The remote and lofty setting of Machu Picchu, perched high upon a mountainside in the Sacred Valley, makes it impossible to simply drive there. Instead, your path to or from this ancient wonder will involve taking a train to/from Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) – a town that has blossomed around the station at the base of the valley.
Machu Picchu's Circuits Tickets, Know which is the one for You!
Choosing the right ticket for Machu Picchu can feel like a daunting task, especially for first-time visitors. With five different ticket options, including four circuits (despite the official count), three mountain trails, a bridge, and up to eight time slots, the decision-making process can be overwhelming. Understanding the nuances of each option often requires extensive map study and planning.
But fear not, as Kenko Adventures is here to simplify it for you.
What is the most recommended circuit and ticket at Machu Picchu?
If you're visiting Machu Picchu for the first time, the best option is definitely purchasing the 'Machupicchu Solo' ticket and completing Circuit 2.
This route is considered the most comprehensive as it includes visits to the main Inca sites. If you've already visited Machu Picchu before, you can opt for the 'Machupicchu & Huayna Picchu' ticket and complete Circuit 4.
Why?
- The basic ticket to explore the Inca citadel and its numerous constructions is the 'Machu Picchu Solo' entry.
- This ticket allows you to explore constructions such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
- Previously, it allowed for the nearly 2-hour hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate). However, this route is currently not permitted.
- It also used to permit visiting the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu. Today, this short route (20 minutes) is only available with the 'Machupicchu con Puente Inca' ticket.
- Of course, the ticket also allows for the opportunity to take the classic postcard photo with Machu Picchu in the background.
- To explore Machu Picchu with this ticket, authorities have designated the creation of four available tourist circuits: Circuit 1, Circuit 2 (the most recommended), Circuit 3, and Circuit 4.
Circuits Breakdown
Circuit 1
Circuit 1 allows visitors to explore both the upper and lower parts of the archaeological site. This route covers the main constructions as well as the area of the agricultural terraces and platforms at the highest point (where the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu is taken). The circuit is recommended for older adults and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Circuit 2
Circuit 2 allows visitors to explore both the upper and lower parts of the archaeological site (both the high religious area and the lower part). Of course, it also includes the main constructions of the Inca citadel. The circuit is recommended for all tourists and lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Circuit 3 & 4
Circuit 3 allows visitors to explore the core area of Machu Picchu (lower part). It includes visits to the Inka House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, and the agricultural zone. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Circuit 4 also allows visitors to explore the core area of Machu Picchu (lower part). It includes visits to the Inka House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the agricultural zone, and the Sacred Rock. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
About Circuit 3 and Machu Picchu's Mountain
- The 'Machu Picchu & Mountain' ticket is ideal for a family hiking route (entry is allowed for people of all ages). Additionally, it is the best option for visitors who did not secure availability for Huayna Picchu mountain.
- This ticket allows for a hike to the summit of the tallest mountain in the area: Machu Picchu mountain. It also allows visitors to exit Machu Picchu and re-enter once. Upon re-entry, visitors can explore the main archaeological sites of Machu Picchu on Circuit 3.
- Circuit 3 allows visitors to explore the sector of the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, the Inka House, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Hall of Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor, and other minor constructions.
- The circuit allows for re-entry to Machu Picchu, but visitors cannot follow the routes to the Guardian's House or the hiking routes to Intipunku or the Inca Bridge. Circuit 4 takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
About Circuit 4 and Huayna Picchu's Mountain
- The ticket that sells out the fastest is the 'Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu' ticket, which includes the hike to the summit of this mountain as well as the route through the Inca citadel.
- This ticket allows for the hike to the top of Huayna Picchu. Optionally, visitors can take a detour and explore the Temple of the Moon (also known as the Great Cave).
- Furthermore, upon exiting the mountain, the ticket allows for the tour of Machu Picchu through Circuit 4.
- Circuit 4 allows visitors to explore the lower part of Machu Picchu, known as the urban sector. Here, visitors can admire Inca constructions such as the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Three Windows, and more.
- The circuit follows a one-way route (backtracking is not allowed). Circuit 4 takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
About Circuit 4 and Huchuy Picchu's Mountain
- Huchuy Picchu mountain is a summit located next to Huayna Picchu. The authorities of the Ministry of Culture of Peru recently opened the hiking route to the summit of this peak.
- The entry ticket that allows for this hike is the 'Machu Picchu & Huchuy Picchu'. As the name suggests, the ticket also allows visitors to explore part of the Machu Picchu constructions through Circuit 4.
- Since the entry point to Huchuy Picchu is the same control point as Huayna Picchu mountain, the circuit for Machu Picchu in both cases is the same.
- This is Circuit 4, which allows visitors to explore the main Inca constructions of the urban sector of Machu Picchu: the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Three Windows, and more.
- This circuit has a duration of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Entrance Circuit Machu Picchu with Inca Bridge
- The recommended ticket for capturing the classic postcard photo, completing a full tour of Machu Picchu (Circuit 2), and also taking a short hike to the Inca Bridge.
- This ticket allows visitors to explore constructions such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more. It also permits the short hike (just 20 minutes) to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu.
- The ticket also allows for capturing the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
- To tour the archaeological site with this ticket, authorities have designated the creation of two circuits: Circuit 1 and Circuit 2.
FAQs
Q: What is Circuit 1 like in Machu Picchu?
A: Circuit 1 allows visitors to explore both the upper and lower parts of Machu Picchu. It includes some of the main Inca compounds, as well as the area of agricultural terraces and platforms at the highest point, where entry to Machu Picchu is gained. It's a good option for older adults and takes approximately 2 hours.
Q: What is Circuit 2 like in Machu Picchu?
A: Circuit 2 allows for the most comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu. It includes Inca compounds such as the Temple of the Sun, the Principal Temple, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, and more. It's the most commonly used circuit and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Q: What is Circuit 3 like in Machu Picchu?
A: Circuit 3 allows visitors to explore the core area of Machu Picchu (the lower part). It includes visits to Inca constructions such as the Inka House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, as well as the agricultural zone. It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and is recommended for older adults.
Q: What is Circuit 4 like in Machu Picchu?
A: Circuit 4 allows visitors to explore the core area of Machu Picchu (the lower part). It includes visits to the Inka House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the agricultural zone, and the Sacred Rock. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Q: What is the best circuit in Machu Picchu?
A: Circuit 2 is considered the best in Machu Picchu as it allows for a more comprehensive tour of the Inca citadel's constructions. It includes the classic photo spot!
Q: Which circuit allows for taking the classic photo of Machu Picchu?
A: Circuits 1 and 2 allow for the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian's House. The tickets that permit these circuits are: Machupicchu Solo entry and Machupicchu & Puente Inca entry.
Q: Which circuit allows for hiking up Huayna Picchu mountain?
A: The 'Machupicchu & Huaynapicchu' entry is the only one that allows for hiking up the famous mountain. This ticket allows for Circuit 4, which includes constructions from the lower part like the Inka House.
Q: Which circuit in Machu Picchu is best for older adults?
A: Older adults in good physical condition can complete Circuit 2 without any issues. If they cannot, Circuit 1 will be the best option. For cases of older adults in poor physical condition, they can choose Circuit 3 or 4 and sit on one of the benches that allow for contemplating Machu Picchu from the lower part.
Q: Which circuit in Machu Picchu is best for children?
A: Children can complete any of the circuits. The most recommended one is Circuit 2.
Q: How long does it take to complete all of Machu Picchu?
A: Circuit 2 is the most comprehensive one offered by Machu Picchu. Completing it, at a leisurely pace and enjoying the tour, takes about 2 hours 30 minutes on average.
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