On any of the circuits or routes, you will have enough time to admire Machu Picchu.
The answer is simple and has to do with the number of people who now visit Machu Picchu. There are three circuits as of 2021 because the number of tourists who want to visit the Inca city has quadrupled in recent years, and even though the citadel is huge, it cannot accommodate so many people. Therefore, the best solution was to implement three carefully designed circuits to better explore the magnificent stone city.
Originally, this caused many internal problems and discontent among travel agencies and tour operators, but we had no better alternative. Every year, thousands of tourists come to visit Machu Picchu, so better organization of routes and schedules makes it possible for everyone to see the city, but above all, it is about taking care of it. Just imagine thousands of people a day walking through a stone city, without railings, without concrete, without metals to cover and help preserve the buildings. This causes unprecedented wear and tear, which is precisely why tickets are now divided into three circuits and prices have risen, so that the government can better organize maintenance and improve investment to safeguard Machu Picchu.
In 2026, tickets to Machu Picchu cost $8 more (Approximately 30 soles). This additional fee includes admission to the SERNANP natural areas. Tickets to Machu Picchu in 2026 remain unchanged. There are 4,500 tickets per day in low season and 5,600 in high season. There will be 1,000 last-minute tickets per day in Aguas Calientes. If you plan to visit Machu Picchu in 2026, book your ticket in advance. In 2025, tickets sold out up to seven months in advance, preventing many travelers from visiting the Inca citadel during high season. That's why you should consider making your reservation as soon as possible; that's exactly what we're here for. Don't hesitate to contact us and we can offer you alternatives with dates and itineraries; you can't miss out on visiting Machu Picchu.
Now I'll explain a little about the circuits so you can better choose your tickets to Machu Picchu:
Circuit 1: Panoramic
- Route A: Machu Picchu Mountain (Maximum time allowed: 7 hours
- Route B: Upper Terrace (Maximum time allowed: 2 hours and 30 minutes)
- Route C: Inti Punko (Maximum time allowed: 4 hours)
- Route D: Inca Bridge (Maximum time allowed: 3 hours)
An excellent circuit for observing the peaks surrounding Machu Picchu and learning more about Inca engineering.
Circuit 2: Classic Machu Picchu
- Route A: Special Design (Maximum time allowed: 2 hours and 30 minutes)
- Route B: Lower Terrace (Maximum stay: 2 hours and 30 minutes)
The best option if you don't want to walk too much and prefer to spend some time enjoying the view, perfect for Instagram photos.
Circuit 3: Royalty
- Route A: Waynapicchu Mountain (Maximum stay: 6 hours)
- Route B: Special Design (Maximum time allowed: 2 hours and 30 minutes)
- Route C: Great Cave (Maximum time allowed: 7 hours)
- Route D: Huchuypicchu (Maximum time allowed: 3 hours and 30 minutes)
For the more adventurous, this circuit requires you to be in good physical shape and not afraid of heights.
You can purchase more than one circuit or more than one route; it all depends on how much you want to see Machu Picchu. If you don't know what to decide or how to purchase your tickets, don't hesitate to contact us; we are professionals and will be happy to assist you.
