Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, continues to attract tourists with its impressive architecture and mysterious history. To ensure the integrity of the archeological site and improve the experience of the visitor, new circuits have been established in 2026. Ensuring that each visitor finds the route that suits their interests and abilities, these new tours offer a variety of perspectives and challenges.
The Ministry of Culture of Peru has reorganized Machu Picchu's tourist circuits, reducing them from five to three principal circuits, each of them with multiple sub-routes, effective since June 1, 2024. The purpose of these changes is to preserve the archeological site for the future generations and to improve the visitor experience. We offer you a detailed description of the new circuits, their routes and the expectations for each of them.
This circuit is perfect for visitors who want to experience breathtaking views of Machu Picchu without entering the urban sector. It focuses on strategic viewpoints that showcase the majesty of the citadel from different angles, making it ideal for photography, nature appreciation, and a serene exploration of the site.
This route covers the upper terrace of Machu Picchu. It begins at the Guardian's House, where visitors can take the traditional postcard photo of Machu Picchu. The hike to the top of the Machu Picchu Mountain takes four hours (round-trip) and is surrounded by lush vegetation. For trekking enthusiasts of all ages, this route is ideal. It is open all year round.
This route is designed for those who enjoy hiking and panoramic landscapes. Starting at the Guardian’s House, where you can capture the iconic postcard view of Machu Picchu, the trail ascends to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain. The round-trip hike lasts approximately four hours and passes through lush vegetation, offering spectacular views of the Urubamba River, the surrounding mountains, and the entire citadel below. The trail is suitable for trekking enthusiasts of all ages and is open throughout the year, providing a rewarding experience with each season’s unique scenery.
This route allows visitors to explore the upper terrace of Machu Picchu while enjoying unobstructed views of the ruins. The path includes the esplanade near the Guardian’s House, ensuring the best photographic opportunities of the citadel. The walk is approximately two hours and thirty minutes, making it accessible for most visitors while still offering a rich visual and historical experience.
Famous for its sunrise views, this route leads to Intipunku, the Sun Gate. Visitors can enjoy a round-trip hike of about four hours, witnessing the first rays of sunlight illuminating the citadel. This route is not only a photographer’s dream but also provides a sense of spiritual connection and historical context, as Intipunku was the main entrance to Machu Picchu for the Inca travelers coming from the Sacred Valley.
The Inca Bridge route showcases ancient Inca engineering brilliance. From the high terraces of Machu Picchu, the trail descends to the Inca Bridge, a stunning construction demonstrating the Incas’ mastery of stonework and suspension techniques. The round-trip hike takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes and offers dramatic views of the steep cliffs, the Urubamba River below, and the ingenuity of Inca infrastructure.
This circuit provides the opportunity to take a different view of Machu Picchu and explore the urban area of the citadel.
Route 2-A: Designed route
To get the traditional photo of Machu Picchu, this route allows a complete tour of the citadel, starting from the Guardian's House. The upper platform, the Tectonic Fault, the Dry Pit, the Viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun, the Granite Chaos, the Temple Square, the Intiwatana Pyramid, the Sacred Rock and the Twelve Spans are part of the tour. The duration is two hours and thirty minutes.
Route 2-B: Lower Terrace
On this route you can explore the lower part of the citadel, which includes the warehouses, terraces, the House of the Inca, water fountains, water mirrors and it ends at the Pisonay Square.
Through the urban region of Machu Picchu and the nearby mountains, this circuit offers the visitors a unique experience.
Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain
Visitors can visit the citadel of Huayna Picchu from a different perspective through this route that takes them to the top. The Sacred Rock, the Main Square and the House of the Inca are part of the route. An additional ticket is required for route 1-B to see the traditional view of Machu Picchu. It is available all year round and it is recommended to book in advance due to the high demand.
Route 3-B: Designed Route
The urban region of Machu Picchu, which includes the water mirrors, the House of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor and the Water Fountain, are explorable with this route, with a year-round availability.
Route 3-C: The Great Cavern
The hike to the Great Cavern is only accessible during the high season. The travel time is three hours.
Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu, the mountain
Only during the high season visitors can access the Great Cavern by this route. The Sacred Rock, the Main Square and the House of the Inca are part of the tour. The round trip takes around three hours. Availability: Only during the summer period (June 1 to October 15 and December 30 to 31)
The new circuits of Machu Picchu in 2024 provide the tourist with a variety of perspectives and experiences of this ancient Inca city. These tours offer something for everyone, whether you are looking for a full exploration of Machu Picchu's architecture and history or a challenging hike. To get the most out of this World Heritage Site, plan your visit in advance and select the tour that best suits your interests.
Would you be able to walk the same routes as the Incas did over 500 years ago? Or learning the secrets of an empire that continues to influence the culture, landscapes, and daily lives of millions of Peruvians even after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire arrived?
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