copy of your passport (or ID). You use your passport to book your ticket, and your university ID to obtain the student discount.
Requirements for the Machu Picchu Student Discount
To qualify for the Machu Picchu student discount, you must meet the following requirements:
Documents Required for the Student Discount
Requirements for the University ID to Qualify for the Student Discount
The university ID is the document required to reserve admission to Machu Picchu. This document must be valid upon entering the Wonder of the World. The university ID card must meet the following requirements:
