Limited Access

Machu Picchu has a daily visitor limit to help preserve the site. This limit ensures that the site remains well-preserved and does not become overly crowded.

High Demand

Due to limited access, tickets for Machu Picchu can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons (Easter Week, May, July to September, October, Christmas, New Year, and other long holiday periods).

It is essential to plan your trip to guarantee your tickets. We suggest purchasing your tour 60 days in advance to be able to choose the most convenient circuit for you.

Mandatory Information for Ticket Issuance

When purchasing tickets, you will need to provide your passport or ID information: full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, and nationality. Make sure your passport is valid and matches the information on your ticket. There are no ticket reservations, only purchases.

If your passport is about to expire, you can enter the current document number and then update the information with your new passport once it's available.

Circuits in Machu Picchu

The choice between Machu Picchu circuits depends greatly on your personal interests, physical condition, and the time you have to explore the site.

Each of the four circuits offers significant attractions to choose from. The most traditional is circuit 1-2, which has few differences in its route. The most physically demanding are circuits 3 and 4, as they include the ascent to the mountains of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu.

If you wish to visit attractions both in the upper and lower parts of Machu Picchu, as well as the mountain of Huayna Picchu, you will need to purchase two tickets for different days or hike Huayna Picchu very early in the morning and then complete circuit 1 in the afternoon. In the latter case, you will also need to purchase two tickets.

Here are the details of each of these circuits so you can compare them:

Circuit 1-2: Extensive upper trail of the Citadel.

This is the most comprehensive route within Machu Picchu. It includes visits to the main structures and points of interest, such as the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, and the area of the Three Windows.

The Intihuatana sundial is included in this entry; however, to visit it, specific times must be scheduled with a private guide in the morning.

It is ideal for those who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the citadel and do not have significant mobility restrictions.

There are 10 time slots to choose from, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Circuit 3: Short trail of the Lower Citadel, plus Machu Picchu Mountain.

Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu is one of the most adventurous and demanding options among the available paths to explore the Inca citadel. This route is particularly popular among visitors who seek not only to appreciate the beauty and history of the site but also to challenge themselves with a more intense hike. Here are some advantages of choosing Circuit 3:

Spectacular panoramic views: Circuit 3 offers some of the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu. As you ascend, the perspective of the site changes, providing unique views of the citadel and its surroundings, including breathtaking vistas of the Andean mountains and the valley below.

Less crowded: Being one of the more challenging circuits, Circuit 3 generally has fewer visitors, providing a quieter and more personal experience. This smaller number of tourists allows more time and space to appreciate the views, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere of the place without rushing.

Closer contact with nature: The trail traverses more secluded and preserved areas of Machu Picchu, allowing for closer contact with the local flora and fauna. This may include observing various bird species and perhaps even some smaller mammals typical of the Andean region.

Physical challenge: For those who enjoy physical activities and seek more than just a leisurely stroll, Circuit 3 offers a good challenge. With steeper climbs and rougher terrain, it's ideal for those looking for a bit more adventure and exercise during their visit.

Deeper exploration: This circuit allows for the exploration of less accessible areas of Machu Picchu, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the ingenuity and complexity of Inca architecture. It's an excellent option for those who want to better understand the distribution and functionality of the various structures within the citadel.

Choosing Circuit 3 is ideal for visitors who are in good physical shape and interested in a more immersive and unconventional experience at Machu Picchu. The combination of beautiful landscapes, fewer crowds, and the opportunity for deeper exploration makes it an excellent choice for many adventurers.

Circuit 4: Large trail of the Lower Citadel, plus Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

Circuit 4 in Machu Picchu is known for being the most accessible and least demanding among the available circuits to explore this famous Inca citadel. When combined with a visit to Huchuy Picchu, the small mountain next to Huayna Picchu, this route can offer a unique and enriching experience suitable for a wide range of visitors. Here are some advantages of choosing Circuit 4 with a visit to Huchuy Picchu:

Accessibility: Circuit 4 is the shortest and least physically demanding, making it ideal for visitors with reduced mobility, families with young children, or those who prefer a lighter hike. This allows more people the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu without worrying about facing steep and strenuous trails.

Lovely Views: Despite being less demanding, Circuit 4 offers spectacular views of the citadel and its architectural structures. By adding Huchuy Picchu to the itinerary, visitors can enjoy an elevated but more accessible perspective compared to the steeper ascent to Huayna Picchu. This provides a panoramic view, although less elevated, that still captures the grandeur of Machu Picchu and the surrounding natural beauty.

Less Crowded: Since Huchuy Picchu is less known than Huayna Picchu, visitors generally encounter fewer crowds here, offering a quieter and more personal experience. This factor can be especially appealing for those who want to enjoy the historical and natural ambiance more calmly and with fewer interruptions.

Enriching Cultural Experience: Circuit 4 passes through several significant structures of Machu Picchu, including residential and agricultural areas. Combined with the climb to Huchuy Picchu, where one can observe up close some Inca construction techniques, the visit becomes an educational journey that deepens understanding of Inca methods and lifestyles.

Ideal Photography: For photography enthusiasts, this circuit, along with the climb to Huchuy Picchu, offers an excellent opportunity to capture stunning images. The variation in altitudes and angles allows capturing the citadel in its fullness and detail, framed by the rich Andean vegetation and the vastness of the sky.

In summary, choosing Circuit 4 with a visit to Huchuy Picchu is an excellent option for those seeking a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience with lower physical demands. This combination offers a balance between accessibility, breathtaking views, fewer crowds, and significant cultural enrichment.