Machu Picchu’s ticket system changed in 2021 and the circuits still catch travellers out. There are four circuits, three or four tiers, and permits for the two summit hikes (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain) sell separately. Peruways helps you pick the one that matches what you want to see.
If you want the postcard viewpoint — citadel from above with Huayna Picchu behind — you need Circuit 1 or 2, which goes through the Guardian’s House. Circuit 3 skips that viewpoint but covers the lower terraces, the Temple of the Condor, and gives you access to Machu Picchu Mountain. Circuit 4 is the shortest, lower-only.
Add-on permits: Huayna Picchu (300 metres of near-vertical climb, cables in two sections, 2 slots a day) and Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 m, longer and gentler, 2 slots a day). Both cap at 400 per day and sell out weeks ahead in dry season.
Peruways reserves ticket, circuit, time slot and summit permit together with the train and Consettur bus, so timings line up. See the current options at Peruways.
