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Choose your circuit

Machu Picchu - 3 official circuits

Since 2024 the Peruvian Ministry of Culture established 3 fixed circuits inside the citadel. Each circuit has optional add-ons or alternative versions - click the pills below to explore.

1
PHOTO CLASSIC · POPULAR

Circuit 1 · Classic Photo

⏱ 1h-2h30 🥾 Easy

Ideal for the iconic Machu Picchu postcard photo - from the upper viewpoints looking down over the entire citadel. Perfect if you don't want to hike up and down through the ruins, or if you're short on time.

SUMMIT HIKE · ADVENTURE

Circuit 1 + Mountain

⏱ 5h-6h30 🥾 Challenge

This ticket includes Circuit 1 with a perfect spot for the classic postcard photo, and adds the 3-4h hike up Machu Picchu Mountain - the less-crowded peak with 360° panoramic views over the citadel and cloud forest. Strenuous but unforgettable.

SIDE TRIP · HIDDEN GEM

Circuit 1 + Inca Bridge

⏱ 2h-3h 🥾 Moderate

This ticket includes Circuit 1 with a perfect spot for the classic postcard photo, and adds the short trail to the Inca Bridge - an ancient log bridge across a 6m chasm built as a defensive control point. A hidden detail most visitors miss. Available only during high season.

SUNRISE HIKE

Circuit 1 + Intipunku

⏱ 3h-4h 🥾 Challenge

This ticket includes Circuit 1 with a perfect spot for the classic postcard photo, and adds the walk up to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original entrance for Inca Trail travelers. The sunrise view from above is one of the most photographed in Peru. Available only during high season.

Choose your version
FROM $62 Adult · $40 Student/Child
Discounts also for Peru & Andean Community visitors
Check availability →
2
CLASSIC ROUTE BEST SELLER

Circuit 2 · Traditional (Group A)

⏱ 2h-2h30 🥾 Moderate

One of the most complete Machu Picchu experiences - the panoramic viewpoint (the classic postcard photo) plus the inner walk through temples, plazas and royal residences. To protect the site, Circuit 2 Traditional is split into two similar managed groups.

CLASSIC ROUTE BEST SELLER

Circuit 2 · Traditional (Group B)

⏱ 2h-2h30 🥾 Moderate

Group B is almost identical to Group A - same postcard viewpoint, same temples, same royal residences - with a slightly different walking sequence at select points. A perfect option when Group A is sold out for your travel date.

Choose your version
FROM $62 Adult · $40 Student/Child
Discounts also for Peru & Andean Community visitors
Check availability →
3
INSIDE THE RUINS

Circuit 3 · Temples

⏱ 1h30-2h30 🥾 Easy

Explore the ruins up close and walk right into the heart of the citadel - the lower level, where the royal residences and ceremonial terraces stand. Still plenty of great photo spots along the way.

ICONIC SUMMIT BEST SELLER

Circuit 3 + Wayna Picchu

⏱ 4h30-6h 🥾 Challenge

Includes everything in Circuit 3 plus the steep, iconic peak you see in every classic Machu Picchu photo. A 2-3 hour round-trip hike with stone stairs carved into the mountain. Recommended for adventure lovers chasing a magnificent bird's-eye view of the citadel.

MYSTIC CAVE HIKE

Circuit 3 + Temple of the Moon

⏱ 5h30-6h 🥾 Challenge

Includes everything in Circuit 3 plus the trek to the Temple of the Moon - a sacred cave-temple carved into the back side of Wayna Picchu. A quieter forest trail (no summit climb) that adds around 2-3 hours to the visit. For experienced hikers. Available only during high season.

EASY SUMMIT

Circuit 3 + Huchuy Picchu

⏱ 3h-3h30 🥾 Moderate

Includes everything in Circuit 3 plus a shorter, easier alternative to Wayna Picchu. Climb the smaller peak between Wayna and Machu Picchu mountains for excellent photos in a 1.5-hour round trip. Available only during high season.

Choose your version
FROM $62 Adult · $40 Student/Child
Discounts also for Peru & Andean Community visitors
Check availability →
See your route

Preview each circuit inside the citadel

Illustrated maps of the 3 official circuits - pick a tab to see the route, key stops and side hikes.

Machu Picchu Circuit 1 illustrated map Click to zoom
Check availability →
Quick decision

Which circuit should you choose?

A simple guide based on what most travelers ask us.

📸 I want the iconic postcard photo of Machu Picchu
Circuit 1 or 2 →
⛰️ I want to climb Huayna Picchu
Circuit 3 + Huayna →
🕐 I have no more than 2 hours at the site
Circuit 1 →
✨ It's my first time at Machu Picchu
Circuit 2 →
🏛️ I want to walk through temples and plazas
Circuit 2 or 3 →
🥾 I want a shorter mountain hike (1.5h)
Circuit 3 + Huchuy →
👶 I'm traveling with toddlers or seniors with low walking stamina
Circuit 1 →
💡 Circuit 2 is sold out and I want to walk through the ruins
Circuit 3 →
🌟 Circuit 2 is sold out and I just want the classic Instagram shot
Circuit 1 →
Booking process

Book in 3 easy steps

1

Pick your circuit and date

Choose Circuit 1, 2 or 3 with live availability. Add extras like a private guide, bus or buffet.

2

Pay securely

Visa, Mastercard, Amex. SSL-encrypted. Official ticket provider - no local scam.

3

Get your e-ticket

Instant confirmation to your inbox. Show it on your phone at the entrance gate - no queue.

Stories from travelers

What travelers say about us

Real verified reviews on ReviewMyExperience.com - average rating 4.8 of 5.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"After a bad experience with another company, we almost lost our Machu Picchu tickets for Easter. A friend recommended Peruways and they saved our trip - patient and professional live chat, found the best tickets, and organized a French guide for us. Big thanks to the team."

LM
Laure M. February 2026
ReviewMyExperience
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Wayna Picchu was closed due to weather. In Aguas Calientes, people offered 'free advice' to buy new tickets. Suspicious, we contacted Peruways via live chat - they confirmed our tickets were still valid on another circuit and warned us about the local scam. Thanks Shaina!"

MN
Matthew N. February 2025
ReviewMyExperience
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Planning our Machu Picchu trip was overwhelming - Sara from Peruways guided us through the whole process and arranged hotel pickup. She also booked us a fantastic guide named Esteban, whose knowledge and passion made the visit unforgettable."

LG
Loraine G. February 2025
ReviewMyExperience
Read all reviews →
Why Peruways

Why book direct with us

Official ticket provider with thousands of tickets sold every year.

On-the-ground expertise

Real answers from a team that knows every MP circuit and insider tip.

Largest MP ticket platform

Real-time availability across all Machu Picchu circuits.

Real humans, not scripts

Live chat under 1 min · 4 languages · Lisa AI 24/7.

One booking, all logistics

Add private guides or extras during booking. No risk of local scam.

Add-ons

Make the most of your visit

Add these to your ticket booking above - no separate checkout needed. You'll see these options right before payment when you reserve your circuit.

PRIVATE GUIDE

Private Multilingual Guide

  • English · Spanish · French · Portuguese · Italian
  • Licensed Cusco-trained Andean historian
  • 2h inside the citadel for your group of up to 8 visitors
From $75 · per group
AGUAS CALIENTES BUS

Aguas Calientes Bus

  • Skip the 2-hour uphill hike from Aguas Calientes
  • 30-minute shuttle bus directly to the citadel entrance gate
  • Buses depart every 10 minutes, all day
From $17 · per adult journey
BELMOND BUFFET

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Buffet

  • The only restaurant right at the Machu Picchu sanctuary entrance
  • Gourmet international and Peruvian buffet, soft drinks included
  • Perfect before your afternoon visit - or right after the morning one
From $30 · per adult

Add any of these to your ticket in a single booking - no separate checkout.

Book your Machu Picchu ticket →
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Machu Picchu ticket cost?
Machu Picchu ticket prices depend on two things: your route (a base circuit like Circuit 1, 2 or 3 is more affordable than a route with an iconic hike add-on such as Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu), and who's traveling. Official discounts apply for students, children, and travelers from Peru or the Andean Community - kids under 8 enter free. To see the exact price for your date and traveler mix, check availability with our booking system above ↑.
When should I buy my Machu Picchu tickets?
We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. For Circuit 2 Traditional - our best seller - aim for at least 3 months in advance. For Circuit 1 and Circuit 3, book a minimum of 2 months ahead. In peak season (June-August), add extra buffer: Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain often sell out even earlier. Check availability now ↑
What's the difference between Circuit 1, 2 and 3?
Circuit 1 is the upper terraces with the iconic panoramic postcard view (1h-2h30) and unlocks add-on hikes like Machu Picchu Mountain, Inca Bridge or Intipunku. Circuit 2 is the classic route - the panoramic view plus a walk through the inner citadel with temples, plazas and royal residences (2h-2h30, split into Group A and Group B). Circuit 3 takes you into the lower citadel with royal residences and ceremonial terraces up close (1h30-2h30), and unlocks the iconic add-on hikes like Wayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon or Huchuy Picchu.
Can I change the date on my Machu Picchu ticket?
We wish this were possible - but unfortunately, Machu Picchu tickets cannot be modified once issued. Peru's Ministry of Culture enforces strict rules that don't allow any changes to the date, circuit or traveler names on an issued ticket. Please double-check every detail before completing your booking. Need help before you book? Chat with our team.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Show your e-ticket on your phone at the gate, along with the same passport you used to book. The names must match exactly.
What time should I enter Machu Picchu?
Your ticket has a fixed entrance time chosen at booking - pick the hourly slot that fits your day best. You can enter anytime within a 45-minute window from that time (for example, if your slot is 9:00, you can enter until 9:45). Hourly slots run from 6 AM to 2 PM. The choice is really down to preference: morning slots are colder but less crowded, while afternoon slots have warmer, softer light for photos.
What happens if my date is sold out?
Try a different circuit on the same date - Circuit 1 or Circuit 3 often still have availability when Circuit 2 is sold out. You can also reach out to our team about last-minute tickets.
Can I add a guide or train tickets to my Machu Picchu ticket?
Yes - the Private Multilingual Guide is an add-on you select at checkout, right before payment. Train tickets are a separate booking, but we take you straight to our train page right after your Machu Picchu purchase, so everything travels together in one smooth flow.
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