Machu Picchu’s 3 circuits and 10 routes: what each shows, times, seasonal routes, 2026 prices and why Inca Trail hikers enter on route 3-B.
Since June 2024, every Machu Picchu ticket is sold for one of 3 circuits and 10 routes, each with a fixed entry time. Your route decides what you see — the classic postcard view, the temples up close or a mountain summit — and, if you arrive on the Inca Trail, the law already decides it for you. Here is every route explained, what Inca Trail hikers get, and the rules and prices in force for 2026 heading into 2027.
From above: the upper terraces and the famous postcard view from the Guardian’s House, plus hikes to the Sun Gate, the Inca Bridge or Machu Picchu Mountain.
The most complete visit of the citadel: a postcard photo from the upper or lower platform and the main temples up close.
The lower royal sector — Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor — plus the Huayna Picchu, Great Cavern and Huchuy Picchu climbs.
| Route | What you see | Approx. time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-A Machu Picchu Mountain | Guardian’s House viewpoint, then the climb to the summit (≈3,082 m / 10,111 ft) | ≈4 h | All year |
| 1-B Upper Terrace | The classic postcard view from the Guardian’s House; temples seen from above | ≤2.5 h | All year |
| 1-C Sun Gate (Intipunku) | Guardian’s House and the walk up to the Sun Gate | ≈2–3 h | High season only |
| 1-D Inca Bridge | Guardian’s House and the cliffside Inca Bridge | ≈1 h | High season only |
| 2-A Designed classic route | Postcard photo from the upper platform; Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Three Windows, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor | ≤2.5 h | All year |
| 2-B Lower Terrace | Photo from the lower platform and most of the same temples | ≤2.5 h | All year |
| 3-A Huayna Picchu | Lower royal sector and the steep climb to Huayna Picchu | ≈3 h | All year (closed for works in June 2026) |
| 3-B Designed royalty route | Lower route: Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, farming terraces. The route for Inca Trail hikers. | ≤2.5–3 h | All year |
| 3-C Great Cavern | Lower royal sector and the Temple of the Moon / Great Cavern | ≈4 h | High season only |
| 3-D Huchuy Picchu | Lower royal sector and the small peak of Huchuy Picchu (≈2,497 m) | ≈1.5 h | High season only |
Route list and seasonal routes from the official Machu Picchu website; times are approximate. High season in 2026: 1 January, 2–5 April, 19 June – 2 November and 30–31 December.
Check live Inca Trail dates on our permits and availability page, and see what the whole trip costs in 2027.
Real reviews from travelers who explored Peru with our local team in Cusco.
Our 5 day Salkantay Trek with Terra Quechua Peru was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. The scenery, the challenge, the food, and finally arriving at Machu Picchu made this a trip I’ll never forget…
Una experiencia increíble en el Salkantay Trek de 4 días. Los paisajes fueron espectaculares y todo estuvo muy bien organizado. El equipo de Terra Quechua Perú siempre fue amable, atento y profesional…
No tengo palabras para describir el trabajo de Cristian, Adrian y Guillermo. Cumplimos nuestro sueño pero también conocimos 3 seres humanos maravillosos. Estuvieron pendientes 24/7 de nosotros…
We had the most amazing experience over the last few days making our way up to Machu Picchu. Our guide, Carlos was so accommodating, helping us whenever we needed, telling us lot of interesting facts along the trail…
Realizamos el tour de 5 días y 4 noches a Choquequirao, simplemente fue maravilloso en cuanto a paisajes, al servicio de la agencia y por sobretodo del guía Yas, muy amable y quien estuvo pendiente a nuestros requerimientos…
Si bien eran altas las expectativas, la experiencia real ha sido superior. Enhorabuena Terra Quechua, y en especial a nuestra guía Leidy Canal, sin ella estoy seguro que no hubiera sido lo mismo…
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