Everything you need to know about the New Circuits of Machu Picchu

Welcome to all travel enthusiasts!

In preparation for your upcoming trip to Cusco, we want to keep you informed about the new changes made by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture regarding entrance tickets to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Previously, when buying an entrance ticket, you could choose one of the three available circuits, which allowed you to tour Machu Picchu for 2.5 hours. Each circuit had a specific route, but in general terms, you could appreciate the entire citadel, both the upper and lower parts.

Now, as of June 1, 2024, although three circuits will continue to exist, they are divided into 10 different routes to offer visitors a more diverse and personalized experience. Therefore, visitors who have purchased tickets before this date will have to adapt to these new circuits:

Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route
Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route
Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway Route (available only in High Season)
Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in High Season)
Route 2-A: Designed Route
Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route
Route 3-B: Designed route
Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only in High Season)
Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in high season)

Schedules and Admission Capacity

The maximum capacity in the high season is 5,600 visitors per day. For the low season, there are 4,500 daily visitors.

Entrance Hours

The entrance hours for each circuit will be specified on your admission ticket. There will be a 30-minute tolerance for entrance in low season and 45 minutes in high season. After this time, entry will not be allowed, except for duly justified reasons of force majeure.

For those who already have their tickets, the equivalence for your access will be one of the three circuits (Panoramic, Machu Picchu Classic, and Machu Picchu Royalty). Please note that you will be able to choose according to the capacity at the time of entering Machu Picchu. There is no confirmation in advance of which circuit will be assigned, as this will be determined upon arrival at the entrance to Machu Picchu. However, any of the three circuits will offer a complete guided tour of 2.5 hours, allowing you to appreciate the Inca city and take traditional photos.

Information about the circuits

Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route:

In this route you will only hike Machu Picchu Mountain.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route:

With this route you will enjoy the classic view of Machu Picchu.

Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway Route (available only in High Season):

With this route you will hike to Inti Punku.

Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in High Season):

With this route you will hike to the Inka Bridge and have a classic view of Machu Picchu.

Route 2-A: Designed Route:

This route is one of the best because you will have a classic view of Machu Picchu from the Inca guard house.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route:

With this route you will be able to walk through almost all the spaces of Machu Picchu and you will have a classic view from an Inca terrace a little below the Inca guard house.

Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route:

On this route you will take a classic hike to get the best view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings from the summit of Waynapicchu.

Route 3-B: Designed route:

With this route you will not be able to access the top of Huayna Picchu mountain, but you will have access to the center and left side of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only in High Season):

This route is only available in high season. You will be able to access the center and the right side of Machu Picchu without the classic view. You will also see the great cavern, known as the Temple of the Moon of Machu Picchu.

Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in high season):

With this route you will have a different photographic perspective of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint of Huchuy Picchu because you will enter through the center of the citadel.

Tips and Recommendations

We recommend Circuit 2 or Inka City Circuit (Route 2-A, Route 2-B). This circuit offers the classic view of Machu Picchu and allows you to explore the citadel in-depth, including iconic sites such as the Upper Platform, the Dry Moat and the Temple of the Sun.

Since the changes go into effect on June 1, long lines and some confusions are possible, especially for those traveling alone. To ensure a smooth experience, ensure your guide is always with you. The Magical Cuzco Tours team is always monitoring any new information released by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to keep our passengers informed.

Have an unforgettable experience in Machu Picchu!