Machu Picchu – Which circuit and route should you choose?

You wanted to book your tickets for Machu Picchu, you landed on a list of « circuits » and « rutas » with letters and numbers, and you understood absolutely nothing? That’s perfectly normal. It used to be simple: you bought a ticket, you did whatever you wanted, you maybe added the Montaña or the Wayna Picchu, and off you went. Now they’ve brought in compulsory circuits. And not one, not two. But ten.

Good news: once you’ve understood the logic, it’s a lot less scary. In this article I walk you through each circuit in detail, then — and this is the most important part — I tell you which one to choose depending on your profile: whether you’re coming for the postcard photo, for a big hike, with the family, with little time, or because you’ve already seen Machu Picchu and you want something new.

Here we go! (I promise, it’s not scary)

Right here, I’m first showing you the maps of the 3 main circuits so you can see they really are different. You can zoom in on them. Just below you’ve got all the details of the different routes by circuit (super clear, right).

Why are there circuits to visit Machu Picchu?

Because Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fragile and very busy place. By spreading visitors across different, one-way routes, the Ministry of Culture protects the stones and the sensitive areas from wear, avoids bottlenecks at key points, and responds to UNESCO’s pressure over over-tourism (the site even came close to the World Heritage in Danger list). In short, behind the « why make it complicated » side, there’s a real logic of preservation.

And to know how it works. In a nutshell, so the rest is crystal clear:

Machu Picchu is now divided into 3 circuits, themselves split into 10 routes (the famous « rutas »). When you book, you choose a circuit AND a route, along with a specific date and time slot. Basically, a circuit is a thematic zone. And within each zone there are several variants (there, it seems super simple).

Three rules to keep in mind, because they change everything when it comes to choosing:

• The trails are one-way. You don’t go back, you don’t switch from one circuit to another once you’re inside.
• Each route shows you different things. Some stay up high (the view), others go down into the city (the temples), others climb a mountain.
• Four routes are only open in high season (the 1-C, 1-D, 3-C and 3-D).

Watch out, there are limited spots PER route. Some sell out much, much faster. And if you arrive in Aguas Calientes to buy your ticket, here is the real-time availability.

There you go. Now, let’s get to the most important part: the details to choose the right route.

The Machu Picchu circuits in detail

Circuit 1 – Panorámico: the heights and the postcard photo

This is the circuit of viewpoints. It takes you up to the high terraces and the summits for the famous view from above, the one on every postcard. Its big « but »: it never goes down into the city itself. You admire Machu Picchu, but you don’t walk among the temples. Ideal for lovers of landscapes and photography, frustrating for anyone who wants to set foot in the ruins.

1-A · Montaña Machu Picchu. The most demanding route, by far (up to 6h). You climb the highest peak on the site (~3,082 m) for an absolutely vertiginous view over the whole valley. It’s the one I did: it climbs steeply, the steps are high (even though Peruvians are tiny, go figure ), but the path is less sheer than the Wayna Picchu and the reward is insane. Book well in advance, the spots go fast.

1-B · Terraza Superior. The shortest (~2h30) and the most in demand. A direct climb to the upper terraces, you take THE classic photo, and that’s it. No side climb, no city. Perfect if you just want the iconic view without wearing yourself out… but a bit frustrating if you were hoping to see the buildings.

1-C · Portada Intipunku (high season only). The terraces + a walk to the Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where the Inca Trail hikers come out. A lovely extra walk, with a different perspective on the site.

1-D · Puente Inka (high season only). The terraces + a detour to the Inca Bridge, a stone walkway clinging to a sheer cliff. The most secret and least visited corner of the panoramic circuit.

Circuit 2 – Clásico: the view + city combo

If you were to remember only one, it would be this one. It’s the only circuit that combines the panoramic photo from above AND the descent into the urban heart: Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Rock, sacred plaza, Temple of the Condor, the Intihuatana pyramid… In short, you get the overall view, then you walk among the ruins. It’s also the most sought-after, so the one to book earliest.

2-A · Ruta diseñada. The most complete version of the classic (~3h): the panoramic photo from the high point, then the full tour of the urban area. The richest programme.

2-B · Terraza Inferior. Almost the same tour of the city, but the photo is taken from a slightly lower terrace — so a gentler walk, often quieter, without going all the way up. This is my number-one recommendation for a first visit: you get the essentials, the beautiful views and the buildings, without complicating your life. The 2-A is the same with one extra view. So not bad either, eh.

Circuit 3 – Realeza: the royal sector and the great peaks

This circuit dives into the lower, sacred part of the city — the « royal » sector: Temple of the Sun, Royal Tomb, Temple of the Condor. Its particularity: no classic panoramic viewpoint (forget the head-on postcard). On the other hand, it’s the one that gives access to the big climbs and the remote corners.

3-A · Montaña Waynapicchu. The lower royal sector, paired with the climb of the most iconic peak: the Wayna Picchu, that steep peak overlooking the postcard photo. The climb is very sheer, a narrow, steep staircase, and the view is a plunging one (not the same as the Montaña, which is higher but more « panoramic »). Thrills guaranteed. Very limited spots.

3-B · Ruta diseñada. The flattest and most accessible route: only the lower royal temples, with no climb or panoramic point (~1h30). Ideal if you don’t want to climb.

3-C · Gran Caverna (high season only). The long escape (~4-5h) out to the Temple of the Moon and the Gran Caverna, on the other side of the Wayna Picchu. The most remote and least visited route on the site. For explorers who want some quiet.

3-D · Huchuypicchu (high season only). A short climb up little Mount Huchuy Picchu, for a quick plunging view without the effort of the big summit. The « little sister » of the Wayna.

Okay, I tried to make something a bit interactive with the different routes overlaid so you could see the differences between them. It’s gloriously ugly, it gives a vague idea 😀 I’m leaving it up as a trophy of what not to do 😀 But I’ll try to do better!

So, which circuit should you choose? To each their own

Now, the heart of the matter. Here are my recommendations depending on what you’re after. Find yourself in the list, take the recommended circuit, and you’ll be all set.

You want to see the most beautiful, the essential (and it’s your first time)

→ Circuit 2, and ideally the 2-B. It’s THE choice for a first visit: the postcard view AND the walk among the temples, all without destroying your calves. You leave with « the » Machu Picchu in your head, the one you imagined. If you want the most complete version and you’re up for a slightly longer walk, take the 2-A.

You want to hike, to climb

→ Montaña Machu Picchu (1-A) or Wayna Picchu (3-A). Both climb hard, both offer a crazy view, but they’re not the same kind of thrill:

• The Montaña Machu Picchu climbs higher, it’s longer, but the path is less vertiginous: a big, steady climb rewarded by an immense panorama. It’s the one I did, and I recommend it.
• The Wayna Picchu is shorter but much steeper and more impressive (narrow staircases over the void), with a plunging view of the city. For those the vertigo doesn’t bother.

In both cases: book months in advance, the spots are tiny.

You want the lesser-known corners, without the crowds

→ Gran Caverna (3-C), Puente Inka (1-D) or Huchuypicchu (3-D) — in high season only. These are the routes almost no one takes, either because they’re long (Gran Caverna and its Temple of the Moon), or because they’re confidential (the Inca Bridge on its cliff). You trade the postcard photo for some peace and quiet and corners that most visitors will never see.

You’re with the family, with children

→ Circuit 2-B, or 3-B if you really want it easy. The 2-B gives the best of both worlds (the view + the ruins) with a reasonable effort, and children love seeing the llamas on the terraces. If walking and stairs are tricky with young children, the 3-B (all flat, lower sector) is calmer — but be aware that you won’t get the overall view. Avoid the Montaña and Wayna Picchu climbs with young children: it’s long, steep and exposed. That said, it’s also the longest route (excluding the hikes), so it could be long and tiring for them. You may want to favour a slightly shorter route.

You don’t want to (or can’t) walk too much

→ Circuit 3-B first and foremost. It’s the flattest and most accessible route on the site, with no climb. If you still want the postcard photo and a few steps are manageable, the 1-B stays short and gives you the view from above. Adapt it to your mobility, but remember: 3-B = the least effort, 1-B = the view with a moderate effort.

You don’t have much time

→ 1-B (the view) or 3-B (the lower city), allow 1h30 to 2h30. If you had to save a single image, take the 1-B for the postcard. If you’d rather walk a little among the stones, the 3-B does the job quickly. And if you can spare an extra half hour, the 2-B remains the best time/discovery ratio.

You’ve already seen Machu Picchu « in broad strokes »

→ Change your perspective: a mountain or a remote corner. Already done the classic on a first trip? This time, gain some height with the Montaña Machu Picchu (1-A) or the Wayna Picchu (3-A), or go explore what you didn’t see with the Gran Caverna (3-C) or the Puente Inka (1-D). You’ll rediscover the site from a completely new angle.

Bonus: you’re here for the photo

→ Circuit 1 (1-B or 1-A) or Circuit 2. The perfect postcard is taken from the high terraces (Circuit 1 and 2). The 1-B is the most direct for that; the 1-A also gives you the summit panorama; Circuit 2 adds the temples in the background. Come early: the morning light is the most beautiful, and the site is yours before the crowd arrives.

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Buying your ticket for Machu Picchu

Because you thought picking your circuit settled everything? oh oh, how sweetly naïve! In the next article I explain in detail how to buy your tickets for Machu Picchu, but be warned that choosing the circuit is only the start of the headaches. Basically, you have 4 options:

• buy your tickets in advance on the official platform, but there you’d better hope the circuit you want is actually available! The most popular circuits sell out several months ahead (a solid 4 for the 2A/B)
• get your tickets on site, in Aguas Calientes. There are 1,000 tickets available per day, split across the circuits. So if you want the one you’re after, you really need to arrive early. And check availability here.
• go through a middleman guide who usually grabs the tickets for circuits 2A/B, for example this one
• take an all-inclusive day trip from Cusco, they usually have more availability but it’s pricier

So if you want a ticket for Machu Picchu, you need to get on it in advance, but if you want THE circuit you’re interested in, then you really have to plan well ahead.

The pitfalls to avoid

A few classic mistakes that can ruin the day — may as well know them:

• Confusing Montaña Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. These are two different mountains, on two different circuits (1 and 3). Double-check which one you’re booking.
• The one-way system. Once you’re on your circuit, no going back, no changing. If you forget a spot, it’s too late. Take your time at the right moment.
• Being late. Only 30 minutes of lateness is tolerated on your time slot (45 min in very high season). Beyond that, entry is refused. For the mountain climbs, no tolerance: be right on time at the checkpoint.
• The hike quotas. Montaña and Wayna Picchu have very few spots and limited time slots. They’re booked months in advance, at the same time as the ticket.
• Thinking all circuits see the city. Circuit 1 stays up high, Circuit 3 stays down low. Only Circuit 2 does both. If you want to walk among the temples AND have the view, it’s the 2.
• Booking high-season routes out of season. The 1-C, 1-D, 3-C and 3-D simply aren’t offered for part of the year.

SUPER IMPORTANT: you need to book well in advance to get the route of your choice, especially the 2A and 2B, which are the most popular. That can be 4 months ahead. Easily.

FAQ – Which circuit to choose at Machu Picchu

Which is the most complete circuit?

Circuit 2 (2-A in the lead). It’s the only one that combines the panoramic view and the tour of the urban sector with its temples.

Which circuit for a first visit?

The 2 (A or B) without hesitation: the essentials of Machu Picchu, the postcard photo and the ruins, with a reasonable effort.

Can you do two circuits on the same day?

One ticket = one circuit, one-way. To do several, you need several tickets on several entries. So technically you could do one circuit in the morning and another in the afternoon by exiting the site in between.

Which circuit for the postcard photo?

Circuits 1 and 2, which climb to the high terraces. Circuit 3 doesn’t have this classic viewpoint, but it has another very pleasant one at the top of Wayna Picchu (not an easy hike).

Which circuit without walking / with reduced mobility?

The 3-B, the flattest and shortest. The 1-B remains an option if a few steps are manageable and you’re keen on the view.

Montaña Machu Picchu or Wayna Picchu?

Montaña = higher, longer, less vertiginous, wide panorama. Wayna = shorter, steeper and more impressive, plunging view. Both require good physical condition.

Do you need a guide to visit Machu Picchu?

They’ll tell you (the agencies) that a guide is supposed to accompany visitors, but in practice that’s not true — the bill to make guides compulsory hasn’t passed yet (well, given they’ve been talking about it for nearly 10 years, that should drag on a while longer): you can absolutely do your circuit on your own. A guide is still a real plus (few signs on site), otherwise there are audio guides.

In conclusion

There you have it, you know everything! Yes, these circuits are scary at first, but deep down the logic is simple: the 1 for the view, the 2 for the view + city combo, the 3 for the royal sector and the great peaks. And for 90% of people coming for the first time, the 2(A-B) is the right choice, hands down.

My final piece of advice, as always: book early (especially the hikes and Circuit 2), and come as early as possible in the morning to enjoy the site before the crowd. It’s really worth it.

Oh, but if you don’t want the hassle, then don’t hesitate to go through an agency that organises it all for you.

To go further:

• Find all the info for visiting Machu Picchu
• And the details for buying your Machu Picchu tickets
• If you’re staying nearby, discover where to stay near Machu Picchu

And if you’d like more information about Cusco and Peru, then I suggest the following articles:

• What to do in Cusco: discover the most beautiful spots you absolutely must see
• An itinerary to discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley: in one week, you can discover the best of the region!
• Where to stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: a selection of super-handy accommodation
• Visiting the rainbow mountain of Cusco: Vinicunca, a magnificent mountain to see at all costs
• What to see in the Incas’ Sacred Valley: here are the most beautiful sites not to miss
• The most beautiful sites in Peru: want to discover the country? don’t miss these places!
• How long to stay in Lima: come and discover the Peruvian capital for a few days
• Visiting Arequipa in 2 or 3 days: a fantastic city that deserves a proper stop
• What to do at Lake Titicaca: a great setting, full of lovely islands to visit, surely it’s for you!
• Sleeping on Lake Titicaca: here are plenty of great places to wake up on the lake!