Which Circuit is the Best For the Classic Photo of Machu Picchu?

Starting June 1, 2024 there were major changes to all the circuits at Machu Picchu. So we wrote a separate post.  CLICK HERE

All our trips to Machu Picchu provide entry tickets, including Cusco and Machu Picchu by Train. We consult with our groups before buying their tickets. Concerned you may need help with your trip? Ask us.

What you need to know about circuit #1 at Machu Picchu

Circuit #1 is divided into 4 routes. NONE of these routes includes access to the ancient Inca city. These routes are designed for people who want panormaic views from the upper terraces. All 4 routes on circuit #1 include access to all the upper levels for the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu. One of these routes offers the chance to walk up to the Sungate, (estimated time is 1hour 30 minutes up and 40 minutes return)  The only hike open year round on circuit 1 is Machu Picchu Mountain. The hike to Sungate and Inca Bridge is open duirng high season, which is different each year. The dates were June 1 - Oct 15 in 2024. In 2025 high season was June 19 - Nov 2, and in 2026, the dates are the same.
There's one "tiny" change to circuit 1B in 2025 that has caused a ruffle among our tour guides. The tour is now limited to one attraction. You literally hike up to the upper terrace and walk to a single point where you get the classic view of Machu Picchu, then you return to the exit. One of our guides calls it a "rip-off." His words, not mine. So. 

What you need to know about circuit #2 at Machu Picchu

Circuit #2 is divided into 2 routes. One of these routes named "Classic Designed Route" and the other is called the "Lower Terrace Route." These two circuits are what I would describe as the longest circuits for exploring the actual city up close. Both 2A and 2B routes begin with a climb up to the "inferior" upper terrace. I wouldn't be concerned about the word inferior. You still get the classic view of Machu Picchu. These two routes offer access to what I would identify as the 3 most popular features in the park, including: 1) view from the upper terrace, 2) access to the upper section in the Inca city and 3) access to the lower section in the Inca city. These two routes have now become almost the same. It shouldn'd matter if you get 2A or 2B. The lower segment which is the 2nd half of Circuits 2A and B, both overlap the 2nd half of circuit #3. So  If you buy tickets to both circuit 2 and circuit 3, you will tour the lower city twice with the only difference being a couple of different features. This is fine if you're spending 2 days in Machu Picchu. Visiting in the afternoon on the first day, then morning on the second day, you can experience the ancient city under different light conditions.

NOTE: the Inti-huatana (Sun dial) at Machu Picchu has been permanently closed due to deterioration of the pyramid on which it was built. Engineers have not been able to come up with a viable strategy to restore the pyramid.

Can you access the Classic View of Machu Picchu from Circuit #3?

Kind of. It depends on who you ask. How do you want to "define" the classic view? C3 ticket holders do not have access to the same terraces for the classic view of Machu Picchu, as the circuit 2 ticket holders. Circuit 3 has a separate entry at Machu Picchu main gate, which takes you right on to the lower agricultural terraces. Here you get a "side" view of the ancient city. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it. I'm just saying it's a variation of the so called "classic" view of Machu Picchu. From this terrace, you're allowed to climb up a few terraces higher for a slightly different angle of the "side" view of Machu Picchu. Visitors could miss the higher view if you don't know its there. The official Machu Picchu website describes the classic view of Machu Picchu on circuit 3 like this, "great opportunity to take a classic photo from quite close to the urban area." Before you dismiss this route as inferior, let me tell you, the urban area is the real gem for visitors. Circuit 3 takes you up close to the Temple of the Sun, then right through the House of the Inca as well as the Ceremonial Fountains, the Three Portals sector, and the fantastic Temple of the Condor. The round trip is 1.3 km and shorter than circuit 2. While the description says "requires moderate effort," there are lots of uneven steps without handrails, a stone staircase with nothing to grab onto and rough cobblestone paths. A section of the circuit is accessible to people in wheelchairs or those requiring assistance with mobility."

To be honest, circuit 3 is my favorite because I like getting up close to the structures and the features. And circuit 3 has the "strange" house at the end of the circuit. You can't miss it if you know what to look for!

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Do all 10 circuits at Machu Picchu include access to the classic view of the Inca ruins? No

Here's what you need to know. The ancient Inca stone city is framed by the mountains including Huayna Picchu in the background. To see Machu Picchu from this angle, visitors must be standing on the upper terraces. This view is the most published image of Machu Picchu in the world. It's the iconic, and most recognizable angle of the Inca citadel. One or two at a time, visitors take turns proudly posing in their sweaty t-shirts, maybe flexing their biceps, or displaying the flag of their country, with Machu Picchu ruins and Huayna Picchu Mountain right behind them. And just about every visitor wants a chance to capture their version of that archetypal snapshot to cherish for the rest of their lives.  

Before you book your trip to Peru and buy flights and other non-refundable services, make sure that entry tickets are available. I've explained in my other posts, that permits for the easy 1-day Inca Trail hike come with 1 entry to Machu Picchu lower circuit 3. These don't sell out as quickly, because you have to go through a tour operator and the permit is for a 2-day trip, not a single entry to Machu Picchu. You're welcome to contact us if you want to find out more. We can substitute a tour of the Sacred Valley by van for people who don't want to hike. 757-714-6649 (I'm also on WhatsApp) 

There's no need to panic that you may end up with an "inferior" entry ticket. Remember one thing. No matter what ticket you have you're still going to the world-renowned ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu! Even if I were to enter on a lowly llama path, I would still be thrilled just to be there. Every square centimeter trembles with "that ancient Inca vibe!" You'll find your own "vantage" points no matter what circuit you're on. Do me a favor when you're there, and find a little spot to stop and take a breath. Hug yourself and then click your heals and repeat these words, "There's no place like Machu Picchu! There's no place like Machu Picchu! There's no place like Machu Picchu!" It's all amazing! Even an inexperienced 5 year old can manage to click off a few decent photos at Machu Picchu from anywhere inside the city. If you can't get at least a few gratifying photos at Machu Picchu, where images fall like raindrops into your camera lens, you should slam your camera to the ground and jump up and down on it because there must be something wrong with it. 

Which Machu Picchu entry tickets do not include access to the upper terraces?

Since June 1, 2024, I would say that 6 out of 10 circuits at Machu Picchu offer access to some version of the classic view of Machu Picchu. There are multiple platforms and terraces that afford that view on all circuit 1 and 2 routes, so it's reasonable to expect subtle variations in the angle of the view depending on your location when you take the shot. What 4 circuits don't include access to the upper circuits? That would be all routes on circuit 3. They do offer a side view of the ancient city from the agricultural terraces in a lower section of the city. It's not quite as high as the upper terraces on circuit 1 and 2. I'm not saying it's bad. It's just not what I would call the "classic view" of Machu Picchu.

What's the most popular trip to Machu Picchu and does it include access to the upper terrace? 

The short 2-day Inca Trail hike is possibly one of the most fantastic ways to experience Machu Picchu. After hiking 8 miles, hikers reach the Sun gate for their first view of Machu Picchu. It can be very dramatic to climb the final stone steps up the back of the Sun gate and enter the saddle where you see Machu Picchu below. CLICK HERE to review or book the 2-day Inca Trail Hike online. (includes 1 night in hotel in Aguas Calientes) When Machu Picchu tickets are sold out, this is a great alternative way to accessing the upper terrace.  Each permit includes 1 ticket to circuit 1 for the classic view from the upper terrace and another ticket to circuit 3.

Is there any way for visitors to hike Huayna Picchu on Circuit 3A and explore the upper terraces for the traditional classic view on Circuit 2?

Yes if you have pre-purchased tickets to enter each circuit and you have the time. Park rangers in Machu Picchu are there help you find your way but don't expect them to let you wander into other circuits without a ticket. If you want to be sure you have access to the upper terraces, then buy 2 different entry tickets. Now you can buy entry tickets for more than one entry on the same day. This is advanced travel planning and can be tricky to coordinate with trains for a one day trip. Which ticket should be first? How much time should you allow between ticket entry times? How long is the line to enter the only restroom at Machu Picchu? (Click here to read about toilets at Machu Picchu)  That's why we recommend doing a 2 day trip to Machu Picchu. I've been many times. I always do a 2 day trip. I have never once said to myself, "well I wish I hadn't done that!" The travel time from Cusco is a minimum of 5 hours each way. So there's that. It's so much more enjoyable to spend 1 night in the village of Aguas Calientes. But trust me, one night is plenty. There's not much going on in the village. It's a tiny town with undistinguished dining and t-shirt shops in the world's best location. But the river lends a nice vibe to the village that renders it worthy of one overnight. I love sitting at a table on the sidewalk at Hot Springs restaurant in "downtown" Aguas Calientes, slurping my latte. After that, I'm outta there! 

Can you buy additional Machu Picchu entry tickets after you get there? 

It's not likely that tickets will be available. But if you can see them online, you can book them! Let's say you get to Machu Picchu and realize your entry ticket doesn't offer the access to the areas of Machu Picchu you want. Can you buy additional entry tickets? Yes. But not at the entrance. Starting in Sept 2022, there is an office in the village selling up to 1000 "in-person" tickets per day. It takes several hours of waiting in various lines set up to accommodate people not able to find tickets online and who have the flexibility to stay another day if they sell out. But if tickets are available online, they can only be purchased if you have internet. Technically, visitors can buy as many tickets as they want as long as they buy in advance or in person in Cusco. You can buy more than one ticket for entry on the same day. Train tickets and hotel reservations could be affected if you end up buying in-person tickets. It's best to avoid that scenario. Call me before you get to that point. Organizing trips to Machu Picchu with all the changes and new regulations, is my superpower. And of course I have my super top secret asset. Vidal! haha.