Tickets to Machu Picchu: Routes and Circuits 2025

Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is one of the most iconic Inca structures in Peru and the world. It receives over a million visitors each year. To reduce the impact of mass tourism and preserve its historical and ecological value, new access measures were implemented on June 1, 2024, establishing 12 tickets to Machu Picchu.

These entrances are organized into three main circuits, which together comprise twelve different access routes. Visitors can obtain tickets either through online platforms or by visiting authorized locations in Cusco, including the decentralized office of the Ministry of Culture, or by purchasing them directly in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

Thanks to these measures, the environmental impact has been significantly reduced and the visitor experience has improved, allowing Machu Picchu to remain a sustainable destination to this day.

Tickets to Machu Picchu 2025

Tickets to Machu Picchu in 2025 are organized into three main circuits, each designed to offer different perspectives and experiences within the sanctuary. Visitors can explore the upper part of the site with panoramic views, the middle section including urban and residential areas, or the lower part that houses the most important ceremonial and religious structures.
Each circuit has been designed to distribute the flow of visitors in a more orderly manner and ensure better conservation of the historical heritage.

Circuit 1: Panoramic Circuit

Circuit 1 is known for offering panoramic views of the Inca complex and its sacred mountains. It includes four routes through the upper part of Machu Picchu, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes. These routes require more physical effort than others, but the reward is the extraordinary Inca architecture and harmony of the surroundings.

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route

This route includes the famous Guardian’s House viewpoint, a privileged spot to admire the architecture. Some of the notable structures you will encounter include the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana.

It takes about one hour and offers the classic panoramic photo opportunity. This route also includes access to the trail up Machu Picchu Mountain, the highest point of the citadel.

Note: The climb is for visitors over 18 years of age and can take up to four hours. This tickets to Machu Picchu is preferred by visitors for the views of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

Perfect for enjoying panoramic views from the Guardian’s House viewpoint, where you can also observe from a distance key structures like the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and Temple of the Three Windows.
Estimated time: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Route 1-C: Intipunku Gate Route

This route allows for the iconic panoramic shot from the Guardian’s House, plus views of significant Inca structures. It can be completed in about one hour.
Alternatively, you can start from the Intipunku (Sun Gate) trail, which takes about three hours to reach one of the original access points to the citadel.
Note: This route is closed during the low season.

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route

With this ticket, you will be able to admire stunning views of the Inca ruins from the Guardian’s House viewpoint and capture the iconic postcard shot of Machu Picchu. It includes access to the path that leads to the Inca Bridge, located on the eastern flank of the citadel near the border of the Amazon basin. This section takes about one hour and is only available for visitors over 18.

Circuit 2: Classic Circuit

Circuit 2, with two routes, is the most popular choice among visitors, as it combines the terraces in the middle section with the urban sector of the Inca city.
You will explore spaces that were once used for housing and ceremonial purposes related to astronomical observations.

These tickets to Machu Picchu are considered the most comprehensive routes, as they allow you to explore both the lower and middle zones of the city.

Route 2-A: Full or Designed Route

This ticket to machu picchu is considered the most complete route, recommended for first-time visitors. It includes a tour of the agricultural terraces and key constructions of the Inca citadel, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, fountains, and farming areas.

It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can also take a panoramic photo from a lower platform than the Guardian’s House.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

A shorter version of the full route, still covering highlights like the Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Rock, Water Mirrors, fountains, and agricultural zone.
This route also offers the classic photo spot from a slightly lower viewpoint.
Estimated time: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Circuit 3: Royalty Circuit

Circuit 3 consists of four routes and gives access to the most sacred spaces once used by Inca royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, Inca’s House, and Temple of the Condor. It generally requires minimal physical effort, except for those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or hike to the Great Cave.

Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route

This route passes through the lower section of Machu Picchu, primarily covering the agricultural zone, and offers photo opportunities comparable to those from the Guardian’s House viewpoint. You will explore sites like the Temple of the Sun, Inca’s House, Three Doorways Building, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, and more.

Only individuals over the age of 18 are permitted to ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain, a trek that typically lasts around 3 hours.

Route 3-B: Designed Royalty Route

As its name implies, this route centers on the buildings that were once used by the Inca nobility in the lower area of the citadel. You will visit ceremonial spaces and royal residences like the Temple of the Sun, Inca’s House, Three Doorways Building, Sacred Rock, and Temple of the Condor.
Estimated time: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Route 3-C: Great Cave Route

This ticket grants access to Inca structures situated in the lower section of the citadel. It also includes visits to iconic sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, and the surrounding agricultural area.
Additionally, the route features a hike to the enigmatic Temple of the Moon also called the Great Cave perched on Huayna Picchu Mountain. The entire round trip may take up to 4 hours.

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route

This route takes you through the agricultural sector of Machu Picchu and offers the chance to capture a panoramic photo similar to the classic view from the Guardian’s House.
You will also explore the lower parts of the archaeological site.
The experience includes a one-hour hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, which is restricted to visitors aged 18 and over.

Details of the Tickets to Machu Picchu 2025

Now that you know the different routes and circuits that lead to Machu Picchu, you can choose the one that best suits your style of travel. Whether you’re looking for a physically demanding hike or a more relaxed tour, each experience offers stunning views, living history, and unforgettable moments.
Machu Picchu isn’t just a destination—it’s an adventure that begins with the route you choose.

Other tours near your visit

Once you know what type of tickets to Machu Picchu you need, you can take advantage of the opportunity to visit other nearby tourist destinations.

• Cusco city tour
• Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Inca Trail to Machupicchu
• New year in cusco 2026
• Rainbow Mountain
• Humantay Lake