Many travelers heading off to explore the celebrated Machu Picchu ruins, are under the impression that their trip can be enhanced by buying entry tickets for more than one circuit. With 10 new one-way circuits to choose from, there is the impression that each circuit is different from the others and each circuit provides access to unique parts of the national park that cannot be approached except through that particular circuit. With the new circuits, there has been a major change in the routes. The biggest change (IMO) is that the 4 new circuit #1 routes do not include access to the ancient city at all. 

This info is updated for the new circuits that came into affect on June 1, 2023. I included links to the official circuit maps and hopefully, a PDF of a map will be worth more than the thousand words I'm about to type!

Are there maps of each Circuit at Machu Picchu?

Yes. Before you shell out heaps of extra dinero to extend your day at Machu Piccchu, here is an explanation for what you will see on the different circuits at Machu Picchu. I encourage you to go to the old Machu Picchu website which still maintains fantastic maps of each circuit. This is by far the best tool to help you determine how to organize your trip.  Here is the link to the old Machu Picchu website to access links to a map of each circuit.

Once you compare the maps, it's clear that circuit #2 is the longest route through the historic city and 2A and 2B are the only 2 routes that include the classic view of Machu Picchu, and a tour of the entire ancient city. But. (there's always a but!) Circuit 2 routes do not include access to the upper terraces and all of circuit 1 for the panoramic view. It does include access to stand on a platform (terrace) to enjoy the classic view before you then descend down to the main entry of the old city and follow circuit 2 until you get to the national park exit gate. If you view the maps, you'll see what I mean. 

All 4 routes in circuit #1 include access to the upper terraces for the panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Three of the #1 circuits also include hikes. NONE of the 4 routes on circuit #1 include access to the actual ancient city. 

All 4 routes in circuit #3 include access to the lower segment of the actual city, and 3 of those routes are combined with a hike. You don't have to do the hike. Here's a tip. circuit #3 designed route does not go all the way to the sacred rock. If you want to go there, and you're willing to pay an extra $15 USD or so per person, you can get a ticket for circuit #3 with a hike, which will permit you to go all the way to the sacred rock. If you're not a 'hiker," but you want to try an easy hike, check out HUCHUY PICCHU. It's short and the elevation gain is modest. 

Is there one circuit at Machu Picchu that covers most of the ancient Inca city?

Yes. Circuit #2. At this time, 2A and 2B are similar. but 2B offers higher access on the upper terrace than 2A.  After climbing up from the main entrance, the circuit begins from the upper terrace and continues down into the upper section of the ancient city and right down into what is known as lower circuit #3  Visitors who are buying circuit #2 tickets and additional entry tickets to circuit #3 thinking they are going to see something new, might be disappointed. Don't misunderstand me. There's nothing wrong with going back into the city to explore the same landmarks more than once or from a different angle (keep reading below). But except for a few minor differences, circuit #3 is the same as the second half of circuit #2.  

Is the Temple of the Sun Open for visitors on all circuits?

No. None of the routes on circuit 1 includes access to view or get close to the Sun temple. Circuits 2 and 3 are the best.for either viewing or exploring the Temple of the Sun which is smack dab in the center of the city. You'll see "Mirador del templo del sol," and "Conjunto the templo" listed on the map key in the lower right corner. Mirador is a viewing spot right above the temple. Conjunto is access to views up close from varioius angles. The bottom line is that no one has access to the interior of that temple. How essential is it to see this particular temple. Or the Temple of the Condor? Or the Temple Inti-Huatana (Sundial?) We have never had anyone mention that they were disappointed that they only saw the Mirador of the Sun Temple, not the Conjunto view. There was one college professor with his group of brainy grad students who was quite surprised that in order to see all 3 of these specific landmarks he would have to buy extra tickets. But that's about the only one I know.

Here's what you need to know about the difference between Machu Picchu Upper and Lower Circuits

  • There are 4 new versions of circuit #1 that offer panoramic views of Machu Picchu none of which include access to the actual city..
  • The upper terrace is the only place to see the classic view of Machu Picchu. Here's a link to read more about that particular situation.
  • There are 2 ways to get to the upper terraces.. #1 - hike in on either the short or the long Inca Trail which ends at the upper terrace.. #2 - enter the Machu Picchu main entrance, then begin a short but steep climb on a paved path of switchbacks with occassional stone steps taking you up to the upper terraces. About 15-20 minutes for average people.
  • Circuit 2A and 2B are the only 2 entry tickets that include access to the lower platforms of the upper terrace for the classic view of Machu Picchu as well as access to the tour of the entire city.
  • The ticket to hike Machu Picchu Montana (Mountain) includes access to the view of Machu Picchu from the upper terrace but is now paired with the panoramic view of the city from the upper terrace. There is no longer access to the ancient city. 
  • If you buy tickets with hikes, you don't have to do the hikes. You can just do the circuit that comes with that hike.
  • The new circuit #3 Designed Route does not go all the way to the Sacred Rock. However if you buy circuit #3 with one of the hikes, the route goes all the way to the sacred rock even if you don't do the hike.
  • The entry times at the Machu Picchu main gate are carved in stone on your tickets. Regardless of what you thought you were selecting on the website. 

How can you expand your access to more of Machu Picchu ancient city?

If the longest circuit (#2) doesn't quench your thirst for exploring the far-flung corners of the ancient city, here's a few suggestions to expand your tour.

  • hike the Inca Trail. There's an easy 1 day Inca Trail (8M/12KM) and a long strenuous Inca Trail (4Days/3Nights camping). Both treks come in on the same trail crossing over the Sungate where you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu before you descend to the guard shack on the upper terrace to soak up the view. 1-day hikers exit the park and spend the night in a hotel then go back to Machu Picchu to explore the city the next morning. The 4 day hikers usually go right into the guided tour of the lower circuit of the city, unless they pre-book what is known as the 5-day Inca Trail hike with 1 extra night in a hotel after the hike. The 1-day hikers go up to Machu Picchu the next morning to tour. The 4-day hikers return to Cusco later the same day. (extra tickets can be purchased in advance if hikers want to tour upper circuit #2 instead of lower circuit #3.)
  • Set up a 2-day trip to Machu Picchu. I don't recommend trying to extend your exploration of the ancient wonder in a one-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Remember the travel time is at least 5 hours each way. Here's more about 1-day and 2-day trips to Machu Picchu. CLICK HERE
  • Hire a tour operator who can help you set up a trip that meets your needs. Talk to a human. Call Heather 757-270-9293 or me in Virginia. Or send an email thorugh our contact tab at the upper right side of the page. We'll set you straight. 

Remember to enjoy your adventures in the Land of the Inca! It's an amazing place, no matter what tickets you get, or don't get. You're surrounded by unbelievable mystery and magic which knows no boundaries!